读书与人性
Reading and Human Nature
Script
Key Vocabulary
Adjective. Describes caring only about oneself. Common collocation: 很自私 (very selfish).
Noun. The fundamental qualities and character of human beings.
Verb or Noun. Working together for a common goal.
Verb. To trick someone or lie to them.
Noun. A favorable time or situation to do something. Measure word: 个 (gè).
Adjective. Hopeful and confident about the future.
Noun. The study of living organisms.
Noun. A person who acts or works in science. Measure word: 位 (wèi) or 个 (gè).
Adjective. Not real or genuine.
Adjective. Feeling or showing pleasure.
Grammar Points
A + 是 + B
Standard definition pattern, equating A with B (A is B). Used frequently here to define terms.
生物学是科学 (Biology is science)
自私是爱自己 (Selfish means loving oneself)
乐观是高兴 (Optimistic means happy)
Subject + 会 + Verb
Expresses ability or possibility (can/will do something).
人也会合作 (Humans also cooperate)
人会骗人 (Humans can cheat people)
Subject + 很 + Adjective
Simple description. '很' (hěn) is often used to link a noun and an adjective, even if not emphasized as 'very'.
人很自私 (Humans are very selfish)
人很坏 (Humans are very bad)
Subject + Verb + Object
Standard sentence structure in Chinese.
人只爱自己 (Humans only love themselves)
达尔文这么说 (Darwin said this)