HSK 6
偏偏 V
piānpiān V
to insist on
Structure
Subject + 偏偏 + Verb / Verb Phrase
How it works
The adverb '偏偏' (piānpiān) is used to indicate that someone insists on doing something that goes against the advice, expectations, or desires of others. It often conveys a sense of stubbornness or contrariness in a given situation.
Examples
父母让他学医，他偏偏要学艺术。
Fùmǔ ràng tā xué yī, tā piānpiān yào xué yìshù.
His parents wanted him to study medicine, but he insisted on studying art.
医生不让他喝酒，他偏偏不听。
Yīshēng bù ràng tā hējiǔ, tā piānpiān bù tīng.
The doctor told him not to drink, but he simply refused to listen.
外面下着大雨，他偏偏现在要出门。
Wàimiàn xiàzhe dàyǔ, tā piānpiān xiànzài yào chūmén.
It's raining hard outside, yet he insists on going out right now.
Common mistakes
Confusing '偏偏' with '仅仅' or '只'. While '偏偏' can sometimes mean 'only/just' in a coincidental sense (e.g., 'it just had to rain today'), when used with a verb it specifically highlights a deliberate act of going against the grain.
Tip
Think of '偏偏' as expressing a 'willful contradiction.' It shows that the person is choosing the exact opposite of what is expected or requested.
More HSK 6 grammar
See 偏偏 V in real Chinese
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