所谓…
the so-called …; what is known as …
Structure
所谓 名称 ， 就是／是指 解释
What it means
“The so-called …”, “what is known as …”: introduces a term to define it, or casts doubt on a label.
How it is built
所谓 + term，就是／是指 + explanation: 所谓成功，就是做自己喜欢的事 (What we call success is doing what you love).
When to use it
Two tones. Neutral: introducing a term you are about to define, common in writing. Sceptical: 他所谓的“朋友”, his so-called friends.
Watch out
With a person in front, 他所谓的 + label usually sounds doubtful: 他所谓的“朋友” (his so-called friends), so don’t use it for things you respect. To define a term, follow it with 就是 or 是指.
Examples
所谓“一线城市”，通常指北京、上海、广州和深圳。
“First-tier cities” usually refers to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
所谓成功，就是做自己喜欢的事。
What we call success is doing what you love.
Learn this in Lesson 6 · HSK 5: 一线城市 (City tiers)
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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