Deciding Whether to Continue a Hobby | Learn Chinese in English

About This Lesson

Use Deciding Whether to Continue a Hobby to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

我不确定自己还想不想继续上绘画课。

Wǒ bú quèdìng zìjǐ hái xiǎng bù xiǎng jìxù shàng huìhuà kè. I am not sure whether I want to continue the painting class.

你是失去兴趣了，还是固定的安排让你压力太大？

Nǐ shì shīqù xìngqù le, háishì gùdìng de ānpái ràng nǐ yālì tài dà? Are you losing interest, or is the fixed commitment too much?

两方面都有一点。我喜欢画画，但上课让我觉得压力很大。

Liǎng fāngmiàn dōu yǒu yìdiǎn. Wǒ xǐhuān huàhuà, dàn shàngkè ràng wǒ juéde yālì hěn dà. A bit of both. I like painting, but the class feels stressful.

也许这个爱好已经从放松变成了另一项必须做的事。

Yěxǔ zhège àihào yǐjīng cóng fàngsōng biànchéng le lìng yí xiàng bìxū zuò de shì. Maybe the hobby changed from relaxing to another obligation.

是的，它不再像是一种乐趣，更像是另一项任务。

Shì de, tā bú zài xiàng shì yì zhǒng lèqù, gèng xiàng shì lìng yí xiàng rènwu. Yes, it feels less like fun and more like another task.

你可以改成在家轻松练习。

Nǐ kěyǐ gǎi chéng zài jiā qīngsōng liànxí. You could switch to casual practice at home instead.

这样我还能得到好处，又不用按固定时间练习。

Zhèyàng wǒ hái néng dédào hǎochu, yòu bú yòng àn gùdìng shíjiān liànxí. Then I can keep the benefit without the fixed schedule.

爱好应该融入你的生活，而不只是迎合理想中的自己。

Àihào yīnggāi róngrù nǐ de shēnghuó, ér bù zhǐ shì yínghé lǐxiǎng zhōng de zìjǐ. Hobbies should fit your life, not just your ideal self.

也许暂停上这门课，能让我知道自己会不会想念它。

Yěxǔ zàntíng shàng zhè mén kè, néng ràng wǒ zhīdào zìjǐ huì bú huì xiǎngniàn tā. Maybe pausing the class would show whether I miss it.

这总比突然放弃，或者逼自己继续下去好。

Zhè zǒng bǐ tūrán fàngqì, huòzhě bī zìjǐ jìxù xiàqù hǎo. That is better than quitting suddenly or forcing yourself.

Word by Word

我 “我” means “I” or “me” and identifies the speaker in “我不确定自己还想不想继续上绘画课”. It commonly comes before an action or feeling; use it when talking about your own choice or experience.

不 “不” gives a negative meaning in “不确定” and appears inside “想不想” to form an alternative question. It usually comes before a verb or description; use it to say something is not the case or to ask whether someone wants to do something.

确定 “确定” means “be sure” in “我不确定”, so the speaker does not have a clear decision. It can follow a subject directly; use it when discussing whether you know or have decided something.

自己 “自己” means “oneself” or “myself” in “自己还想不想”, referring back to the speaker. It often emphasizes that the feeling or decision belongs to the person concerned; use it when discussing your own wishes or actions.

还 “还” means “still” in “还想不想”, asking whether the earlier desire remains. It commonly comes before a verb; use it when checking whether someone continues to want or do something.

想 “想” means “want to” in “想不想继续上绘画课”. It is followed by the action that someone may want to do; use it when discussing a wish, plan, or preference.

继续 “继续” means “continue” in “继续上绘画课”, referring to carrying on with the class. It commonly comes before an activity; use it when an action or routine has already started and may go on.

上 “上” means “attend” or “take” in “上绘画课”. It is used before a class or course; use “上” with a lesson when talking about attending it.

绘画 “绘画” means “painting” or “drawing” in “绘画课”, where it identifies the subject of the class. It can name the artistic activity itself; use it with “课” when referring to a painting or drawing course.

课 “课” means “class” or “course” in “绘画课” and “这门课”. It identifies the organized lesson under discussion; use it when talking about attending, pausing, or continuing a course.

你 “你” means “you” and refers to the person being addressed in “你是失去兴趣了，还是固定的安排让你压力太大？”. It commonly appears as the subject of a question; use it in direct conversation with one person.

是 In “你是失去兴趣了，还是……”, “是” introduces the first possible explanation rather than identifying a person or object. The pattern “是A还是B” presents alternatives; use it when asking which of two possibilities applies.

失去 “失去” means “lose” in “失去兴趣了”, describing no longer having interest. It commonly takes an abstract object such as “兴趣”; use it when someone no longer feels interested in an activity.

兴趣 “兴趣” means “interest” in “失去兴趣”, referring to motivation or enjoyment toward the class. It can be used with “失去” to describe interest disappearing; use it when discussing whether an activity still appeals to someone.

了 “了” marks a changed situation at the end of “失去兴趣了”. Here it shows that losing interest is being treated as a new or current state; use it when reporting a change that now matters.

还是 “还是” means “or” in “是失去兴趣了，还是固定的安排让你压力太大？”, separating two possible explanations. The pattern “A还是B” is used to ask which alternative is correct.

固定 “固定” means “fixed” or “regular” in “固定的安排”, describing a schedule that does not change freely. It commonly modifies a noun through “的”; use it when talking about a regular time, plan, or arrangement.

的 In “固定的安排”, “的” links the description “固定” to the noun “安排”. The pattern “description + 的 + noun” identifies what kind of thing is meant; use it when modifying a noun.

安排 “安排” means “arrangement” or “scheduled commitment” in “固定的安排”. Here it refers to the regular organization of the class; use it when discussing a planned activity or schedule.

让 “让” means “make” or “cause” in “上课让我觉得压力很大”, showing that the class causes the speaker to feel pressure. A common pattern is “A让B + feeling or result”; use it to explain how something affects someone.

压力 “压力” means “pressure” or “stress” in “压力太大”. It describes the uncomfortable burden caused by the fixed class arrangement; use it when discussing workload, commitments, or emotional strain.

太 “太” means “too” or “excessively” in “压力太大”, indicating that the degree is beyond what feels manageable. It commonly comes before a description such as “大”; use it to say that something has an excessive degree.

大 “大” means “high” or “intense” rather than physically large in “压力太大”. Together with “压力”, it describes stress as excessive; use “压力大” when talking about a demanding situation.

两 “两” means “two” in “两方面”, identifying two sides of the situation. It commonly comes before a measure word or noun; use it when referring to two aspects or items.

方面 “方面” means “aspect” or “side” in “两方面”, referring to the two reasons discussed. It is useful for organizing different parts of an issue; use it when summarizing separate causes or considerations.

都 “都” means “both” in “两方面都有一点”, applying the statement to each of the two aspects. It often comes before the verb or predicate; use it to say that all named sides share a feature.

有 “有” means “have” in “两方面都有一点”, showing that each aspect contains a small amount of the problem. It commonly comes before what someone or something has; use it when describing a reason, feature, or amount.

一点 “一点” means “a little” or “somewhat” in “都有一点”, softening the amount of each reason. It often follows “有”; use it when saying that something is present but limited.

喜欢 “喜欢” means “like” or “enjoy” in “我喜欢画画”. It comes before the activity that the speaker enjoys; use it to express a personal preference.

画画 “画画” means “paint” or “draw” as an activity in “喜欢画画”. It names the hobby the speaker still enjoys; use it when talking about doing painting or drawing for pleasure.

但 “但” means “but” in “我喜欢画画，但上课让我觉得压力很大”, contrasting enjoyment of painting with stress from the class. The pattern “A，但B” connects two opposing points; use it to qualify a positive statement.

上课 “上课” means “attend class” or “have class” in “上课让我觉得压力很大”. Here the class situation itself causes the feeling; use it when talking generally about attending or having a lesson.

觉得 “觉得” means “feel” or “think” in “让我觉得压力很大”, reporting the speaker’s personal impression. It commonly comes before an evaluation or feeling; use it to describe how a situation seems to you.

很 “很” means “very” or “quite” in “压力很大”, marking a strong degree. It commonly comes before an adjective or description; use it to describe the intensity of a feeling or situation.

也许 “也许” means “maybe” or “perhaps” at the beginning of “也许这个爱好已经从放松变成了另一项必须做的事”. It makes the explanation tentative; use it when offering a possible reason without presenting it as certain.

这个 “这个” means “this” in “这个爱好”, pointing to the hobby currently being discussed. It comes before a noun; use “这个 + noun” when referring to a specific nearby person, thing, or idea.

爱好 “爱好” means “hobby” in “这个爱好”, referring here to painting as a leisure activity. It is used to name an activity someone enjoys; use it when discussing whether a hobby fits your life.

已经 “已经” means “already” in “已经从放松变成了另一项必须做的事”, showing that the change has happened. It commonly comes before the verb or change expression; use it when a completed change affects the present situation.

从 “从” means “from” in “从放松变成了另一项必须做的事”, marking the original state. The pattern “从A变成B” describes a change between two states; use it when explaining where a change began.

放松 “放松” means “relaxing” or “relaxation” in “从放松变成了……”, describing the original calming quality of the hobby. It can describe the effect of an activity; use it when talking about an activity that helps someone feel less tense.

变成 “变成” means “become” or “change into” in “变成了另一项必须做的事”. It marks the new state resulting from a change; use the pattern “从A变成B” when describing how something takes on a different role.

另一 “另一” means “another” in “另一项必须做的事”, referring to an additional thing different from the hobby’s earlier role. It usually comes before a classifier and noun; use it when contrasting one item or activity with a different one.

项 “项” is a measure word for an item, task, or activity in “另一项必须做的事”. It comes before the noun being counted or identified; use it with an abstract task or organized activity.

必须 “必须” means “must” or “have to” in “必须做的事”, making the action obligatory. It commonly comes before a verb; use it when describing a duty or requirement.

做 “做” means “do” in “必须做的事”, naming the action that is required. Here it is followed by “的事” to describe something that must be done; use it with a task or activity.

事 “事” means “thing” or “matter” in “必须做的事”, referring to an obligation or task rather than a physical object. It can follow a description with “的”; use it when referring generally to something that needs attention.

它 “它” means “it” in “它不再像是一种乐趣”, referring back to the hobby already mentioned. It is used after the topic is known; use it to avoid repeating the name of a thing or activity.

再 In “不再像是一种乐趣”, “再” means “any longer”, not “again”, because it appears with “不”. The pattern “不再 + verb or description” describes something that no longer has an earlier quality; use it when explaining a change.

像 “像” means “be like” or “resemble” in “不再像是一种乐趣”, comparing the hobby’s current role with enjoyment. It can be followed by “是” and a noun phrase; use it when making a comparison.

一 “一” means “one” or “a” as part of “一种乐趣”, introducing one kind of enjoyment. It commonly appears before a measure word and noun; use it when naming a type or category.

种 “种” means “kind” and functions as a measure word in “一种乐趣”. It identifies a type of abstract thing rather than a physical object; use “一种 + noun” when describing a kind of feeling, activity, or experience.

乐趣 “乐趣” means “fun” or “enjoyment” in “一种乐趣”, describing the positive quality the hobby used to have. It is useful when discussing pleasure in an activity; use it to contrast enjoyment with obligation.

更 “更” means “more” in “更像是另一项任务”, making the second comparison stronger. It commonly appears before “像” or another description; use it when saying that something resembles one option more than another.

任务 “任务” means “task” in “更像是另一项任务”, presenting the class as something to complete rather than something purely enjoyable. It commonly refers to an assigned or required piece of work; use it when discussing duties or obligations.

可以 “可以” means “can” or “could” in “可以改成在家轻松练习”, offering a possible solution. It commonly comes before a verb; use it when suggesting an available action or alternative.

改成 “改成” means “switch to” or “change into” in “改成在家轻松练习”, proposing a new form of the activity. It is followed by the new arrangement; use it when replacing one plan or format with another.

在 “在” means “at” or “in” in “在家”, locating the practice at home. The pattern “在 + place + action” identifies where something happens; use it when describing the location of an activity.

家 “家” means “home” in “在家”, the place where the speaker could practice instead of attending the class. With “在”, it marks the location of the activity; use it when talking about doing something at home.

轻松 “轻松” means “relaxed” or “casually” in “轻松练习”, describing practice without the pressure of a fixed class. It can describe the manner or feeling of an activity; use it when suggesting a low-pressure approach.

练习 “练习” means “practice” in “在家轻松练习”, referring to doing the hobby independently. It names the activity that replaces the formal class; use it when talking about repeated work to maintain or improve a skill.

这样 “这样” means “this way” in “这样我还能得到好处”, referring to the suggested change to casual home practice. It often begins a sentence describing the result of an arrangement; use it to connect an action with its consequence.

能 “能” means “can” or “be able to” in “还能得到好处”, describing a possible remaining benefit. It commonly comes before a verb; use it when saying that a person remains capable of obtaining a result.

得到 “得到” means “get” or “obtain” in “得到好处”, describing receiving a positive result from the hobby. It commonly takes a benefit or result as its object; use it when evaluating what an activity provides.

好处 “好处” means “benefit” or “advantage” in “得到好处”, referring to the positive value of painting practice. It commonly follows “得到”; use it when discussing what someone gains from an option.

又 “又” adds another favorable result in “又不用按固定时间练习”, alongside being able to keep the benefit. It can connect two features or outcomes; use it when presenting an additional advantage of the same choice.

不用 “不用” means “do not need to” or “without having to” in “不用按固定时间练习”. It comes before the action that is no longer required; use it when explaining that a rule or obligation has been removed.

按 “按” means “according to” or “by” in “按固定时间练习”, showing that the practice would follow a set time. It commonly comes before a rule, schedule, or standard; use it when describing an action organized by a timetable.

时间 “时间” means “time” in “固定时间”, referring to the scheduled time for practice. It can be modified by “固定” to describe a regular time; use it when discussing when an activity must happen.

应该 “应该” means “should” or “ought to” in “爱好应该融入你的生活”, expressing advice about how a hobby ought to fit. It commonly comes before a verb; use it when stating a recommendation or reasonable standard.

融入 “融入” means “fit into” or “integrate into” in “融入你的生活”, describing a hobby becoming a natural part of daily life. It commonly takes the larger context after it; use it when discussing how an activity fits into a routine.

生活 “生活” means “life” or “daily life” in “你的生活”, the context that the hobby should fit. It commonly follows “融入”; use it when discussing routines and everyday activities.

而 “而” creates a contrast in “而不只是迎合理想中的自己”, contrasting fitting real life with merely matching an ideal self-image. The pattern “而不只是A” adds a broader alternative; use it when distinguishing the main purpose from a limited one.

只是 “只是” means “only” or “merely” in “不只是迎合”, limiting the purpose being described. With “不”, “不只是” means “not merely”; use it when saying that something has more than one purpose or explanation.

迎合 “迎合” means “cater to” or “conform to” in “迎合理想中的自己”, describing a choice shaped to match an imagined ideal self. It commonly takes a person, expectation, or ideal as its object; use it when discussing behavior driven by another standard.

理想 “理想” means “ideal” in “理想中的自己”, referring to the desired or imagined version of oneself. The pattern “理想中的 + noun” describes something within an ideal image; use it when talking about an imagined best version.

中 “中” means “in” in “理想中的自己”, linking the ideal image with the self imagined within it. The pattern “X中的Y” describes Y within a situation, group, or image; use it when locating an idea inside a context.

暂停 “暂停” means “pause” or “suspend” in “暂停上这门课”, indicating a temporary stop rather than an immediate permanent ending. It commonly comes before an activity; use it when taking a break to decide what to do next.

这 “这” means “this” in “这门课”, pointing to the painting class already under discussion. It comes before a measure word and noun; use it when referring to a specific nearby class, object, or idea.

门 “门” is the measure word for a course or subject in “这门课”. It comes between “这” and “课”; use it when identifying or counting an organized class or academic subject.

知道 “知道” means “know” or “find out” in “让我知道自己会不会想念它”, where pausing will reveal the speaker’s feeling. The pattern “让 + person + 知道 + clause” describes an action that helps someone learn an answer; use it when discussing discovery or certainty.

会 “会” means “will” or “be likely to” in “会不会想念”, asking about a possible future feeling. With “不” it forms “会不会”, a question about likelihood; use it when asking whether something is likely to happen.

想念 “想念” means “miss” or “think of fondly” in “会不会想念它”, referring to missing the class or hobby during a pause. It can take a person or thing as its object; use it when asking how someone may feel during separation.

总 In “总比突然放弃……好”, “总” means “in any case” or “overall”, reinforcing the comparison that one choice remains preferable. The pattern “总比A好” evaluates one option against another; use it when giving a practical judgment.

比 “比” means “than” or “compared with” in “总比突然放弃……好”, marking the two sides of the comparison. The pattern “A比B好” compares the quality or suitability of A and B; use it when evaluating alternatives.

突然 “突然” means “suddenly” in “突然放弃”, describing an abrupt decision without a gradual pause. It commonly comes before an action; use it when emphasizing that something happens unexpectedly or all at once.

放弃 “放弃” means “give up” or “quit” in “突然放弃”, referring to ending the hobby entirely. It commonly takes an activity, plan, or goal as its object; use it when discussing stopping something rather than taking a temporary break.

或者 “或者” means “or” in “或者逼自己继续下去”, introducing another possible action after suddenly quitting. It links alternative choices; use it when presenting one option or another.

逼 “逼” means “force” or “pressure” in “逼自己继续下去”, describing pushing oneself to continue despite the pressure. It can take a person as its object and an action afterward; use it when talking about forcing someone, including yourself, to act.

下去 “下去” adds the meaning “onward” or “continue” in “继续下去”, extending the action from now into the future. It commonly follows a verb to show continuation; use it when saying that an activity keeps going.

好 “好” means “better” in “总比突然放弃或者逼自己继续下去好”, completing the comparison. It commonly appears in “A比B好”; use it when judging one choice as preferable to another.

Grammar Points

把A改成B

把必须做的事改成爱好

Bǎ bìxū zuò de shì gǎi chéng àihào.

Change something that must be done into a hobby.

把 places the object before 改成, which marks the result of changing A into B.

逼自己+继续+动词

逼自己继续画画

Bī zìjǐ jìxù huàhuà.

Force yourself to continue drawing.

逼自己 is followed by an action; 继续 comes before the verb to show continuation.

Chinese Vocabulary

爱好 noun

àihào hobby

也许这个爱好已经从放松变成了另一项必须做的事。

安排 noun

ānpái arrangement; schedule

你是失去兴趣了,还是固定的安排让你压力太大?

必须做的事 phrase

bìxū zuò de shì something that must be done; obligation

也许这个爱好已经从放松变成了另一项必须做的事。

不确定 adj

bú quèdìng be unsure

我不确定自己还想不想继续上绘画课。

放松 verb

fàngsōng relax; relaxation

也许这个爱好已经从放松变成了另一项必须做的事。

固定 adj

gùdìng fixed; regular

你是失去兴趣了,还是固定的安排让你压力太大?

画画 verb

huàhuà paint; draw

我喜欢画画,但上课让我觉得压力很大。

绘画课 noun

huìhuà kè painting class

我不确定自己还想不想继续上绘画课。

继续 verb

jìxù continue

我不确定自己还想不想继续上绘画课。

两方面 phrase

liǎng fāngmiàn both aspects

两方面都有一点。

失去兴趣 phrase

shīqù xìngqù lose interest

你是失去兴趣了,还是固定的安排让你压力太大?

压力 noun

yālì pressure; stress

你是失去兴趣了,还是固定的安排让你压力太大?

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

lose interest

Show Answer

失去兴趣

something that must be done; obligation

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必须做的事

both aspects

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两方面

paint; draw

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画画