交代
jiāo dài HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他交代了所有事情。
Tā jiāodài le suǒyǒu shìqing.
He confessed everything.
老板交代了重要任务。
Lǎobǎn jiāodài le zhòngyào rènwù.
The boss assigned an important task.
他交代工作后离开了。
Tā jiāodài gōngzuò hòu líkāi le.
He handed over the work and left.
他交代了任务。
Tā jiāodài le rènwù.
He handed over the task.
妈妈交代了事情。
Māma jiāodài le shìqing.
Mom explained the matter.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 交代 as 'handing over an account'—拆开来看, 交 (jiāo) means 'to hand over,' and 代 (dài) can mean 'to substitute' or 'generation,' so together, it's like passing on information or duties to another person or time.

📝 Usage Notes

It is used in both formal and informal settings, common in spoken and written Chinese. Typical contexts include workplace transitions (e.g., handing over tasks), legal or investigative situations (e.g., confessing to authorities), and everyday explanations (e.g., clarifying plans or reasons).

📖 Grammar Points

It is often used as a transitive verb followed by an object (e.g., 交代事情). In imperative forms, it can be used to urge someone to confess or explain (e.g., 快交代!). It can also appear in serial verb constructions, such as 交代给某人 (to hand over to someone).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 交代 carries a nuance of responsibility and moral obligation, especially in contexts like confessing (坦白交代), where honesty is culturally valued. It is also used in serious life matters, such as 交代后事 (to give final instructions before death), reflecting the importance of familial and social duties.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 解释 (jiěshì, to explain), which is more general and neutral, 交代 often implies a sense of duty, accountability, or thoroughness, as in confessing or transferring responsibilities. It differs from 说明 (shuōmíng, to illustrate) by emphasizing completeness and obligation.

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