使(shǐ)
As a verb
1. “使” means “to make,” “cause,” or “enable.” It indicates causing a specific result. Its object often is the subject of a predicative phrase, forming a pivotal sentence. In written language, it can directly take a verbal object.
e.g.
谦虚使人进步，骄傲使人落后。(Qiānxū shǐ rén jìnbù, jiāo’ào shǐ rén luòhòu.) Modesty helps one to progress, arrogance leads to falling behind.
你的安排容易使人不高兴。(Nǐ de ānpái róngyì shǐ rén bù gāoxìng.) Your arrangements easily make people unhappy.
连日的大雪使人寒冷。(Lián rì de dàxuě shǐ rén hánlěng.) Continuous heavy snow makes people feel cold.
Learn more about the Pivotal Sentence here.
2. “使” can also mean “to use,” “employ,” or “apply.” It can be used in a reduplicated form, 使使 (shǐ shǐ) or 使一使 (shǐ yī shǐ).
e.g.
你的电脑能借我使使吗？(Nǐ de diànnǎo néng jiè wǒ shǐ shǐ ma?) Can I borrow and use your computer?
如果想买新车，我们得先使一使。(Rúguǒ xiǎng mǎi xīn chē, wǒmen děi xiān shǐ yī shǐ.) If we want to buy a new car, we need to try it out first.
别把力气使在没用的地方。(Bié bǎ lìqì shǐ zài méiyòng de dìfang.) Don’t exert your effort in useless places.
我不会使安卓手机，你会使吗？(Wǒ bù huì shǐ ānzhuó shǒujī, nǐ huì shǐ ma?) I can’t use Android phones, can you?
As a noun
“使” means “envoy” or “messenger.”
e.g.
这是我们国家的大使。(Zhè shì wǒmen guójiā de dàshǐ.) This is our country’s ambassador.
你知道中国大使馆在哪吗？(Nǐ zhīdào Zhōngguó dàshǐguǎn zài nǎ ma?) Do you know where the Chinese embassy is?
她的职位是特使。(Tā de zhíwèi shì tèshǐ.) Her position is as a special envoy.
将(jiāng)
As an adverb
1. In written language, “将” indicates an action or situation is about to occur, suggesting “soon” or “nearly.” It can also imply nearing a specific time.
e.g.
火车将开动了。(Huǒchē jiāng kāidòng le.) The train is about to depart.
婚礼将延期举行。(Hūnlǐ jiāng yánqī jǔxíng.) The wedding will be postponed.
航班将提前到达，你们不用来接机了。(Hángbān jiāng tíqián dàodá, nǐmen bùyòng lái jiējī le.) The flight will arrive early; you don’t need to pick me up.
天将近黄昏，我们回去吧。(Tiān jiāng jìn huánghūn, wǒmen huíqù ba.) It’s almost dusk, let’s go back.
2. It can also express a judgment about the future, conveying a sense of certainty or inevitability.
e.g.
你们如果不努力，将一事无成。(Nǐmen rúguǒ bù nǔlì, jiāng yī shì wúchéng.) If you don’t work hard, you will achieve nothing.
保护环境将是全人类的难题。(Bǎohù huánjìng jiāng shì quán rénlèi de nántí.) Protecting the environment will be a challenge for all humanity.
只要跟着老板走，大家的收入都将不断提高。(Zhǐyào gēnzhe lǎobǎn zǒu, dàjiā de shōurù dōu jiāng bùduàn tígāo.) As long as we follow the boss, everyone’s income will continuously increase.
As a preposition
“将” can be used similarly to “把” in a 把 Sentence, especially in written language. It also appears in idioms or slangs.
e.g.
请再相信我们一次，一定将功补过。(Qǐng zài xiāngxìn wǒmen yīcì, yīdìng jiāng gōng bǔguò.) Please trust us one more time, we will certainly make amends.
不是所有人都是善良的，可能恩将仇报。(Bùshì suǒyǒu rén dōu shì shànliáng de, kěnéng ēn jiāng chóubào.) Not everyone is kind-hearted; they might repay kindness with ingratitude.
老板将所有的权力都交给我了。(Lǎobǎn jiāng suǒyǒu de quánlì dōu jiāo gěi wǒ le.) The boss has entrusted me with all the authority.
我们必须将屋子打扫干净。(Wǒmen bìxū jiāng wūzi dǎsǎo gānjìng.) We must clean the house thoroughly.
Learn more about the 把 Sentence here.
Exercise
