千万

千萬

qiānwàn

adverb HSK 3 #1,709

Meanings

Literally 'thousands and ten-thousands' — used to emphasize 'absolutely' or 'by all means.'

你千万不要迟到。

Nǐ qiānwàn bùyào chídào.

Whatever you do, don't be late.

千万要小心！

Qiānwàn yào xiǎoxīn!

Be careful, no matter what!

千万别告诉他。

Qiānwàn bié gàosu tā.

Whatever you do, don't tell him.

grammar

千万 is always used with 要 (must) or 不要/别 (must not) for strong emphasis. 千万要... = absolutely must; 千万不要... = absolutely must not.

mistakes

Don't confuse the adverb 千万 (by all means) with the number 千万 (ten million). Context makes the meaning clear.

千 qiān

万 wàn