前提
qián tí HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

合作的前提是相互信任。
Hézuò de qiántí shì xiānghù xìnrèn.
The premise of cooperation is mutual trust.
成功的前提是努力工作。
Chénggōng de qiántí shì nǔlì gōngzuò.
The condition for success is hard work.
这个计划的前提是资金充足。
Zhège jìhuà de qiántí shì zījīn chōngzú.
The premise of this plan is sufficient funding.
前提是合作。
Qiántí shì hézuò.
Cooperation is the premise.
前提很重要。
Qiántí hěn zhòngyào.
The premise is very important.

💡 Memory Tip

Break the word down: 前 (qián) means 'before' or 'front,' and 提 (tí) can mean 'to mention' or 'to raise.' Think of it as 'raising something before'—the thing you must mention or establish first as a condition.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and is commonly used in both written and spoken Chinese. It frequently appears in academic, professional, and everyday contexts when discussing conditions, requirements, or logical foundations. It is often used with verbs like 在...下 (under the condition of...) to frame a situation.

📖 Grammar Points

The most common structure is '在 + [specific condition] + 的前提下 + [main clause].' For example, '在保持健康的前提下 (Under the precondition of maintaining health)...' This structure sets a limiting or enabling condition for the main action.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese academic or logical discourse, 前提 is crucial for constructing arguments, similar to 'premise' in English logic. It reflects a cultural emphasis on establishing proper foundations and conditions before proceeding.

🔄 Similar Words

条件 (tiáojiàn) means 'condition' in a broader sense and can be used more generally. 前提 specifically emphasizes a condition that must come *first* or be satisfied *beforehand*. 基础 (jīchǔ) means 'foundation' or 'basis,' which is similar but more about a supportive base rather than a sequential requirement.

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