HSK 7-9
所谓
suǒwèi
So-called; what is known as
Structure
所谓 + (Noun/Term) + (就是/是指) + Definition/Explanation
How it works
"所谓" is used to introduce a term that is either commonly known by a certain name or to express skepticism/irony about a particular label. It can bridge a definition with its explanation or highlight that a term is being used in a special or questionable sense.
Examples
所谓成功，并不只是财富的积累，更是心灵的富足。
Suǒwèi chénggōng, bìng bùzhǐshì cáifù de jīlěi, gèng shì xīnlíng de fùzú.
What is known as success is not just the accumulation of wealth, but rather the enrichment of the soul.
这就是他所谓的“秘密武器”，其实不过是一台旧电脑。
Zhè jiùshì tā suǒwèi de “mìmì wǔqì”, qíshí bùguò shì yī tái jiù diànnǎo.
This is his so-called 'secret weapon'; in reality, it's just an old computer.
所谓全球化，是指各国经济相互依存的加深。
Suǒwèi quánqiúhuà, shì zhǐ gèguó jīngjì xiānghù yīcún de jiāshēn.
So-called globalization refers to the deepening interdependence of national economies.
Common mistakes
Using '所谓' without the particle '的' when describing a noun (e.g., saying '所谓秘密' instead of '所谓的秘密') when expressing sarcasm.
Tip
If you want to sound objective/academic, use '所谓...是指...'; if you want to sound skeptical or sarcastic, use '所谓的' followed by the noun in quotation marks.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 所谓 in real Chinese
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