Corpus-based Analysis of Modern Chinese Synonyms: Focusing on the Synonyms 轻易⋅容易⋅随便

For learners of Chinese as a second language, synonyms are often recognized as an unusual linguistic phenomenon and a significant challenge. Understanding only the individual meanings of synonymous words is insufficient for achieving the ultimate goal of language learning, which is effective communication. Therefore, a clear categorization of synonyms is essential in Chinese language teaching.<br/> This study focuses on the synonyms 轻易, 容易, and 随便 in modern Chinese, using a corpus to identify the specific features and nuances of each lexeme and to analyze their usage. Additionally, we propose educational strategies that address the semantic, syntactic, and discourse aspects of these synonyms. We also leverage generative AI to develop educational content, allowing instructors to create customized teaching materials rather than relying solely on existing web-based resources.<br/> Future corpus-based semantic research should include not only quantitative analysis but also qualitative analysis, alongside practical suggestions for teaching methods and the development of educational content.