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HSK learning path
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48 original HSK 2 lessons
Stage 7 · Lesson 42

Working carefully and saving resources

Compare a plan with reality and explain saving resources.

7 new words2 sessions · 20–25 minutes each0/20 correct without hintsReview the preceding lesson

New HSK 2 vocabulary

Only this lesson’s new HSK 2 entries appear here. HSK 1 words return in dialogues and readings for review and are not repeated here.

HSK 2Expressions and idioms
实际
shíjì

English meaning
actual; in reality

Examples and usage
计划上写十分钟走到，实际要二十分钟。背着这么多东西，我走得实在有点儿慢。jì huà shàng xiě shí fēn zhōng zǒu dào， shí jì yào èr shí fēn zhōng。 bēi zhe zhè me duō dōng xī， wǒ zǒu de shí zài yǒu diǎn er màn。

The plan says ten minutes, but the actual walk takes twenty. Carrying this much, I really am walking rather slowly.

Example translations are drafts and may need context corrections.
实际

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HSK 2Expressions and idioms
实在
shí zài

English meaning
really; indeed

Examples and usage
计划上写十分钟走到，实际要二十分钟。背着这么多东西，我走得实在有点儿慢。jì huà shàng xiě shí fēn zhōng zǒu dào， shí jì yào èr shí fēn zhōng。 bēi zhe zhè me duō dōng xī， wǒ zǒu de shí zài yǒu diǎn er màn。

The plan says ten minutes, but the actual walk takes twenty. Carrying this much, I really am walking rather slowly.

Example translations are drafts and may need context corrections.
实在

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HSK 2Work and organizations
实在
shí zai

English meaning
honest; dependable in work

Examples and usage
先把瓶子放稳，再擦好桌子。你干活儿很实在，发现问题就直接说，不只说好听的话。xiān bǎ píng zi fàng wěn， zài cā hǎo zhuō zi。 nǐ gàn huó er hěn shí zai， fā xiàn wèn tí jiù zhí jiē shuō， bù zhǐ shuō hǎo tīng de huà。

Steady the bottle and wipe the table. You work honestly, stating problems instead of merely saying pleasing things.

Example translations are drafts and may need context corrections.
实在

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HSK 2Expressions and idioms
背
bēi

English meaning
carry on one’s back

Examples and usage
计划上写十分钟走到，实际要二十分钟。背着这么多东西，我走得实在有点儿慢。jì huà shàng xiě shí fēn zhōng zǒu dào， shí jì yào èr shí fēn zhōng。 bēi zhe zhè me duō dōng xī， wǒ zǒu de shí zài yǒu diǎn er màn。

The plan says ten minutes, but the actual walk takes twenty. Carrying this much, I really am walking rather slowly.

Example translations are drafts and may need context corrections.
背

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HSK 2Expressions and idioms
省
shěng

English meaning
save; economise

Examples and usage
那就少带一点儿。做事情要看实际情况，别只为了省时间，就把每一步都安排得太急。nà jiù shǎo dài yī diǎn er。 zuò shì qing yào kàn shí jì qíng kuàng， bié zhǐ wèi le shěng shí jiān， jiù bǎ měi yī bù dōu ān pái de tài jí。

Then bring less. Work with the actual situation rather than rushing every step just to save time.

Example translations are drafts and may need context corrections.
省

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HSK 2Home and everyday objects
流
liú

English meaning
flow

Examples and usage
水从瓶子里流出来了，是不是桌面不平？我先把纸拿开，省得都弄湿。shuǐ cóng píng zi lǐ liú chū lái le， shì bù shì zhuō miàn bù píng？ wǒ xiān bǎ zhǐ ná kāi， shěng de dōu nòng shī。

Water is leaking from the bottle. Is the tabletop uneven? I will move the papers first so they do not get wet.

Example translations are drafts and may need context corrections.
流

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HSK 2Expressions and idioms
平
píng

English meaning
flat; level

Examples and usage
水从瓶子里流出来了，是不是桌面不平？我先把纸拿开，省得都弄湿。shuǐ cóng píng zi lǐ liú chū lái le， shì bù shì zhuō miàn bù píng？ wǒ xiān bǎ zhǐ ná kāi， shěng de dōu nòng shī。

Water is leaking from the bottle. Is the tabletop uneven? I will move the papers first so they do not get wet.

Example translations are drafts and may need context corrections.
平

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Original AI-assisted draft · Awaiting teacher review · Exercise progress is not an exam score.