About This Lesson
Use Gym Equipment Etiquette to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
我注意到有几台器械被人用毛巾占着很长时间。
Wǒ zhùyì dào yǒu jǐ tái qìxiè bèi rén yòng máojīn zhànzhe hěn cháng shíjiān. I noticed several machines were being reserved with towels for a long time.
B
那确实让人很烦恼，尤其是在健身房人多的时候。
Nà quèshí ràng rén hěn fánnǎo, yóuqí shì zài jiànshēnfáng rén duō de shíhou. That can be frustrating, especially when the gym is busy.
A
我不想直接去质问任何人。
Wǒ bù xiǎng zhíjiē qù zhìwèn rènhé rén. I did not want to confront anyone directly.
B
工作人员可以做个一般性的提醒，而不点名针对任何人。
Gōngzuò rényuán kěyǐ zuò ge yìbān xìng de tíxǐng, ér bù diǎnmíng zhēnduì rènhé rén. Staff can give a general reminder without singling anyone out.
A
那样感觉没那么咄咄逼人。
Nàyàng gǎnjué méi nàme duōduō bīrén. That would feel less aggressive.
B
我可以广播提醒一下，并且更经常地巡视健身区。
Wǒ kěyǐ guǎngbō tíxǐng yíxià, bìngqiě gèng jīngcháng de xúnshì jiànshēn qū. I can make an announcement and monitor the gym floor more often.
A
这样应该能让大家更容易使用器械，也不会制造紧张气氛。
Zhèyàng yīnggāi néng ràng dàjiā gèng róngyì shǐyòng qìxiè, yě bú huì zhìzào jǐnzhāng qìfēn. That should improve access without creating tension.
B
如果同样的情况持续发生，请再向我们报告。
Rúguǒ tóngyàng de qíngkuàng chíxù fāshēng, qǐng zài xiàng wǒmen bàogào. Please report it again if the same thing keeps happening.Word by Word
我
我 means “I” or “me” and refers to the speaker in the dialogue. It is used before the verb in “我注意到” and “我不想”. A common pattern is 我 + verb, such as the new example 我明白了。
注意到
注意到 means “notice” or “become aware of” in “我注意到有几台器械被人用毛巾占着”. 注意 directs attention, while 到 shows that the awareness is reached. Reuse 注意到 + what was noticed, such as the new example 注意到一个问题。
有
有 introduces the existence of several machines in “有几台器械”. Here it means “there are”, not possession. A common pattern is 有 + quantity + noun, such as the new example 有两个选择。
几
几 means “several” or “a few” in “几台器械”, without giving an exact number. It is placed before a classifier and noun. Reuse 几 + classifier + noun, such as the new example 几个人。
台
台 is the classifier used for the machines in “几台器械”. It commonly comes between a number or quantity word and a machine or similar device. Reuse 一台机器 as a new example。
器械
器械 means “equipment” or “apparatus” and refers here to gym equipment. In “使用器械”, it is the object being used. Reuse 使用 + 器械 when talking about operating or using equipment。
被
被 marks the passive construction in “被人用毛巾占着”: the machines are the things affected by the action. The person responsible is introduced after 被. A common pattern is 被 + person + verb, such as the new example 被工作人员发现。
人
人 means “person” or “people”. In this dialogue it appears in “被人”, “让人”, and “任何人”, referring respectively to an unspecified person, people affected by something, and any person. Reuse 人 after a quantity or in compounds such as the new example 三个人。
用
用 means “use” or “with” in “用毛巾占着”, showing that a towel is used as the means for holding the equipment. It comes before the object used. Reuse 用 + object + verb, such as the new example 用手机记录。
毛巾
毛巾 means “towel” and is the object introduced after 用 in “用毛巾”. In this dialogue, the towel is being used to indicate that equipment is being held. Reuse 毛巾 as a noun for a towel in a gym or other practical setting。
占
占 means “occupy” or “take up” in “占着”, referring to keeping the equipment unavailable to others. The following 着 presents this as an ongoing state. Reuse 占 + place or resource, such as the new example 占一个位置。
着
着 in “占着” indicates that the state of occupying or holding the equipment continues. It focuses on the ongoing condition rather than a single completed action. Reuse verb + 着 for a continuing state, such as the new example 门开着。
很
很 means “very” or “quite” in “很长时间” and “很烦恼”. It strengthens the following description. Reuse 很 + adjective, such as the new example 很方便。
长
长 means “long” in the time expression “很长时间”, describing an extended duration. Here it refers to duration rather than physical length. Reuse 长时间 or 很长时间 when describing something that lasts for a long period。
时间
时间 means “time” in “很长时间”. Together with 长, it expresses the duration for which the machines were occupied. Reuse 一段时间 or 很长时间 as common duration expressions。
那
那 means “that” in “那确实让人很烦恼”, referring back to the situation just described. It can introduce a comment about a previously mentioned matter. Reuse 那 + evaluation, such as the new example 那很重要。
确实
确实 means “indeed” or “certainly” in “那确实让人很烦恼”, confirming that the situation really is frustrating. It strengthens the speaker’s agreement or assessment. Reuse 确实 + description or verb phrase, such as the new example 确实有帮助。
让
让 introduces the people affected by the situation in “让人很烦恼”, meaning that it causes people to feel troubled. It connects a cause with a resulting feeling or action. Reuse 让 + person + adjective or verb, such as the new example 让大家放心。
烦恼
烦恼 describes the troubled or frustrated feeling caused by the equipment being unavailable in “让人很烦恼”. It functions as the result of 让 in this sentence. Reuse 感到烦恼 or 让人烦恼 when describing an irritating situation。
尤其
尤其 means “especially” and highlights the condition in “尤其是在健身房人多的时候”. It marks one situation as particularly relevant among others. Reuse 尤其是 + a person, thing, or situation, such as the new example 尤其是周末。
是
是 helps frame the especially emphasized situation in “尤其是在健身房人多的时候”. Here it is part of 尤其是, meaning “especially when” or “especially in the case of”. Reuse 尤其是 + noun or clause when selecting one particularly relevant case。
在
在 places the situation in a time or setting in “在健身房人多的时候”. It introduces where or under what circumstances something happens. Reuse 在 + place or time phrase, such as the new example 在办公室。
健身房
健身房 means “gym” and identifies the setting in “在健身房人多的时候”. It is the place where the equipment and staff are located. Reuse 在健身房 + action, such as the new example 在健身房锻炼。
多
多 means “many” in “健身房人多”, describing a gym with many people present. The expression 人多 means that there are many people. Reuse place or situation + 人多 to describe a crowded setting, such as the new example 这里人多。
的
的 links a modifying phrase to a noun in “人多的时候” and “同样的情况”. In the first expression, 人多 modifies 时候; in the second, 同样 modifies 情况. Reuse modifier + 的 + noun, such as the new example 安静的地方。
时候
时候 means “time” or “when” in “人多的时候”, referring to the time when the gym is crowded. It follows a description of the circumstances. Reuse clause or description + 的时候 to mean “when”, such as the new example 下雨的时候。
不
不 negates 想 in “不想”, expressing that the speaker does not want to confront anyone directly. It is placed before the verb or modal expression being negated. Reuse 不 + verb, such as the new example 不需要。
想
想 means “want to” in “不想直接去质问任何人”. It expresses the speaker’s intention or desire concerning the following action. Reuse 想 + verb, such as the new example 想休息一下。
直接
直接 means “directly” and modifies the action in “直接去质问”. It shows that the speaker does not want to address a person in a direct, confrontational way. Reuse 直接 + verb, such as the new example 直接联系工作人员。
去
去 in “去质问任何人” marks proceeding to carry out the following action. It gives the action a practical, action-oriented sense rather than describing travel to a place. Reuse 去 + verb when describing going to do something, such as the new example 去确认一下。
质问
质问 means to question or confront someone in a challenging way in “质问任何人”. It describes the direct action the speaker wants to avoid. Reuse 质问 + person when describing a forceful demand for an explanation。
任何
任何 means “any” in “任何人”, referring to any person without specifying who. In this negative sentence, 不想 ... 任何人 means not wanting to confront anyone. Reuse 任何 + noun, such as the new example 任何问题。
工作人员
工作人员 means “staff member” or “staff” and refers to the people responsible for handling the gym situation. In “工作人员可以”, it is the subject of the proposed action. Reuse place or organization + 工作人员, such as the new example 前台工作人员。
可以
可以 means “can” or “be able to” in “工作人员可以做个一般性的提醒”, presenting an available or acceptable action. It comes before the proposed verb. Reuse 可以 + verb, such as the new example 可以联系我。
做
做 means “do” or “give” in “做个一般性的提醒”, describing carrying out a reminder. It takes the reminder as its object here. Reuse 做 + noun phrase for carrying out an activity, such as the new example 做个决定。
个
个 is the general classifier in “做个一般性的提醒”. It makes the noun phrase sound natural and conversational after 做. Reuse 个 before many ordinary countable nouns, such as the new example 一个问题。
一般性
一般性 means “general” or “non-specific” in “一般性的提醒”. It describes a reminder intended for a broad group rather than a named individual. Reuse 一般性的 + noun when describing a broad policy, notice, or comment。
提醒
提醒 means “reminder” in “做个一般性的提醒”, referring to staff giving a general notice about equipment etiquette. It can also describe the act of reminding someone. Reuse 提醒 + person + about an issue, or 做个提醒, as in the dialogue。
而
而 connects the general reminder with the action that is not taken in “而不点名针对任何人”. It presents the two approaches together with a contrast between reminding and singling someone out. Reuse 而 + verb phrase to connect related or contrasting actions。
点名
点名 means to name someone specifically in “点名针对任何人”. It indicates identifying a particular person instead of addressing everyone generally. Reuse 点名 + person when discussing naming someone directly in a public notice or discussion。
针对
针对 means “target” or “single out” in “针对任何人”, describing directing the reminder at a particular person. Together with 点名, it makes clear that no individual is being singled out. Reuse 针对 + person, group, or issue when explaining what an action is directed toward。
那样
那样 means “that way” in “那样感觉没那么咄咄逼人”, referring to the general reminder just proposed. It evaluates the manner of carrying out the action. Reuse 那样 + verb or description when referring to an already mentioned way of doing something。
感觉
感觉 means “feel” or “seem” in “感觉没那么咄咄逼人”, expressing an impression about how the action comes across. It is followed here by a degree comparison. Reuse 感觉 + adjective or description, such as the new example 感觉更安全。
没
没 in “没那么咄咄逼人” lowers the degree, meaning “not as” aggressive or overbearing. It combines with 那么 to compare the degree of a quality. Reuse 没那么 + adjective, such as the new example 没那么复杂。
那么
那么 in “没那么咄咄逼人” means “that much” or “so”, setting the degree being reduced. The phrase 没那么 + description means “not as ...”. Reuse 那么 + adjective in degree comparisons, such as the new example 那么困难。
咄咄逼人
咄咄逼人 describes a manner that feels aggressively pressuring or overbearing. In this expression, the two 咄 give a forceful, pressing tone, 逼 conveys pressing toward someone, and 人 identifies the person being pressed; together they describe an approach that puts pressure on people. In the dialogue, 没那么咄咄逼人 means “not as aggressive”, while a common reuse is 语气咄咄逼人。
广播
广播 means “broadcast” or “make an announcement” in “广播提醒一下”. Here it refers to communicating a general reminder to people in the gym. Reuse 广播 + message or reminder when addressing a group in a public place。
一下
一下 softens “广播提醒” and presents it as a brief or limited action in “广播提醒一下”. It can make a request or proposal sound less forceful. Reuse verb + 一下, such as the new example 看一下。
并且
并且 connects the announcement with the additional action in “并且更经常地巡视健身区”. It means “and” or “moreover” and links coordinated actions. Reuse A 并且 B when one subject carries out two related actions。
更
更 means “more” in “更经常地巡视”, showing an increase in frequency compared with before. It comes before the description of the increased degree. Reuse 更 + adjective or adverb, such as the new example 更方便。
经常
经常 means “often” or “frequently” in “经常地巡视健身区”. It describes repeated monitoring rather than a single check. Reuse 经常 + verb, such as the new example 经常检查。
地
地 marks the adverbial phrase “更经常地” before the verb “巡视”. It shows how the monitoring is carried out, namely more frequently. Reuse descriptive phrase + 地 + verb when turning a description into an adverbial modifier。
巡视
巡视 means “patrol” or “monitor” in “巡视健身区”, referring to staff moving through or checking the area. It is the action staff will perform more often. Reuse 巡视 + area, such as the new example 巡视大厅。
健身区
健身区 means “fitness area” or “gym floor” and is the area staff will monitor in “巡视健身区”. It identifies the relevant part of the gym. Reuse 在健身区 + action, such as the new example 在健身区训练。
这样
这样 means “this way” in “这样应该能让大家更容易使用器械”. It refers to the announcement and more frequent monitoring just proposed. Reuse 这样 + result or evaluation when explaining the effect of an action。
应该
应该 means “should” in “应该能让大家更容易使用器械”, expressing an expected or reasonable result. It is followed by 能 to frame what the proposed actions are expected to achieve. Reuse 应该 + verb or 应该能 + verb, such as the new example 这样应该能解决问题。
能
能 means “be able to” or “can” in “能让大家更容易使用器械”, indicating the expected ability of the proposed actions to produce a result. It comes before 让 and the resulting action. Reuse 能 + verb, such as the new example 能帮助大家理解。
大家
大家 means “everyone” or “everybody” in “让大家更容易使用器械”. It refers broadly to the gym users rather than to one named person. Reuse 让大家 + verb or adjective when discussing an effect on a group。
容易
容易 means “easy” or “easier” in “更容易使用器械”, describing improved ease of access and use. The following 使用器械 explains what becomes easier. Reuse 容易 + verb, such as the new example 容易理解。
使用
使用 means “use” and takes 器械 as its object in “使用器械”. It is a relatively direct way to describe using equipment. Reuse 使用 + object, such as the new example 使用这个工具。
也
也 means “also” or “too” in “也不会制造紧张气氛”. It adds a second expected result alongside making equipment easier to use. Reuse 也 + verb phrase when adding another related outcome。
会
会 in “不会制造紧张气氛” indicates an expected result or consequence. With 不, it says that the proposed approach will not create tension. Reuse 会 + verb for likely or expected outcomes, such as the new example 会有帮助。
制造
制造 means “create” or “cause” in “制造紧张气氛”, referring to bringing about an atmosphere of tension. It takes the resulting thing as its object. Reuse 制造 + problem, pressure, or atmosphere when describing something caused by an action。
紧张
紧张 means “tense” in the phrase “紧张气氛”, describing an uncomfortable atmosphere between people. Here it modifies 气氛 rather than describing a person’s physical state. Reuse 紧张 + noun, such as the new example 紧张局面。
气氛
气氛 means “atmosphere” in “紧张气氛”, referring to the emotional or social feeling in the gym. The sentence says the proposed approach will avoid creating such an atmosphere. Reuse 形容词 + 气氛, such as the new example 轻松的气氛。
如果
如果 introduces the condition in “如果同样的情况持续发生”, meaning “if” or “when this condition occurs”. It is placed at the beginning of the conditional clause. Reuse 如果 + condition, followed by the result or request。
同样
同样 means “the same” or “of the same kind” in “同样的情况”. It says that the situation resembles the one already reported. Reuse 同样的 + noun, such as the new example 同样的问题。
情况
情况 means “situation” or “circumstance” in “同样的情况”, referring to the equipment being held with towels. It is the subject of 持续发生. Reuse 某种情况 or 这种情况 when discussing an event or problem。
持续
持续 means “continue” or “persist” in “持续发生”, showing that the situation keeps going over time. It comes before the verb 发生. Reuse 持续 + verb, such as the new example 持续改善。
发生
发生 means “happen” or “occur” in “情况持续发生”. It describes the situation taking place again or continuing to take place. Reuse problem or event + 发生, such as the new example 问题发生了。
请
请 makes the instruction polite in “请再向我们报告”. It introduces a respectful request to the listener. Reuse 请 + verb when asking someone to do something politely, such as the new example 请稍等。
再
再 means “again” in “再向我们报告”, asking the member to report the issue another time if it continues. It is placed before the action. Reuse 再 + verb for a repeated future action, such as the new example 再试一次。
向
向 marks the recipient or direction of the report in “向我们报告”. It shows that the report is directed to the staff or organization represented by 我们. Reuse 向 + person or organization + verb, such as the new example 向老师提问。
我们
我们 means “we” or “us” in “向我们报告”, referring to the staff or gym representatives speaking as a group. It is the recipient after 向. Reuse 向我们 + verb when directing a request or report to the speaker’s group。
报告
报告 means “report” in “向我们报告”, asking the member to tell staff if the same situation continues. It takes the recipient after 向 in this sentence. Reuse 向 + person or organization + 报告 + problem, such as the new example 向工作人员报告问题。
Grammar Points
把 + 名词 + 动词
有人把器械占着很长时间。
Yǒu rén bǎ qìxiè zhànzhe hěn cháng shíjiān.Someone has occupied the equipment for a long time.
The 把 construction places the object before the verb to emphasize what happens to it.
尤其 + 动词短语
工作人员巡视健身区，尤其注意到人多。
Gōngzuò rényuán xúnshì jiànshēn qū, yóuqí zhùyì dào rén duō.The staff patrol the gym area and especially notice that it is crowded.
尤其 is an adverb meaning “especially”; it comes before the verb or verb phrase it emphasizes.
Chinese Vocabulary
烦恼
adj
fánnǎo
frustrating; vexing
让人很烦恼
工作人员
noun
gōngzuò rényuán
staff member; staff
工作人员可以做个一般性的提醒
很长时间
phrase
hěn cháng shíjiān
a long time
占着很长时间
毛巾
noun
máojīn
towel
用毛巾占着
器械
noun
qìxiè
equipment; machine
有几台器械被人用毛巾占着
人多
adj
rén duō
crowded; busy
健身房人多的时候
提醒
noun
tíxǐng
reminder; remind
做个一般性的提醒
一般性的
adj
yìbān xìng de
general
一般性的提醒
尤其
adv
yóuqí
especially
尤其是在健身房人多的时候
占着
verb
zhànzhe
be occupying; be holding
被人用毛巾占着很长时间
质问
verb
zhìwèn
confront; question aggressively
直接去质问任何人
注意到
verb
zhùyì dào
notice
我注意到有几台器械
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
a long time
Show Answer
很长时间general
Show Answer
一般性的staff member; staff
Show Answer
工作人员crowded; busy