How common it is
以 appears often in everyday Chinese, so it is worth practicing early and reviewing often.
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Pronunciation focus
Say yǐ slowly first, then repeat it in a short phrase. Listen for the tone shape.
Usage note
以表示用某种方式或工具，比如以手示意或以笔写字。
Yǐ biǎoshì yòng mǒu zhǒng fāngshì huò gōngjù, bǐrú yǐ shǒu shìyì huò yǐ bǐ xiě zì.
With, by means using a certain method or tool, like to gesture with hand or to write with a pen.
Context note
在中文里，以常用于说明做事情的方法或凭借的东西，比如以微笑回应。
Zài zhōngwén lǐ, yǐ cháng yòng yú shuōmíng zuò shìqíng de fāngfǎ huò píngjiè de dōngxī, bǐrú yǐ wēixiào huíyìng.
In Chinese, with, by is often used to explain the method or means of doing something, like to respond with a smile.
5 examples
他以微笑回应。
tā yǐ wēi xiào huí yìng。
He responded with a smile.
请以铅笔写字。
qǐng yǐ qiān bǐ xiě zì。
Please write with a pencil.
他以跑步锻炼身体。
tā yǐ pǎo bù duàn liàn shēn tǐ。
He exercises by running.
我们以歌声表达快乐。
wǒ men yǐ gē shēng biǎo dá kuài lè。
We express happiness with singing.
他以礼貌待人。
tā yǐ lǐ mào dài rén。
He treats people with politeness.
5 mini stories
小红以画画表达心情。她画了一幅彩虹。
xiǎo hóng yǐ huà huà biǎo dá xīn qíng。 tā huà le yì fú cǎi hóng。
Xiao Hong expresses her feelings with painting. She painted a rainbow.
老师以故事教我们道理。我们听得很认真。
lǎo shī yǐ gù shì jiào wǒ men dào lǐ。 wǒ men tīng dé hěn rèn zhēn。
The teacher teaches us lessons with stories. We listen very attentively.
爸爸以行动帮助别人。他帮邻居修东西。
bà ba yǐ xíng dòng bāng zhù bié rén。 tā bāng lín jū xiū dōng xī。
Dad helps others with actions. He helps neighbors fix things.
我们以友谊连接彼此。大家都很开心。
wǒ men yǐ yǒu yì lián jiē bǐ cǐ。 dà jiā dōu hěn kāi xīn。
We connect with each other with friendship. Everyone is very happy.
小鸟以歌声唤醒早晨。太阳慢慢升起。
xiǎo niǎo yǐ gē shēng huàn xǐng zǎo chén。 tài yáng màn màn shēng qǐ。
The little bird wakes up the morning with its song. The sun slowly rises.