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以

yǐ

1. correlative conjunction in order to (written; short for 以便)

   加强训练，以备不时之需。

   Jiāqiáng xùnliàn, yǐ bèi bùshízhīxū.

   Step up training, so as to be ready for any contingency.

2. preposition with; by; according to (written)

   这里的座位以先来后到为序。

   Zhèlǐ de zuòwèi yǐ xiān lái hòu dào wéi xù.

   Seats here are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. prefix prefix before location, quantity or time words: marks a boundary, range or direction (as in 以上, 以内)

   十八岁以上才可以购买。

   Shíbā suì yǐshàng cái kěyǐ gòumǎi.

   Only those aged 18 and above can purchase this.

The full ChinesePath dictionary entry for 以 includes audio for every reading and example sentence, more example sentences, collocations, synonyms and links to the course units where it is taught.