verb / adjective HSK 2
to understand · to comprehend · clear · obvious
Meaning
明白 is one of the most common words for 'to understand' in everyday Mandarin. It can function as a verb meaning 'to comprehend' or 'to get it,' and as an adjective meaning 'clear' or 'plain.' When someone explains something and asks '明白了吗？' they're checking if you understood.
Usage
This is casual and friendly, suitable for everyday conversation. It's slightly more colloquial than 理解 (lǐjiě), which is more formal or intellectual. 明白 often appears in the completed form 明白了 (míng bai le) meaning 'I've got it' or 'I understand now.' Very common in teaching contexts and daily explanations.
Examples
- 01你明白我的意思吗？?Do you understand what I mean?
- 02老师讲得很明白。.The teacher explained it very clearly.
Characters
Common collocations
- 明白了understood, got it
- 不明白don't understand
- 听明白understand by listening
- 说明白explain clearly
Antonyms
Origin
The combination of 明 (bright) and 白 (white/plain) creates the meaning of something being illuminated or made clear, hence 'to understand' or 'clear.'