About This Lesson
Use Describing Symptoms Objectively at a Clinic Reception to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
这种不适并不严重，但持续的时间比平时长。
Zhè zhǒng bùshì bìng bù yánzhòng, dàn chíxù de shíjiān bǐ píngshí cháng. The discomfort is mild, but it has lasted longer than usual.
B
它会随着活动、休息或进餐而变化吗？
Tā huì suí zhe huódòng, xiūxi huò jìncān ér biànhuà ma? Does it change with activity, rest, or meals?
A
我坐很长时间后会更明显地感觉到它。
Wǒ zuò hěn cháng shíjiān hòu huì gèng míngxiǎn de gǎnjué dào tā. I notice it more when I sit for a long time.
B
这种情况值得提一下，临床医生可以对它进行适当评估。
Zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng zhídé tí yíxià, línchuáng yīshēng kěyǐ duì tā jìnxíng shìdàng pínggū. That pattern is worth mentioning, and the clinician can assess it properly.
A
我在努力客观描述它，既不把情况说得比实际更严重，也不把它说得没那么严重。
Wǒ zài nǔlì kèguān miáoshù tā, jì bù bǎ qíngkuàng shuō de bǐ shíjì gèng yánzhòng, yě bù bǎ tā shuō de méi nàme yánzhòng. I am trying to describe it without making it sound worse or less serious than it is.
B
重点说明它多久发生一次，以及它对你的影响。
Zhòngdiǎn shuōmíng tā duō jiǔ fāshēng yí cì, yǐjí tā duì nǐ de yǐngxiǎng. Focus on how often it happens and how it affects you.
A
我可以说明，它让我在工作时更难集中注意力。
Wǒ kěyǐ shuōmíng, tā ràng wǒ zài gōngzuò shí gèng nán jízhōng zhùyìlì. I can explain that it makes it harder to concentrate at work.
B
把这个细节也说上，因为它对日常生活的影响通常有助于安排后续跟进。
Bǎ zhè ge xìjié yě shuō shàng, yīnwèi tā duì rìcháng shēnghuó de yǐngxiǎng tōngcháng yǒuzhù yú ānpái hòuxù gēnjìn. Include that detail, since daily impact often guides follow-up.Word by Word
这种
“这种” means “this kind of” and points to the particular discomfort being discussed in “这种不适”. It is useful when identifying a specific kind or situation, such as a symptom, problem, or pattern already under discussion. In a clinic conversation, use it to connect your description to the case you are explaining.
不适
“不适” means discomfort or an unpleasant physical feeling in “这种不适”. It names the symptom without making a specific diagnosis, which suits an objective description at a clinic. It can be used after “这种” or with words describing its severity, as in “这种不适并不严重”.
并
In “并不严重”, “并” reinforces the following negation, so the speaker clearly says that the discomfort is not serious. The reusable pattern is “并不” followed by a description that is being firmly denied. This is useful when correcting an impression without making the statement sound extreme.
不
In “并不严重”, “不” means “not” and negates the description “严重”. Together with “并”, it gives a clear but measured denial. Use “不” before a description when saying that a condition or situation does not have that quality.
严重
“严重” means serious or severe in “并不严重”, describing the level of the discomfort. Here it is used to assess severity rather than to diagnose a condition. It can be used after a negative form such as “并不” when giving a measured description to a clinician.
但
“但” means “but” and contrasts the mild severity with the longer duration in “这种不适并不严重，但持续的时间比平时长”. It connects two statements that should both be considered. Use it when one fact qualifies or contrasts with the previous fact.
持续
“持续” means continue or last in “持续的时间”, referring to how long the discomfort remains. Here it describes duration, not the severity of the symptom. It can be used before “的时间” to specify the length of an ongoing condition or event.
的
In “持续的时间”, “的” links the description “持续” to the noun “时间”, making the duration the topic being described. This is the common modifier-linking pattern “description + 的 + noun”. Use it when a preceding word or phrase specifies the noun that follows.
时间
“时间” means time or duration in “持续的时间”, specifically the length of time the discomfort has continued. The surrounding words show that it refers to duration rather than a clock time. It can follow a description with “的” when explaining how long something lasts.
比
“比” marks a comparison in “比平时长”, meaning that the duration is longer than the usual duration. It introduces the standard used for comparison. Use it before the comparison point when reporting that one symptom, period, or amount differs from the usual level.
平时
“平时” means usually or during ordinary times in “比平时长”. It provides the normal baseline against which the current duration is compared. In a medical conversation, it helps distinguish the current pattern from what normally happens.
长
“长” means long in “比平时长”, describing the duration of the discomfort. It follows the comparison marker “比” and is understood as longer in duration here. Use it to compare the length of a period with a usual or earlier period.
它
“它” means “it” and refers to the discomfort already mentioned in “它会随着活动、休息或进餐而变化吗”. It avoids repeating the symptom while keeping the question focused. Use it when the thing being discussed is already clear from the conversation.
会
In “会随着活动、休息或进餐而变化吗”, “会” asks whether the discomfort is expected to change under those conditions. It presents a possible or observable pattern rather than asserting that the change definitely occurs. This is useful when asking about how a symptom behaves in different situations.
随着
“随着” means “as” or “along with” in “随着活动、休息或进餐而变化”, linking a change in the discomfort to changes in activity, rest, or meals. It introduces the condition or circumstance that accompanies the change. Use it when describing how one thing varies in relation to another.
活动
“活动” means activity in “随着活动、休息或进餐而变化”. It is one of the circumstances being checked as a possible influence on the discomfort. In a clinic conversation, it can refer generally to what the person is doing physically.
休息
“休息” means rest in “随着活动、休息或进餐而变化”. It names rest as another condition that may be related to a change in the symptom. It can be used alongside other circumstances when describing when a symptom becomes better, worse, or different.
或
“或” means “or” and separates the alternatives in “活动、休息或进餐”. It shows that any one of the listed circumstances may be relevant. Use it to connect alternative activities, conditions, or possible causes in a question or description.
进餐
“进餐” means eating a meal in “活动、休息或进餐”. It identifies mealtime as a possible circumstance associated with a change in the discomfort. In a clinic setting, it is useful when explaining whether a symptom changes around meals.
而
In “随着活动、休息或进餐而变化”, “而” completes the relation between the circumstances introduced by “随着” and the resulting change. The whole expression describes something changing as another condition changes. Use this pattern when connecting a change to an activity, condition, or event.
变化
“变化” means change or vary in “随着活动、休息或进餐而变化”. It describes the discomfort as becoming different under the listed conditions, without specifying whether it becomes better or worse. It is useful when reporting a symptom pattern objectively.
吗
“吗” is the question particle at the end of “它会随着活动、休息或进餐而变化吗”. It turns the preceding statement into a general yes-or-no question. Use it at the end when asking whether a proposed pattern is true.
我
“我” means “I” or “me” and identifies the speaker in “我坐很长时间后会更明显地感觉到它”. It marks the speaker as the person experiencing the symptom. Use it when describing your own sensations, actions, or observations.
坐
“坐” means sit in “我坐很长时间后”. It describes the activity after which the discomfort becomes more noticeable. It can be followed by a duration and “后” to explain what happens after sitting for that length of time.
很
In “很长时间”, “很” strengthens “长”, giving the phrase the meaning “a long time”. It helps describe the duration of sitting before the symptom is noticed more clearly. Use it before a descriptive word when indicating a considerable degree or extent.
后
In “我坐很长时间后”, “后” means after and places the following observation after the period of sitting. The pattern “activity or time phrase + 后” is useful for describing what happens afterward. In this dialogue, it marks when the discomfort becomes more noticeable.
更
“更” means more or even more in “更明显地感觉到它”. It compares the intensity of the speaker’s awareness with another time or condition. Use it before a description when explaining that a symptom or effect becomes stronger under a particular circumstance.
明显
“明显” means noticeable or clear in “更明显地感觉到它”. It describes how clearly the speaker perceives the discomfort, not a medical diagnosis. It can be used with “更” when explaining that a symptom is easier to notice in one situation than another.
地
In “明显地感觉到它”, “地” links “明显” to the action “感觉到”, showing how the action is carried out. The phrase describes noticing the discomfort clearly or noticeably. Use it after a descriptive word when that word modifies an action.
感觉
In “感觉到它”, “感觉” means feel or sense, referring to the speaker’s physical awareness of the discomfort. The following “到” completes the expression by showing that the sensation is perceived. Use “感觉到” when reporting that you notice a sensation, change, or effect.
到
In “感觉到它”, “到” is a result marker showing that the feeling reaches conscious awareness of “it”. The full expression “感觉到它” means to feel or notice it. Use it after “感觉” when you want to state what sensation or change has been perceived.
情况
“情况” means situation or condition in “这种情况值得提一下”. It refers to the pattern just described, namely noticing the discomfort more after sitting for a long time. It is useful when referring back to a set of facts without repeating all the details.
值得
“值得” means “be worth” in “值得提一下”, indicating that the situation deserves to be mentioned. It is followed here by an action that the speaker considers useful or appropriate. Use it when recommending that someone mention, consider, or pay attention to something.
提
“提” means mention or bring up in “提一下”. The speaker is saying that the pattern should be included in the explanation to the clinician. It can be used with an object, or with “一下” when the mention is brief and lightly phrased.
一下
In “提一下”, “一下” makes the act of mentioning brief and less forceful. The components “一” and “下” work together to give the action a short, limited scope rather than describing a substantial discussion. This softened expression is useful when politely suggesting that someone mention one point.
临床
“临床” means clinical in “临床医生”, specifying that the doctor works in a clinical care context. It narrows the reference to the professional who can assess the reported condition. It is used before a professional noun here to identify the relevant medical role.
医生
“医生” means doctor in “临床医生”. It identifies the medical professional who can assess the discomfort. In a clinic conversation, it can be used after a word such as “临床” to specify the type of professional being discussed.
可以
“可以” means can or be able to in “临床医生可以对它进行适当评估”. It indicates that the clinician has the ability or opportunity to carry out the assessment. Use it before an action when describing what someone is able or permitted to do.
对
In “对它进行适当评估”, “对” marks “它” as the thing the assessment is directed toward. The pattern “对 + object + 进行 + action” clearly states what is being acted on. This is useful when explaining that a professional will examine or assess a particular symptom or issue.
进行
“进行” means carry out or conduct in “进行适当评估”. It introduces the activity being formally performed by the clinician. It commonly comes before an action noun such as “评估” when describing an organized or professional process.
适当
“适当” means appropriate or proper in “适当评估”. It describes an assessment carried out in a suitable way for the situation. It is useful before an action or description when emphasizing that the response should fit the facts presented.
评估
“评估” means assess or evaluate in “对它进行适当评估”. It refers to the clinician examining the reported discomfort to understand it properly. It can follow “进行” and take the thing assessed after “对”, as in this dialogue.
在
In “我在努力客观描述它”, “在” marks the action as currently in progress. It shows that the speaker is making an ongoing effort to describe the discomfort objectively. Use “在” before an action when emphasizing that it is happening at the relevant time.
努力
“努力” means make an effort or strive in “努力客观描述它”. It shows that the speaker is consciously trying to give a balanced description. It can come before an action to explain that the action requires deliberate effort.
客观
“客观” means objective or objectively in “客观描述它”. It describes the intended manner of reporting the discomfort, based on what is experienced rather than exaggeration. It can be placed before “描述” when explaining the approach used to present information.
描述
“描述” means describe in “客观描述它”. The speaker is explaining the discomfort in words without making it sound more or less serious than it is. It is useful when giving a clinician concrete information about a symptom or its effect.
既
In “既不把情况说得比实际更严重，也不把它说得没那么严重”, “既” introduces the first half of a paired structure meaning neither of two undesirable outcomes. The complete pattern is “既……也……”, with negation in both parts here. Use it when presenting two points that apply together.
把
In “把情况说得比实际更严重”, “把” marks “情况” as the object being handled or described in a particular way. It highlights the result produced by the action of describing it. Use the pattern “把 + object + action + result or description” when focusing on what happens to the object.
说
In “把情况说得比实际更严重” and “把它说得没那么严重”, “说” means describe or portray rather than simply produce speech. The pattern shows how the speaker’s wording can make the situation sound more or less serious. This is useful when discussing whether an explanation accurately represents a condition.
得
In “说得比实际更严重” and “说得没那么严重”, “得” links the action “说” to the resulting description of how the situation sounds. It allows the speaker to describe the effect produced by the way something is said. Use it after an action when explaining its resulting degree or quality.
实际
“实际” means actual or real in “比实际更严重”. It provides the real level of seriousness used as the standard for comparison. In an objective report, it helps distinguish the facts from an exaggerated or minimized description.
也
In “也不把它说得没那么严重”, “也” means also and connects the second negative point to the first one introduced by “既”. It shows that both kinds of distortion should be avoided. Use it in a paired structure when adding another point that applies in the same way.
没
In “没那么严重”, “没” means not or not to the stated degree. It denies that the situation should be described as being “that serious” in the second part of the balanced statement. Use it before “那么” when saying that something does not reach a particular degree.
那么
In “没那么严重”, “那么” means that much or so, referring to the degree of seriousness under discussion. Together with “没”, it means “not that serious”. This pattern is useful when comparing an actual degree with an assumed or stated degree.
重点
“重点” means focus or main point in “重点说明它多久发生一次”. It tells the listener which information should receive priority. It can come before an action such as “说明” when directing someone to concentrate on the most relevant detail.
说明
“说明” means explain or state in “重点说明它多久发生一次”. Here it refers to giving clear information about the frequency of the symptom and its effect. It is useful when telling someone what facts to communicate to another person.
多久
In “多久发生一次”, “多久” asks how often the event occurs, because it is followed by “一次”. The full phrase asks about the interval or frequency of the symptom. This is useful at a clinic when reporting how frequently a symptom happens.
发生
“发生” means happen or occur in “多久发生一次”. It describes the symptom appearing as an event. It can be used with a frequency expression such as “一次” when explaining how often something occurs.
一次
“一次” means one occurrence in “多久发生一次”. Together with “多久发生”, it asks how frequently the symptom happens rather than describing only one isolated event. Use it after an event verb when asking or stating the number of occurrences within a period.
以及
“以及” means and or as well as in “它多久发生一次，以及它对你的影响”. It links the frequency of the symptom with its effect on the person. This connector is useful when adding a second related point to an explanation.
你
“你” means “you” in “它对你的影响”. It identifies the person who experiences the effect of the discomfort. Use it when speaking directly to someone about how a condition affects them.
影响
In “它对你的影响”, “影响” means effect or impact, referring to what the discomfort does to the person. The pattern “对 + person + 的影响” identifies the effect on someone. In a clinic conversation, it helps describe practical consequences rather than only the sensation itself.
让
In “让你在工作时更难集中注意力”, “让” means make or cause, showing that the discomfort causes a change in the person’s ability to concentrate. It is followed by the affected person and the resulting condition. Use it when explaining what one symptom, event, or situation causes someone to experience.
工作
“工作” means work in “在工作时”, referring to the setting in which concentration becomes more difficult. Here it helps describe the symptom’s effect on daily functioning. It can be followed by “时” to specify what happens during work.
时
In “在工作时”, “时” means when or during and marks the time connected with work. The phrase identifies the situation in which concentrating becomes harder. Use it after an activity or time expression when describing what happens during that period.
难
In “更难集中注意力”, “难” means difficult or hard, describing the increased difficulty of concentrating. It is followed by the action that becomes difficult, “集中注意力”. Use “难 + action” when reporting that a task requires more effort or is harder to perform.
集中
In “集中注意力”, “集中” means concentrate or focus. It describes directing attention toward the work task, which the discomfort makes more difficult. This expression is useful when explaining difficulty maintaining attention in work or another activity.
注意力
“注意力” means attention in “集中注意力”. It is the mental focus that the speaker finds harder to maintain at work. It commonly follows “集中” when describing the act of focusing on a task.
这个
“这个” means this or this particular in “把这个细节也说上”. It points to the specific detail about the discomfort’s daily impact. Use it when referring to one item that is clear from the immediate conversation.
细节
“细节” means detail in “这个细节”. It refers to the specific information that the symptom makes concentration harder at work. In a clinic explanation, adding such a detail helps show the practical effect of the condition.
上
In “把这个细节也说上”, “上” is a result complement showing that the detail is included in what is said. The whole phrase means to mention or add this detail as part of the explanation. This is useful when telling someone not to leave an important point out.
因为
“因为” means because or since in “因为它对日常生活的影响通常有助于安排后续跟进”. It introduces the reason for including the detail. Use it to connect an action or recommendation with the reason that supports it.
日常
“日常” means daily or everyday in “日常生活”. It describes the ordinary activities and circumstances of a person’s life. It is useful before a noun when discussing regular, practical effects rather than a single unusual event.
生活
“生活” means life or living in “日常生活”. Together with “日常”, it refers to the person’s everyday life and routine. In a clinic conversation, it helps describe how a symptom affects normal activities outside the examination itself.
通常
“通常” means usually or generally in “通常有助于安排后续跟进”. It presents the stated relationship as a general tendency rather than an absolute rule. Use it when explaining what commonly happens in similar situations.
有助于
“有助于” is a fixed expression meaning help with or contribute to in “有助于安排后续跟进”. In this expression, “有” indicates the presence of a helpful effect, “助” conveys help, and “于” links that help to the action that follows. Use “有助于 + action” when explaining that one piece of information or action supports a later result.
安排
“安排” means arrange or schedule in “安排后续跟进”. It refers to organizing what should happen after the current clinic conversation. It can be followed by the activity being organized, such as follow-up care or a later contact.
后续
“后续” means subsequent or follow-up in “后续跟进”. It identifies the actions that occur after the current assessment or conversation. It is useful before a noun when referring to the next stage of a process.
跟进
“跟进” means follow up in “后续跟进”. It refers to continuing attention or action after the initial clinic discussion. It can be used after “安排” when describing the organization of later contact, monitoring, or care.
Grammar Points
值得 + 动词
这种情况值得提。
Zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng zhídé tí.This situation is worth mentioning.
值得后面接动词，表示某件事具有做某动作的价值。
随着 + 名词，……
随着活动，不适持续。
Suí zhe huódòng, bùshì chíxù.As the activity continues, the discomfort persists.
随着表示某种变化与另一件事同步发生，后面通常接名词或名词短语。
Chinese Vocabulary
不适
noun
bùshì
discomfort
持续
verb
chíxù
to last; to continue
感觉到
verb
gǎnjué dào
to feel; to notice
活动
noun
huódòng
activity
进餐
verb
jìncān
to eat a meal; to dine
明显
adj
míngxiǎn
obvious; noticeable
平时
adv
píngshí
usually; as usual
情况
noun
qíngkuàng
situation; condition
随着
prep
suí zhe
along with; as
休息
noun
xiūxi
rest
严重
adj
yánzhòng
serious; severe
值得
verb
zhídé
to be worth
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
to be worth
Show Answer
值得along with; as
Show Answer
随着serious; severe
Show Answer
严重to last; to continue