千万

千萬

qiānwàn

adverb HSK 3 #1,709

Meanings

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

HSK 1

千万别告诉他。

Qiānwàn bié gàosu tā.

Whatever you do, don't tell him.

HSK 2

千万要小心！

Qiānwàn yào xiǎoxīn!

Be careful, no matter what!

HSK 4

你千万不要迟到。

Nǐ qiānwàn bùyào chídào.

Whatever you do, don't be late.

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