HSK 7
以……为……
yǐ … … wèi … …
以……为…… (yǐ……wéi……) - Take... as...
Explanation
'以……为……' (yǐ……wéi……) is a fixed pattern (固定格式 gùdìng géshì – fixed construction) meaning 'take... as...', used to point out the object, criterion, or focus.
以 (yǐ – take/use) + A (object) + 为 (wéi – as/be) + B (role, attribute); e.g. 以自己为中心 (take oneself as the center), 以和平为主题 (take peace as the theme).
when identifying what plays the role of center/criterion/basis in a matter. It carries a written, formal tone.
以……为…… (yǐ……wéi……) is classical/literary in flavor and more compact than the colloquial 把 A 当作 B (bǎ A dàngzuò B – treat A as B); the meanings are close, but 以……为…… is formal and commonly found in written texts.
以 and 为 must come as a pair; do not drop 为 (wrong: 以自己中心); and between 以...为... place a noun/noun phrase, not an entire long clause.
Examples
We cannot take ourselves as the center; we must think more for others.
She created this painting taking peace as its theme.
Practice
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Learn “以……为……” effectively
The grammar point “以……为……” (以……为…… (yǐ……wéi……) - Take... as...) 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.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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