HSK 4

以 N1 为 N2

yǐ N1 wéi N2

consider N1 as N2

Structure

Subject + 以 + Noun 1 + 为 + Noun 2

How it works

This formal structure is used to indicate that someone regards N1 as N2, or uses N1 as a basis/standard for N2. It is frequently seen in written Chinese, idioms, and formal speeches to express value judgments or established standards.

Examples

我们应该以史为鉴。

Wǒmen yīnggāi yǐ shǐ wéi jiàn.

We should take history as a lesson.

这个公司以质量为中心。

Zhège gōngsī yǐ zhìliàng wéi zhōngxīn.

This company takes quality as its core focus.

老师以这位同学为榜样。

Lǎoshī yǐ zhè wèi tóngxué wéi bǎngyàng.

The teacher regards this student as a role model.

Common mistakes

Don't confuse this with '把 N1 当作 N2'; while meanings are similar, '以...为...' is much more formal and often used for abstract principles.

Tip

Many four-character idioms (Chengyu) use this structure, such as '以人为本' (people-oriented) or '以和为贵' (harmony is precious).

More HSK 4 grammar

不仅 S1……，S2 也……V 完从来不 V 刚 + V + DURATION 即使……也……(在) N 上正好 V 得正好

See 以 N1 为 N2 in real Chinese

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