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不妨

might as well; there is no harm in: a gentle suggestion

Structure
主语 不妨 动词

What it means

Might as well; there is no harm in: a gentle, polite suggestion.

How it is built

Subject + 不妨 + verb: 你不妨先试一试,不行再说 (You might as well try first; if it does not work, we will think again).

When to use it

Softer than 应该 or 最好, and polite because it leaves the choice with the listener. Fine in speech and writing, often with a light verb form: 试试, 想一想, 先看看.

Watch out

Don’t read the 不 as a negative: 不妨去看看 means “why not go and see”, not “don’t go”. It suggests, never orders: for “must”, use 必须 or 一定要.

Examples

提出建议时,不妨用委婉的说法。
When making a suggestion you might use tactful wording.
你不妨先试一试,不行再说。
You might as well try first; if it does not work, we will think again.
Learn this in Lesson 108 · HSK 7–9: 怎样把道理讲清楚 (Building an argument)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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