HSK 7
顺便
shùn biàn
顺便 (Conveniently, while at it)
Explanation
'顺便' (shùnbiàn) is an adverb (a word that modifies a verb) meaning 'while one is at it, in passing', expressing that a secondary task is done conveniently in the course of doing the main task, without any extra effort.
(main task), 顺便 (shùnbiàn) + verb denoting the secondary task (顺便交作业 = hand in the homework while at it; 顺便看望老师 = drop by to visit the teacher in passing).
when a second task is done by taking advantage of already doing the first; used in both speech and writing, with a friendly, casual tone.
'顺便' emphasizes 'in passing, no extra effort'; whereas '顺手' (shùnshǒu) emphasizes 'in a handy motion' (a manual action). '顺便' refers only to the secondary task, not the main one.
don't place '顺便' before the most important task (the main one); and '顺便' must stand before the verb, not at the end of the sentence.
Examples
When he went to the teacher's office, he handed in my homework as well while he was at it.
When I arrived in Shanghai, I dropped by to visit my primary-school teacher in passing.
Practice
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Learn “顺便” effectively
The grammar point “顺便” (顺便 (Conveniently, while at it)) 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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