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图(个)…

to do something just for…; all one is after is…

Structure
(做某事) 图(个) 形容词/名词 ; 不图 A , 只图 B ; …图的(就)是…

What it means

图 is a verb, “to be after”. 图个 + a short adjective or noun names the modest thing you want from an action: just for the novelty, the convenience, the quiet.

How it is built

Action +(就是)图个 + adjective/noun: 很多年轻人第一次去露营,就是图个新鲜 (Many go camping the first time just for the novelty). Also 不图 A,只图 B and 图的就是….

When to use it

Spoken and casual; 个 keeps it modest: 图个方便, 图个清静, 图个吉利 (lesson 2-11). Without 个, 图 takes bigger aims: 不图名,不图利. 你图什么? asks what is in it for someone, often suspiciously. In writing use 为了 or 出于.

Watch out

No 的 after the word: ✗图个新鲜的 ✓图个新鲜. Not for a big, specific ambition: ✗他拼命工作,图个当总经理 ✓他拼命工作,是想当总经理.

Examples

很多年轻人第一次去露营,就是图个新鲜。
Many young people go camping the first time just for the novelty.
我租的房子离公司很近,贵是贵了点儿,图个方便。
The flat I rent is very close to the office; it is a bit pricey, but I took it for the convenience.
他们开这个营地不图赚大钱,只图大家玩得开心。
They are not running the campsite to make a fortune, only so that people can have a good time.
Learn this in Lesson 144 · HSK 7–9: 露营热 (The outdoor boom)
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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