Diese Seite in deiner Sprache

English

فارسی

العربية

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb 10 Min. Lesezeit

等于

dengyu

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps 等于 in 30 Sekunden

Erklärung 等于 in your Level:

At the A1 level, students encounter '等于' (děngyú) primarily as a mathematical term. It is one of the first verbs learned in the context of numbers and basic arithmetic. The focus is on the formula: 'Number A + Number B = Number C'. For example, '一加一等于二' (1+1=2). Beginners learn that '等于' acts as the equals sign. At this stage, learners should not worry about metaphorical meanings. The key is to recognize the sound 'děngyú' and associate it with the '=' symbol. Teachers often use it to practice numbers from 1 to 100. It is a very stable and predictable word in this context, always appearing between the equation and the result. Students might also see it in very simple comparisons of quantity, such as '100 cents equals 1 dollar'. The goal for A1 is simply to use it to state facts about numbers and measurements accurately without adding extra words like 'is'.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the A2 level, the use of '等于' (děngyú) expands slightly into basic measurements and everyday comparisons. Students learn to use it with units of time, currency, and weight. For instance, '六十分钟等于一小时' (60 minutes equals one hour) or '一千克等于两斤' (1 kilogram equals 2 jin). A2 learners begin to see that '等于' can link two different ways of saying the same thing. They might also encounter it in very simple logical statements, such as '没去等于不去' (Not going is the same as not wanting to go), though this is more common at B1. The main challenge at A2 is distinguishing '等于' from '是' (shì). While '是' is for identity (I am a student), '等于' is for equivalence (A is the same as B in value). Learners are encouraged to use '等于' when there is a sense of calculation or conversion involved.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the B1 level, '等于' (děngyú) becomes a powerful tool for expression beyond math. This is the stage where the metaphorical and logical uses become prominent. B1 students learn to equate actions with consequences or states of mind. For example, '沉默等于承认' (Silence equals admission) or '放弃等于失败' (Giving up equals failure). The word is often used with the adverb '就' (jiù) for emphasis: '不努力就等于自杀' (Not working hard is basically suicide - a common hyperbolic expression). At this level, students should understand the nuance that '等于' implies a necessary or logical result. They also begin to distinguish '等于' from '相当于' (equivalent to) and '相等' (equal in quantity). B1 learners are expected to use '等于' in discussions about habits, lifestyle, and basic opinions to show the relationship between two concepts.

At the B2 level, '等于' (děngyú) is used with greater precision in complex arguments. Students learn to use it to define parameters in professional or academic contexts. For example, '这种行为等于干涉内政' (This kind of behavior is equivalent to interfering in internal affairs). B2 learners use '等于' to synthesize information and make strong, definitive claims. They also handle the negative form '不等于' (does not equal) with more sophistication, often using it to clarify nuanced differences: '理解不等于赞成' (Understanding does not equal agreeing). At this stage, the register becomes important; students learn when to use '等于' versus more formal alternatives like '等同于' or '同于'. They also recognize '等于' in idiomatic expressions and can use it to explain the logic behind cultural practices or complex social interactions.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C1 level, '等于' (děngyú) is used in highly abstract, philosophical, and literary contexts. Learners explore how the word can be used to challenge definitions or create rhetorical effects. For instance, in a debate about ethics, one might say '在极端情况下，生存是否就等于正义？' (In extreme cases, does survival equal justice?). C1 students are sensitive to the stylistic weight of '等于'. They might use it in legal analysis or scientific theory to establish identities between complex variables. They also understand the historical etymology of the characters and how '等' (rank/class) informs the modern sense of 'equality'. At this level, the learner can use '等于' to navigate high-level discussions about policy, philosophy, and linguistics, using the word to create clear, logical structures in long-form writing and speech.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C2 level, '等于' (děngyú) is handled with the finesse of a native speaker. The learner understands the subtle psychological impact of using '等于' to frame a reality. They can use it in creative writing to create metaphors that feel like logical truths. C2 speakers are aware of the word's place in the history of Chinese mathematics and its evolution into modern vernacular. They can effortlessly switch between the mathematical, legal, and colloquial registers of the word. Furthermore, they can analyze the use of '等于' in classical texts where '等' and '于' might have functioned differently, and they can participate in deep academic discourse where the very definition of 'equivalence' (等价性) is the subject. For a C2 learner, '等于' is not just a word, but a conceptual tool used to construct and deconstruct the logic of the world.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

等于 in 30 Sekunden

等于 (děngyú) is a B1-level verb primarily meaning 'to be equal to'. It is essential for math, conversions, and expressing logical or metaphorical equivalence.
It connects two nouns or verb phrases directly without needing the verb '是' (shì). It is the standard way to say 'equals' in Chinese.
Commonly used in patterns like 'A 等于 B' or 'A 不等于 B'. Adding '就' (jiù) before it adds emphasis to the logical consequence.
It is different from '平等' (social equality) and '相等' (quantitative equality). Use '等于' for results, values, and identity of meaning.

The Chinese verb 等于 (děngyú) is a foundational term that serves as the linguistic bridge between mathematical certainty and metaphorical equivalence. At its most basic level, it functions exactly like the equals sign (=) in an equation. However, as students progress to the CEFR B1 level and beyond, they discover that 等于 is far more versatile than a mere arithmetic operator. It is used to express that one situation, action, or concept is effectively identical in result or significance to another. When you say 'A 等于 B,' you are asserting a fundamental identity between two entities, whether you are calculating a grocery bill or debating the moral implications of a political decision.

Mathematical Function: In classrooms and daily commerce, this word is the standard way to express 'equals'. For example, 'Two plus two equals four' is rendered as '二加二等于四'. It is used for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division results, providing a definitive statement of value.
Metaphorical Equivalence: Outside of math, it links an action to a consequence. Saying 'Doing this is equal to giving up' uses 等于 to show that the two ideas are inseparable in their outcome. It adds a layer of weight and finality to a statement.
Logical Identity: In formal logic and legal contexts, it defines terms. If a contract states that 'Breach of clause A equals termination,' 等于 is the operative verb that establishes this legal reality.

如果你不努力，就等于在浪费生命。(If you don't work hard, it's equivalent to wasting your life.)

The word is composed of two characters: 等 (děng), which can mean 'class', 'rank', or 'wait', but here carries the meaning of 'equal' or 'same'; and 于 (yú), a preposition often meaning 'to', 'at', or 'than'. Together, they literally mean 'to be equal to'. This structure is very common in formal Chinese verbs that take an object directly after '于'. In daily conversation, you will hear people use it to simplify complex situations. If a friend asks if they should buy a cheap but broken car, you might say, '买它就等于买麻烦' (Buying it equals buying trouble). It is a powerful tool for reductionism—taking a complex set of circumstances and boiling them down to a single, comparable noun or phrase.

三乘以三等于九。(Three times three equals nine.)

Using 等于 (děngyú) correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb that links two entities of comparable grammatical weight. Whether you are dealing with numbers, nouns, or entire verb phrases, the structure remains consistent: [Subject] + 等于 + [Object]. Unlike some other verbs, it rarely takes aspect markers like '了' (le) or '过' (guo) because equality is generally treated as a constant state or a logical fact rather than a completed action.

The Mathematical Pattern: The most rigid use is in arithmetic. The pattern is [Number/Equation] + 等于 + [Result]. For example: '十减七等于三' (10 - 7 = 3). In this context, it is irreplaceable and formal.
The 'Action as Equivalence' Pattern: This is common in B1 level speech. [Verb Phrase A] + 等于 + [Verb Phrase B/Noun]. For instance, '天天加班等于没有生活' (Working overtime every day equals having no life). Here, the speaker is equating a lifestyle with a specific outcome.
The Negative Form: To say something 'does not equal', simply place '不' (bù) before the verb: [A] + 不等于 + [B]. Example: '有钱不等于快乐' (Having money does not equal happiness). This is a very common rhetorical device in Chinese to debunk myths or clarify misunderstandings.

你的沉默就等于承认了错误。(Your silence is equivalent to admitting the mistake.)

One nuance to watch for is the use of the adverb '就' (jiù) before 等于. Adding '就' adds emphasis, making the equivalence feel more immediate or certain. It is often translated as 'is basically' or 'is as good as'. For example, '你不去就等于放弃机会' (If you don't go, it's basically giving up the opportunity). Without '就', the sentence is a plain statement of fact; with '就', it carries a tone of warning or logical consequence. Another important aspect is the object. While English often uses adjectives after 'equals' (e.g., 'This equals bad'), Chinese almost always uses a noun or a verb phrase. Instead of saying '这等于坏' (incorrect), you would say '这等于一件坏事' (This equals a bad thing).

一百公分等于一公尺。(One hundred centimeters equals one meter.)

In the real world, 等于 (děngyú) appears in a wide array of settings, from the mundane to the highly philosophical. If you walk into a primary school in Beijing, you will hear children chanting multiplication tables: '三三得九' (three threes get nine), but when they write it out or speak formally, they use 等于. In a business meeting at a tech firm in Shanghai, you might hear a manager say, '失去这个客户就等于失去今年的奖金' (Losing this client equals losing this year's bonus). Here, it is used to motivate or stress the gravity of a situation.

News and Media: Newscasters often use it to explain complex statistics or economic shifts. '通货膨胀等于购买力下降' (Inflation equals a decrease in purchasing power). It serves to simplify economic jargon for the general public.
Legal and Official Documents: In contracts, '等于' is used to define equivalents in currency or measurements. '逾期未付等于违约' (Failure to pay on time equals a breach of contract). It provides the legal 'if-then' clarity required in professional life.
Social Media and Slang: On platforms like Weibo or Douyin, you'll see memes using the 'A = B' format to make humorous or cynical points. '周五晚上等于自由' (Friday night equals freedom). It is a shorthand for expressing strong feelings or shared cultural sentiments.

在这个行业，时间就等于金钱。(In this industry, time equals money.)

Another common place is in scientific discourse. If you are reading a Chinese research paper or watching a science documentary, 等于 is the standard term for physical constants and formulas. For example, '质量乘以速度等于动量' (Mass times velocity equals momentum). It bridges the gap between the abstract mathematical world and physical reality. Even in casual relationships, people use it to set boundaries or expectations. A partner might say, '你骗我就等于不爱我' (You lying to me equals you not loving me). This emotional use of 等于 shows how deeply the concept of 'equivalence' is baked into the way Chinese speakers process logic and morality.

没带钥匙等于进不去家门。(Not bringing keys equals not being able to enter the house.)

While 等于 (děngyú) seems straightforward because of its English counterpart 'equals', there are several pitfalls that learners frequently encounter. These mistakes usually stem from direct translation from English or a misunderstanding of Chinese verb-object structures. Addressing these early will make your Chinese sound significantly more natural and precise.

Adding '是' (shì): The most common error is saying '是等于' (shì děngyú). In English, we say 'is equal to', where 'equal' acts like an adjective. In Chinese, '等于' is a full verb. You don't need '是'. Wrong: '一加一是等于二'. Right: '一加一等于二'.
Using Adjectives as Objects: Learners often try to equate something to an adjective. '这样做等于累' (Doing this equals tired). This is grammatically awkward. You should equate it to a noun phrase or a verb phrase. Better: '这样做等于自找麻烦' (Doing this equals looking for trouble).
Confusing with '相等' (xiāngděng): '相等' means 'to be equal' but it is an intransitive verb or an adjective used to describe two subjects. You say 'A 和 B 相等' (A and B are equal). You cannot say 'A 相等 B'. Conversely, '等于' must have an object: 'A 等于 B'.

错误：他的话是等于废话。
正确：他的话等于废话。(His words are equivalent to nonsense.)

Another mistake involves the scope of '等于'. It is strictly for equivalence of value, identity, or result. It is not used for 'equal' in terms of social rights or status in the same way '平等' (píngděng) is. If you want to say 'Men and women are equal,' you must use '男女平等', not '男等于女'. The latter would imply they are the exact same thing or person, which is logically incorrect in that context. Furthermore, avoid using '等于' when you simply mean 'is'. If you say '他是等于老师', it sounds like he is a fake teacher or a substitute for a teacher. If he is actually a teacher, just use '他是老师'.

不要说：二加二是等于四。(Don't say: 2+2 'is' equals 4.)

In Chinese, several words share the semantic space of 'equality' and 'equivalence'. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about math, social justice, comparisons, or logical identity. Understanding these nuances is key to reaching a B1 level and beyond.

相当于 (xiāngdāngyú): This means 'equivalent to' or 'corresponds to'. It is used when two things are not identical but have the same value or effect. For example, '十美元相当于七十人民币' (10 USD is equivalent to 70 RMB). Use this for exchange rates or comparing different systems.
平等 (píngděng): This is an adjective/noun referring to social or legal equality. '人人平等' (Everyone is equal). It does not take an object like '等于'. You cannot '平等' something; you 'are' equal in status.
相等 (xiāngděng): This means 'equal' or 'identical' in quantity or size. It is usually used with '和' (and). '这两个面积相等' (These two areas are equal). It is more descriptive of a state than an active equation.
同于 (tóngyú): Literally 'same as'. It is very formal and often found in literature or academic writing. '此法同于彼法' (This method is the same as that method). It is less common in speech than '等于'.

虽然价格不同，但效果相当于是一样的。(Although the prices are different, the effect is equivalent to being the same.)

When deciding which to use, ask yourself: Am I solving a math problem? (Use 等于). Am I saying two things are basically the same in result? (Use 等于 or 相当于). Am I talking about human rights? (Use 平等). Am I comparing two physical properties like length or weight? (Use 相等). For learners, '等于' is the safest bet for 'equals', while '相当于' is better for 'is like' or 'is equivalent to' when comparing things from different categories. Using '跟...一样' (gēn... yíyàng) is the most common way to say 'same as' in casual conversation for physical objects, like 'My phone is the same as yours'.

法律面前，人人平等。(Before the law, everyone is equal.)

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

In ancient Chinese, if you wanted to say things were equal, you might use '齐' (qí) or '均' (jūn). '等于' as a standard mathematical term became more prominent with the introduction of Western mathematical notation in the late Qing Dynasty.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /dʌŋ.juː/

US /dʌŋ.ju/

The primary stress is on the first syllable 'děng', as is common with many Chinese disyllabic verbs, but the second tone of 'yú' must be clearly articulated to avoid confusion.

Reimt sich auf

冷于 (lěngyú) 等于 (děngyú) 成语 (chéngyǔ - near rhyme) 由于 (yóuyú) 处于 (chǔyú) 关于 (guānyú) 属于 (shǔyú) 位于 (wèiyú)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'děng' as 'dèng' (fourth tone).
Pronouncing 'yú' as 'yǔ' (third tone).
Failing to round the lips for the 'ü' sound in 'yú'.
Using a flat tone for both syllables.
Mixing up 'děng' with 'dèng' (to stare).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize in context; looks like other '等' words but usually stands alone.

Schreiben 3/5

Characters are moderately complex but very common. '于' is easy; '等' takes practice.

Sprechen 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though tones must be distinct.

Hören 2/5

Very easy to hear in math or logical arguments.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

一 (yī) 二 (èr) 加 (jiā) 是 (shì) 等 (děng)

Als Nächstes lernen

相当于 (xiāngdāngyú) 平等 (píngděng) 相等 (xiāngděng) 等同于 (děngtóngyú) 约等于 (yuēděngyú)

Fortgeschritten

等价性 (Equivalence) 恒等式 (Identity equation) 同义词 (Synonym) 对等 (Reciprocity)

Wichtige Grammatik

Verbs with '于' (yú)

等于 (equal to), 属于 (belong to), 位于 (located at).

Adverb '就' (jiù) for emphasis

不努力就等于失败。

Negative '不' (bù) with verbs

不等于 (not equal to).

Topic-Comment Structure

对他来说，时间等于生命。

Direct Object Placement

A 等于 B (No preposition needed between verb and object).

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Beispiele nach Niveau

一加一等于二。

One plus one equals two.

Basic mathematical structure: A + B 等于 C.

五减三等于二。

Five minus three equals two.

Using 等于 for subtraction results.

十等于五个二。

Ten equals five twos.

Expressing composition using 等于.

二乘二等于四。

Two times two equals four.

Using 等于 for multiplication.

八除以二等于四。

Eight divided by two equals four.

Using 等于 for division.

一百分等于一元。

One hundred cents equals one yuan.

Equating different denominations.

一加九等于十。

One plus nine equals ten.

Standard arithmetic.

这个等于那个吗？

Does this equal that?

Asking a question about equality using 吗.

六十分钟等于一小时。

Sixty minutes equals one hour.

Time conversion.

一公斤等于一千克。

One kilogram equals one thousand grams.

Unit conversion using synonym units.

两半年等于三十个月。

Two and a half years equals thirty months.

Calculating time spans.

一米等于一百厘米。

One meter equals one hundred centimeters.

Metric system basics.

不说话等于同意吗？

Does not speaking equal agreeing?

Introducing simple metaphorical equivalence.

这顿饭等于我一天的工资。

This meal equals my daily wage.

Comparing cost to effort/value.

十个十等于一百。

Ten tens equals one hundred.

Multiplication concepts.

他的回答等于没说。

His answer equals saying nothing.

Equating an action to a result.

沉默就等于承认了。

Silence is equivalent to admitting it.

Use of 就 for emphasis in logical equivalence.

有钱不等于幸福。

Having money does not equal happiness.

Negative form 不等于 used to refute a common belief.

浪费时间就等于浪费生命。

Wasting time equals wasting life.

Abstract philosophical equivalence.

你不去就等于放弃了这个机会。

If you don't go, it's equivalent to giving up this chance.

Conditional logic expressed through 等于.

对他来说，工作就等于一切。

To him, work equals everything.

Expressing obsession or priority.

这个决定等于我们要重新开始。

This decision means we have to start over.

Equating a choice with a required action.

你的帮助等于救了我的命。

Your help was equivalent to saving my life.

Using 等于 for gratitude and emphasis.

没带护照等于不能出国。

Not bringing a passport equals not being able to go abroad.

Logical consequence in daily life.

理解他的观点不等于我赞成他。

Understanding his viewpoint doesn't mean I agree with him.

Distinguishing between understanding and agreement.

这种行为等于公开挑衅。

This behavior is equivalent to an open provocation.

Formal/Political context for equivalence.

在法律上，这等于诈骗罪。

In law, this is equivalent to the crime of fraud.

Legal definition using 等于.

失去信誉等于失去了一切市场。

Losing credibility equals losing the entire market.

Business logic and consequence.

他的话等于给我们吃了一颗定心丸。

His words were equivalent to giving us a reassurance pill.

Using 等于 with an idiom (定心丸).

加班不等于效率高。

Working overtime doesn't equal high efficiency.

Challenging workplace myths.

拒绝沟通等于关上了解决问题的大门。

Refusing to communicate equals closing the door to solving problems.

Metaphorical use in interpersonal relationships.

这种药的副作用等于慢速自杀。

The side effects of this drug are equivalent to slow suicide.

Strong rhetorical statement.

在该理论中，能量等于质量乘以光速的平方。

In this theory, energy equals mass times the speed of light squared.

Scientific/Theoretical use of 等于.

如果你忽视这些细节，就等于在摧毁整个项目。

If you ignore these details, you are effectively destroying the whole project.

Using 等于 to show the gravity of a mistake.

在这个语境下，‘自由’并不等于‘放纵’。

In this context, 'freedom' does not equal 'indulgence'.

Philosophical/Linguistic distinction.

他的辞职等于默认了所有的指控。

His resignation is equivalent to a tacit admission of all charges.

Formal inference in a professional setting.

对历史的无知等于对未来的背叛。

Ignorance of history equals betrayal of the future.

High-level rhetorical equivalence.

这种贸易保护政策等于在自掘坟墓。

This trade protection policy is equivalent to digging one's own grave.

Political commentary using an idiom (自掘坟墓).

爱如果不包含尊重，就等于控制。

If love does not include respect, it equals control.

Psychological/Philosophical analysis.

由于缺乏证据，此项声明等于废纸一张。

Due to lack of evidence, this statement is equivalent to a piece of scrap paper.

Legal/Formal dismissal using 等于.

在量子力学的尺度下，观测本身就等于干预。

At the scale of quantum mechanics, observation itself equals intervention.

Highly specialized scientific identity.

将道德等同于法律，往往等于扼杀了人性的复杂性。

Equating morality with law often equals stifling the complexity of human nature.

Abstract philosophical critique using synonyms (等同于 and 等于).

他的艺术风格等于是在传统与现代之间架起了一座桥梁。

His artistic style is equivalent to building a bridge between tradition and modernity.

Metaphorical identity in artistic criticism.

在某些政客眼中，选票就等于权力的入场券。

In the eyes of some politicians, votes equal the admission ticket to power.

Cynical political observation.

忽视环境成本的增长，等于是在向子孙后代借债。

Ignoring the growth of environmental costs is equivalent to borrowing from future generations.

Sophisticated economic/environmental metaphor.

这种文学修辞手法等于是在文本中埋下了伏笔。

This literary device is equivalent to planting a foreshadowing in the text.

Literary analysis.

对真理的追求不等于对绝对权威的服从。

The pursuit of truth does not equal obedience to absolute authority.

Philosophical distinction of concepts.

在这里，沉默并不等于金，而等于平庸。

Here, silence is not gold, but equals mediocrity.

Subverting a common idiom (沉默是金) using 等于.

Häufige Kollokationen

一加一等于二

就等于

不等于

约等于

几乎等于

完全等于

时间等于金钱

等于零

等于废话

等于放弃

Häufige Phrasen

沉默等于承认

— Silence is equivalent to admitting guilt or truth. Used in debates or arguments.

你为什么不解释？沉默就等于承认了。

理解不等于接受

— Understanding a point doesn't mean you agree with it. Used for boundaries.

我理解你的难处，但不等于我能接受你的做法。

等于没说

— Saying something that provides no new or useful information. Used when someone is vague.

你说的这些建议等于没说，太抽象了。

等于白干

— Working for nothing because the effort was wasted. Used in work contexts.

电脑没保存，我今天的工作等于白干了。

等于自杀

— A hyperbolic way to say an action is extremely risky. Used for warnings.

在这种天气开车上山等于自杀。

等于捡钱

— Getting something very easily or for a great price. Used in shopping or business.

这个价格买到名牌包，简直等于捡钱。

等于零

— Having no value or effect. Used to dismiss efforts.

没有执行力，再好的计划也等于零。

等于没来

— Being somewhere but not accomplishing the purpose. Used for wasted trips.

到了北京不吃烤鸭，等于没来。

等于废纸

— A document that has no power or use. Used for contracts or money.

没有签名，这份合同就等于废纸。

等于找死

— A very strong way to say someone is doing something dangerous. Used in slang.

你敢跟老板吵架，等于找死。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

等于 vs 是 (shì)

'是' is a general copula (is). '等于' is specifically for equality of value or result.

等于 vs 相等 (xiāngděng)

'相等' is an adjective (are equal). '等于' is a verb (equals).

等于 vs 平等 (píngděng)

'平等' refers to social or legal equality. You cannot say '1+1 平等 2'.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"十年如一日"

— Ten years are like a single day. While it uses '如' (like), it implies a state of being 'equal' in consistency.

他照顾病人，十年如一日。

Formal

"视死如归"

— To look upon death as returning home. Equating death with a natural return.

战士们视死如归，勇敢战斗。

Literary

"等量齐观"

— To put different things on an equal footing or treat them as the same. Often used in the negative.

这两件事不能等量齐观。

Formal/Idiom

"半斤八两"

— Half a jin and eight taels (which were equal in ancient weights). Meaning two things are about the same, often in a negative sense.

他们的水平其实是半斤八两。

Informal

"相差无几"

— Differing by very little; almost equal.

两人的成绩相差无几。

Formal

"如出一辙"

— Like coming from the same track. Used when two things are exactly the same.

他们的说法如出一辙。

Formal

"一模一样"

— Exactly the same; identical.

这两件衣服一模一样。

Neutral

"等闲视之"

— To treat something as ordinary or unimportant (to treat it as equal to 'leisure'). Usually used in the negative.

我们不能对这个问题等闲视之。

Formal

"平起平坐"

— To sit at the same table; to be on an equal footing socially or politically.

他现在已经可以和老板平起平坐了。

Neutral

"同归于尽"

— To perish together; to end in the same way (death).

他想和敌人同归于尽。

Formal/Strong

Leicht verwechselbar

等于 vs 相当于

Both mean 'equivalent'.

等于 is for identity (=). 相当于 is for things that are comparable but not the same (≈).

十美元相当于七十人民币。

等于 vs 等同于

Both mean 'equate'.

等同于 is much more formal and used for abstract concepts in writing.

不能把兴趣等同于职业。

等于 vs 同于

Literary version of 等于.

同于 is rarely spoken and found in classical-style texts.

此法同于古法。

等于 vs 即

Used to define things.

即 is more like 'namely' or 'is' in a definitive sense.

知识即力量。

等于 vs 相等

Both relate to equality.

相等 describes two things being the same size/weight; it doesn't take an object directly.

这两块地的面积相等。

Satzmuster

[Number] 加 [Number] 等于 [Number]

二加三等于五。

[Unit A] 等于 [Unit B]

一米等于一百厘米。

[Action A] 就等于 [Action B]

不练习就等于放弃。

[Noun A] 不等于 [Noun B]

有钱不等于快乐。

[Situation] 等于 [Result/Judgment]

这种做法等于欺骗消费者。

在...看来，[A] 就等于 [B]

在某些人看来，权力就等于一切。

忽视 [A] 等于 [Action]

忽视环境等于自毁家园。

[Complex Concept A] 并不简单地等于 [Complex Concept B]

法律的公正并不简单地等于判决的严厉。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

等号 (děnghào - equals sign)

等级 (děngjí - rank/grade)

等份 (děngfèn - equal parts)

Verben

等待 (děngdài - to wait)

等同 (děngtóng - to equate)

等候 (děnghòu - to wait/await)

Adjektive

平等 (píngděng - equal)

对等 (duìděng - reciprocal/equal)

同等 (tóngděng - equivalent/same)

Verwandt

相等 (xiāngděng)

等价 (děngjià)

等量 (děngliàng)

等距 (děngjù)

等分 (děngfēn)

Registriere dich kostenlos, um alle Beispiele zu sehen

So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high in educational, financial, and logical contexts.

Häufige Fehler

一加一是等于二。 → 一加一等于二。
You don't need the 'is' (是) verb because '等于' is already a verb.
我的书等于你的书。 → 我的书跟你的书一样。
Use '跟...一样' for identical physical objects. '等于' is for value or logic.
男女等于。 → 男女平等。
For social equality, use the adjective '平等'.
这样做等于很累。 → 这样做等于自找麻烦。
'等于' should be followed by a noun or verb phrase, not just an adjective.
这两个数字等于。 → 这两个数字相等。
'等于' needs an object. If you have no object, use '相等'.

Tipps

No 'is' needed

Never say '是等于'. Just say '等于'. It's a verb on its own.

Master the 3rd Tone

The third tone on 'děng' is crucial. If you say it with a fourth tone, it sounds like 'stare'.

Use '就' for impact

Say '就等于' to sound more like a native speaker when making a logical point.

Math Class

Use it for all four basic operations: 加 (add), 减 (subtract), 乘 (multiply), 除 (divide).

Equal vs Equivalent

Use '等于' for exact math and '相当于' for comparisons of value.

Abstract Concepts

In essays, use '不等于' to clarify that two similar-sounding concepts are actually different.

Catch the 'Yú'

Many formal Chinese verbs end in '于'. Recognizing this pattern helps you identify verbs.

Face Culture

Phrases like '不给面子就等于...' are common in social negotiations.

Gaming Equivalence

Equating a bad play to 'throwing the game' (等于送) is common online.

Cause and Effect

Use it as a shorthand for 'If A, then B' in your mind.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'děng' (等) as 'waiting' for the result, and 'yú' (于) as 'to'. When you wait for the final result of an equation, it is 'equal to' the answer.

Visuelle Assoziation

Visualize the '=' sign. The top line is '等' and the bottom line is '于'. They sit parallel, just like the lines of an equals sign, showing that both sides are the same.

Word Web

Numbers Math Logic Identity Result Value Same Equivalent

Herausforderung

Try to find three things in your room that are '等于' each other in value or function and say the sentences out loud in Chinese.

Wortherkunft

The character 等 (děng) originally depicted bamboo slips (竹) used for keeping records or ranks, combined with 寺 (sì) which acted as a phonetic component and also suggested order or law. 于 (yú) is an ancient preposition indicating direction or relation. Combined, they mean 'to be in the same rank as' or 'to relate as an equal'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Originally, '等' meant a rank or a class of people. By the Han Dynasty, it evolved to mean 'to be same as' or 'to compare'.

Sino-Tibetan, specifically Sinitic.

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when equating people or groups using '等于', as it can sound reductionist or dehumanizing if used incorrectly.

English speakers often say 'is' instead of 'equals'. In Chinese, using '等于' makes the statement feel more like a logical proof or an undeniable fact.

The mathematical expression '1+1=2' is universally recognized in China as '一加一等于二'. Political slogans often use '不等于' to clarify policies. The phrase '沉默等于承认' is a common trope in Chinese TV dramas.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Mathematics Class

一加一等于二
三乘三等于九
答案等于多少？
约等于三点一四

Shopping & Currency

一美元等于多少人民币？
打折等于省钱
买一送一等于五折
这个价格等于不要钱

Arguments/Logic

沉默等于承认
不说话不等于没意见
你这样做等于害了他
理解不等于赞成

Work/Business

时间等于金钱
失去客户等于失去奖金
加班不等于效率
这个项目等于我们的未来

Measurements

一公里等于一千米
一小时等于六十分钟
一斤等于五百克
一打等于十二个

Gesprächseinstiege

"你觉得有钱就等于幸福吗？"

"在你的国家，一美元等于多少本国货币？"

"你认为沉默在某种情况下是否等于承认错误？"

"如果一个计划没有执行，是不是就等于零？"

"你同意‘时间等于金钱’这个说法吗？"

Tagebuch-Impulse

写一写你认为生活中哪些事情‘不等于’表面看起来的样子（例如：出名不等于成功）。

描述一次你觉得自己的努力‘等于零’的经历，以及你学到了什么。

讨论一下现代社会中，‘快’是否真的‘等于’好？

写出五个数学等式并用中文读出来。

如果你可以改变一个‘等于’的关系（例如：工作等于快乐），你会改变什么？

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Generally, no. For social equality, use '平等' (píngděng). If you say 'A 等于 B' about people, it sounds like you are saying they are the same person or have the exact same numeric value, which is rare.

No, it is very common in daily life to show that one action is the same as another in result. For example, '你不去等于放弃' (You not going equals giving up).

'是' is a general 'is'. '等于' is more specific, meaning 'equals in value'. You can say 'He is a teacher' (他是老师), but you wouldn't say 'He equals a teacher' (他等于老师) unless you are in a very strange context.

You use '约等于' (yuē děngyú). For example, '10除以3约等于3.33'.

No, it is always a verb. The noun for 'equality' is '平等' or '等同'.

It is neutral. It is used in both casual conversation and formal scientific papers.

Usually no. Equality is a state, so aspect markers like '了' are rarely needed unless you are talking about a value that has just become equal in a specific process.

No. You must say 'A 等于 B' or 'A 和 B 相等'.

Use '不等于' (bù děngyú). It's very common in rhetorical speech.

Yes, but '相当于' (xiāngdāngyú) is more common for exchange rates because the currencies are different entities with the same value.

Registriere dich kostenlos für Tipps & Notizen