C1 Advanced Patterns 13 min read Hard

Formal Definitions: That Which Is Called (所谓...者)

Frame your topic with {所谓|suǒwèi}...{者|zhě} to deliver definitions with absolute, scholarly authority.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use '所谓...者' to define a term or concept formally by framing it as 'that which is called X'.

  • Place the term being defined between 所谓 and 者: 所谓{幸福|xìngfú}者...
  • The '者' acts as a nominalizer, turning the preceding phrase into a noun phrase.
  • Use this only in formal, academic, or literary contexts to provide precise definitions.
所谓 + [Term] + 者 + [Definition/Predicate]

Overview

At the advanced stages of learning Chinese, moving from fluency to eloquence requires mastering structures that carry historical weight and rhetorical power. The 所谓...者 (suǒwèi...zhě) pattern is a prime example of such a structure. It serves as a formal framing device used to isolate a term or concept for the purpose of providing a specific, often nuanced or critical, definition.

Its origins lie in Classical Chinese, and its use in modern Mandarin instantly elevates the register of your language from conversational to academic or literary.

Think of this pattern as a grammatical spotlight. It signals to your audience, "Pay attention. We are now going to formally define or deconstruct this specific concept." The component 所谓 (suǒwèi) translates to "what is known as" or "that which is called," and it can be used neutrally or with a degree of skepticism.

The particle 者 (zhě) is a classical nominalizer, a grammatical fossil that survives in modern Mandarin. Its function is to turn the preceding phrase into a noun clause, roughly equivalent to "that which..." or "the one who...".

Together, 所谓...者 creates a powerful topic marker that prepares the reader for a detailed explanation or commentary. Mastering this pattern is essential for anyone who wishes to read academic articles, understand formal speeches, or write with sophisticated precision in Chinese. It has a dual function in contemporary usage: first, for rigorous, scholarly definitions, and second, for sharp, often ironic, social or political commentary.

Its presence is a clear indicator of C1-level discourse, where language is used not just to communicate, but to structure thought and argument.

How This Grammar Works

To understand the mechanics of 所谓...者, you must first grasp its syntactic function. The entire phrase, 所谓 + [Concept] + 者, operates as a single, complex nominal clause. This clause functions as the topic of the sentence in a classic Chinese topic-comment sentence structure.
The topic is the 'subject' of the discussion, and the comment is what you have to say about it. The comma that follows is not merely for dramatic effect; it is a crucial grammatical boundary that separates the established topic from the forthcoming explanation (the comment).
Let's break down the linguistic principle. In a simple sentence, you might say A 是 B (A is B). For example, 内卷是一种过度竞争 (Nèijuǎn is a type of excessive competition).
This is a standard subject-predicate sentence. The 所谓...者 pattern transforms this into a topic-comment structure: 所谓内卷者，是一种过度的竞争 (That which is called 'involution', is a type of excessive competition). By front-loading the concept as a formally defined topic, you create a sense of deliberation and authority.
You are not just stating a fact; you are presenting a considered definition.
The nuance of 所谓 (suǒwèi) is critical for advanced learners. While it literally means "what is called," its connotation is heavily influenced by the context of the explanation that follows. When the explanation is objective and scholarly, 所谓 is neutral.
However, when the explanation is critical or dismissive, 所谓 takes on the skeptical tone of "so-called." You signal the intended meaning not with 所谓 itself, but with the commentary you provide after the comma. For example, 所谓'专家'者，是指在某一领域有深入研究的学者 ("Those who are called 'experts' refers to scholars with deep research in a certain field") is neutral. In contrast, 所谓'专家'者，不过是会背书本的复读机而已 ("Those who are called 'experts' are nothing more than repeating machines who know how to recite textbooks") is highly critical, and the 所谓 here clearly reads as "so-called."

Formation Pattern

1
Building a sentence with this pattern is methodical. The structure is rigid, which makes it easy to apply once you've memorized its components. The core formula is as follows:
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所谓 + [Term/Concept to be Defined] + 者 ， + [Explanation or Definition]
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This structure can be broken down into its constituent parts, each with a specific function. Understanding these roles is key to using the pattern correctly and effectively.
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| Component | Pinyin | Function | Notes |
5
|---|---|---|---|
6
| 所谓 | suǒwèi | Introduces the term. | Sets a formal tone. Can be neutral ("what is termed") or skeptical ("so-called") based on context. |
7
| [Term/Concept] | - | The subject of the definition. | This can be a single noun, a proper name, an internet slang term, or even a short phrase representing a concept. |
8
| 者 | zhě | Classical nominalizing particle. | This is the crucial element that transforms 所谓 + [Term] into a noun phrase ("That which is called..."). It is not optional. |
9
| ， | - | Comma. | Grammatically separates the topic clause from the comment clause. Its presence is mandatory. |
10
| [Explanation] | - | The definition, commentary, or critique. | This part of the sentence provides the substance of the argument, explaining the 'true' nature of the topic. |
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Let's look at some examples building from simple to more complex concepts:
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Defining an abstract noun:
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所谓'幸福'者，就是个人在特定时刻的一种满足感。
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Suǒwèi 'xìngfú' zhě, jiùshì gèrén zài tèdìng shíkè de yī zhǒng mǎnzú gǎn.
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(That which is called 'happiness' is a sense of satisfaction that an individual feels at a particular moment.)
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Defining modern internet slang:
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所谓'躺平'者，其实反映了当代年轻人面对巨大社会压力时的一种无奈和消极抵抗。
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Suǒwèi 'tǎng píng' zhě, qíshí fǎnyìngle dāngdài niánqīng rén miànduì jùdà shèhuì yālì shí de yī zhǒng wúnài hé xiāojí dǐkàng.
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(That which is called 'lying flat' actually reflects a kind of helpless and passive resistance of today's youth in the face of immense social pressure.)
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Defining a complex phrase or idea:
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所谓'历史的终结'者，并非指事件不再发生，而是指西方自由民主制度成为人类政府的最终形式。
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Suǒwèi 'lìshǐ de zhōngjié' zhě, bìngfēi zhǐ shìjiàn bù zài fāshēng, érshì zhǐ xīfāng zìyóu mínzhǔ zhìdù chéngwéi rénlèi zhèngfǔ de zuìzhōng xíngshì.
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(That which is called 'the end of history' does not mean that events no longer happen, but rather that Western liberal democracy has become the final form of human government.)

When To Use It

This pattern is a specialized tool. Using it in the wrong context can sound pretentious or absurd. Its use is appropriate in several distinct domains of formal and rhetorical communication.
1. Academic and Formal Writing
This is the pattern's natural habitat. In research papers, theses, and scholarly articles, 所谓...者 is used to establish precise, authoritative definitions for key terms before building an argument upon them. It lends an air of intellectual rigor to the writing.
  • Example: 在符号学中，所谓'能指'者，是符号的物质形式，例如声音或图像；而'所指'则是其代表的概念。
(Zài fúhàoxué zhōng, suǒwèi 'néngzhǐ' zhě, shì fúhào de wùzhì xíngshì, lìrú shēngyīn huò túxiàng; ér 'suǒzhǐ' zé shì qí dàibiǎo de gàiniàn.)
(In semiotics, that which is called the 'signifier' is the material form of the sign, such as a sound or image; the 'signified', on the other hand, is the concept it represents.)
2. Formal Speeches and Presentations
When speaking in a formal setting like a lecture, conference, or official address, using this pattern can add weight to your words. It signals a shift from casual remarks to a point of substance, capturing the audience's attention for a key definition or argument.
  • Example: 今天我们的议题是企业文化。那么，所谓'企业文化'者，究竟是什么？它不是墙上的标语，而是全体员工共同的价值观和行为准则。
(Jīntiān wǒmen de yìtí shì qǐyè wénhuà. Nàme, suǒwèi 'qǐyè wénhuà' zhě, jiùjìng shì shénme? Tā bùshì qiáng shàng de biāoyǔ, érshì quántǐ yuángōng gòngtóng de jiàzhíguān hé xíngwéi zhǔnzé.)
(Our topic today is corporate culture. So, what exactly is this thing called 'corporate culture'? It isn't the slogans on the wall, but the shared values and codes of conduct of all employees.)
3. Rhetorical Commentary and Critique
This is perhaps its most powerful function in modern discourse. You can use the pattern to introduce a commonly accepted idea and then immediately deconstruct, critique, or redefine it. This creates a strong rhetorical effect, positioning your perspective as a more profound or insightful analysis.
  • Example: 人们常说要追求“财务自由”。然而，所谓'财务自由'者，难道仅仅是拥有花不完的钱吗？我认为，它更是拥有选择不为钱工作的权利。
(Rénmen cháng shuō yào zhuīqiú “cáiwù zìyóu”. Rán'ér, suǒwèi 'cáiwù zìyóu' zhě, nándào jǐnjǐn shì yǒngyǒu huā bù wán de qián ma? Wǒ rènwéi, tā gèng shì yǒngyǒu xuǎnzé bù wéi qián gōngzuò de quánlì.)
(People often talk about pursuing 'financial freedom.' However, is that which is called 'financial freedom' merely about having endless money to spend? I believe it is more about having the right to choose not to work for money.)
4. Ironic or Sarcastic Social Media Commentary
On platforms like Weibo, Zhihu, or Douban, this classical pattern is often used ironically. By applying such a formal, high-brow structure to a mundane or ridiculous modern phenomenon, users create a humorous, satirical effect. It’s a way to flex linguistic skills while making a sharp point.
  • Example (commenting on a trend of celebrities posting 'no-makeup' selfies that are clearly edited): 呵呵，所谓'素颜'者，现在是指带全套隐形妆容外加三层滤镜的意思了。
(Hēhē, suǒwèi 'sùyán' zhě, xiànzài shì zhǐ dài quántào yǐnxíng zhuāngróng wàijiā sān céng lǜjìng de yìsi le.)
(Heh, that which is called a 'bare face' now means wearing a full set of invisible makeup plus three layers of filters.)

Common Mistakes

Because this pattern is so specific, learners often make predictable errors. Avoiding these is a hallmark of true C1 proficiency.
Mistake 1: Using it for Concrete, Everyday Objects
The 所谓...者 pattern is reserved for abstract concepts, terminology, or groups of people requiring definition. Applying it to a simple physical object sounds unnatural and comical.
  • Incorrect: 所谓'桌子'者，是一件有四条腿的家具。 (Suǒwèi 'zhuōzi' zhě, shì yī jiàn yǒu sìtiáo tuǐ de jiājù.)
  • Why it's wrong: A table is a concrete object that requires no formal definition in normal conversation. The formality of the pattern clashes severely with the mundane nature of the topic. You would simply say 桌子是有四条腿的家具。
Mistake 2: Confusing 所谓...者 with 所谓的...
This is the most common and critical error. The two structures look similar but are grammatically worlds apart. 所谓的 (suǒwèi de) is a simple adjectival phrase, whereas 所谓...者 is a nominal clause that functions as a sentence topic.
| Structure | Type | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 所谓的 + Noun | Adjectival Phrase | Modifies a noun, almost always with skepticism. | 他不过是一个所谓的'艺术家'。 (He's just a so-called 'artist'.) |
| 所谓 + Noun + 者 | Nominal Clause (Topic) | Introduces a concept for formal definition or critique. | 所谓'艺术家'者，是能创造出独特美感的人。 (Those who are called 'artists' are people who can create a unique sense of beauty.) |
In short, 所谓的 is used to cast doubt on the noun that follows. 所谓...者 is used to formally introduce that noun as a topic for discussion.
Mistake 3: Omitting the 者 or the Explanation
The pattern is an indivisible unit. You cannot simply use 所谓 + [Concept] and expect it to work. The 者 (zhě) is the grammatical glue that turns the phrase into a noun. Without it, the phrase is a fragment. Likewise, you must provide the explanation (the 'comment' part of the sentence); otherwise, you have an introduced topic with no discussion.
  • Incorrect Fragment: 所谓'爱情'者。 (That which is called love.) ...And? The thought is incomplete.
  • Correct Sentence: 所谓'爱情'者，是两个人之间无私的奉献和深刻的理解。 (That which is called love is the selfless dedication and deep understanding between two people.)
Mistake 4: Stylistic Mismatch
While the pattern can be used sarcastically, a serious definition requires a correspondingly formal tone in the explanation. Using a highly formal frame like 所谓...者 and then providing a very casual or slang-filled explanation creates an awkward stylistic dissonance.
  • Awkward: 所谓'孝道'者，就是对你爸妈好一点啦，别惹他们生气呗。
  • Better: 所谓'孝道'者，不仅指物质上的供养，更包含精神上的慰藉与尊重。 (That which is called 'filial piety' not only refers to material support, but also includes spiritual comfort and respect.)

Real Conversations

Here is how 所谓...者 might appear in natural, context-appropriate discussions among native speakers.

S

Scenario 1

A University Literature Seminar

- Student: 老师，您能再解释一下后现代主义吗？我还是不太懂。

(Professor, could you explain postmodernism again? I still don't quite get it.)

- Professor: 好的。简而言之，所谓'后现代主义'者，其核心思想是对所有宏大叙事——比如进步、真理、理性——的根本性怀疑。它认为这些都只是特定历史时期构建的语言游戏。

(Okay. In simple terms, that which is called 'postmodernism', its core idea is a fundamental skepticism towards all grand narratives—such as progress, truth, and reason. It posits that these are all just language games constructed in specific historical periods.)

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Scenario 2

On the Chinese Q&A site Zhihu (知乎)

- Question Title: 大家怎么看待“内卷”这个词的滥用？ (What does everyone think about the overuse of the word "involution" (nèijuǎn)?)

- Highly-Voted Answer: “内卷”这个词确实被滥用了。最初，所谓'内卷'者，是指一种无法实现帕累托最优的非理性内部竞争，比如电影院里所有人都站起来看电影，结果没人看得更清楚。现在，但凡努力一点就被扣上“内卷”的帽子，这本身就是一种概念的稀释。

(The word "involution" has indeed been overused. Originally, that which was called 'involution' referred to a type of irrational internal competition that fails to achieve Pareto optimality, like everyone in a cinema standing up to watch, with the result that no one sees any better. Now, any small effort gets labeled as "involution," which is itself a dilution of the concept.)

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Scenario 3

A Sarcastic Comment on a Weibo News Post about a 'Minimalist' Luxury Product

- News Post: [Photos of a $500 plain white t-shirt by a luxury brand]

- Comment: 我懂了，所谓'极简主义设计'者，就是把价格提到极致，把设计减到没有，对吧？

(I get it now. That which is called 'minimalist design' just means maximizing the price while minimizing the design to zero, right?)

Quick FAQ

Q: Is this pattern more common in written or spoken Chinese?
A: It is overwhelmingly more common in written Chinese. Its natural home is in academic texts, formal essays, and literary commentary. In spoken language, its use is strictly limited to very formal occasions like university lectures, political addresses, or high-level business presentations.
You will almost never hear it in daily, casual conversation.
Q: Can I replace 者 with a modern word like 的人 or 的东西?
A: Absolutely not. The particle 者 (zhě) is the irreplaceable heart of this pattern's formality. It is a fossil from Classical Chinese, and its presence is what lends the structure its scholarly weight.
Replacing it with modern colloquialisms like 的人 (de rén) or 的东西 (de dōngxi) would be grammatically incorrect in this structure and would completely destroy its intended classical and formal tone.
Q: Does 所谓 always imply that something is "fake" or that I'm being skeptical?
A: No, this is a very common misunderstanding. The primary, neutral meaning of 所谓 in this pattern is "what is termed as" or "what is known as." The feeling of skepticism or irony is not inherent in the word itself but is created by the context of the explanation that follows the comma. A neutral explanation yields a neutral 所谓; a critical or sarcastic explanation makes 所谓 feel like "so-called."
Q: I'm still confused about 所谓的 vs. 所谓...者. Can you give me a simple rule?
A: Here’s a simple rule: if you are modifying a noun (e.g., "a so-called expert"), use 所谓的. If you are introducing a concept in order to give it a formal definition (e.g., "That which we call an expert, is..."), use 所谓...者.
Q: How does 所谓 (suǒwèi) relate to other 所 (suǒ) structures in Chinese?
A: 所 (suǒ) is a fascinating and productive morpheme from Classical Chinese used to create nominal phrases, often from verbs. It essentially means "that which..." or "the one which...". For example, 见 (jiàn) is "to see," so 所见 (suǒjiàn) is "that which is seen." 闻 (wén) is "to hear," so 所闻 (suǒwén) is "that which is heard." 谓 (wèi) means "to call" or "to name," so 所谓 (suǒwèi) perfectly fits this pattern, meaning "that which is called." Understanding this principle will help you decipher many other formal structures like 所以 (suǒyǐ) (the reason by which; therefore) and 所在 (suǒzài) (the place where something is; location).

Structure Breakdown

Part Function Example
所谓
Introducer
所谓
[Term]
Subject
幸福
者
Nominalizer
者
[Definition]
Predicate
是内心的平静

Meanings

This structure is used to introduce a formal definition of a concept, acting as a literary equivalent to 'The thing known as X'.

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Formal Definition

Defining a specific term or abstract concept.

“所谓{民主|mínzhǔ}者，{人民|rénmín}{当家作主|dāngjiāzuòzhǔ}也。”

“所谓{朋友|péngyǒu}者，{志同道合|zhìtóngdàohé}之{伙伴|huǒbàn}。”

Reference Table

Reference table for Formal Definitions: That Which Is Called (所谓...者)
Form Structure Example
Standard
所谓+Term+者+Def
所谓民主者，人民当家作主也。
With 乃
所谓+Term+者+乃+Def
所谓朋友者，乃志同道合之人。
With 也
所谓+Term+者+Def+也
所谓艺术者，情感之升华也。

Formality Spectrum

Formal
所谓朋友者，乃志同道合之人。

所谓朋友者，乃志同道合之人。 (Defining a concept)

Neutral
朋友就是志同道合的人。

朋友就是志同道合的人。 (Defining a concept)

Informal
朋友就是那种聊得来的人。

朋友就是那种聊得来的人。 (Defining a concept)

Slang
哥们儿就是铁磁。

哥们儿就是铁磁。 (Defining a concept)

The Definition Frame

所谓...者

Components

  • 所谓 So-called
  • 者 Nominalizer

Usage

  • Formal Academic
  • Literary Classical style
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Examples by Level

1

所谓{书|shū}者，是{阅读|yuèdú}的{东西|dōngxi}。

What is called a book is a thing for reading.

1

所谓{老师|lǎoshī}者，{教书|jiāoshū}的人。

What is called a teacher is a person who teaches.

1

所谓{爱|ài}者，是{无私|wúsī}的{付出|fùchū}。

What is called love is selfless giving.

1

所谓{公平|gōngpíng}者，乃是{机会|jīhuì}的{均等|jūnděng}。

What is called fairness is the equality of opportunity.

1

所谓{创新|chuàngxīn}者，{打破|dǎpò}{旧|jiù}{思维|sīwéi}之{束缚|shùfù}也。

What is called innovation is the breaking of old thinking constraints.

1

所谓{君子|jūnzǐ}者，{行|xíng}{不言|bùyán}{之|zhī}{教|jiào}。

What is called a gentleman is one who teaches without words.

Easily Confused

Formal Definitions: That Which Is Called (所谓...者) vs 所谓的 vs 所谓...者

Learners often use them interchangeably.

Common Mistakes

✗

所谓的幸福者是...

✓

所谓幸福者是...

Don't combine '所谓的' with '者'.
✗

所谓幸福...

✓

所谓幸福者...

Need the nominalizer '者' to complete the frame.
✗

所谓幸福者，是快乐。

✓

所谓幸福者，乃快乐也。

In formal contexts, use '乃' or '也' for better flow.
✗

所谓幸福者，就是...

✓

所谓幸福者，乃是...

Avoid colloquial '就是' in this formal pattern.

Sentence Patterns

所谓___者，乃___也。

Real World Usage

Academic Essay very common

所谓全球化者，乃资本之流动也。

Formal Speech common

所谓领袖者，乃服务大众之人。

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🎯

Use '乃' for elegance

Pairing '所谓...者' with '乃' makes your sentence sound like a classic philosophical text.

Smart Tips

Use this to define your core thesis terms.

民主是人民做主。 → 所谓民主者，乃人民当家作主也。

Pronunciation

zhě

者 (zhě)

The 'zh' is retroflex, 'e' is a neutral-ish vowel.

Pause after 者

所谓...者 // ...

Creates a dramatic pause for the definition.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '所谓' as the 'Label' and '者' as the 'Box' that holds the definition.

Visual Association

Imagine a museum plaque: '所谓 [Object] 者' is the title, and the text below is the definition.

Rhyme

所谓开头者，者字结尾跟，定义要清楚，正式又庄重。

Story

A professor stands at a podium. He says '所谓教育者' (What is called education). He pauses, then adds '乃是点燃火焰' (is the lighting of a fire). The students write it down.

Word Web

所谓者定义乃也概念正式

Challenge

Write three definitions of your favorite hobbies using this pattern.

Cultural Notes

This structure mimics the style of the Analects, where definitions are often given as 'X者，Y也'.

Derived from classical Chinese philosophical texts.

Conversation Starters

“

所谓成功者，你觉得是什么？

Journal Prompts

Define 'Happiness' using the 所谓...者 pattern.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

所谓艺术___，是情感的表达。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 者
The pattern requires '者' as the nominalizer.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 所谓幸福者是快乐。
Correct structure.

Score: /2

Practice Exercises

2 exercises
Fill in the blank.

所谓艺术___，是情感的表达。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 者
The pattern requires '者' as the nominalizer.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 所谓幸福者是快乐。
Correct structure.

Score: /2

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Complete the phrase with the correct opening marker. Fill in the Blank

___专家者，不过是纸上谈兵罢了。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 所谓
Which structure best introduces a mock-serious definition on social media? Multiple Choice

Select the correct pattern for internet slang framing:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 所谓键盘侠者，实乃网络暴徒也。
Identify the unnatural usage of this advanced grammar. Error Correction

所谓手机者，是一个电子产品。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 手机是一种电子产品。
Rearrange the words to form a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

就是 / 所谓 / 过度竞争 / 者， / 内卷

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 所谓内卷者，就是过度竞争
Translate the sentence into formal Chinese using the learned pattern. Translation

Those known as intellectuals, should have social responsibility.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 称为知识分子者，应有社会担当。
Match the modern slang to its formal mock-definition. Match Pairs

Match the parts of the sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 所谓平替者 - 就是大牌的廉价替代品
Fill in the blank to complete the idiom within the pattern. Fill in the Blank

所谓爱情者，如人饮水，___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 冷暖自知
Which sentence is grammatically incorrect? Multiple Choice

Find the broken pattern:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 所谓的天才者，是聪明的。
Fix the missing punctuation. Error Correction

所谓自由者并非为所欲为。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 所谓自由者，并非为所欲为。
Select the correct verb to pair with '者' for 'Those known as'. Fill in the Blank

___弱势群体者，应当得到更多的社会关注。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 称为

Score: /10

FAQ (1)

No, it is too formal. Use it only in essays or speeches.

Scaffolded Practice

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Mastery Progress

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In Other Languages

Japanese high

いわゆる...とは

Japanese uses 'とは' as the marker, Chinese uses '者'.

German partial

Das sogenannte...

German lacks a direct particle-based nominalization like '者'.

French high

Ce qu'on appelle...

It is a verbal phrase rather than a structural pattern.

Spanish high

Lo que se llama...

Uses a relative pronoun structure.

Arabic moderate

ما يسمى بـ...

Requires a preposition 'b' to link the definition.

Chinese low

所谓的

Lacks the formal nominalization of '者'.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Sophisticated Rhetorical Questions (qǐ, ān, yān)

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C1 Requires

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