偏偏(piānpiān)
Deliberately / Contrary to Expectations
Structure Pattern
Explanation
偏偏 (piānpiān) is an adverb that expresses that something happened contrary to what was expected, desired, or normal. It often carries a tone of annoyance, frustration, or stubbornness.
Meanings:
- Unfortunate timing: Something bad happened at exactly the wrong time ("Why did it have to...").
- Stubbornness: Someone deliberately does the opposite of what is advised or expected ("He insists on...").
Example Sentences
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Wǒ jīntiān méi dài sǎn, piānpiān xià yǔ le.
I didn't bring an umbrella today, and wouldn't you know it, it had to rain.
Dàjiā dōu tóngyì, tā piānpiān fǎnduì.
Everyone agreed, but he deliberately opposed it.
Yīshēng ràng tā bié hējiǔ, tā piānpiān yào hē.
The doctor told him not to drink, but he stubbornly insists on drinking.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
我偏偏去过北京。
Correct Usage
我正好去过北京。
偏偏 implies something went *against* expectations (usually negatively). For positive coincidences ("It just so happens I've been there"), use 正好 (zhènghǎo).
Master 偏偏
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