Reporting a Leak with Concrete Details | Learn Chinese in English

About This Lesson

Use Reporting a Leak with Concrete Details to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

我发现厨房水槽下面正在形成一片湿斑。

wǒ fāxiàn chúfáng shuǐcáo xiàmiàn zhèngzài xíngchéng yí piàn shī bān. I noticed a damp patch forming under the kitchen sink.

这需要处理，以免损坏橱柜。

zhè xūyào chǔlǐ, yǐmiǎn sǔnhuài chúguì. That needs attention before it damages the cabinet.

我在那里放了一个容器，但漏水的地方仍然在缓慢滴水。

wǒ zài nàlǐ fàng le yí ge róngqì, dàn lòushuǐ de dìfang réngrán zài huǎnmàn dīshuǐ. I placed a container there, but the leak is still dripping slowly.

那里有没有存放什么东西，可能会妨碍维修人员接近？

nàlǐ yǒu méiyǒu cúnfàng shénme dōngxi, kěnéng huì fáng'ài wéixiū rényuán jiējìn? Is anything stored there that could block access?

我已经清理了那片区域，这样技术人员就能方便地检查。

wǒ yǐjīng qīnglǐ le nà piàn qūyù, zhèyàng jìshù rényuán jiù néng fāngbiàn de jiǎnchá. I cleared the area, so the technician can inspect it easily.

我可以把它标记为紧急维修，不过安排时间可能仍然需要一些时间。

wǒ kěyǐ bǎ tā biāojì wéi jǐnjí wéixiū, búguò ānpái shíjiān kěnéng réngrán xūyào yìxiē shíjiān. I can mark it as urgent, although scheduling may still take time.

请注明地板已经开始变形。

qǐng zhùmíng dìbǎn yǐjīng kāishǐ biànxíng. Please mention that the floor is beginning to warp.

这一细节应该写进报告里。

zhè yí xìjié yīnggāi xiě jìn bàogào lǐ. That detail should go in the report.

这会影响安全和维修计划。

zhè huì yǐngxiǎng ānquán hé wéixiū jìhuà. It affects safety and the repair plan.

Word by Word

我 “我” refers to the speaker, here the tenant reporting the leak. It commonly appears before an action or observation, such as the subject in “我发现”. Use it when describing your own situation to another person.

发现 “发现” means notice or discover something; here it introduces the tenant’s observation of the damp patch. It commonly takes the noticed thing after it, as in “我发现厨房水槽下面正在形成一片湿斑”. Use it when reporting a problem you have noticed.

厨房 “厨房” means kitchen, identifying the location of the sink. It commonly appears before a household object to specify where it is, as in “厨房水槽”. Use it when describing a problem or activity in the kitchen.

水槽 “水槽” means sink, specifically the sink mentioned as the source-area location. It can combine with a location word after it, as in “水槽下面”. Use it when reporting a household maintenance issue.

下面 “下面” means underneath or below; here it locates the damp patch beneath the kitchen sink. It commonly follows a noun to identify a lower position, as in “水槽下面”. Use it to describe where an object or problem is located.

正在 “正在” shows that an action is in progress at the time being described; here the damp patch is currently forming. It comes before the action, as in “正在形成”. Use it when emphasizing an ongoing process or developing problem.

形成 “形成” means form or take shape; here a damp patch is gradually appearing. It follows “正在” to describe a process in progress, as in “正在形成一片湿斑”. Use it when something is developing into a recognizable condition.

一 “一” means one and, in “一片湿斑”, introduces one patch of dampness. Here it is used with the classifier “片” before the noun. Use it with a suitable classifier when referring to one item or area.

片 “片” is the classifier used here for a patch or spread-out area, as in “一片湿斑”. Its use helps present the dampness as one visible area rather than as an uncounted substance. Use it with suitable flat, spread-out areas when the context supports that description.

湿斑 “湿斑” means damp patch, the visible sign of the leak in this dialogue. It appears after “一片” to identify one damp area. Use it when describing a localized mark or area of moisture.

这 “这” points to the leak-related matter just mentioned; here it is the problem that needs attention. It commonly appears as the subject before a comment, as in “这需要处理”. Use it to refer to a current matter that is clear from the conversation.

需要 “需要” means need or require; here the leak requires attention or handling. It can be followed by an action, as in “需要处理”. Use it when stating that a problem requires a particular response.

处理 “处理” means handle or deal with the problem; here it refers to taking care of the leak. It commonly follows “需要” to state the required action, as in “需要处理”. Use it for dealing with a problem, request, or situation.

以免 “以免” means so as not to or lest; here “以免损坏橱柜” gives the unwanted result that handling the leak should prevent. It is a whole expression: “以” introduces the purpose and “免” means avoid or prevent, so the two components work together before the result to be avoided. Use it when describing an action taken to prevent a negative consequence.

损坏 “损坏” means damage; here it is the harm that the leak could cause to the cabinet. It commonly follows “以免” to state the result to prevent, as in “以免损坏橱柜”. Use it when describing physical damage to an object.

橱柜 “橱柜” means cabinet, here the kitchen cabinet that could be damaged by the leak. It follows “损坏” as the object of the possible damage. Use it when identifying a cabinet in a household repair report.

在 “在” marks a location; here it introduces the place referred to as “那里”. It commonly appears before a location phrase, as in “在那里放了一个容器”. Use it to locate an action or object in a particular place.

那里 “那里” means there, referring back to the area under the sink. It can follow “在” to form a location phrase, as in “在那里”. Use it when the place is already known from the conversation.

放 “放” means place or put; here the speaker placed a container in the leak area. It commonly takes the object before or around a location phrase, as in “在那里放了一个容器”. Use it when putting something in a particular place.

了 “了” marks the completed action in “放了一个容器”; the container has already been placed there. It follows the action word in this sentence and presents the placement as completed. Use it after an action when indicating that the action has been carried out.

个 “个” is the general classifier used before “容器” in “一个容器”. It connects “一” with the counted object. Use it with many ordinary objects when no more specific classifier is required.

容器 “容器” means container; here it is the item placed under the sink to catch water. It follows “一个” in the noun phrase “一个容器”. Use it when referring to an object used to hold something.

但 “但” means but and introduces a contrast between placing the container and the leak continuing. It commonly links two clauses with different or unexpected results, as in “放了一个容器，但漏水的地方仍然在缓慢滴水”. Use it when adding a contrasting fact.

漏水 “漏水” refers here to the leaking water or the place where water is leaking. In “漏水的地方”, it describes the place associated with the leak before “的地方”. Use it when identifying a water leak in a household or building.

的 “的” links the description “漏水” to the noun “地方”, forming “漏水的地方”, the place where water is leaking. It commonly follows a description and comes before the noun it modifies. Use it to connect a preceding description with a following noun.

地方 “地方” means place or spot; here “漏水的地方” means the spot where the leak is occurring. It follows a description linked by “的”. Use it when identifying a particular location or spot.

仍然 “仍然” means still; here the dripping continues even after a container was placed there. It commonly appears before the continuing action, as in “仍然在缓慢滴水”. Use it to report that a condition has not stopped or changed.

缓慢 “缓慢” describes the dripping as slow in “缓慢滴水”. It appears before the action to show the manner or speed of the dripping. Use it when giving a concrete detail about the speed of a process.

滴水 “滴水” means drip water; here it describes the leak continuing to release water slowly. It follows “在” and is modified by “缓慢”. Use it when reporting water coming out drop by drop.

有 “有” contributes the meaning of there being or existing something in the question “有没有存放什么东西”. It forms a yes-or-no question together with “没有”. Use it when asking whether something is present in a place.

没有 “没有” supplies the negative side of “有没有”, asking whether there is or is not something stored there. Together with “有”, it forms a question about existence or possession. Use this pattern when checking whether anything is present.

存放 “存放” means store or keep something in a place; here it asks whether anything has been kept in the area. It commonly takes the object before the location or location phrase. Use it when asking about items kept somewhere, especially in a storage or access context.

什么 “什么” means what; inside the negative question “有没有存放什么东西”, it refers to anything that may be stored there. It commonly appears before “东西” when asking about an unspecified object. Use it when the particular item is not known.

东西 “东西” means thing or object; here it refers to any item stored under the sink. It follows “什么” in “什么东西”. Use it when referring generally to a physical object without naming it.

可能 “可能” means possibly or may; here it introduces the possibility that the stored item could obstruct access. It commonly comes before a possible situation or action, as in “可能会妨碍维修人员接近”. Use it when describing an uncertain possibility.

会 “会” indicates that the possible stored item could have the stated effect. In “可能会妨碍”, it follows “可能” and helps express a potential result. Use it before an action when discussing what may happen.

妨碍 “妨碍” means hinder or obstruct; here an object might obstruct maintenance workers’ approach. It commonly takes the person or activity being obstructed after it, as in “妨碍维修人员接近”. Use it when something makes access or an action more difficult.

维修人员 “维修人员” means maintenance worker or maintenance personnel; here it identifies the people who need access to inspect the leak. It appears after “妨碍” as the people whose access may be hindered. Use it when referring to workers responsible for repairs or maintenance.

接近 “接近” means approach or get close to; here it describes maintenance workers reaching the leak area. It follows “维修人员” in “维修人员接近”. Use it when discussing access to a person, place, or object.

已经 “已经” means already; here it shows that the area was cleared before the technician’s inspection. It commonly appears before the completed action, as in “已经清理了那片区域”. Use it when emphasizing that something has happened by the relevant time.

清理 “清理” means clear or clean up; here the speaker removed items from the area. It commonly takes the area or objects being cleared after it, as in “清理了那片区域”. Use it when preparing a place for inspection or access.

那 “那” means that and points to the particular area already under discussion. In “那片区域”, it helps identify the area being cleared. Use it before a classifier and noun when referring to a specific previously mentioned thing.

区域 “区域” means area; here it refers to the space under or around the sink that was cleared. It appears in the noun phrase “那片区域”. Use it when describing a defined part of a room or location.

这样 “这样” means in this way or so; here it introduces the result made possible by clearing the area. It commonly links an action with its practical consequence, as in “这样技术人员就能方便地检查”. Use it when explaining how one action enables another.

技术人员 “技术人员” means technician; here it identifies the person who will inspect the leak. It appears as the subject of the action after “这样”. Use it when referring to a technical worker carrying out an inspection or repair.

就 “就” marks the resulting action in “这样技术人员就能方便地检查”; because the area was cleared, the technician can inspect it more easily. It commonly appears before the result or consequence in a linked situation. Use it to show what follows from a condition or action.

能 “能” means can or be able to; here it shows that the technician has the ability or opportunity to inspect the area. It comes before the action “检查”. Use it when describing ability or a practical possibility.

方便 “方便” means conveniently or easily in “方便地检查”; here it describes the favorable conditions for the technician’s inspection. It is followed by “地” before the action. Use it when explaining that an action can be carried out without difficulty.

地 “地” links “方便” to “检查”, making “方便地检查” describe how the inspection is carried out. It commonly follows a descriptive word before an action. Use it when a preceding description modifies the manner of an action.

检查 “检查” means inspect or check; here it is the technician’s action of examining the cleared leak area. It follows “能” and is modified by “方便地”. Use it when a person examines a problem, object, or location.

可以 “可以” means can or may; here the maintenance representative says they are able to mark the request as urgent. It commonly appears before an action, as in “可以把它标记为紧急维修”. Use it to state permission or a practical possibility.

把 “把” marks “它” as the object that will be handled in “把它标记为紧急维修”. The construction places the object before the action and describes what is done to it. Use it when focusing on the treatment or change applied to a specific object.

它 “它” means it and refers here to the maintenance request or leak issue being marked. It follows “把” as the object of the action. Use it when referring to a non-person matter already clear from context.

标记 “标记” means mark or label; here it describes assigning the request an urgent status. It follows the object in the “把” construction and is followed by “为”. Use it when assigning a label, category, or status to something.

为 “为” means as in “标记为紧急维修”; it introduces the status assigned to the request. It commonly follows an action such as “标记” and comes before the resulting label. Use it when designating something as a particular type or status.

紧急 “紧急” means urgent; here it describes the priority assigned to the maintenance request. It follows “为” in “标记为紧急维修”. Use it when a problem requires prompt attention.

维修 “维修” means maintenance or repair; here it specifies the kind of urgent request being marked. It combines with “紧急” as “紧急维修”. Use it when referring to repair work or a repair request.

不过 “不过” introduces a limitation or qualification: the request can be marked urgent, but arranging a time may still take time. It commonly links a preceding statement with an important reservation. Use it when adding a contrasting practical consideration.

安排 “安排” means arrange or schedule; here it refers to organizing the time for the maintenance visit. It commonly combines with “时间” as “安排时间”. Use it when organizing a time, appointment, or practical plan.

时间 “时间” means time; here it is the time that still needs to be arranged for the repair. It follows “安排” in “安排时间”. Use it when discussing when a visit, task, or event can take place.

一些 “一些” means some or a certain amount; here “一些时间” means an amount of time, without specifying exactly how much. It commonly comes before a noun such as “时间”. Use it when referring to an unspecified but limited amount.

请 “请” means please and makes the request polite in “请注明”. It comes before the requested action. Use it when asking someone politely to perform an action.

注明 “注明” means note or specify in writing; here the speaker asks that the floor’s condition be included clearly. It commonly takes the information to be recorded after it, as in “注明地板已经开始变形”. Use it when requesting a specific detail in a report or record.

地板 “地板” means floor; here it is the household surface that is beginning to warp. It appears as the subject before “开始变形”. Use it when describing the condition of a floor in a maintenance report.

开始 “开始” means begin or start; here it marks the point at which the floor’s warping has begun. It comes before “变形” in “开始变形”. Use it when describing the onset of an action or change.

变形 “变形” means warp or become misshapen; here it describes the floor changing shape because of the leak. It follows “开始” to show that this change has begun. Use it when reporting that a material or object is losing its normal shape.

细节 “细节” means detail; here it refers to the information about the floor beginning to warp. It is the specific information that should be included in the report. Use it when identifying one particular fact in a problem description.

应该 “应该” means should or ought to; here it states that the detail belongs in the report. It commonly comes before the action or placement being recommended, as in “应该写进报告里”. Use it when giving advice or stating an appropriate requirement.

写进 “写进” means write into or include in writing; here it means include the detail in the report. It combines the writing action with the direction of inclusion before “报告里”. Use it when specifying that information should be added to a document.

报告 “报告” means report; here it is the document where the repair detail should be recorded. It follows “写进” and is followed by “里” in “写进报告里”. Use it when discussing a written account of a problem or event.

里 “里” means in or inside; here it marks the report as the place where the detail should be written. It follows “报告” in “报告里”. Use it after a noun to identify something as being inside or included within it.

影响 “影响” means affect or influence; here the floor damage affects safety and the repair plan. It commonly takes the affected matters after it, as in “影响安全和维修计划”. Use it when explaining the consequences of a problem for another matter.

安全 “安全” means safety; here it is one of the matters affected by the warped floor. It follows “影响” as one of its objects. Use it when discussing whether a place or situation is safe.

和 “和” means and; here it joins “安全” with “维修计划” as two affected matters. It commonly connects nouns or noun phrases in a list. Use it to link two related items.

计划 “计划” means plan; here it refers to the repair plan that may be affected by the leak and floor damage. It follows “维修” in “维修计划”. Use it when discussing an organized plan for carrying out repair work.

Grammar Points

以免 + 动词短语

处理漏水，以免损坏橱柜。

chǔlǐ lòushuǐ, yǐmiǎn sǔnhuài chúguì.

Deal with the leak so as not to damage the cabinet.

以免 introduces a purpose or precaution clause meaning “so as not to” or “lest.”

形容词 + 地 + 动词

水槽缓慢地滴水。

shuǐcáo huǎnmàn de dīshuǐ.

The sink is dripping water slowly.

缓慢 describes how the action happens; adding 地 turns it into an adverbial phrase.

Chinese Vocabulary

厨房 noun

chúfáng kitchen

橱柜 noun

chúguì cabinet

处理 verb

chǔlǐ to deal with; to handle

发现 verb

fāxiàn to notice; to discover

缓慢 adv

huǎnmàn slowly; slow

漏水 noun

lòushuǐ leak; leaking water

容器 noun

róngqì container

湿斑 noun

shībān damp patch

水槽 noun

shuǐcáo sink

损坏 verb

sǔnhuài to damage

形成 verb

xíngchéng to form

以免 conj

yǐmiǎn so as not to; lest

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to deal with; to handle

Show Answer

处理

damp patch

Show Answer

湿斑

container

Show Answer

容器

to damage

Show Answer

损坏