Grammar Point: 偏偏 piānpiān is a Chinese expression that is usually used to express a sense of frustration or disappointment. It is often used to describe a situation where something goes wrong or doesn’t turn out as expected, especially when one had hoped for a different outcome.
Structure
Fact + 偏偏 piānpiān + Unexpected Situation
Usage 1 Disappointment that a situation turned out contrary to expectations
這幾天天氣都很好，怎麼偏偏今天就下雨了
这几天天气都很好，怎么偏偏今天就下雨了
Zhè jǐtiān tiānqì dōu hěnhǎo, zěnme piānpiān jīntiān jiù xià yǔle.
The weather is very good these days, why it had to rain today?
(It shows disappointment that it rained on a day when they had planned to do something outdoors.)
這裡那麼多好餐廳，他偏偏選了那家我不喜歡的餐廳
这里那么多好餐厅，他偏偏选了那家我不喜欢的餐厅
Zhèlǐ nàme duō hǎo cāntīng, tā piānpiān xuǎnle nà jiā wǒ bùxǐhuān de cāntīng.
Zhèlǐ nàme duō hǎo cāntīng, tā piānpiān xuǎnle nà jiā wǒ bùxǐhuan de cāntīng.
There are so many good restaurants here, and how come he just chose the one that I don’t like?
(It shows frustration that someone chose a bad restaurant despite other options being available.)
我本來想跟你約在那家餐廳見面，偏偏那天他們關門了
我本来想跟你约在那家餐厅见面，偏偏那天他们关门了
Wǒ běnlái xiǎng gēn nǐ yuē zài nà jiā cāntīng jiànmiàn, piānpiān nèitiān tāmen guānménle.
I was going to meet you at that restaurant, but they were closed that day.
(It shows the speaker’s frustration that the restaurant was closed on the day they had planned to meet someone there, causing inconvenience and disappointment.)
Fact + 偏偏 piānpiān + pronoun/name + statement.
Usage 2 Disappointment about the decision of another person
When used in this term, it is usually translated into ‘only’ in English. But it actually shows a stronger feeling of disappointment or annoyance than ‘only.’
大家都吃完了，偏偏你一口都還沒吃
大家都吃完了，偏偏你一口都还没吃
Dàjiā dōu chī wánliǎo, piānpiān nǐ yìkǒu dōu háiméi chī.
Everyone has finished their meals, but you are the only one haven’t eaten a single bite.
別的人都可以配合，為什麼偏偏你什麼都不行
别的人都可以配合，为什么偏偏你什么都不行
Bié de rén dōu kěyǐ pèihé, wèishéme piānpiān nǐ shénme dōu bùxíng.
Other people can compromise. Why only you unwilling to do anything?
過年時我們全家人都忙著打掃，偏偏你一個人在房間打電動，你說我能不生氣嗎
过年时我们全家人都忙着打扫，偏偏你一个人在房间打电动，你说我能不生气吗
Guònián shí wǒmen quánjiārén dōu mángzhe dǎsǎo, piānpiān nǐ yíge rén zài fángjiān dǎ diàndòng, nǐ shuō wǒ néng bù shēngqì ma.
The whole family was busy cleaning during CNY, but you were playing video games in the room alone. How can I not be mad at you?
A Song Named 偏偏 piānpiān
偏偏因你改變
偏偏因你改变
Piānpiān yīn nǐ gǎibiàn.
(I am frustrated, all the) Change because of you.
偏偏不知不覺
偏偏不知不觉
Piānpiān bùzhī bùjué.
(I am frustrated, because) I didn’t realize it at all.
