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March 24, 2026
以免yǐmiǎn(yi3mian3)
The phrase 以免 (yǐ miǎn) means 'in order to avoid' or 'so as not to.' It is commonly used to express a preventative action taken to avoid a negative consequence. Often, it precedes a clause that describes what is being avoided.
Frequency#7216DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese business culture, the phrase 以免 is often used in formal communications to stress the importance of taking precautions to avoid misunderstandings or issues, reflecting a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding a sign that says 'Avoid!' (以免) while standing before a large puddle of water. The character 以 (yǐ) can resemble a person pointing with their arm outstretched, indicating a direction to take to avoid the puddle, while 免 (miǎn) looks like a shelter, suggesting protection from getting wet.
Meanings of 以免
yǐmiǎn(yi3mian3)
1in order to avoid
2so as not to
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About 以免
以免Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
连词连词conjunction (conj.)Part of Speech
#7216Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 以免
Podcast: 以免
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AI Study Notes for 以免
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person holding a sign that says 'Avoid!' (以免) while standing before a large puddle of water. The character 以 (yǐ) can resemble a person pointing with their arm outstretched, indicating a direction to take to avoid the puddle, while 免 (miǎn) looks like a shelter, suggesting protection from getting wet.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 以免 with similar phrases like 以为 (yǐwéi, to assume). It is more formal and often used in written contexts. Common collocations include 以免造成 (yǐ miǎn zàochéng, to avoid causing) and 以免发生 (yǐ miǎn fāshēng, to avoid happening).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 以免 is often used alongside more complex sentence structures. Focus on how it introduces clauses that express consequences or conditions. Practice using it within various contexts to enhance fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese business culture, the phrase 以免 is often used in formal communications to stress the importance of taking precautions to avoid misunderstandings or issues, reflecting a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misplace 以免 in sentences, using it incorrectly with verbs instead of clauses. For example, saying '我以免迟到' (Wǒ yǐ miǎn chídào - I avoid being late) is incorrect; instead, use '我提前出发，以免迟到' (Wǒ tíqián chūfā, yǐ miǎn chídào - I leave early to avoid being late).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 以免
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Grammar Patterns of 以免
以免 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Then there was the mad rush not to be late for school.
Cultural Notes for 以免
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese business culture, the phrase 以免 is often used in formal communications to stress the importance of taking precautions to avoid misunderstandings or issues, reflecting a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Frequently Asked Questions about 以免
While it is understood in casual contexts, it's more appropriate for formal or written situations.
Yes, 为了不 (wèile bù) is more direct and less formal than 以免, which carries a nuance of precaution.
Use the mnemonic of a person pointing to avoid a puddle and a shelter to protect from getting wet.
