HSK 7
所谓⋯⋯ 就是⋯⋯
suǒ wèi ⋯ ⋯ jiù shì ⋯ ⋯
所谓⋯⋯ 就是⋯⋯ (The so-called... is precisely...)
Explanation
所谓⋯⋯就是⋯⋯ (suǒwèi... jiùshì...) is a fixed structure meaning "the so-called... is precisely...," used to redefine or explain a concept, often carrying a tone of irony, skepticism, or disparagement.
所谓 (suǒwèi, the so-called) + the concept in question + 就是 (jiùshì, is precisely) + its true substance; 的 may be added (所谓的) when modifying a noun.
when you want to expose the gap between a glamorous name/label and the trivial, meager reality of the thing; or neutrally to state the definition of a term.
used neutrally when explaining a concept (所谓 HSK 就是..., the so-called HSK is precisely...); used sarcastically when the reality falls far short of the label — context determines the tone.
omitting 就是 in the latter clause, leaving the defining sentence dangling; using 所谓 for something you genuinely respect (it can easily be misread as unintended sarcasm).
Examples
There was nothing valuable in the room; the so-called furniture was nothing but these few chairs.
What he calls a good family is nothing but living in a big house with his wife wearing beautiful clothes.
Practice
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Learn “所谓⋯⋯ 就是⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “所谓⋯⋯ 就是⋯⋯” (所谓⋯⋯ 就是⋯⋯ (The so-called... is precisely...)) is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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