When you want to tell someone they absolutely must do something, or by all means avoid something, you can use the word “千万” (qiān wàn). It's a strong way to give advice or a warning.
It often comes at the beginning of a sentence or before the verb. Think of it like saying “Make sure you…” or “Whatever you do, don't…”
For example, if you say “你千万不要忘记带护照” (Nǐ qiānwàn bùyào wàngjì dài hùzhào), you are telling someone, “By all means, don't forget to bring your passport.” It's a very important reminder.
When you want to tell someone they absolutely must do something, or absolutely must NOT do something, use 千万 (qiānwàn). Think of it like saying “by all means” or “whatever you do…”
It’s a strong way to give advice or a warning. For example, if you tell a friend, “出门千万要带伞 (Chūmén qiānwàn yào dài sǎn),” you’re emphasizing that they really, really need to bring an umbrella when they go out.
You’ll often see it paired with 要 (yào) for things you must do, or 别 (bié) / 不要 (bùyào) for things you must not do.
It adds a sense of urgency or crucial importance to your statement, making it clear that the action (or inaction) is non-negotiable.
When advising someone, 千万 (qiān wàn) is used to emphasize the importance of doing or not doing something. It is stronger than 一定 (yī dìng) and implies a greater consequence if the advice isn't followed. Think of it as saying 'absolutely must' or 'be sure to.'
It can be used to warn against a potential danger or to stress the necessity of a particular action. For example, if you're reminding someone to lock the door before leaving, using 千万 would convey that it's crucial for their safety.
When advising someone, especially if there's a potential for negative consequences, use 千万. Think of it as a strong warning: "Absolutely do this" or "Absolutely don't do this." It's stronger than just "should" or "must." For example, 你千万别忘了 means "You absolutely must not forget." It emphasizes the importance of following the advice.
§ What does 千万 (qiān wàn) mean?
The Chinese word 千万 (qiān wàn) is an adverb that directly translates to "by all means" or "absolutely must." It’s used to emphasize the importance of doing something or, more often, of absolutely *not* doing something.
§ When do people use 千万 (qiān wàn)?
You'll hear 千万 (qiān wàn) all the time in everyday conversations, especially when someone wants to give serious advice or a strong instruction. It adds a sense of urgency and importance to the statement. It's often paired with negative commands, telling someone what *not* to do.
- Common Usage
- It's most frequently used to warn against something or to stress the importance of avoiding a particular action. When someone uses 千万 (qiān wàn), they really mean it!
Here's how it generally works:
- When telling someone to absolutely *do* something, it's a strong encouragement.
- When telling someone to absolutely *not do* something, it's a firm warning.
§ 千万 (qiān wàn) in positive statements
Although less common than in negative statements, 千万 (qiān wàn) can be used to emphasize that something *must* be done. It conveys a strong sense of necessity or urgency.
你千万要记得给我打电话。
- Translation hint
- You absolutely must remember to call me.
出门前千万要关好门窗。
- Translation hint
- Before going out, you absolutely must close the doors and windows tightly.
§ 千万 (qiān wàn) in negative statements (very common!)
This is where 千万 (qiān wàn) truly shines. When combined with negative words like 别 (bié) (don't) or 不要 (bù yào) (don't, do not), it creates a very strong prohibition or warning. It's like saying "whatever you do, *do not*..." or "you *must not*...".
你千万别忘了带伞。
- Translation hint
- You absolutely must not forget to bring an umbrella.
千万不要相信他的话。
- Translation hint
- Absolutely do not believe what he says.
开车时千万不要玩手机。
- Translation hint
- When driving, absolutely do not play with your phone.
The meaning is clear: the speaker considers this action to be extremely important to avoid.
Hello, learners! Today we're diving into a really useful Chinese word: 千万 (qiān wàn). You'll hear this one a lot, and understanding it will definitely help you navigate daily conversations, especially when people are giving advice or warnings.
- Chinese Word
- 千万 (qiān wàn)
- Part of Speech
- Adverb
- CEFR Level
- A2
- Definition
- by all means; absolutely must; make sure to; be sure not to (when used with a negative)
§ What 千万 (qiān wàn) Means
Basically, 千万 (qiān wàn) is used to emphasize a strong recommendation, a warning, or a command. It's like saying, "You absolutely MUST do this," or "You absolutely MUST NOT do this." It adds a layer of seriousness to what you're saying.
§ Where You Actually Hear This Word
You'll encounter 千万 (qiān wàn) in many real-life situations. Think about scenarios where someone needs to be very clear about what should or shouldn't happen. Here are some common places:
At Work
In a professional setting, people use 千万 (qiān wàn) to give crucial instructions or warnings. For example, a manager might tell an employee something important for safety or project completion.
你千万不要迟到，这个会议很重要。
You absolutely must not be late, this meeting is very important. (迟到: be late; 会议: meeting)
请大家千万记得保存文件。
Everyone, absolutely remember to save the file. (保存: save; 文件: file)
At School
Teachers often use 千万 (qiān wàn) when giving instructions for assignments, exams, or classroom rules. Parents might also use it to give important advice to their children regarding schoolwork or safety.
考试时千万不要作弊。
During the exam, absolutely do not cheat. (考试: exam; 作弊: cheat)
你放学后千万要直接回家。
After school, you absolutely must go straight home. (放学: after school; 回家: go home)
In the News / Public Announcements
When the news or public service announcements convey important information, especially warnings or safety instructions, they often use 千万 (qiān wàn) to ensure people pay attention.
市民外出时千万要注意交通安全。
When residents go out, they absolutely must pay attention to traffic safety. (市民: residents; 外出: go out; 交通安全: traffic safety)
请大家千万不要相信陌生电话。
Everyone, absolutely do not trust unfamiliar phone calls. (相信: trust; 陌生: unfamiliar; 电话: phone call)
§ Key Takeaways for Using 千万 (qiān wàn)
Emphasis: Use it when you want to strongly advise, command, or warn someone.
Positive and Negative: It can be used for things people must do and things they must not do (when paired with 不 or 别).
Common Usage: It's very common in everyday conversation, instructions, and public announcements.
§ Understanding 'Qiānwàn' (千万)
Alright, let's talk about a super useful Chinese word: 千万 (qiānwàn). You'll hear it a lot, and it means 'by all means' or 'absolutely must'. It's about emphasizing a strong recommendation or a warning. Think of it as putting extra weight on your advice.
- DEFINITION
- by all means; absolutely must
Now, while 千万 (qiānwàn) is straightforward, there are a few places where learners often stumble. Let's break down these common mistakes so you can use it like a pro.
§ Mistake 1: Using 'Qiānwàn' for Simple Obligations
One big mistake is using 千万 (qiānwàn) for things that are just 'should' or 'have to' without that strong emphasis. Remember, 千万 (qiānwàn) isn't just 'must'; it's 'absolutely must' or 'by all means'. If it's a general obligation, stick to other words like 应该 (yīnggāi - should) or 需要 (xūyào - need to).
你应该多喝水。(Nǐ yīnggāi duō hē shuǐ.)
You should drink more water. (Simple advice)
If you said 你千万多喝水 (Nǐ qiānwàn duō hē shuǐ), it would sound like there's a serious consequence if they *don't* drink more water. Like, 'You absolutely must drink more water, or else!' It's too strong for everyday advice.
§ Mistake 2: Forgetting the Negative with 'Qiānwàn'
This is a big one. 千万 (qiānwàn) is very often used with negatives to express 'absolutely must not' or 'under no circumstances'. When you want to warn someone not to do something, pairing 千万 (qiānwàn) with 别 (bié - don't) or 不要 (bù yào - don't want to/don't) is extremely common and natural. Omitting the negative when you mean to warn can lead to miscommunication.
你千万不要忘了带护照。(Nǐ qiānwàn búyào wàng le dài hùzhào.)
You absolutely must not forget to bring your passport.
Here, the combination 千万不要 (qiānwàn búyào) makes it clear. If you just said 你千万忘了带护照 (Nǐ qiānwàn wàng le dài hùzhào), it sounds very odd, almost like you're strongly advising them to forget their passport, which is definitely not what you mean!
§ Mistake 3: Overusing 'Qiānwàn' in Formal Contexts
While 千万 (qiānwàn) is strong, it's generally used in more informal or semi-formal advice and warnings between people. In very formal written documents or speeches, you might find other, more formal expressions for emphasis. It's not wrong to use it formally, but it might not always be the most natural choice. Think about the context and who you're talking to.
For example, in a formal safety notice, you might see 严禁 (yánjìn - strictly forbidden) or 务必 (wùbì - must, be sure to) more often than 千万 (qiānwàn), especially for rules and regulations.
§ Mistake 4: Confusing 'Qiānwàn' with 'Yīwàn' (一万)
This is less about grammar and more about sound. 千万 (qiānwàn) sounds similar to 一万 (yīwàn - ten thousand) if you're not careful with your tones or pronunciation. While their meanings are totally different, new learners can sometimes get them mixed up, leading to funny or confusing situations.
- 千万 (qiānwàn): by all means; absolutely must
- 一万 (yīwàn): ten thousand (a number)
§ Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master 千万 (qiānwàn) is to hear it and use it. Listen for it in conversations, TV shows, and songs. Try to use it yourself when you're giving strong advice or warnings to a friend (in Chinese, of course!).
你千万要小心！(Nǐ qiānwàn yào xiǎoxīn!)
You absolutely must be careful!
By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll sound much more natural and precise when using 千万 (qiānwàn). Keep practicing, and you'll get it right!
How Formal Is It?
"请您务必准时参加会议。 (Please be sure to attend the meeting on time.)"
"你千万别忘了带护照。 (You absolutely must not forget to bring your passport.)"
"这事你可得帮我啊！ (You really have to help me with this!)"
"宝贝，你一定不能乱跑哦。 (Sweetie, you absolutely must not run around.)"
"这个游戏我死都得赢！ (I absolutely have to win this game!)"
Fun Fact
This word is often used in cautionary advice or strong recommendations, highlighting a crucial action to take or avoid.
Pronunciation Guide
- confusing the 'q' sound with 'ch'
- not fully articulating the 'n' sound at the end of 'wàn'
Difficulty Rating
short and common characters
short and common characters
requires correct tone and emphasis for the intended meaning
understanding the nuance of 'must' or 'must not' based on context
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Use 千万 in negative commands to emphasize strong prohibition or warning. It often appears before 不/别 (bù/bié) + verb.
你 千万 别 忘了 明天 的 会议。 (Nǐ qiānwàn bié wàngle míngtiān de huìyì.) - You absolutely must not forget tomorrow's meeting.
Use 千万 in affirmative commands to stress the importance of doing something. It typically precedes the verb.
你 千万 要 记住 我 说 的 话。 (Nǐ qiānwàn yào jìzhu wǒ shuō de huà.) - You absolutely must remember what I said.
千万 can be used with imperative adverbs like 一定 (yīdìng, certainly) for extra emphasis, though this is less common than just using 千万.
你 千万 一定 要 准时 到。 (Nǐ qiānwàn yīdìng yào zhǔnshí dào.) - You absolutely must be on time.
Avoid using 千万 in statements of fact or questions; its primary function is for commands, advice, or warnings.
Incorrect: 他 千万 去了 商店。 (Tā qiānwàn qùle shāngdiàn.) - He absolutely went to the store. (Should use '他一定去了商店。') Correct: 你 千万 要 早点 休息。 (Nǐ qiānwàn yào zǎodiǎn xiūxi.) - You absolutely must rest early.
千万 is generally used in spoken and informal written Chinese. While it conveys strong emphasis, it might be replaced by more formal expressions in very formal writing.
Informal: 千万 别 告诉 别人。 (Qiānwàn bié gàosù biérén.) - Absolutely don't tell anyone else. Formal (not a direct replacement, but conveying similar urgency): 请 务必 保守 秘密。 (Qǐng wùbì bǎoshǒu mìmì.) - Please be sure to keep the secret.
Examples by Level
你出门的时候千万别忘了带钥匙。
When you go out, absolutely don't forget to bring your keys.
过马路的时候，千万要小心看车。
When crossing the road, by all means be careful to watch for cars.
这个秘密你千万不能告诉别人。
This secret, you absolutely cannot tell anyone else.
吃饭前，千万要记得洗手。
Before eating, by all means remember to wash your hands.
今天晚上有点冷，你千万要多穿点衣服。
It's a bit cold tonight, you absolutely must wear more clothes.
考试的时候，千万不要紧张。
During the exam, by all means don't be nervous.
如果你去北京，千万要去长城看看。
If you go to Beijing, absolutely must go see the Great Wall.
老师说的话，你千万要记住。
What the teacher said, you absolutely must remember.
你出门的时候千万别忘了带钥匙。
When you go out, absolutely don't forget to bring your keys.
考试的时候千万要仔细检查。
During the exam, by all means check carefully.
过马路的时候千万要小心车辆。
When crossing the street, absolutely be careful of vehicles.
身体不舒服的话，千万别硬撑着。
If you don't feel well, by all means don't force yourself.
吃饭前千万别忘记洗手。
Before eating, absolutely don't forget to wash your hands.
晚上睡觉前千万要关好门窗。
Before going to bed at night, by all means close the doors and windows securely.
遇到困难千万不要轻易放弃。
When encountering difficulties, absolutely don't give up easily.
这件事情千万不能告诉别人。
This matter, by all means, cannot be told to others.
你千万别忘了带护照。
You absolutely must not forget to bring your passport.
出门前，千万要记得关灯。
Before going out, you absolutely must remember to turn off the lights.
考试的时候，千万不能作弊。
During the exam, you absolutely cannot cheat.
遇到困难，你千万不要放弃。
When encountering difficulties, you absolutely must not give up.
去中国旅游，千万别错过长城。
When traveling to China, you absolutely must not miss the Great Wall.
开车时，千万要注意安全。
When driving, you absolutely must pay attention to safety.
这个秘密，你千万不要告诉别人。
This secret, you absolutely must not tell others.
学习中文，千万要多说多练。
When learning Chinese, you absolutely must speak and practice more.
你开车时千万要小心，路上车很多。
When you drive, you absolutely must be careful; there are many cars on the road.
千万 + verb/adjective phrase: Emphasizes the necessity of doing something carefully or strongly advising against something.
这个秘密你千万不要告诉别人。
This secret, by all means, you must not tell anyone else.
千万 + 不要 + verb: Strongly warns against doing something.
面试前千万要做好准备，才能表现好。
Before the interview, you absolutely must prepare well, then you can perform well.
千万 + verb phrase: Stresses the importance of preparation.
出去玩千万要注意安全，尤其是在陌生的地方。
When going out to play, by all means, you must pay attention to safety, especially in unfamiliar places.
千万 + verb phrase: Highlights the critical need for safety.
考试的时候千万不要抄袭，那是作弊。
During the exam, by all means, do not cheat; that is plagiarism.
千万 + 不要 + verb: Strongly prohibits cheating.
如果你对这个项目感兴趣，千万不要错过这个机会。
If you are interested in this project, you absolutely must not miss this opportunity.
千万 + 不要 + verb: Urges not to miss a chance.
感冒了千万不要硬撑，赶紧去看医生。
If you have a cold, by all means, do not tough it out; quickly go see a doctor.
千万 + 不要 + verb: Advises against enduring illness without medical attention.
重要的文件千万要备份，以防万一。
Important documents, by all means, you must back them up, just in case.
千万 + verb phrase: Emphasizes the necessity of backing up important files.
你千万别忘了带护照，不然就麻烦了。
You absolutely must not forget to bring your passport, otherwise it will be troublesome.
千万 + 别/不要 (by all means don't do something)
明天考试，你千万要早点睡。
There's an exam tomorrow, you absolutely must go to bed early.
千万 + 要 (by all means must do something)
这个秘密你千万不能告诉别人。
You absolutely must not tell anyone this secret.
千万 + 不能 (by all means cannot do something)
出门前，千万要检查一下门窗是否关好。
Before leaving, by all means check if the doors and windows are closed properly.
千万 + 要 (by all means must do something)
面对困难，你千万不要轻易放弃。
Facing difficulties, you absolutely must not give up easily.
千万 + 不要 (by all means don't do something)
无论发生什么，你千万要保持冷静。
No matter what happens, you absolutely must remain calm.
千万 + 要 (by all means must do something)
这件事千万保密，知道的人越少越好。
This matter absolutely must be kept secret, the fewer people who know, the better.
千万 + verb (by all means verb)
去高原地区，千万要注意高原反应。
When going to high-altitude areas, you absolutely must pay attention to altitude sickness.
千万 + 要 (by all means must do something)
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
你千万要小心。
You absolutely must be careful.
你千万别忘了带护照。
You absolutely must not forget to bring your passport.
出门前千万要关灯。
Before going out, you absolutely must turn off the lights.
这个问题你千万要记住。
You absolutely must remember this question.
你千万不要放弃。
You absolutely must not give up.
请你千万要来参加我的生日派对。
Please, by all means, come to my birthday party.
这件事情你千万不能告诉别人。
You absolutely must not tell anyone about this matter.
过马路时千万要注意安全。
When crossing the road, you absolutely must pay attention to safety.
有什么问题千万要问我。
If you have any questions, by all means, ask me.
你千万不要迟到。
You absolutely must not be late.
Often Confused With
The character 千 (qiān) means 'thousand' and 万 (wàn) means 'ten thousand.' While 千万 literally means 'thousands and tens of thousands,' in its adverbial usage, it has lost this literal numerical meaning and now functions as an intensifier for advice or warning.
Chinese often uses numbers in idioms or fixed expressions to convey an abstract meaning rather than a literal count. 千万 is a good example where numbers are used for emphasis.
Many learners confuse how to express strong advice or warnings in Chinese. 千万 is one of the most common and effective ways to do this, especially for 'by all means' or 'whatever you do, don't...'
Idioms & Expressions
"千山万水 (qiān shān wàn shuǐ)"
through a thousand crags and ten thousand torrents; over an arduous long journey
他千山万水，终于回到了家乡。 (He returned to his hometown after a long and arduous journey.)
neutral"千言万语 (qiān yán wàn yǔ)"
thousands of words; a great deal of talk
千言万语也无法表达我的感激。 (Thousands of words cannot express my gratitude.)
neutral"千变万化 (qiān biàn wàn huà)"
ever-changing; kaleidoscopic
天气千变万化，出门要带伞。 (The weather is ever-changing, so bring an umbrella when you go out.)
neutral"千辛万苦 (qiān xīn wàn kǔ)"
numerous trials and tribulations; untold hardships
他们经历了千辛万苦才成功。 (They succeeded after enduring untold hardships.)
neutral"千家万户 (qiān jiā wàn hù)"
thousands of households; every family
春节期间，千家万户都挂灯笼。 (During the Spring Festival, every family hangs lanterns.)
neutral"千真万确 (qiān zhēn wàn què)"
absolutely true; indeed
他说的话千真万确，没有半点虚假。 (What he said is absolutely true, not a bit false.)
neutral"千虑一得 (qiān lǜ yī dé)"
even a fool may hit on a good idea; a wise man may have a lapse of judgment
这只是我千虑一得的建议，仅供参考。 (This is just my humble suggestion, for your reference.)
formal"千疮百孔 (qiān chuāng bǎi kǒng)"
riddled with holes; badly damaged
这座旧房子千疮百孔，需要修缮。 (This old house is riddled with holes and needs repair.)
neutral"千载难逢 (qiān zǎi nán féng)"
once in a thousand years; extremely rare
这是一个千载难逢的好机会。 (This is an extremely rare opportunity.)
neutral"千钧一发 (qiān jūn yī fà)"
a thousand catties hanging by a hair; in imminent peril
情况千钧一发，我们必须立即行动。 (The situation is in imminent peril, we must act immediately.)
neutralEasily Confused
Both 千万 and 一定 can express certainty or necessity. However, their nuances and common usages differ.
千万 (qiān wàn) is a strong admonition, urging someone to absolutely do or not do something, often implying a warning or strong advice. It translates to 'by all means,' 'be sure to,' or 'whatever you do.' 一定 (yī dìng) expresses general certainty, a firm resolution, or a strong likelihood. It translates to 'definitely,' 'must,' or 'certainly.'
你 千万 不要 忘记 带护照。(Nǐ qiān wàn bù yào wàng jì dài hù zhào.) - Be sure not to forget your passport. / 我 一定 会 努力 学习 的。(Wǒ yī dìng huì nǔ lì xué xí de.) - I will definitely study hard.
Both 千万 and 必须 convey a sense of obligation or necessity.
千万 (qiān wàn) is more about strong advice or warning, emphasizing the importance of an action. 必须 (bì xū) denotes a stronger, often external, obligation or requirement, similar to 'must' or 'have to' in English, indicating something is compulsory.
你 千万 要 小心，别 摔倒了。(Nǐ qiān wàn yào xiǎo xīn, bié shuāi dǎo le.) - Be absolutely careful not to fall. / 我们 必须 完成 这项 任务。(Wǒ men bì xū wán chéng zhè xiàng rèn wù.) - We must complete this task.
务必 is quite similar to 千万 in its meaning of 'must' or 'be sure to.'
Both are strong admonitions. 务必 (wù bì) is often used in more formal or written contexts, carrying a slightly more serious or official tone. 千万 (qiān wàn) is more common in everyday spoken language and personal advice.
请 务必 准时 到达。(Qǐng wù bì zhǔn shí dào dá.) - Please be sure to arrive on time. / 你 千万 别 告诉 别人 我 说了 什么。(Nǐ qiān wàn bié gào sù bié rén wǒ shuō le shén me.) - Be sure not to tell anyone what I said.
This phrase can express a similar idea of doing something 'no matter what,' which might be confused with the strong emphasis of 千万.
千万 (qiān wàn) is an adverb directly modifying a verb, giving strong advice or warning. 无论如何 (wú lùn rú hé) means 'in any case,' 'at any rate,' or 'no matter what.' It sets a condition that something will happen or be done regardless of circumstances, rather than directly urging an action.
你 千万 别 忘了 关灯。(Nǐ qiān wàn bié wàng le guān dēng.) - Be sure not to forget to turn off the light. / 无论如何，我们 都 要 坚持 下去。(Wú lùn rú hé, wǒ men dōu yào jiān chí xià qù.) - In any case, we must persevere.
This phrase directly translates to 'definitely not want/do,' making it seem very similar to 千万 used in a negative sense (千万不要).
While '一定不要' (yī dìng bù yào) conveys a strong negative instruction, '千万不要' (qiān wàn bù yào) carries a stronger sense of warning or admonition, implying potentially serious consequences if the advice is not followed. 千万 is often more emphatic in warning against something.
你 千万 不要 错过 这次 机会。(Nǐ qiān wàn bù yào cuò guò zhè cì jī huì.) - Be sure not to miss this opportunity. / 我 一定 不要 迟到。(Wǒ yī dìng bù yào chí dào.) - I definitely don't want to be late.
How to Use It
Use 千万 (qiānwàn) to strongly emphasize a command or a warning. It's often followed by 不 (bù) when giving a warning or prohibition. It's similar to saying 'definitely' or 'be sure to' in English.
A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with other adverbs of emphasis like '一定 (yīdìng)'. While both express certainty, 千万 (qiānwàn) carries a stronger sense of urgency and warning, making it more appropriate for commands or prohibitions.
Tips
Emphasizes Importance
Remember, 千万 (qiān wàn) is used to give strong advice or a firm command. It's like saying 'you absolutely must' or 'you definitely should' in English.
Often with Negation
You'll very often see 千万 used with negative commands, like 千万不要 (qiān wàn bù yào), meaning 'absolutely do not' or 'by no means should you'.
More Urgent than 要
While 要 (yào) means 'to want' or 'should', 千万 adds a much stronger sense of urgency and importance. Think of it as a stronger 'should'.
Don't Confuse with Numbers
Although 千万 literally means 'a thousand ten thousands' (i.e., ten million), when used as an adverb, it loses its numerical meaning and functions purely as an intensifier.
Use for Safety/Caution
This word is frequently used when giving advice about safety or caution. For example, 千万小心 (qiān wàn xiǎo xīn) means 'be extremely careful'.
Place Before Verb/Adjective
Like most adverbs in Chinese, 千万 usually comes before the verb or adjective it modifies.
Practice with Examples
The best way to get a feel for 千万 is to practice with example sentences. Pay attention to the strong advice or warning conveyed.
Formal and Informal Use
You can use 千万 in both formal and informal contexts when you want to express a strong necessity or prohibition.
Similar to 务必 (wù bì)
For more advanced learners, 务必 (wù bì) is another word that means 'must' or 'be sure to', often carrying a slightly more formal tone than 千万, but conveying a similar strong sense of obligation.
Listen for Emphasis
When native speakers use 千万, they often put a slight emphasis on it in their speech, highlighting the importance of the advice.
Word Origin
The characters literally mean 'thousand' (千) and 'ten thousand' (万).
Original meaning: Originally, it referred to a large number, emphasizing 'many' or 'all'. Over time, it evolved into an adverb stressing the importance or urgency of an action.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic languages, ChineseCultural Context
When Chinese people use “千万,” they are giving very strong advice, almost a warning. It’s like saying, “If you do nothing else, do this!” This reflects a cultural emphasis on clear, direct communication when something is important, often used by elders to younger people or in situations where safety or crucial responsibilities are involved. It's a way to express a deep concern or a critical reminder.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Giving strong advice or warnings about something that absolutely must or must not happen.
- 你千万要记住。
- 你千万别忘了。
- 我千万不能迟到。
Emphasizing the importance of an action or outcome.
- 这件事情你千万要做好。
- 我们千万要小心。
- 千万别放弃。
Expressing a strong desire or necessity.
- 你千万要来参加我的生日派对。
- 我千万想见到你。
- 千万要告诉他这个好消息。
In situations where there are serious consequences if the advice is not followed.
- 考试的时候你千万别作弊。
- 开车千万别喝酒。
- 千万不要相信陌生人。
When making a very firm request or prohibition.
- 你千万不要告诉任何人。
- 千万别客气。
- 千万不要浪费食物。
Conversation Starters
"你觉得生活中有什么事情是千万不能做的？"
"你最近有没有遇到什么事情是千万要记住的？"
"你有没有给朋友提过什么千万要做的建议？"
"如果你要给一个新来的学生建议，你会告诉他千万要做什么，千万不要做什么？"
"你觉得学习中文千万要坚持什么？"
Journal Prompts
写下三件你认为人生中千万不能做的事情，并解释原因。
回忆一次你因为没有记住别人的“千万”建议而犯错的经历。
写一篇关于你对家人或朋友说的“千万”叮嘱的日记。
如果你有机会给未来的自己写一封信，你会用“千万”来提醒自己什么？
思考学习中文的过程中，你觉得有什么是“千万”要坚持的，有什么是“千万”要避免的？
Test Yourself 66 questions
The word '千万' (qiānwàn) is an adverb, and it usually comes before the verb or an auxiliary verb like '要' (yào) meaning 'to want to' or 'must'. So the correct order is 'He absolutely must study'.
Here, '千万' (qiānwàn) is used with '别' (bié) which means 'don't'. '千万别' means 'absolutely must not'. So the correct order is 'You absolutely must not forget'.
In this sentence, '千万' (qiānwàn) emphasizes the importance of '要' (yào) which means 'must'. The adverb '早点' (zǎodiǎn) meaning 'earlier' or 'sooner' comes before the verb '休息' (xiūxi) meaning 'to rest'. So the correct order is 'She absolutely must rest earlier'.
Choose the correct sentence using “千万”:
“千万” is usually followed by “要” or “别” (or another imperative verb) to emphasize the necessity or prohibition.
Which sentence means “Absolutely don't forget your passport”?
“千万别” is used for strong prohibitions, meaning “absolutely don't” or “by all means don't”.
Fill in the blank: 考试前，你___别熬夜。
This sentence expresses a strong warning, so “千万” (absolutely must not) is the most appropriate word.
The sentence “你千万学习中文。” (You absolutely must study Chinese.) is grammatically correct.
“千万” usually needs to be followed by “要” (must) or “别” (don't) for emphasis. The correct sentence would be “你千万要学习中文。”
“千万” can be used to give a strong warning.
Yes, “千万” is often used to emphasize a warning or a strong piece of advice, meaning 'by all means' or 'absolutely'.
“千万” means 'maybe'.
No, “千万” means 'by all means' or 'absolutely must', not 'maybe'.
The speaker is emphasizing the importance of not forgetting.
This is a warning or a strong piece of advice for an exam.
A reminder before leaving the house.
Read this aloud:
你千万要小心。
Focus: qiān wàn yào xiǎo xīn
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
千万别迟到。
Focus: qiān wàn bié chí dào
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
这件事情你千万不能告诉别人。
Focus: qiān wàn bù néng gào sù bié rén
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are reminding your friend to be careful when crossing the street. Use 千万.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
过马路的时候，你千万要小心。
You are telling someone they absolutely must remember an important appointment. Use 千万.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这个重要的约会你千万要记住。
You are advising someone not to forget to bring their passport for a trip. Use 千万.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
出门旅行，你千万别忘了带护照。
妈妈让小明明天做什么？
Read this passage:
妈妈对小明说："明天有考试，你晚上千万不要玩游戏，一定要早点睡觉。" 小明听了妈妈的话，早早就睡了。
妈妈让小明明天做什么？
妈妈说：“明天有考试，你晚上千万不要玩游戏，一定要早点睡觉。”
妈妈说：“明天有考试，你晚上千万不要玩游戏，一定要早点睡觉。”
根据这段话，去北京旅游时，建议去哪里？
Read this passage:
去北京旅游，你千万要去长城看看，那是中国的标志性建筑。还有故宫，也非常值得去。
根据这段话，去北京旅游时，建议去哪里？
文章中明确提到“去北京旅游，你千万要去长城看看”。
文章中明确提到“去北京旅游，你千万要去长城看看”。
老师在考试前强调了什么？
Read this passage:
老师说：“同学们，考试的时候千万不要抄别人的答案，要相信自己。” 大家听了都点点头。
老师在考试前强调了什么？
老师说：“考试的时候千万不要抄别人的答案”。
老师说：“考试的时候千万不要抄别人的答案”。
Listen for advice on driving carefully.
Listen for a reminder about bringing documents to a meeting.
Listen for advice on making a careful decision.
Read this aloud:
你千万要记住，安全第一。
Focus: qiān wàn yào jì zhù
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
千万不要在公共场合大声喧哗。
Focus: qiān wàn bú yào dà shēng xuān huá
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
有任何问题，你千万要及时告诉我。
Focus: qiān wàn yào jí shí gào sù wǒ
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are reminding a friend to be careful on their trip. Use 千万 in a sentence to tell them to remember something important.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你出门旅游千万要记得带上防晒霜。
Write a sentence using 千万 to tell someone not to do something. For example, don't be late.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
明天开会千万别迟到。
Imagine you are giving advice to a new student. Write a sentence using 千万 to emphasize the importance of studying hard.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
作为学生，千万要努力学习。
医生强调了病人什么？
Read this passage:
医生对病人说：“你千万要按时吃药，好好休息，这样才能早日康复。” 病人听后表示会照做。
医生强调了病人什么？
医生使用了“千万”强调了按时吃药和好好休息的重要性。
医生使用了“千万”强调了按时吃药和好好休息的重要性。
妈妈告诉孩子过马路时应该怎么做？
Read this passage:
妈妈对孩子说：“过马路时千万要看红绿灯，注意安全。” 孩子点点头，表示知道了。
妈妈告诉孩子过马路时应该怎么做？
妈妈用“千万”强调了过马路时要看红绿灯和注意安全。
妈妈用“千万”强调了过马路时要看红绿灯和注意安全。
旅行社提醒游客要小心什么？
Read this passage:
旅行社提醒游客：“出门在外千万要注意保管好个人物品，谨防小偷。”
旅行社提醒游客要小心什么？
“千万要注意保管好个人物品，谨防小偷”是旅行社的重点提醒。
“千万要注意保管好个人物品，谨防小偷”是旅行社的重点提醒。
这个文件非常重要，你___要检查三遍。
“千万”表示务必、一定要，强调动作的必要性。
开车时___不要玩手机，那样太危险了。
“千万”在这里表示强烈的禁止，与“不要”连用。
出门前，___别忘了带钥匙。
“千万”强调务必、一定要，提醒对方不要忘记某事。
如果你要去那里，___要提前预定机票。
“千万”表示务必、一定要，提示对方采取某项重要行动。
这个秘密___不能告诉别人。
“千万”在这里表示强烈的禁止，强调绝对不能做某事。
遇到困难时，___不要轻易放弃。
“千万”表示务必、一定要，强调在困难面前的坚持。
如果你想学好中文，_______ 要多听多说。
“千万”在这里表示绝对要，务必。
去爬山的时候，_______ 别忘了带水。
“千万”表示一定要，务必，强调重要性。
这件事情很重要，你_______ 要认真对待。
“千万”表示务必，强调必须做某事。
“千万”通常用于提醒或告诫对方去做某事或不要做某事。
“千万”表示务必，确实用于提醒或告诫。
“千万”可以用作名词，表示一千个一万。
在这里，我们学习的“千万”是副词，表示“by all means; absolutely must”。
“千万”表示可能性很大的情况。
“千万”表示的是强调必须做或不能做，而不是可能性。
Someone is reminding another person not to forget something important.
A warning about the importance of a document and keeping it safe.
A general safety reminder for someone traveling or away from home.
Read this aloud:
你千万不要放弃你的梦想。
Focus: 千万 (qiānwàn)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
这件事情千万要保密。
Focus: 保密 (bǎomì)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
开车时，千万不能酒驾。
Focus: 酒驾 (jiǔjià)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Don't forget your passport.
Before the exam, you absolutely must review well.
When you encounter difficulties, you absolutely must not give up.
Read this aloud:
你千万别告诉他这个秘密。
Focus: 千万
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
这件事千万要保密。
Focus: 千万
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
出门前，千万要检查一下门有没有锁好。
Focus: 千万
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are advising a friend who is about to start a new job. Write a short paragraph telling them what they absolutely must do to succeed in the first month.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在新工作的第一月，你千万要努力学习，不懂就问。千万要和同事搞好关系，积极沟通。千万要记住公司的规章制度，避免犯错。
You are leaving instructions for a house-sitter. Write a paragraph emphasizing what they absolutely must NOT do.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
千万不要碰我的书房，那里有很多重要的文件。千万不要忘记给植物浇水。千万不要让猫咪跑出去，它很怕生。你离开的时候，千万要记得锁好门。
Imagine you are a tour guide giving advice to tourists visiting a dangerous area. What are three things they absolutely must keep in mind for their safety?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
各位游客，在这个区域，千万要小心保管自己的财物，避免露富。千万要遵守当地的法律法规，不要随意行动。还有，千万要留意周围环境，不要去偏僻的地方。
根据这段文字，在做重大决策时应该怎样？
Read this passage:
在面对重大决策时，我们千万要三思而后行，不能仓促做出决定。每一个选择都可能对未来产生深远的影响，所以务必谨慎。
根据这段文字，在做重大决策时应该怎样？
文章中明确提到“千万要三思而后行，不能仓促做出决定”，强调了在重大决策前要仔细思考。
文章中明确提到“千万要三思而后行，不能仓促做出决定”，强调了在重大决策前要仔细思考。
这段文字主要建议人们如何保持健康？
Read this passage:
为了保持身体健康，千万要坚持适度运动和均衡饮食。这两个方面缺一不可，否则长期下来，身体会出问题。
这段文字主要建议人们如何保持健康？
文章强调“坚持适度运动和均衡饮食。这两个方面缺一不可”，表明运动和饮食同样重要。
文章强调“坚持适度运动和均衡饮食。这两个方面缺一不可”，表明运动和饮食同样重要。
根据这段文字，作者对外语学习者有什么建议？
Read this passage:
在学习外语时，千万不要害怕犯错。错误是学习过程中的一部分，只有通过不断犯错和改正，才能真正提高。
根据这段文字，作者对外语学习者有什么建议？
文章中明确指出“千万不要害怕犯错。错误是学习过程中的一部分，只有通过不断犯错和改正，才能真正提高。”
文章中明确指出“千万不要害怕犯错。错误是学习过程中的一部分，只有通过不断犯错和改正，才能真正提高。”
/ 66 correct
Perfect score!
Emphasizes Importance
Remember, 千万 (qiān wàn) is used to give strong advice or a firm command. It's like saying 'you absolutely must' or 'you definitely should' in English.
Often with Negation
You'll very often see 千万 used with negative commands, like 千万不要 (qiān wàn bù yào), meaning 'absolutely do not' or 'by no means should you'.
More Urgent than 要
While 要 (yào) means 'to want' or 'should', 千万 adds a much stronger sense of urgency and importance. Think of it as a stronger 'should'.
Don't Confuse with Numbers
Although 千万 literally means 'a thousand ten thousands' (i.e., ten million), when used as an adverb, it loses its numerical meaning and functions purely as an intensifier.
Example
你千万不要忘了这件事。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
一点儿
A1a little, a bit
一会儿
A1a moment, a while
一部分
B1part; portion; minority
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
