When you want to talk about 'parents' in Chinese, you use the word 父母 (fùmǔ).
This word is a combination of 父 (fù), which means 'father,' and 母 (mǔ), meaning 'mother.'
It's a straightforward way to refer to both your father and mother together.
For example, if you want to say 'my parents,' you would say 我的父母 (wǒ de fùmǔ).
When talking about one's 父母 (fùmǔ), it's common to use possessive pronouns like 我的 (wǒde) for 'my' or 你的 (nǐde) for 'your'.
For example, you could say: 我的父母是中国人 (Wǒde fùmǔ shì Zhōngguórén - My parents are Chinese people).
Or: 你的父母好吗? (Nǐde fùmǔ hǎo ma? - How are your parents doing?).
It's a straightforward term, widely used in everyday conversations.
When discussing family in Chinese, 父母 (fùmǔ) is the standard and most direct term for 'parents'. It literally combines 父 (fù) 'father' and 母 (mǔ) 'mother'.
It's a very common noun used in everyday conversation and writing, and you'll hear it frequently when people talk about their families or someone else's parents.
For example, you can say 我的父母 (wǒ de fùmǔ) to mean 'my parents' or 他们的父母 (tāmen de fùmǔ) for 'their parents'.
It's important to remember this basic term as it forms the foundation for discussing family relationships in Chinese.
§ What does 父母 (fùmǔ) mean?
Let's get straight to it. The Chinese word 父母 (fùmǔ) simply means 'parents'. It's a standard, formal, and widely used term. You'll hear it in everyday conversations, see it in written texts, and encounter it in formal settings. It’s the go-to word when you want to refer to both a mother and a father together.
§ When do people use 父母 (fùmǔ)?
You use 父母 (fùmǔ) any time you would use 'parents' in English. It's really that straightforward. Here are some common situations:
- Talking about someone's mother and father:
她的父母都是老师。
- Translation hint
- Her parents are both teachers.
- When discussing parental responsibilities or roles:
做父母不容易。
- Translation hint
- Being parents is not easy.
- In formal contexts like essays or news reports:
学校邀请学生父母参加家长会。
- Translation hint
- The school invited students' parents to the parent-teacher meeting.
It's a versatile word. Don't overthink it. If you want to say 'parents', use 父母 (fùmǔ).
§ Breaking down 父母 (fùmǔ)
Let’s look at the characters:
- 父 (fù)
- This character means 'father'.
- 母 (mǔ)
- This character means 'mother'.
So, when you put them together, 父 (fù) + 母 (mǔ) literally gives you 'father-mother', which naturally translates to 'parents'. It’s logical and easy to remember.
§ Don't confuse it with other terms
While 父母 (fùmǔ) is clear, you might encounter other words related to family. Just remember the core meaning of 父母 (fùmǔ).
- 爷爷 (yéye) - paternal grandfather
- 奶奶 (nǎinai) - paternal grandmother
- 外公 (wàigōng) - maternal grandfather
- 外婆 (wàipó) - maternal grandmother
These are specific. 父母 (fùmǔ) is general for the immediate parents.
§ Practice using 父母 (fùmǔ)
The best way to learn is to use it. Try to form a few sentences yourself. For example:
- My parents are very kind. (我的父母很善良。)
- Do your parents live in China? (你的父母住在中国吗？)
It's an A2 level word, meaning it’s pretty fundamental. Mastering it early will help you a lot in constructing basic sentences about family.
§ Talking About Parents at Work
When you're at work in a Chinese-speaking environment, you might hear or need to use 父母 (fùmǔ) when discussing family life, especially during casual conversations with colleagues. It's common for people to ask about each other's families. You might talk about your parents' health, their activities, or even ask a colleague about theirs. It's a fundamental part of building relationships.
我周末会去看我的父母。(Wǒ zhōumò huì qù kàn wǒ de fùmǔ.) I will go see my (parents) this weekend.
他的父母住在上海。(Tā de fùmǔ zhù zài Shànghǎi.) His (parents) live in Shanghai.
§ Parents in School Contexts
In a school setting, 父母 (fùmǔ) is very common. Teachers will often use it when talking about students' parents, and students might use it when referring to their own parents or those of their friends. You'll see it in school notices, parent-teacher meetings, and general discussions about family involvement in education.
- Common phrases you'll hear:
家长会 (jiāzhǎnghuì): Parent-teacher meeting (literally 'parents' meeting'). While not directly using 父母, this is a key context where the topic of parents comes up frequently.
学生的父母 (xuésheng de fùmǔ): Students' parents.
学校通知所有父母参加家长会。(Xuéxiào tōngzhī suǒyǒu fùmǔ cānjiā jiāzhǎnghuì.) The school notified all (parents) to attend the parent-teacher meeting.
我的父母很支持我的学习。(Wǒ de fùmǔ hěn zhīchí wǒ de xuéxí.) My (parents) are very supportive of my studies.
§ Parents in the News and Public Discourse
When you read Chinese news or listen to reports, 父母 (fùmǔ) is a standard term used to refer to parents. This can be in stories about families, social issues, or even political figures and their backgrounds. It’s a neutral and formal term, making it appropriate for news reporting.
- Examples of news contexts:
新闻报道 (xīnwén bàodào): News reports about families affected by events.
社会问题讨论 (shèhuì wèntí tǎolùn): Discussions on social issues, such as education or elderly care, often involve the role of parents.
很多父母担心孩子的教育问题。(Hěnduō fùmǔ dānxīn háizi de jiàoyù wèntí.) Many (parents) are concerned about their children's education.
这对父母正在寻找失踪的女儿。(Zhè duì fùmǔ zhèngzài xúnzhǎo shīzōng de nǚ'ér.) This pair of (parents) is looking for their missing daughter.
How Formal Is It?
"他很孝顺他的双亲。(Tā hěn xiàoshùn tā de shuāngqīn.) - He is very filial to his parents."
"我的父母都是老师。(Wǒ de fùmǔ dōu shì lǎoshī.) - My parents are both teachers."
"我今晚要和爸妈一起吃饭。(Wǒ jīn wǎn yào hé bàmā yìqǐ chīfàn.) - I'm eating with my mom and dad tonight."
"我的爸爸妈妈爱我。(Wǒ de bàba māma ài wǒ.) - My mommy and daddy love me."
Aussprachehilfe
- Don't confuse the 'u' sound with the English 'oo' in 'moon'. It's more like the 'u' in 'put', but shorter.
Beispiele nach Niveau
尽管她的父母都是著名的科学家，她却选择了一条完全不同的艺术道路，致力于成为一名独立的电影制作人。
Despite her parents both being famous scientists, she chose a completely different artistic path, dedicating herself to becoming an independent filmmaker.
“尽管…却…” (jǐngguǎn…què…) is a common structure for expressing 'despite...yet...' or 'although...nevertheless...'. It highlights a contrast or unexpected outcome.
在面对学业和职业规划的双重压力时，她总是能从父母那里得到最真诚的理解和最坚定的支持，这让她感到无比的安心。
Facing dual pressures of academics and career planning, she could always get the most sincere understanding and firmest support from her parents, which made her feel incredibly at ease.
“双重压力” (shuāngchóng yālì) means 'dual pressure' or 'double pressure'. “无比的安心” (wúbǐ de ānxīn) means 'incomparably at ease' or 'extremely reassured'.
父母之爱，如涓涓细流，润物无声，无论我们走到哪里，那份关怀总会悄然伴随，指引我们前行。
Parental love, like a trickling stream, moistens things silently. No matter where we go, that care will always quietly accompany us, guiding us forward.
“涓涓细流” (juānjuān xìliú) describes a continuous, gentle flow of water. “润物无声” (rùnwù wúshēng) is an idiom meaning 'to moisten things silently', often used to describe subtle but pervasive influence.
他常说，父母是他人生道路上最重要的导师，他们的言传身教塑造了他今天的性格和价值观。
He often says that his parents are the most important mentors on his life's journey; their words and deeds shaped his character and values today.
“言传身教” (yánchuán shēnjiào) is an idiom meaning 'to teach by words and deeds', emphasizing leading by example.
为了给孩子提供更好的教育资源，这对年轻的父母毅然放弃了在大城市优渥的工作机会，选择回到家乡创业。
To provide their child with better educational resources, these young parents resolutely gave up excellent job opportunities in the big city and chose to return to their hometown to start a business.
“毅然” (yìrán) means 'resolutely' or 'firmly'. “优渥” (yōuwò) describes something as 'superior' or 'generous', often used for working conditions or待遇 (dàiyù, treatment).
许多父母都面临着一个共同的困境：如何在忙碌的工作和陪伴孩子成长之间找到一个平衡点。
Many parents face a common dilemma: how to find a balance between busy work and accompanying their children's growth.
“困境” (kùnjìng) means 'dilemma' or 'predicament'. “平衡点” (pínghéngdiǎn) means 'balancing point' or 'equilibrium'.
她的父母对她寄予厚望，希望她能考入顶尖大学，继承家族的学术传统。
Her parents placed high hopes on her, hoping she could get into a top university and inherit the family's academic tradition.
“寄予厚望” (jìyǔ hòuwàng) is an idiom meaning 'to place high hopes on someone'. “顶尖” (dǐngjiān) means 'top-notch' or 'leading'.
随着年龄的增长，我们才逐渐体会到父母为了我们所付出的艰辛与牺牲，那份恩情是无法报答的。
As we grow older, we gradually come to realize the hardships and sacrifices our parents made for us; that kindness is impossible to repay.
“体会到” (tǐhuì dào) means 'to realize' or 'to experience firsthand'. “艰辛与牺牲” (jiānxīn yǔ xīshēng) means 'hardships and sacrifices'. “恩情” (ēnqíng) refers to 'kindness' or 'benevolence', often used for profound gratitude.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
我的父母住在中国。
My parents live in China.
他很孝顺父母。
He is very filial to his parents.
父母爱孩子。
Parents love their children.
我父母的身体很好。
My parents are in good health.
父母希望我快乐。
Parents hope I am happy.
她和父母住在一起。
She lives with her parents.
我的父母是老师。
My parents are teachers.
他很感激父母。
He is very grateful to his parents.
父母总是支持我。
Parents always support me.
作为父母，这不容易。
As parents, it's not easy.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Talking about your own parents
- 我的父母 (wǒ de fùmǔ) - my parents
- 我的爸爸妈妈 (wǒ de bàba māma) - my dad and mom (more casual)
- 我爱我的父母 (wǒ ài wǒ de fùmǔ) - I love my parents
Asking about someone else's parents
- 你的父母好吗？ (nǐ de fùmǔ hǎo ma?) - How are your parents?
- 你父母身体怎么样？ (nǐ fùmǔ shēntǐ zěnmeyàng?) - How is your parents' health?
- 你和父母住在一起吗？ (nǐ hé fùmǔ zhù zài yīqǐ ma?) - Do you live with your parents?
Describing parents' characteristics or actions
- 我的父母很忙。 (wǒ de fùmǔ hěn máng.) - My parents are very busy.
- 她父母是医生。 (tā fùmǔ shì yīshēng.) - Her parents are doctors.
- 父母总是支持我。 (fùmǔ zǒng shì zhīchí wǒ.) - Parents always support me.
Talking about family life or responsibilities
- 孝顺父母 (xiàoshùn fùmǔ) - to be filial to one's parents
- 照顾父母 (zhàogù fùmǔ) - to take care of parents
- 父母的期望 (fùmǔ de qíwàng) - parents' expectations
Comparing your parents to others
- 我的父母比你的父母更开放。 (wǒ de fùmǔ bǐ nǐ de fùmǔ gèng kāifàng.) - My parents are more open-minded than yours.
- 我们父母的教育方式不同。 (wǒmen fùmǔ de jiàoyù fāngshì bùtóng.) - Our parents' parenting styles are different.
- 他们父母都很友善。 (tāmen fùmǔ dōu hěn yǒushàn.) - Their parents are both very friendly.
Gesprächseinstiege
"你父母是做什么工作的？ (nǐ fùmǔ shì zuò shénme gōngzuò de?) - What do your parents do for work?"
"你多久见一次父母？ (nǐ duōjiǔ jiàn yīcì fùmǔ?) - How often do you see your parents?"
"你的父母对你有什么影响？ (nǐ de fùmǔ duì nǐ yǒu shénme yǐngxiǎng?) - What influence do your parents have on you?"
"你父母喜欢什么爱好？ (nǐ fùmǔ xǐhuan shénme àihào?) - What hobbies do your parents like?"
"你认为父母最重要的责任是什么？ (nǐ rènwéi fùmǔ zuì zhòngyào de zérèn shì shénme?) - What do you think is the most important responsibility of parents?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
描述你的父母。他们是什么样的人？ (miáoshù nǐ de fùmǔ. tāmen shì shénme yàng de rén?) - Describe your parents. What kind of people are they?
你的父母教给你最重要的东西是什么？ (nǐ de fùmǔ jiào gěi nǐ zuì zhòngyào de dōngxi shì shénme?) - What is the most important thing your parents taught you?
你和父母之间最美好的回忆是什么？ (nǐ hé fùmǔ zhī jiān zuì měihǎo de huíyì shì shénme?) - What is your fondest memory with your parents?
如果你能对你的父母说一句话，你会说什么？ (rúguǒ nǐ néng duì nǐ de fùmǔ shuō yī jù huà, nǐ huì shuō shénme?) - If you could say one thing to your parents, what would you say?
你希望你的父母健康快乐，你会怎么做？ (nǐ xīwàng nǐ de fùmǔ jiànkāng kuàilè, nǐ huì zěnme zuò?) - If you wish your parents good health and happiness, what would you do?
Teste dich selbst 78 Fragen
Which of these means 'parents'?
父母 (fùmǔ) means parents. 老师 (lǎoshī) is teacher, 学生 (xuéshēng) is student, and 朋友 (péngyǒu) is friend.
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: '我爱我的 ___。' (I love my ___.)
The sentence expresses love for someone, and 'parents' fits naturally here. 水 (shuǐ) is water, 饭 (fàn) is rice/food, and 书 (shū) is book.
What is the English translation of '我的父母'?
我 (wǒ) means 'my' and 父母 (fùmǔ) means 'parents'.
The word '父母' means 'parents'.
Yes, 父母 (fùmǔ) directly translates to parents.
You use '父母' to refer to your friends.
No, 父母 (fùmǔ) is used for parents. For friends, you would use 朋友 (péngyǒu).
In Chinese, '父母' is pronounced 'fùmǔ'.
Yes, the pinyin for 父母 is fùmǔ.
Listen to the sentence about loving parents.
Listen to the sentence about happy parents.
Listen to the sentence about parents being teachers.
Read this aloud:
你爱你的父母吗？
Focus: fù mǔ
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
我的父母很好。
Focus: fù mǔ hěn hǎo
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
他们是我的父母。
Focus: tā men shì wǒ de fù mǔ
Du hast gesagt:
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This sentence means 'My parents are teachers.' The correct order is Subject (我的父母), Verb (是), Object (老师).
This sentence means 'I love my parents.' The correct order is Subject (我), Verb (爱), Object (我的父母).
This sentence means 'My parents are at home.' The correct order is Subject (我的父母), Prepositional Phrase (在家).
我的___爱我。
The sentence means 'My parents love me.' '父母' (fù mǔ) means parents.
她和她的___住在一起。
The sentence means 'She lives with her parents.' '父母' (fù mǔ) means parents.
周末我去看我的___。
The sentence means 'I go to see my parents on the weekend.' '父母' (fù mǔ) means parents.
我的___是老师。
The sentence means 'My parents are teachers.' '父母' (fù mǔ) means parents.
他想和他的___一起去旅行。
The sentence means 'He wants to travel with his parents.' '父母' (fù mǔ) means parents.
很多孩子爱他们的___。
The sentence means 'Many children love their parents.' '父母' (fù mǔ) means parents.
Listen to the sentence about someone's parents.
Listen to the sentence about a person and their parents.
Listen to the question asking about someone's parents.
Read this aloud:
我的父母在中国。
Focus: fùmǔ
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
我爱我的父母。
Focus: wǒ ài wǒ de fùmǔ
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
他的父母是医生。
Focus: tā de fùmǔ shì yīshēng
Du hast gesagt:
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Write a short sentence about what your parents like to do on weekends. Use '父母'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我的父母喜欢周末去公园散步。(My parents like to go for a walk in the park on weekends.)
Write a sentence introducing your parents. For example, 'My parents are doctors.' Use '父母'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我的父母是老师。(My parents are teachers.)
Write a sentence expressing what your parents do for you. For example, 'My parents cook for me.' Use '父母'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我的父母为我做饭。(My parents cook for me.)
谁送小明去学校？
Read this passage:
小明和他的父母住在一起。他的父母非常爱他。每天，他的妈妈给他做早餐，他的爸爸送他去学校。
谁送小明去学校？
文章中说“他的爸爸送他去学校”。 (The passage says 'his dad takes him to school.')
文章中说“他的爸爸送他去学校”。 (The passage says 'his dad takes him to school.')
李华的父母做什么工作？
Read this passage:
李华的父母是农民。他们每天在农田里工作。虽然很辛苦，但是他们很开心。
李华的父母做什么工作？
文章中说“李华的父母是农民”。 (The passage says 'Li Hua's parents are farmers.')
文章中说“李华的父母是农民”。 (The passage says 'Li Hua's parents are farmers.')
王丽的父母喜欢做什么？
Read this passage:
王丽的父母喜欢旅行。每年夏天，他们都会去不同的地方。去年他们去了北京，今年他们想去上海。
王丽的父母喜欢做什么？
文章中说“王丽的父母喜欢旅行”。 (The passage says 'Wang Li's parents like to travel.')
文章中说“王丽的父母喜欢旅行”。 (The passage says 'Wang Li's parents like to travel.')
她很爱她的___。
The sentence means 'She loves her parents very much.' '父母' means parents and fits the context.
我的___住在北京。
The sentence means 'My parents live in Beijing.' '父母' is the correct term for parents.
每年春节，我都会和我的___一起吃饭。
The sentence means 'Every Spring Festival, I eat with my parents.' '父母' makes the most sense in this family context.
他经常给他的___打电话。
The sentence means 'He often calls his parents.' '父母' fits the action of calling family members.
___对孩子的影响很大。
The sentence means 'Parents have a great influence on their children.' '父母' is the only option that makes logical sense here.
她很孝顺，总是照顾她的___。
The sentence means 'She is very filial and always takes care of her parents.' '父母' is the correct word for those she would show filial piety to.
她是个孝顺的孩子，总是尽力让她的___高兴。
The sentence talks about a filial child trying to make someone happy. '父母' (parents) fits the context best.
我的___希望我能考上好大学，将来有份好工作。
The sentence expresses a hope for a good university and job, which is a common expectation from parents for their children.
虽然我长大了，但在___眼里，我永远都是个孩子。
It's a common sentiment that to parents, their children are always seen as children, regardless of age.
每年春节，他都会回到家乡和他的___一起过年。
Chinese New Year is a significant family holiday, and it's customary to spend it with parents.
为了给孩子创造更好的生活条件，这对___付出了很多。
The sentence describes effort to provide better living conditions for a child, which is typically the role of parents.
作为一名成年人，我们应该学会独立，不再完全依赖___。
Adulthood implies independence, often meaning moving away from relying solely on parents.
她从小就没有____的陪伴，一直跟着奶奶生活。
The sentence describes someone growing up without a certain type of companionship and living with their grandmother. '父母' (parents) fits this context best, implying the absence of parental care.
虽然她已经成年，但每次遇到困难时，还是会向____寻求帮助。
The sentence indicates that even as an adult, she seeks help from a certain group when facing difficulties. '父母' (parents) are a common source of support in such situations.
为了让孩子接受更好的教育，这对____做出了巨大的牺牲。
The sentence describes a couple making sacrifices for their child's education. While '父母' (parents) would also fit semantically, the question uses '这对' (this pair), which strongly implies '夫妻' (couple) in this context.
春节期间，很多外出打工的人都会选择回家看望____。
During the Spring Festival, it's a common tradition for people working away from home to visit their parents. '父母' (parents) is the most appropriate choice here.
他与____的关系一直很融洽，家庭氛围非常和睦。
The sentence describes harmonious relationships and a peaceful family atmosphere. '父母' (parents) fits perfectly, indicating a good relationship with them contributes to a harmonious family.
无论孩子走到哪里，____的爱总是他们最坚实的后盾。
The sentence speaks about an enduring and strong support system for children, regardless of where they go. '父母' (parents) are universally recognized for providing this kind of unwavering love and support.
The sentence discusses someone's parents' profession and their career choice.
This sentence is about parents' expectations for their child's education.
The sentence talks about a person's busy work schedule and dining with parents.
Read this aloud:
描述一下你和你的父母是如何庆祝节日的。
Focus: 如何 (rúhé), 庆祝 (qìngzhù), 节日 (jiérì)
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
如果你有机会向你的父母表达最深的感谢，你会说什么？
Focus: 机会 (jīhuì), 表达 (biǎodá), 感谢 (gǎnxiè)
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讨论父母在教育孩子方面面临的挑战以及他们可以如何应对。
Focus: 挑战 (tiǎozhàn), 应对 (yìngduì), 教育 (jiàoyù)
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她从小就独立，因为她的___在她很小的时候就去世了。
Context indicates she was independent from a young age due to the passing of her guardians. '父母' (parents) fits this context.
尽管他们是成功的商人，但他们的___总是教导他们要保持谦逊。
The sentence implies that despite their success, they were taught humility by their elders. '父母' (parents) is the correct choice here.
他所有的成就都离不开他___的辛勤付出和无私奉献。
The sentence speaks of achievements being inseparable from hard work and selfless dedication, typically attributed to '父母' (parents) in a supportive role.
在重要的家庭决策上，她总是会咨询___的意见，以示尊重。
Consulting elders for important family decisions shows respect. '父母' (parents) are the most appropriate choice.
每逢佳节，她都会回到家乡，陪伴她的___，享受天伦之乐。
During festivals, returning home to spend time with '父母' (parents) for family joy is a common cultural practice.
他深知自己肩负着让___骄傲的责任，因此在学业上格外努力。
The responsibility of making '父母' (parents) proud is a strong motivator for academic effort.
Despite his parents being renowned scholars, he chose a completely different path in art.
The love of parents, sometimes like a silent drizzle nourishing all things, sometimes like a thunderclap awakening the lost.
She deeply understood the hardships and sacrifices her parents made to send her abroad for studies.
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父母常常以身作则，潜移默化地影响着子女的成长。
Focus: 潜移默化 (qiányí mòhuà)
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在赡养父母的问题上，社会各界应形成广泛共识。
Focus: 赡养 (shànyǎng)
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许多父母在孩子教育问题上，往往倾注了全部心血。
Focus: 倾注心血 (qīngzhù xīnxuè)
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This sentence means 'It is the parents' obligation to take care of their children.' The structure is 'Subject + Verb + Object + 是 + Adjective/Noun'.
This sentence means 'They are willing to make any sacrifice for their children.' '对于' introduces the object of the sacrifice, and '都愿意' indicates willingness.
This sentence means 'Maintaining communication between parents and children is key.' The phrase '...之间' means 'between...', and '保持沟通' means 'maintain communication'.
/ 78 correct
Perfect score!
