以 yǐ

以（yǐ）means “以 = 'with, by, take … as' — a formal coverb of means; often 以 A 为 B 'take A as B'”. 以 is a written-style coverb meaning 'by means of / with'. Formation: 以 + 名词 + 为 + 名词 / 以 + 方式 + 动词（书面）

以 = 'with, by, take … as' — a formal coverb of means; often 以 A 为 B 'take A as B'

HSK5

Formation

以 + 名词 + 为 + 名词 / 以 + 方式 + 动词（书面）

Explanation

以 is a written-style coverb meaning 'by means of / with'. Its most common frame is 以 A 为 B ('take A as B', 'regard A as B'), e.g. 以…为主 = mainly, with … as the main part. It also introduces a manner: 以 + [way] + verb.

Examples

这家公司 以 生产手机为主。
zhè jiā gōngsī yǐ shēngchǎn shǒujī wéi zhǔ.
This company mainly produces mobile phones.
我们应该 以 认真的态度对待工作。
wǒmen yīnggāi yǐ rènzhēn de tàidu duìdài gōngzuò.
We should approach our work with a serious attitude.

Note

Formal/written; in speech 用 or 拿 often replaces it. Fixed frame 以…为… is very common.

FAQ

以 — what does it mean and how is it used?

以 = 'with, by, take … as' — a formal coverb of means; often 以 A 为 B 'take A as B'. 以 is a written-style coverb meaning 'by means of / with'. Its most common frame is 以 A 为 B ('take A as B', 'regard A as B'), e.g. 以…为主 = mainly, with … as the main part. It also introduces a manner: 以 + [way] + verb.

以 — how do you form it?

以 + 名词 + 为 + 名词 / 以 + 方式 + 动词（书面）

以 — any usage notes?

Formal/written; in speech 用 or 拿 often replaces it. Fixed frame 以…为… is very common.

Learn in the app →