All kinds in Mandarin Chinese: 万般

wànbān · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for worth

万般

wànbān

王子

wángzǐ

蛋白质

dànbáizhí

任务

rènwù

电影院

diànyǐngyuàn

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use '万般' (wànbān) in conversations to express a wide variety of things or situations, particularly when discussing options or choices. For example, you might hear it used in a sentence like '他有万般的才华' (He has all kinds of talents) when highlighting someone's diverse skills.

Synonyms & nuances

'各种' (gè zhǒng) is a close synonym meaning 'various kinds,' but '万般' carries a slightly more poetic and expansive connotation, implying an almost limitless array of options. While '各种' is commonly used in everyday conversation, '万般' might be chosen for literary contexts or when aiming for a more impactful expression.

Culture

'万般' (wànbān) is a compound word where '万' means 'ten thousand' and '般' translates to 'kind' or 'type'. This expression reflects the Chinese cultural appreciation for variety and complexity in life, suggesting that life presents numerous possibilities and experiences. Its usage can be traced back to classical literature, emphasizing the richness of the human experience.

FAQ

Q.What does '万般' mean in English?

'万般' translates to 'all kinds' or 'various kinds' in English, indicating a wide variety of options or situations.

Q.How do you use '万般' in a sentence?

You can use '万般' in sentences to emphasize diversity, like '她有万般的选择' (She has all kinds of choices) to highlight the multitude of options available.

Q.Is '万般' formal or informal?

'万般' is generally considered neutral, making it suitable for both spoken and written language across different contexts.

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