以免
yǐ miǎn HSK 6

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

请提前出发,以免迟到。
Qǐng tíqián chūfā, yǐmiǎn chídào.
Please leave early so as not to be late.
他保存了文件,以免丢失。
Tā bǎocún le wénjiàn, yǐmiǎn diūshī.
He saved the file in order to avoid losing it.
我们检查了设备,以免故障。
Wǒmen jiǎnchá le shèbèi, yǐmiǎn gùzhàng.
We checked the equipment to avoid malfunctions.
早点睡以免迟到。
Zǎo diǎn shuì yǐmiǎn chídào.
Sleep early to avoid being late.
带伞以免下雨。
Dài sǎn yǐmiǎn xiàyǔ.
Bring an umbrella to avoid rain.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 以 (in order to) + 免 (avoid). Think 'in order to avoid'. Remember it as the formal way to say 'so as not to' when giving precautionary advice.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is more formal and is commonly used in written Chinese, such as in instructions, warnings, or formal advice. It can also appear in spoken language in more serious or formal contexts. It's often used to give reasons for actions taken as precautions.

📖 Grammar Points

Used in the structure: [Action/Precaution], 以免 + [Undesirable Outcome]. It typically connects two clauses, with the first clause stating the preventive action and the second (after 以免) stating what is being avoided. It often appears with negative or undesirable outcomes.

🏯 Cultural Notes

Reflects a pragmatic and preventive mindset in Chinese culture, emphasizing foresight and caution to avoid problems before they occur.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to 避免 (bìmiǎn), which means 'to avoid' as a verb. 以免 is a conjunction used to link clauses (action + purpose), while 避免 is a verb that directly takes an object. Another similar word is 以防 (yǐfáng), meaning 'in order to prevent', which is slightly more proactive.

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