pattern; result; substance
Meanings
3 senses · 11 examplesnoun
pattern; item; variety; trick
colloquialOften used to describe various items or entertaining tricks in a performance or event. Can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of gimmicks.
The party had so many different acts—there was dancing, acrobatics, and more.
This restaurant has all sorts of fancy names for its dishes; every item has a special title.
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He has all kinds of tricks up his sleeve and always comes up with novel ways to play.
noun
result; achievement; outcome
colloquialOften used in negative constructions or rhetorical questions to indicate that no concrete result has been achieved. Frequently collocates with 搞, 弄, or 讨论.
If we rely on the masses, we will definitely achieve something.
We discussed it with him for ages, but didn't reach any conclusion.
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You've been studying for so many years; what have you actually accomplished?
If this matter continues like this, it won't lead to anything.
noun
reason; logic; substance; content
colloquialOften implies that there is hidden depth, underlying logic, or a secret mechanism that is not immediately obvious. Frequently used with 有 or 没有.
It's really not simple; there's actually more to this than meets the eye.
Don't be fooled by how simple he makes it sound; there's actually a lot of depth to it.
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There are quite a few tricks hidden in this contract; you need to read it carefully.
We both know perfectly well what's really going on here.