About This Lesson
Use Clarifying dependencies in a tense priority discussion to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
大家开始给每个人的优先事项排先后时，讨论就变得紧张起来。
dàjiā kāishǐ gěi měi gè rén de yōuxiān shìxiàng pái xiānhòu shí, tǎolùn jiù biàn de jǐnzhāng qǐlái. The discussion got tense once people started ranking everyone's priorities.
B
听起来，有些团队觉得自己的工作被搁置了。
tīng qǐlái, yǒuxiē tuánduì juéde zìjǐ de gōngzuò bèi gēzhì le. It sounded like some teams felt their work was being pushed aside.
A
即使没人有意那样做，也可能损害信任。
jíshǐ méi rén yǒuyì nàyàng zuò, yě kěnéng sǔnhài xìnrèn. That can hurt trust, even if nobody meant it that way.
B
也许在下次会议前，我们应该把依赖关系和重要性区分开。
yěxǔ zài xià cì huìyì qián, wǒmen yīnggāi bǎ yīlài guānxì hé zhòngyàoxìng qūfēn kāi. Maybe we should separate dependencies from importance before the next meeting.
A
有些任务需要先完成。
yǒuxiē rènwu xūyào xiān wánchéng. Some tasks need to happen first.
A
但这并不意味着它们更有价值。
dàn zhè bìng bù yìwèizhe tāmen gèng yǒu jiàzhí. But that does not make them more valuable.
B
我可以在我们下次开会前整理出一张依赖关系图。
wǒ kěyǐ zài wǒmen xià cì kāihuì qián zhěnglǐ chū yì zhāng yīlài guānxì tú. I can put together a dependency map before we meet again.
A
这样应该能让讨论围绕具体事项展开，而不是针对个人。
zhèyàng yīnggāi néng ràng tǎolùn wéirào jùtǐ shìxiàng zhǎnkāi, ér bú shì zhēnduì gèrén. That should keep the discussion concrete instead of personal.
B
这样大家就可以根据同样的信息展开讨论，而不是只根据各自的挫败感。
zhèyàng dàjiā jiù kěyǐ gēnjù tóngyàng de xìnxī zhǎnkāi tǎolùn, ér bú shì zhǐ gēnjù gèzì de cuòbàigǎn. Then people can base the discussion on the same information, not just their frustrations.Word by Word
大家
大家 means everyone or the whole group here, referring to the people involved in the discussion. It commonly appears as the subject of a group action, as in 大家开始. Use it when addressing or describing a group collectively.
开始
开始 means begin or start here, introducing the point when people began ranking priorities. It commonly comes before an action, as in 开始给每个人的优先事项排先后. Use it when describing the beginning of an activity.
给
给 marks the people who receive or are assigned the action in 给每个人的优先事项排先后. Here it introduces the person whose priorities are being ranked. A reusable pattern is 给 + person + action, such as 给每个人安排任务.
每个人
每个人 means each person, referring to the individuals considered one by one in the discussion. It is used before 的 to form 每个人的优先事项, meaning each person's priorities. Use it when the statement applies individually to all people in a group.
的
的 links 每个人 to 优先事项 in 每个人的优先事项, showing that the priorities belong to or are associated with each person. A reusable pattern is modifier + 的 + noun. Use it to connect a person, description, or other modifier with a noun.
优先事项
优先事项 means priority items or matters that should receive attention first. In the dialogue, these are the priorities being ranked in 给每个人的优先事项排先后. Use it for work, planning, or decisions when discussing what deserves attention.
排
排 means rank or arrange here, describing the act of putting priorities into an order. It appears in 排先后, where the result is an order of precedence. Use it with items that need to be ranked or arranged.
先后
先后 refers to the order in which things come first or later in 排先后. Together, 排先后 means to rank or arrange by sequence or priority. Use it when comparing which task, event, or item should come before another.
时
时 means when or at the time that in 大家开始给每个人的优先事项排先后时. It turns the preceding action into a time condition for the main clause. Use the pattern action + 时 + main clause to connect an event with what happened at that time.
讨论
讨论 means discussion here, referring to the workplace conversation that became tense. It is the subject in 讨论就变得紧张起来. Use it for a conversation in which people examine a topic or issue together.
就
就 marks the resulting state in 讨论就变得紧张起来: once the stated condition occurred, the discussion became tense. It commonly links a condition or time point with an immediate result. Use it when emphasizing what follows from a preceding event.
变得
变得 means became or grew into a state here, showing that the discussion changed and was no longer relaxed. It is followed by the resulting quality 紧张 in 变得紧张起来. Use it before an adjective or state when describing a change.
紧张
紧张 means tense here, describing the atmosphere of the discussion rather than a person's nervousness. In 讨论就变得紧张起来, it names the state that developed. Use it for a tense situation, relationship, or atmosphere when the context makes that clear.
起来
起来 in 变得紧张起来 marks the development or onset of the new state of becoming tense. It completes the change-of-state expression 变得紧张起来 rather than giving an upward direction. Use it after a state when describing that state beginning or becoming noticeable.
听
听 means hear or listen, and in 听起来 it contributes to the meaning sound or seem. The speaker is giving an impression based on what was heard, not claiming direct certainty. Use 听起来 + description when reporting how something seems from what you hear.
有些
有些 means some here, referring to part of the teams rather than all teams. It introduces 有些团队, meaning some teams. Use it before a noun when identifying an unspecified subset.
团队
团队 means team, referring to groups whose work felt pushed aside. It appears in 有些团队觉得, where the teams are the ones holding that view. Use it for an organized group working toward a shared task or goal.
觉得
觉得 means feel or think here, introducing the teams' perception that their work was being set aside. It commonly takes a clause after it, as in 团队觉得自己的工作被搁置了. Use it to report a person's or group's judgment or feeling.
自己
自己 means one's own or oneself here, referring back to the teams in 自己的工作. It emphasizes that the work belongs to the teams themselves. Use 自己的 + noun when the subject's own possession or responsibility is relevant.
工作
工作 means work here, referring to the teams' work that they felt had been put on hold. It is the object of 自己的 in 自己的工作. Use it for work in general or for the tasks and responsibilities carried out by a person or team.
被
被 marks the passive construction in 被搁置了, presenting the work as the thing affected by someone setting it aside. The sentence focuses on what happened to the work rather than who did it. Use 被 + action when describing an affected subject in a passive statement.
搁置
搁置 means set aside or put on hold here, describing what happened to the teams' work. In 被搁置了, the work is presented as having been left aside. Use it for work, plans, or issues that are not being continued for the time being.
了
了 in 被搁置了 marks the resulting completed state: the work has been left aside. Here it helps present the change as an established situation, not merely a possible action. Use it after an action or state when the sentence focuses on a new or completed situation.
即使
即使 means even if and introduces a condition that does not prevent the main result in 即使没人有意那样做. The sentence says trust may still be harmed despite the absence of bad intent. Use 即使 + condition to acknowledge a possible condition while maintaining the main point.
没人
没人 means nobody or no one here, referring to the people involved in the discussion. It is the subject of 有意那样做 in 即使没人有意那样做. Use it when stating that no person did or had a certain action or intention.
有意
有意 means intentionally or deliberately here, describing whether anyone meant to cause the result. In 没人有意那样做, it says no one deliberately acted that way. Use it to clarify that an action was purposeful rather than accidental or unintended.
那样
那样 means that way or like that here, referring back to the harmful treatment implied by the discussion. In 有意那样做, it avoids repeating the specific action. Use it to refer to a previously described manner or situation.
做
做 means do here, completing 有意那样做, meaning deliberately do that. Its specific action is supplied by 那样, which points back to the earlier situation. Use 做 after a manner or object phrase when referring to carrying out an action.
也
也 in 也可能 adds the idea that the result can still occur under the stated condition. In 即使没人有意那样做，也可能损害信任, it connects the concessive condition with the possible consequence. Use it to mark an additional or still-applicable result.
可能
可能 means may or possibly here, expressing that the situation can harm trust without saying that harm is certain. It appears before 损害信任 in 也可能损害信任. Use 可能 + action or state when describing a possible outcome.
损害
损害 means harm or damage here, with 信任 as the thing that may be affected. In 损害信任, it describes weakening trust rather than causing a physical injury. Use it with trust, interests, reputation, or other things that can be negatively affected.
信任
信任 means trust here, referring to confidence between people or teams. It is the object in 损害信任. Use it when discussing whether people can rely on or have confidence in one another.
也许
也许 means maybe or perhaps here, introducing a suggestion rather than a firm instruction. It appears before 在下次会议前的 proposal in 也许在下次会议前，我们应该把依赖关系和重要性区分开. Use it to soften a proposal or express uncertainty about a possible plan.
在
在 marks the time frame in 在下次会议前, meaning before the next meeting. Here it introduces a time expression rather than a location. Use 在 + time or place phrase to set when or where an action occurs.
下次
下次 means next time or next here, referring to the meeting that will follow the current one. It modifies 会议 in 下次会议. Use it before an event noun when referring to the next occurrence of that event.
会议
会议 means meeting here, specifically the next workplace meeting. It appears in 下次会议前, which sets a deadline before that meeting. Use it for an organized meeting or formal discussion.
前
前 means before here, placing the proposed action earlier than the next meeting in 下次会议前. It follows the time expression it relates to. Use noun or time phrase + 前 to say that something happens before it.
我们
我们 means we or us here, referring to the colleagues who should separate dependencies from importance. It is the subject of 应该把依赖关系和重要性区分开. Use it when including the speaker and at least one other person.
应该
应该 means should here, presenting the separation of dependencies and importance as a recommended action. It comes before 把依赖关系和重要性区分开. Use 应该 + action to give advice or identify a suitable responsibility.
把
把 marks 依赖关系和重要性 as the object that will be deliberately handled in 把依赖关系和重要性区分开. The construction highlights what is acted on and the resulting separation. Use 把 + object + action when the action produces a clear effect on that object.
依赖关系
依赖关系 means dependency relationship here, referring to which tasks or priorities rely on others. It is one of the two concepts being distinguished in 把依赖关系和重要性区分开. Use it when mapping prerequisites or connections between tasks, systems, or teams.
和
和 means and here, joining the two concepts in 依赖关系和重要性. It presents them as a pair to be distinguished. Use 和 to connect nouns or noun phrases in a list or comparison.
重要性
重要性 means importance here, referring to how valuable or significant something is. It is contrasted with dependency relationships in 依赖关系和重要性. Use it when evaluating significance separately from timing or prerequisites.
区分
区分 means distinguish or separate here, describing the proposed action of treating dependencies and importance as different considerations. It appears in 区分开, where 开 completes the separation result. Use it with two concepts that should not be treated as the same.
开
开 in 区分开 indicates that the two concepts should be separated from each other. The meaning belongs to the construction 区分开, not to 开 alone as an independent action here. Use it after an action when that action results in things being separated.
任务
任务 means task here, referring to work items that may need to occur in a particular order. It is the subject of 需要先完成. Use it for a defined piece of work that someone must carry out.
需要
需要 means need or require here, stating that some tasks have to be completed before others. It appears in 任务需要先完成. Use it before an action or object to express a requirement.
先
先 means first or beforehand here, indicating that the tasks must be completed before another relevant step. It appears before 完成 in 先完成. Use it before an action when establishing order or priority in time.
完成
完成 means complete or finish here, describing the required result for some tasks. In 需要先完成, it is the action that must happen first. Use it with a task, project, or other piece of work that can be brought to completion.
但
但 means but here, introducing a qualification to the statement that some tasks must happen first. It connects the dependency point with the different judgment about value. Use it to mark a direct contrast between two statements.
这
这 means this here, referring to the preceding fact that some tasks need to be completed first. In 这并不意味着, it makes that whole fact the subject of the following conclusion. Use it to point back to a nearby situation or statement.
并
并 in 并不意味着 strengthens the negation and emphasizes that the preceding fact does not imply the following conclusion. It is used together with 不 here, rather than carrying the main meaning by itself. Use 并不 + verb or adjective to firmly reject an implication.
不
不 means not here, negating 意味着 in 并不意味着. The phrase says that needing to happen first does not mean being more valuable. Use 不 before a verb or adjective to form a basic negation.
意味着
意味着 means mean or signify here, introducing the conclusion that the fact would imply if it were true. In 并不意味着它们更有价值, the sentence denies that implication. Use it before a clause to state what a fact or action indicates.
它们
它们 means they or them for things here, referring back to the tasks. It is the subject of 更有价值 in 它们更有价值. Use it when referring to multiple non-human items already mentioned.
更
更 means more here, forming the comparison more valuable in 更有价值. It indicates a higher degree relative to something else, even though the sentence denies that comparison. Use 更 before an adjective when expressing a greater degree.
有
有 in 有价值 contributes to the expression of having or possessing value. Here it is not a standalone possession statement; the full expression 有价值 means be valuable. Use 有价值 to evaluate the worth or usefulness of an item, task, or idea.
价值
价值 means value here, referring to the worth of the tasks rather than the order in which they must happen. It appears in 有价值 and is modified by 更. Use it when discussing the importance, usefulness, or worth of something.
我
我 means I or me here, identifying the speaker as the person who can prepare the dependency map. It is the subject of 可以整理出. Use it when the speaker refers to themself.
可以
可以 means can here, expressing that the speaker is able or willing to prepare the map. It appears in 我可以整理出一张依赖关系图. Use 可以 + action to state ability or offer a feasible action.
开会
开会 means hold or attend a meeting here, referring to the next time the colleagues meet. In 我们下次开会前, it is part of a time phrase meaning before we meet again. Use it for participating in or conducting a meeting.
整理
整理 means organize or put in order here, describing the preparation of the dependency map. It appears in 整理出一张依赖关系图, where the speaker organizes information into a useful result. Use it with documents, information, materials, or plans that need to be ordered.
出
出 in 整理出 indicates that organizing produces or brings out a finished result. The full expression 整理出一张依赖关系图 means organize information into a dependency map. Use it after an action when that action results in something being produced or identified.
张
张 is the classifier used for the flat item 一张依赖关系图, a dependency map. It is selected because the map is treated as a flat sheet or chart. Use 张 with flat objects such as maps, sheets, or similar items.
图
图 means map or diagram here, referring to the visual dependency map being prepared. It appears in 依赖关系图, where it names the diagram that shows dependencies. Use it for a visual representation of information or relationships.
这样
这样 means this way or in this manner here, referring to preparing and using the dependency map. In 这样能让讨论围绕具体事项展开, it introduces the expected effect of that approach. Use it to refer to a method or situation just described.
能
能 means can or be able to here, expressing the expected ability of this approach to keep the discussion focused. It appears in 这样能让讨论围绕具体事项展开. Use 能 + action when a person, method, or situation makes an outcome possible.
让
让 means make or cause here, showing that the dependency map can cause the discussion to stay focused on concrete matters. It is followed by the affected activity and its resulting focus. Use 让 + person or activity + result to describe causing an outcome.
围绕
围绕 means center around or focus on here, describing what the discussion should be organized around. It appears in 让讨论围绕具体事项展开. Use it before a topic when an activity or discussion is focused on that topic.
具体
具体 means specific or concrete here, describing the matters that should be the focus of the discussion. It modifies 事项 in 具体事项. Use it when contrasting clear, identifiable matters with something vague or personal.
事项
事项 means matter or item of business here, referring to the concrete issues under discussion. It appears in 具体事项, which means specific matters. Use it for an issue, item, or point that needs attention in work or discussion.
展开
展开 means carry out or develop here, describing the discussion taking place around concrete matters. In 围绕具体事项展开, it means conduct or develop the discussion around those matters. Use it with discussions, activities, or work that unfolds around a topic.
而
而 connects the preferred focus with a contrast in 而不是针对个人. It marks the difference between discussing concrete matters and directing attention at individuals. Use it to link two contrasted descriptions or actions.
不是
不是 means is not or rather than here, rejecting the idea that the discussion should target individuals. In 而不是针对个人, it forms a contrast with 围绕具体事项展开. Use it after 而 when presenting the alternative that should not be chosen.
针对
针对 means be directed at or target here, describing attention aimed at individuals rather than at concrete matters. It appears in 针对个人. Use it before a person, group, or issue when an action or criticism is directed toward that target.
个人
个人 means individual or personal here, referring to people as individuals in contrast with the concrete matters under discussion. It is the object of 针对 in 针对个人. Use it when distinguishing an individual person from a group, task, or issue.
根据
根据 means according to or based on here, introducing the information that should provide the basis for the discussion. It appears in 根据同样的信息展开讨论. Use 根据 + source or evidence when explaining what an action or judgment is based on.
同样
同样 means the same here, describing information shared by everyone as the common basis for discussion. It modifies 信息 in 同样的信息. Use it when different people or groups use an identical thing or basis.
信息
信息 means information here, referring to the shared facts or material used to support the discussion. It is the object of 根据 in 根据同样的信息. Use it for facts, data, or communicated material that informs a decision.
只
只 means only or just here, limiting the basis of the discussion to the teams' frustrations if no shared information is used. It appears in 不只是各自的挫败感? In the dialogue the exact form is 不只是 not present; the source has 而不是只根据各自的挫败感, so 只 limits 根据各自的挫败感. Use it before an action or basis when emphasizing limitation.
各自
各自 means each one's own here, showing that the frustrations belong separately to the different people or groups. It modifies 挫败感 in 各自的挫败感. Use it when people in a group have separate responsibilities, positions, or feelings.
挫败感
挫败感 means a sense of frustration here, referring to the negative feelings each person may bring to the discussion. In 各自的挫败感, it is presented as a less reliable basis than shared information. Use it when describing frustration caused by setbacks or blocked progress.
Grammar Points
根据 + 名词 + 动词
根据重要性排先后。
gēnjù zhòngyàoxìng pái xiānhòu.Rank in order of priority based on importance.
“根据”放在名词前，表示按照某个标准或依据来做事。
有意 + 动词
有意损害信任。
yǒuyì sǔnhài xìnrèn.Intentionally damage trust.
“有意”是副词，放在动词前，表示动作是故意做的。
Chinese Vocabulary
搁置
verb
gēzhì
to set aside; to put on hold
紧张
adj
jǐnzhāng
tense; nervous
排先后
phrase
pái xiānhòu
to rank in order of priority
区分开
verb
qūfēn kāi
to distinguish; to separate
损害
verb
sǔnhài
to damage; to harm
讨论
noun
tǎolùn
discussion
团队
noun
tuánduì
team
信任
noun
xìnrèn
trust
依赖关系
noun
yīlài guānxì
dependency; dependency relationship
优先事项
noun
yōuxiān shìxiàng
priority; priority item
有意
adv
yǒuyì
intentionally; deliberately
重要性
noun
zhòngyàoxìng
importance
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
priority; priority item
Show Answer
优先事项dependency; dependency relationship
Show Answer
依赖关系to damage; to harm
Show Answer
损害trust