素有…之称
has long been known as …; there has long been a saying that …
Structure
主语 素有 “名号／说法” 之称／之说
What it means
'Has long been known as …; there has long been a saying that …': brings in an old, settled nickname or saying. 素 means 'all along'.
How it is built
Subject + 素有 + “name” + 之称, or + saying + 之说: 杭州素有“人间天堂”之称 (Hangzhou has long been known as 'paradise on earth').
When to use it
Written style: guidebooks, essays, introductions. 之称 takes a nickname, 之说 a saying: 民间素有“冬至大如年”之说. In speech say 一直被叫做… or 老话说….
Watch out
素 means the reputation is old and settled, so not for something new: ✗这家新店素有“网红店”之称。 Don't drop 之称: ✗杭州素有人间天堂。
Examples
杭州素有“人间天堂”之称。
Hangzhou has long been known as “paradise on earth”.
民间素有“冬至大如年”之说。
Folk tradition has long held that “the solstice is as big as New Year”.
Learn this in Lesson 215 · HSK 9+: 二十四节气 (The 24 solar terms)
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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