HSK 5
指示代词：彼此、如此
zhǐ shì dài cí ： bǐ cǐ 、 rú cǐ
Demonstrative Pronouns: 彼此 (bǐcǐ), 如此 (rúcǐ)
Explanation
These are two demonstrative pronouns (words used to point to a thing or degree already mentioned) with a formal/written flavor (used in books and documents, rarely in speech): 彼此 (bǐcǐ) means "each other, one another, both sides"; 如此 (rúcǐ) means "like this, so, such."
彼此 (bǐcǐ) + a verb of reciprocal relation → "...each other" (e.g. 彼此信任 bǐcǐ xìnrèn = trust each other); 如此 (rúcǐ) + adjective / adverb (a modifying word) → "...so, ...to such an extent" (e.g. 如此认真 rúcǐ rènzhēn = so diligent).
彼此 is used when two or more sides act upon each other (trust each other, help each other); 如此 is used to emphasize a degree or to replace "这样 zhèyàng (like this)" in a more formal way. Both lean toward written usage.
彼此 stresses "mutual interaction between sides," while 如此 stresses "such a degree/quality"; do not confuse them.
Vietnamese learners often place 彼此 in the wrong position (it must go before the verb, not at the end of the sentence) and often use 如此 in everyday conversation, which sounds stiff — in ordinary speech you should use 这么 (zhème = like this) / 那么 (nàme = like that).
Examples
Between friends, one should trust each other.
We have been close friends for years, so close that we make no distinction between what's yours and mine.
Ten years later, the development situations of the two cities are so different.
He exercises so diligently in order to have a healthy body.
Practice
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Learn “指示代词：彼此、如此” effectively
The grammar point “指示代词：彼此、如此” (Demonstrative Pronouns: 彼此 (bǐcǐ), 如此 (rúcǐ)) is one of the key structures at HSK 5. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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