故意
on purpose, deliberately
Structure
主语 + （ 不是 ） 故意 + 动词 + 的 · 主语 + 故意 + 动词
What it means
故意 means “on purpose, deliberately”. 我不是故意的 is the everyday apology: “I didn’t mean to.”
How it is built
Subject + 故意 + verb: 老师故意说得很慢 (The teacher spoke slowly on purpose). Or subject + (不)是 + 故意 + (verb) + 的: 他是故意不告诉你的.
When to use it
It often hints at mischief (他是故意的！ “He did it on purpose!”), but it can be kind too, as when a teacher slows down. 我不是故意的 needs no verb at all.
Watch out
To apologise, say 我不是故意的, not ✗ 我没故意. 故意 goes before the verb: ✗ 他说得很慢故意 ✓ 他故意说得很慢.
Examples
对不起，我不是故意的。
Sorry, I didn’t mean to.
他是故意不告诉你的。
He didn’t tell you on purpose.
老师故意说得很慢。
The teacher spoke slowly on purpose.
Learn this in HSK 2 · Lesson 14: 送礼物 (Giving gifts)
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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