Paranoia and Deception: Trust Nothing Vocabulary

Experience the psychological thriller where reality itself becomes questionable

Originally released April 17, 2025

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The Story Behind the Song

Set in a dystopian cyberpunk city, "Trust Nothing" follows a female bounty hunter as she tracks elusive shapeshifters through neon-lit streets. What begins as an intense chase through night markets, futuristic metro stations, and high-end sky bars builds to a shocking psychological twist that challenges the very nature of reality. The video's stunning visuals perfectly complement the dark synthwave sound, creating an immersive learning experience where paranoia and doubt become the main characters alongside our protagonist.

This song offers Chinese learners a unique opportunity to master vocabulary related to perception, deception, and psychological states. You'll encounter essential words for describing appearances versus reality, discussing trust and danger, and expressing caution and skepticism. The vocabulary ranges from basic HSK 1-2 terms for eyes, face, and heart to more advanced expressions about hidden truths and the difficulty of distinguishing reality from illusion.

What makes "Trust Nothing" particularly valuable for language learners is how it explores the philosophical concept that nothing can be taken at face value. The song's cyberpunk setting provides context for modern urban vocabulary, while its psychological thriller elements introduce learners to emotional and perceptual language that's crucial for discussing complex ideas in Chinese. The haunting refrain "Trust Nothing" becomes both a narrative device and a memorable anchor for the sophisticated vocabulary patterns found throughout the song.

Complete Song Lyrics

Verse 1

{城市|chéng shì - city}{的|de - particle}{灯光|dēng guāng - lights}{照|zhào - shine}{着|zhe - particle}{我|wǒ - me} ({chéng shì|城市 - city} {de|的 - particle} {dēng guāng|灯光 - lights} {zhào|照 - shine} {zhe|着 - particle} {wǒ|我 - me})
The city's lights shine on me

{黑暗|hēi àn - darkness}{中|zhōng - in}{隐藏|yǐn cáng - hide}{秘密|mì mì - secrets} ({hēi àn|黑暗 - darkness} {zhōng|中 - in} {yǐn cáng|隐藏 - hide} {mì mì|秘密 - secrets})
Secrets hide in the darkness

{看起来|kàn qǐ lái - seem}{正常|zhèng cháng - normal} ({kàn qǐ lái|看起来 - seem} {zhèng cháng|正常 - normal})
Seems normal

{但|dàn - but}{隐藏|yǐn cáng - hide}{着|zhe - particle}{真相|zhēn xiàng - truth} ({dàn|但 - but} {yǐn cáng|隐藏 - hide} {zhe|着 - particle} {zhēn xiàng|真相 - truth})
But the truth is hidden

Pre-Chorus

{眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes}{会|huì - will}{骗|piàn - deceive}{人|rén - people} ({yǎn jīng|眼睛 - eyes} {huì|会 - will} {piàn|骗 - deceive} {rén|人 - people})
Eyes will deceive people

{外表|wài biǎo - appearance}{会|huì - will}{改变|gǎi biàn - change} ({wài biǎo|外表 - appearance} {huì|会 - will} {gǎi biàn|改变 - change})
Appearances will change

{必须|bì xū - must}{小心|xiǎo xīn - be careful} ({bì xū|必须 - must} {xiǎo xīn|小心 - be careful})
Must be careful

Trust Nothing…

Chorus

{真相|zhēn xiàng - truth}{在|zài - at}{哪里|nǎ lǐ - where}？ ({zhēn xiàng|真相 - truth} {zài|在 - at} {nǎ lǐ|哪里 - where})
Where is the truth?

{表面|biǎo miàn - surface}{很|hěn - very}{漂亮|piào liang - beautiful} ({biǎo miàn|表面 - surface} {hěn|很 - very} {piào liang|漂亮 - beautiful})
The surface is very beautiful

{内心|nèi xīn - inside/heart}{很|hěn - very}{可怕|kě pà - scary} ({nèi xīn|内心 - inside/heart} {hěn|很 - very} {kě pà|可怕 - scary})
The inside is very scary

{不要|bù yào - don't}{相信|xiāng xìn - trust}{眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes} ({bù yào|不要 - don't} {xiāng xìn|相信 - trust} {yǎn jīng|眼睛 - eyes})
Don't trust your eyes

Verse 2

{黑夜|hēi yè - night}{中|zhōng - in}{的|de - particle}{影子|yǐng zi - shadows} ({hēi yè|黑夜 - night} {zhōng|中 - in} {de|的 - particle} {yǐng zi|影子 - shadows})
Shadows in the night

{快速|kuài sù - quickly}{地|de - particle}{在|zài - at}{移动|yí dòng - moving} ({kuài sù|快速 - quickly} {de|地 - particle} {zài|在 - at} {yí dòng|移动 - moving})
Moving quickly

{小心|xiǎo xīn - be careful}{他们|tā men - their}{的|de - particle}{谎言|huǎng yán - lies} ({xiǎo xīn|小心 - be careful} {tā men|他们 - their} {de|的 - particle} {huǎng yán|谎言 - lies})
Be careful of their lies

{真假|zhēn jiǎ - true and false}{难以|nán yǐ - difficult to}{分辨|fēn biàn - distinguish} ({zhēn jiǎ|真假 - true and false} {nán yǐ|难以 - difficult to} {fēn biàn|分辨 - distinguish})
Difficult to distinguish true from false

Pre-Chorus

{眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes}{会|huì - will}{骗|piàn - deceive}{人|rén - people} ({yǎn jīng|眼睛 - eyes} {huì|会 - will} {piàn|骗 - deceive} {rén|人 - people})
Eyes will deceive people

{外表|wài biǎo - appearance}{会|huì - will}{改变|gǎi biàn - change} ({wài biǎo|外表 - appearance} {huì|会 - will} {gǎi biàn|改变 - change})
Appearances will change

{必须|bì xū - must}{小心|xiǎo xīn - be careful} ({bì xū|必须 - must} {xiǎo xīn|小心 - be careful})
Must be careful

Trust Nothing…

Chorus

{真相|zhēn xiàng - truth}{在|zài - at}{哪里|nǎ lǐ - where}？ ({zhēn xiàng|真相 - truth} {zài|在 - at} {nǎ lǐ|哪里 - where})
Where is the truth?

{表面|biǎo miàn - surface}{很|hěn - very}{漂亮|piào liang - beautiful} ({biǎo miàn|表面 - surface} {hěn|很 - very} {piào liang|漂亮 - beautiful})
The surface is very beautiful

{内心|nèi xīn - inside/heart}{很|hěn - very}{可怕|kě pà - scary} ({nèi xīn|内心 - inside/heart} {hěn|很 - very} {kě pà|可怕 - scary})
The inside is very scary

{不要|bù yào - don't}{相信|xiāng xìn - trust}{眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes} ({bù yào|不要 - don't} {xiāng xìn|相信 - trust} {yǎn jīng|眼睛 - eyes})
Don't trust your eyes

Bridge

{每|měi - every}{个|gè - measure word}{角落|jiǎo luò - corner}{都|dōu - all}{有|yǒu - have}{危险|wēi xiǎn - danger} ({měi|每 - every} {gè|个 - measure word} {jiǎo luò|角落 - corner} {dōu|都 - all} {yǒu|有 - have} {wēi xiǎn|危险 - danger})
Every corner has danger

{每|měi - every}{张|zhāng - measure word}{脸|liǎn - face}{都|dōu - all}{藏|cáng - hide}{有|yǒu - have}{谎言|huǎng yán - lies} ({měi|每 - every} {zhāng|张 - measure word} {liǎn|脸 - face} {dōu|都 - all} {cáng|藏 - hide} {yǒu|有 - have} {huǎng yán|谎言 - lies})
Every face hides lies

{寻找|xún zhǎo - search for}{真相|zhēn xiàng - truth}{不|bù - not}{容易|róng yì - easy} ({xún zhǎo|寻找 - search for} {zhēn xiàng|真相 - truth} {bù|不 - not} {róng yì|容易 - easy})
Searching for the truth is not easy

{但|dàn - but}{我|wǒ - I}{不能|bù néng - cannot}{轻易|qīng yì - easily}{放弃|fàng qì - give up} ({dàn|但 - but} {wǒ|我 - I} {bù néng|不能 - cannot} {qīng yì|轻易 - easily} {fàng qì|放弃 - give up})
But I cannot easily give up

Final Chorus

{真相|zhēn xiàng - truth}{在|zài - at}{哪里|nǎ lǐ - where}？ ({zhēn xiàng|真相 - truth} {zài|在 - at} {nǎ lǐ|哪里 - where})
Where is the truth?

{表面|biǎo miàn - surface}{很|hěn - very}{漂亮|piào liang - beautiful} ({biǎo miàn|表面 - surface} {hěn|很 - very} {piào liang|漂亮 - beautiful})
The surface is very beautiful

{内心|nèi xīn - inside/heart}{很|hěn - very}{可怕|kě pà - scary} ({nèi xīn|内心 - inside/heart} {hěn|很 - very} {kě pà|可怕 - scary})
The inside is very scary

{不要|bù yào - don't}{相信|xiāng xìn - trust}{眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes} ({bù yào|不要 - don't} {xiāng xìn|相信 - trust} {yǎn jīng|眼睛 - eyes})
Don't trust your eyes

Outro

{不要|bù yào - don't}{相信|xiāng xìn - trust}…{不要|bù yào - don't}{相信|xiāng xìn - trust}… ({bù yào|不要 - don't} {xiāng xìn|相信 - trust})
Don't trust…don't trust…

Trust Nothing…

Complete Vocabulary List

Master every Chinese word from this song with our comprehensive vocabulary breakdown, organized by HSK difficulty level for systematic learning.

Basic Vocabulary (HSK 1-2)

• {我|wǒ - I} ({wǒ|我 - I}) = I/me [HSK1]
• {的|de - particle} ({de|的 - particle}) = possessive particle [HSK1]
• {在|zài - at} ({zài|在 - at}) = at, in, on [HSK1]
• {中|zhōng - in} ({zhōng|中 - in}) = in, middle [HSK1]
• {不|bù - not} ({bù|不 - not}) = not [HSK1]
• {很|hěn - very} ({hěn|很 - very}) = very [HSK1]
• {都|dōu - all} ({dōu|都 - all}) = all, both [HSK1]
• {有|yǒu - have} ({yǒu|有 - have}) = to have [HSK1]
• {人|rén - people} ({rén|人 - people}) = people, person [HSK1]
• {会|huì - will} ({huì|会 - will}) = will, can [HSK1]
• {地|de - particle} ({de|地 - particle}) = adverbial particle [HSK1]
• {他们|tā men - their} ({tā men|他们 - their}) = they, them, their [HSK1]
• {但|dàn - but} ({dàn|但 - but}) = but [HSK1]
• {个|gè - measure word} ({gè|个 - measure word}) = general measure word [HSK1]
• {张|zhāng - measure word} ({zhāng|张 - measure word}) = measure word for flat objects [HSK2]
• {每|měi - every} ({měi|每 - every}) = every, each [HSK2]
• {脸|liǎn - face} ({liǎn|脸 - face}) = face [HSK2]

Intermediate Vocabulary (HSK 3-4)

• {城市|chéng shì - city} ({chéng shì|城市 - city}) = city [HSK3]
• {灯光|dēng guāng - lights} ({dēng guāng|灯光 - lights}) = lights [HSK4]
• {照|zhào - shine} ({zhào|照 - shine}) = to shine, illuminate [HSK3]
• {着|zhe - particle} ({zhe|着 - particle}) = continuous aspect particle [HSK3]
• {黑暗|hēi àn - darkness} ({hēi àn|黑暗 - darkness}) = darkness [HSK4]
• {隐藏|yǐn cáng - hide} ({yǐn cáng|隐藏 - hide}) = to hide, conceal [HSK4]
• {秘密|mì mì - secrets} ({mì mì|秘密 - secrets}) = secret [HSK3]
• {正常|zhèng cháng - normal} ({zhèng cháng|正常 - normal}) = normal [HSK3]
• {真相|zhēn xiàng - truth} ({zhēn xiàng|真相 - truth}) = truth [HSK4]
• {眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes} ({yǎn jīng|眼睛 - eyes}) = eyes [HSK3]
• {骗|piàn - deceive} ({piàn|骗 - deceive}) = to deceive, cheat [HSK3]
• {外表|wài biǎo - appearance} ({wài biǎo|外表 - appearance}) = appearance, exterior [HSK4]
• {改变|gǎi biàn - change} ({gǎi biàn|改变 - change}) = to change [HSK3]
• {必须|bì xū - must} ({bì xū|必须 - must}) = must [HSK3]
• {小心|xiǎo xīn - be careful} ({xiǎo xīn|小心 - be careful}) = to be careful [HSK3]
• {哪里|nǎ lǐ - where} ({nǎ lǐ|哪里 - where}) = where [HSK3]
• {表面|biǎo miàn - surface} ({biǎo miàn|表面 - surface}) = surface [HSK3]
• {漂亮|piào liang - beautiful} ({piào liang|漂亮 - beautiful}) = beautiful, pretty [HSK3]
• {内心|nèi xīn - inside/heart} ({nèi xīn|内心 - inside/heart}) = inner heart, inside [HSK4]
• {可怕|kě pà - scary} ({kě pà|可怕 - scary}) = scary, frightening [HSK3]
• {黑夜|hēi yè - night} ({hēi yè|黑夜 - night}) = night [HSK3]
• {影子|yǐng zi - shadows} ({yǐng zi|影子 - shadows}) = shadow [HSK4]
• {快速|kuài sù - quickly} ({kuài sù|快速 - quickly}) = quickly, fast [HSK3]
• {移动|yí dòng - moving} ({yí dòng|移动 - moving}) = to move [HSK3]
• {谎言|huǎng yán - lies} ({huǎng yán|谎言 - lies}) = lies [HSK4]
• {角落|jiǎo luò - corner} ({jiǎo luò|角落 - corner}) = corner [HSK4]
• {危险|wēi xiǎn - danger} ({wēi xiǎn|危险 - danger}) = danger, dangerous [HSK3]
• {藏|cáng - hide} ({cáng|藏 - hide}) = to hide [HSK4]
• {容易|róng yì - easy} ({róng yì|容易 - easy}) = easy [HSK3]

Advanced/Specialized Vocabulary (HSK 5+ or non-HSK)

• {看起来|kàn qǐ lái - seem} ({kàn qǐ lái|看起来 - seem}) = to seem, appear [HSK4]
• {相信|xiāng xìn - trust} ({xiāng xìn|相信 - trust}) = to trust, believe [HSK4]
• {不要|bù yào - don't} ({bù yào|不要 - don't}) = don't [HSK2]
• {真假|zhēn jiǎ - true and false} ({zhēn jiǎ|真假 - true and false}) = true and false, genuine and fake [HSK5]
• {难以|nán yǐ - difficult to} ({nán yǐ|难以 - difficult to}) = difficult to [HSK5]
• {分辨|fēn biàn - distinguish} ({fēn biàn|分辨 - distinguish}) = to distinguish, differentiate [HSK5]
• {寻找|xún zhǎo - search for} ({xún zhǎo|寻找 - search for}) = to search for [HSK4]
• {不能|bù néng - cannot} ({bù néng|不能 - cannot}) = cannot [HSK2]
• {轻易|qīng yì - easily} ({qīng yì|轻易 - easily}) = easily [HSK5]
• {放弃|fàng qì - give up} ({fàng qì|放弃 - give up}) = to give up [HSK4]

Common and Useful Phrases

• {城市|chéng shì - city}{的|de - particle}{灯光|dēng guāng - lights} ({chéng shì|城市 - city} {de|的 - particle} {dēng guāng|灯光 - lights}) = the city's lights
• {照|zhào - shine}{着|zhe - particle}{我|wǒ - me} ({zhào|照 - shine} {zhe|着 - particle} {wǒ|我 - me}) = shine on me
• {隐藏|yǐn cáng - hide}{秘密|mì mì - secrets} ({yǐn cáng|隐藏 - hide} {mì mì|秘密 - secrets}) = hide secrets
• {看起来|kàn qǐ lái - seem}{正常|zhèng cháng - normal} ({kàn qǐ lái|看起来 - seem} {zhèng cháng|正常 - normal}) = seems normal
• {隐藏|yǐn cáng - hide}{着|zhe - particle}{真相|zhēn xiàng - truth} ({yǐn cáng|隐藏 - hide} {zhe|着 - particle} {zhēn xiàng|真相 - truth}) = the truth is hidden
• {眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes}{会|huì - will}{骗|piàn - deceive}{人|rén - people} ({yǎn jīng|眼睛 - eyes} {huì|会 - will} {piàn|骗 - deceive} {rén|人 - people}) = eyes will deceive people
• {外表|wài biǎo - appearance}{会|huì - will}{改变|gǎi biàn - change} ({wài biǎo|外表 - appearance} {huì|会 - will} {gǎi biàn|改变 - change}) = appearances will change
• {必须|bì xū - must}{小心|xiǎo xīn - be careful} ({bì xū|必须 - must} {xiǎo xīn|小心 - be careful}) = must be careful
• {真相|zhēn xiàng - truth}{在|zài - at}{哪里|nǎ lǐ - where} ({zhēn xiàng|真相 - truth} {zài|在 - at} {nǎ lǐ|哪里 - where}) = where is the truth
• {表面|biǎo miàn - surface}{很|hěn - very}{漂亮|piào liang - beautiful} ({biǎo miàn|表面 - surface} {hěn|很 - very} {piào liang|漂亮 - beautiful}) = the surface is very beautiful
• {内心|nèi xīn - inside/heart}{很|hěn - very}{可怕|kě pà - scary} ({nèi xīn|内心 - inside/heart} {hěn|很 - very} {kě pà|可怕 - scary}) = the inside is very scary
• {不要|bù yào - don't}{相信|xiāng xìn - trust}{眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes} ({bù yào|不要 - don't} {xiāng xìn|相信 - trust} {yǎn jīng|眼睛 - eyes}) = don't trust your eyes
• {黑夜|hēi yè - night}{中|zhōng - in}{的|de - particle}{影子|yǐng zi - shadows} ({hēi yè|黑夜 - night} {zhōng|中 - in} {de|的 - particle} {yǐng zi|影子 - shadows}) = shadows in the night
• {快速|kuài sù - quickly}{地|de - particle}{移动|yí dòng - moving} ({kuài sù|快速 - quickly} {de|地 - particle} {yí dòng|移动 - moving}) = moving quickly
• {小心|xiǎo xīn - be careful}{他们|tā men - their}{的|de - particle}{谎言|huǎng yán - lies} ({xiǎo xīn|小心 - be careful} {tā men|他们 - their} {de|的 - particle} {huǎng yán|谎言 - lies}) = be careful of their lies
• {真假|zhēn jiǎ - true and false}{难以|nán yǐ - difficult to}{分辨|fēn biàn - distinguish} ({zhēn jiǎ|真假 - true and false} {nán yǐ|难以 - difficult to} {fēn biàn|分辨 - distinguish}) = difficult to distinguish true from false
• {每|měi - every}{个|gè - measure word}{角落|jiǎo luò - corner}{都|dōu - all}{有|yǒu - have}{危险|wēi xiǎn - danger} ({měi|每 - every} {gè|个 - measure word} {jiǎo luò|角落 - corner} {dōu|都 - all} {yǒu|有 - have} {wēi xiǎn|危险 - danger}) = every corner has danger
• {每|měi - every}{张|zhāng - measure word}{脸|liǎn - face}{都|dōu - all}{藏|cáng - hide}{有|yǒu - have}{谎言|huǎng yán - lies} ({měi|每 - every} {zhāng|张 - measure word} {liǎn|脸 - face} {dōu|都 - all} {cáng|藏 - hide} {yǒu|有 - have} {huǎng yán|谎言 - lies}) = every face hides lies
• {寻找|xún zhǎo - search for}{真相|zhēn xiàng - truth}{不|bù - not}{容易|róng yì - easy} ({xún zhǎo|寻找 - search for} {zhēn xiàng|真相 - truth} {bù|不 - not} {róng yì|容易 - easy}) = searching for the truth is not easy
• {不能|bù néng - cannot}{轻易|qīng yì - easily}{放弃|fàng qì - give up} ({bù néng|不能 - cannot} {qīng yì|轻易 - easily} {fàng qì|放弃 - give up}) = cannot easily give up

Line-by-Line Analysis

Understanding the grammar and structure behind every line helps you build strong foundational knowledge for natural Chinese expression.

Verse 1

{城市|chéng shì - city}{的|de - particle}{灯光|dēng guāng - lights}{照|zhào - shine}{着|zhe - particle}{我|wǒ - me} ({chéng shì|城市 - city} {de|的 - particle} {dēng guāng|灯光 - lights} {zhào|照 - shine} {zhe|着 - particle} {wǒ|我 - me} - The city's lights shine on me)

• Grammar: Subject + 的 + Noun + Verb + 着 + Object
• Key Point: 着 (zhe) indicates a continuous ongoing action or state
• Structure: 城市的灯光 (chéng shì de dēng guāng - the city's lights) + 照着我 (zhào zhe wǒ - shine on me)

{黑暗|hēi àn - darkness}{中|zhōng - in}{隐藏|yǐn cáng - hide}{秘密|mì mì - secrets} ({hēi àn|黑暗 - darkness} {zhōng|中 - in} {yǐn cáng|隐藏 - hide} {mì mì|秘密 - secrets} - Secrets hide in the darkness)

• Grammar: Location + Verb + Object (subject omitted)
• Key Point: 中 (zhōng) indicates "in" or "within" when used after a noun
• Structure: 黑暗中 (hēi àn zhōng - in the darkness) + 隐藏秘密 (yǐn cáng mì mì - hide secrets)

{看起来|kàn qǐ lái - seem}{正常|zhèng cháng - normal} ({kàn qǐ lái|看起来 - seem} {zhèng cháng|正常 - normal} - Seems normal)

• Grammar: Verb phrase + Adjective (subject omitted)
• Key Point: 看起来 (kàn qǐ lái) means "to seem" or "to appear," used to describe impressions
• Structure: 看起来 (kàn qǐ lái - seems) + 正常 (zhèng cháng - normal)

{但|dàn - but}{隐藏|yǐn cáng - hide}{着|zhe - particle}{真相|zhēn xiàng - truth} ({dàn|但 - but} {yǐn cáng|隐藏 - hide} {zhe|着 - particle} {zhēn xiàng|真相 - truth} - But the truth is hidden)

• Grammar: Conjunction + Verb + 着 + Object (subject omitted)
• Key Point: 但 (dàn) introduces a contrast to the previous statement
• Structure: 但 (dàn - but) + 隐藏着真相 (yǐn cáng zhe zhēn xiàng - the truth is hidden)

Pre-Chorus

{眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes}{会|huì - will}{骗|piàn - deceive}{人|rén - people} ({yǎn jīng|眼睛 - eyes} {huì|会 - will} {piàn|骗 - deceive} {rén|人 - people} - Eyes will deceive people)

• Grammar: Subject + Modal verb + Verb + Object
• Key Point: 会 (huì) here indicates possibility or likelihood of future action
• Structure: 眼睛 (yǎn jīng - eyes) + 会骗人 (huì piàn rén - will deceive people)

{外表|wài biǎo - appearance}{会|huì - will}{改变|gǎi biàn - change} ({wài biǎo|外表 - appearance} {huì|会 - will} {gǎi biàn|改变 - change} - Appearances will change)

• Grammar: Subject + Modal verb + Verb
• Key Point: Parallel structure to previous line, reinforcing the theme of deception
• Structure: 外表 (wài biǎo - appearance) + 会改变 (huì gǎi biàn - will change)

{必须|bì xū - must}{小心|xiǎo xīn - be careful} ({bì xū|必须 - must} {xiǎo xīn|小心 - be careful} - Must be careful)

• Grammar: Modal verb + Verb/Adjective (subject omitted)
• Key Point: 必须 (bì xū) expresses necessity or obligation, stronger than 应该 (yīng gāi)
• Structure: 必须 (bì xū - must) + 小心 (xiǎo xīn - be careful)

Chorus

{真相|zhēn xiàng - truth}{在|zài - at}{哪里|nǎ lǐ - where}？ ({zhēn xiàng|真相 - truth} {zài|在 - at} {nǎ lǐ|哪里 - where} - Where is the truth?)

• Grammar: Subject + 在 + Question word
• Key Point: 在哪里 (zài nǎ lǐ) is the standard pattern for asking "where is/are"
• Structure: 真相 (zhēn xiàng - truth) + 在哪里 (zài nǎ lǐ - where is)

{表面|biǎo miàn - surface}{很|hěn - very}{漂亮|piào liang - beautiful} ({biǎo miàn|表面 - surface} {hěn|很 - very} {piào liang|漂亮 - beautiful} - The surface is very beautiful)

• Grammar: Subject + 很 + Adjective
• Key Point: 很 (hěn) is required before adjectives in descriptive sentences
• Structure: 表面 (biǎo miàn - surface) + 很漂亮 (hěn piào liang - very beautiful)

{内心|nèi xīn - inside/heart}{很|hěn - very}{可怕|kě pà - scary} ({nèi xīn|内心 - inside/heart} {hěn|很 - very} {kě pà|可怕 - scary} - The inside is very scary)

• Grammar: Subject + 很 + Adjective
• Key Point: Contrasts with previous line - 表面 (surface) vs. 内心 (inside/heart)
• Structure: 内心 (nèi xīn - inside/heart) + 很可怕 (hěn kě pà - very scary)

{不要|bù yào - don't}{相信|xiāng xìn - trust}{眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes} ({bù yào|不要 - don't} {xiāng xìn|相信 - trust} {yǎn jīng|眼睛 - eyes} - Don't trust your eyes)

• Grammar: 不要 + Verb + Object
• Key Point: 不要 (bù yào) is used for negative commands or warnings
• Structure: 不要 (bù yào - don't) + 相信眼睛 (xiāng xìn yǎn jīng - trust eyes)

Verse 2

{黑夜|hēi yè - night}{中|zhōng - in}{的|de - particle}{影子|yǐng zi - shadows} ({hēi yè|黑夜 - night} {zhōng|中 - in} {de|的 - particle} {yǐng zi|影子 - shadows} - Shadows in the night)

• Grammar: Noun + 中 + 的 + Noun (subject phrase, verb omitted)
• Key Point: 中的 (zhōng de) pattern creates a descriptive phrase modifying the noun
• Structure: 黑夜中的 (hēi yè zhōng de - in the night) + 影子 (yǐng zi - shadows)

{快速|kuài sù - quickly}{地|de - particle}{在|zài - at}{移动|yí dòng - moving} ({kuài sù|快速 - quickly} {de|地 - particle} {zài|在 - at} {yí dòng|移动 - moving} - Moving quickly)

• Grammar: Adverb + 地 + Verb phrase (subject omitted)
• Key Point: 地 (de) connects adverbs to verbs, similar to "-ly" in English
• Structure: 快速地 (kuài sù de - quickly) + 在移动 (zài yí dòng - moving)

{小心|xiǎo xīn - be careful}{他们|tā men - their}{的|de - particle}{谎言|huǎng yán - lies} ({xiǎo xīn|小心 - be careful} {tā men|他们 - their} {de|de - particle} {huǎng yán|谎言 - lies} - Be careful of their lies)

• Grammar: Verb + Possessive + Object
• Key Point: 小心 (xiǎo xīn) can mean both "be careful" and "watch out for"
• Structure: 小心 (xiǎo xīn - be careful) + 他们的谎言 (tā men de huǎng yán - their lies)

{真假|zhēn jiǎ - true and false}{难以|nán yǐ - difficult to}{分辨|fēn biàn - distinguish} ({zhēn jiǎ|真假 - true and false} {nán yǐ|难以 - difficult to} {fēn biàn|分辨 - distinguish} - Difficult to distinguish true from false)

• Grammar: Subject + 难以 + Verb
• Key Point: 难以 (nán yǐ) means "difficult to" and is more formal than 很难 (hěn nán)
• Structure: 真假 (zhēn jiǎ - true and false) + 难以分辨 (nán yǐ fēn biàn - difficult to distinguish)

Pre-Chorus (Repeated)

{眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes}{会|huì - will}{骗|piàn - deceive}{人|rén - people} ({yǎn jīng|眼睛 - eyes} {huì|会 - will} {piàn|骗 - deceive} {rén|人 - people} - Eyes will deceive people)

• Grammar: Subject + Modal verb + Verb + Object
• Key Point: 会 (huì) here indicates possibility or likelihood of future action
• Structure: 眼睛 (yǎn jīng - eyes) + 会骗人 (huì piàn rén - will deceive people)

{外表|wài biǎo - appearance}{会|huì - will}{改变|gǎi biàn - change} ({wài biǎo|外表 - appearance} {huì|会 - will} {gǎi biàn|改变 - change} - Appearances will change)

• Grammar: Subject + Modal verb + Verb
• Key Point: Parallel structure to previous line, reinforcing the theme of deception
• Structure: 外表 (wài biǎo - appearance) + 会改变 (huì gǎi biàn - will change)

{必须|bì xū - must}{小心|xiǎo xīn - be careful} ({bì xū|必须 - must} {xiǎo xīn|小心 - be careful} - Must be careful)

• Grammar: Modal verb + Verb/Adjective (subject omitted)
• Key Point: 必须 (bì xū) expresses necessity or obligation, stronger than 应该 (yīng gāi)
• Structure: 必须 (bì xū - must) + 小心 (xiǎo xīn - be careful)

Chorus (Repeated)

{真相|zhēn xiàng - truth}{在|zài - at}{哪里|nǎ lǐ - where}？ ({zhēn xiàng|真相 - truth} {zài|在 - at} {nǎ lǐ|哪里 - where} - Where is the truth?)

• Grammar: Subject + 在 + Question word
• Key Point: 在哪里 (zài nǎ lǐ) is the standard pattern for asking "where is/are"
• Structure: 真相 (zhēn xiàng - truth) + 在哪里 (zài nǎ lǐ - where is)

{表面|biǎo miàn - surface}{很|hěn - very}{漂亮|piào liang - beautiful} ({biǎo miàn|表面 - surface} {hěn|很 - very} {piào liang|漂亮 - beautiful} - The surface is very beautiful)

• Grammar: Subject + 很 + Adjective
• Key Point: 很 (hěn) is required before adjectives in descriptive sentences
• Structure: 表面 (biǎo miàn - surface) + 很漂亮 (hěn piào liang - very beautiful)

{内心|nèi xīn - inside/heart}{很|hěn - very}{可怕|kě pà - scary} ({nèi xīn|内心 - inside/heart} {hěn|很 - very} {kě pà|可怕 - scary} - The inside is very scary)

• Grammar: Subject + 很 + Adjective
• Key Point: Contrasts with previous line - 表面 (surface) vs. 内心 (inside/heart)
• Structure: 内心 (nèi xīn - inside/heart) + 很可怕 (hěn kě pà - very scary)

{不要|bù yào - don't}{相信|xiāng xìn - trust}{眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes} ({bù yào|不要 - don't} {xiāng xìn|相信 - trust} {yǎn jīng|眼睛 - eyes} - Don't trust your eyes)

• Grammar: 不要 + Verb + Object
• Key Point: 不要 (bù yào) is used for negative commands or warnings
• Structure: 不要 (bù yào - don't) + 相信眼睛 (xiāng xìn yǎn jīng - trust eyes)

Bridge

{每|měi - every}{个|gè - measure word}{角落|jiǎo luò - corner}{都|dōu - all}{有|yǒu - have}{危险|wēi xiǎn - danger} ({měi|每 - every} {gè|个 - measure word} {jiǎo luò|角落 - corner} {dōu|都 - all} {yǒu|有 - have} {wēi xiǎn|危险 - danger} - Every corner has danger)

• Grammar: 每 + Measure word + Noun + 都 + Verb + Object
• Key Point: 每…都 (měi…dōu) pattern means "every…all" for emphasis
• Structure: 每个角落 (měi gè jiǎo luò - every corner) + 都有危险 (dōu yǒu wēi xiǎn - all have danger)

{每|měi - every}{张|zhāng - measure word}{脸|liǎn - face}{都|dōu - all}{藏|cáng - hide}{有|yǒu - have}{谎言|huǎng yán - lies} ({měi|每 - every} {zhāng|张 - measure word} {liǎn|脸 - face} {dōu|都 - all} {cáng|藏 - hide} {yǒu|有 - have} {huǎng yán|谎言 - lies} - Every face hides lies)

• Grammar: 每 + Measure word + Noun + 都 + Verb + Object
• Key Point: 张 (zhāng) is the correct measure word for faces and other flat surfaces
• Structure: 每张脸 (měi zhāng liǎn - every face) + 都藏有谎言 (dōu cáng yǒu huǎng yán - all hide lies)

{寻找|xún zhǎo - search for}{真相|zhēn xiàng - truth}{不|bù - not}{容易|róng yì - easy} ({xún zhǎo|寻找 - search for} {zhēn xiàng|真相 - truth} {bù|不 - not} {róng yì|容易 - easy} - Searching for the truth is not easy)

• Grammar: Verb phrase + 不 + Adjective
• Key Point: Verb phrases can serve as subjects; 不容易 (bù róng yì) means "not easy" or "difficult"
• Structure: 寻找真相 (xún zhǎo zhēn xiàng - searching for truth) + 不容易 (bù róng yì - not easy)

{但|dàn - but}{我|wǒ - I}{不能|bù néng - cannot}{轻易|qīng yì - easily}{放弃|fàng qì - give up} ({dàn|但 - but} {wǒ|我 - I} {bù néng|不能 - cannot} {qīng yì|轻易 - easily} {fàng qì|放弃 - give up} - But I cannot easily give up)

• Grammar: Conjunction + Subject + 不能 + Adverb + Verb
• Key Point: 不能 (bù néng) expresses inability or prohibition; 轻易 (qīng yì) means "easily" or "lightly"
• Structure: 但我 (dàn wǒ - but I) + 不能轻易放弃 (bù néng qīng yì fàng qì - cannot easily give up)

Final Chorus

{真相|zhēn xiàng - truth}{在|zài - at}{哪里|nǎ lǐ - where}？ ({zhēn xiàng|真相 - truth} {zài|在 - at} {nǎ lǐ|哪里 - where} - Where is the truth?)

• Grammar: Subject + 在 + Question word
• Key Point: 在哪里 (zài nǎ lǐ) is the standard pattern for asking "where is/are"
• Structure: 真相 (zhēn xiàng - truth) + 在哪里 (zài nǎ lǐ - where is)

{表面|biǎo miàn - surface}{很|hěn - very}{漂亮|piào liang - beautiful} ({biǎo miàn|表面 - surface} {hěn|很 - very} {piào liang|漂亮 - beautiful} - The surface is very beautiful)

• Grammar: Subject + 很 + Adjective
• Key Point: 很 (hěn) is required before adjectives in descriptive sentences
• Structure: 表面 (biǎo miàn - surface) + 很漂亮 (hěn piào liang - very beautiful)

{内心|nèi xīn - inside/heart}{很|hěn - very}{可怕|kě pà - scary} ({nèi xīn|内心 - inside/heart} {hěn|很 - very} {kě pà|可怕 - scary} - The inside is very scary)

• Grammar: Subject + 很 + Adjective
• Key Point: Contrasts with previous line - 表面 (surface) vs. 内心 (inside/heart)
• Structure: 内心 (nèi xīn - inside/heart) + 很可怕 (hěn kě pà - very scary)

{不要|bù yào - don't}{相信|xiāng xìn - trust}{眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes} ({bù yào|不要 - don't} {xiāng xìn|相信 - trust} {yǎn jīng|眼睛 - eyes} - Don't trust your eyes)

• Grammar: 不要 + Verb + Object
• Key Point: 不要 (bù yào) is used for negative commands or warnings
• Structure: 不要 (bù yào - don't) + 相信眼睛 (xiāng xìn yǎn jīng - trust eyes)

Outro

{不要|bù yào - don't}{相信|xiāng xìn - trust}…{不要|bù yào - don't}{相信|xiāng xìn - trust}… ({bù yào|不要 - don't} {xiāng xìn|相信 - trust} - Don't trust…don't trust…)

• Grammar: 不要 + Verb (repeated for emphasis)
• Key Point: Repetition creates dramatic emphasis and reinforces the song's central warning
• Structure: 不要相信 (bù yào xiāng xìn - don't trust) repeated

Advanced Grammar Points

These key grammar patterns from the song will elevate your Chinese expression and help you sound more natural.

1. Using 会 (huì) to Express Future Possibility

• Pattern: {Subject} + {会|huì - will} + {Verb}
• Function: Indicates that something is likely to happen or has the potential to occur
• Example: {眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes}{会|huì - will}{骗|piàn - deceive}{人|rén - people} ({yǎn jīng|眼睛 - eyes} {huì|会 - will} {piàn|骗 - deceive} {rén|人 - people} - Eyes will deceive people)
• Usage: Common in warnings and predictions; more natural than 将要 (jiāng yào) in casual speech

2. The Continuous Aspect Marker 着 (zhe)

• Pattern: {Verb} + {着|zhe - particle} + {Object}
• Function: Indicates an ongoing state or continuous action
• Example: {隐藏|yǐn cáng - hide}{着|zhe - particle}{真相|zhēn xiàng - truth} ({yǐn cáng|隐藏 - hide} {zhe|着 - particle} {zhēn xiàng|真相 - truth} - The truth is hidden)
• Usage: Frequently used to describe ongoing states or situations; HSK3 grammar point

3. The "Seems/Appears" Construction with 看起来 (kàn qǐ lái)

• Pattern: {看起来|kàn qǐ lái - seem} + {Adjective/Verb Phrase}
• Function: Expresses how something appears or seems based on observation
• Example: {看起来|kàn qǐ lái - seem}{正常|zhèng cháng - normal} ({kàn qǐ lái|看起来 - seem} {zhèng cháng|正常 - normal} - Seems normal)
• Usage: Very common in daily speech for expressing impressions; more casual than 似乎 (sì hū)

4. Negative Commands with 不要 (bù yào)

• Pattern: {不要|bù yào - don't} + {Verb} + {Object}
• Function: Issues a negative command, warning, or prohibition
• Example: {不要|bù yào - don't}{相信|xiāng xìn - trust}{眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes} ({bù yào|不要 - don't} {xiāng xìn|相信 - trust} {yǎn jīng|眼睛 - eyes} - Don't trust your eyes)
• Usage: Stronger and more direct than 别 (bié); appropriate for warnings and serious prohibitions

5. The 每…都 (měi…dōu) Pattern for Emphasis

• Pattern: {每|měi - every} + {Measure Word} + {Noun} + {都|dōu - all} + {Verb Phrase}
• Function: Emphasizes that something applies to every single instance without exception
• Example: {每|měi - every}{个|gè - measure word}{角落|jiǎo luò - corner}{都|dōu - all}{有|yǒu - have}{危险|wēi xiǎn - danger} ({měi|每 - every} {gè|个 - measure word} {jiǎo luò|角落 - corner} {dōu|都 - all} {yǒu|有 - have} {wēi xiǎn|危险 - danger} - Every corner has danger)
• Usage: Creates strong emphasis; 都 (dōu) is essential for this pattern and cannot be omitted

6. Using 难以 (nán yǐ) to Express Difficulty

• Pattern: {Subject/Action} + {难以|nán yǐ - difficult to} + {Verb}
• Function: Expresses that something is difficult or hard to accomplish
• Example: {真假|zhēn jiǎ - true and false}{难以|nán yǐ - difficult to}{分辨|fēn biàn - distinguish} ({zhēn jiǎ|真假 - true and false} {nán yǐ|难以 - difficult to} {fēn biàn|分辨 - distinguish} - Difficult to distinguish true from false)
• Usage: More formal than 很难 (hěn nán); commonly used in written Chinese and formal speech

7. Modal Necessity with 必须 (bì xū)

• Pattern: {Subject} + {必须|bì xū - must} + {Verb Phrase}
• Function: Expresses strong necessity or obligation, often conveying urgency
• Example: {必须|bì xū - must}{小心|xiǎo xīn - be careful} ({bì xū|必须 - must} {xiǎo xīn|小心 - be careful} - Must be careful)
• Usage: Stronger than 应该 (yīng gāi - should); indicates absolute necessity rather than recommendation

Thematic Vocabulary Groups

Beyond individual words, understanding how vocabulary clusters around themes helps you recall and use words more naturally in context.

Perception & Observation

• {眼睛|yǎn jīng - eyes} - primary sense organ for seeing and observing
• {看起来|kàn qǐ lái - seem} - expressing impressions based on what you see
• {表面|biǎo miàn - surface} - what appears on the outside
• {外表|wài biǎo - appearance} - how something or someone looks externally

Deception & Truth

• {真相|zhēn xiàng - truth} - the actual facts or reality of a situation
• {秘密|mì mì - secrets} - hidden information or concealed facts
• {骗|piàn - deceive} - to trick or mislead someone
• {谎言|huǎng yán - lies} - false statements intended to deceive
• {隐藏|yǐn cáng - hide} - to conceal or keep something from view
• {真假|zhēn jiǎ - true and false} - distinguishing reality from deception

Inner vs. Outer States

• {内心|nèi xīn - inside/heart} - one's inner feelings or true thoughts
• {表面|biǎo miàn - surface} - the outward appearance or facade
• {外表|wài biǎo - appearance} - external looks that may differ from reality
• {改变|gǎi biàn - change} - transformation or alteration of state

Urban Environment

• {城市|chéng shì - city} - urban setting and metropolitan areas
• {灯光|dēng guāng - lights} - artificial illumination in city spaces
• {黑暗|hēi àn - darkness} - absence of light, literal or metaphorical
• {黑夜|hēi yè - night} - nighttime in urban environments
• {角落|jiǎo luò - corner} - hidden spaces within the city

Danger & Caution

• {危险|wēi xiǎn - danger} - threatening or hazardous situations
• {小心|xiǎo xīn - be careful} - exercising caution and awareness
• {必须|bì xū - must} - expressing urgent necessity for safety

Movement & Action

• {移动|yí dòng - moving} - changing position or location
• {快速|kuài sù - quickly} - moving with speed
• {影子|yǐng zi - shadows} - moving silhouettes or figures
• {照|zhào - shine} - light illuminating or revealing

Mental States & Emotions

• {可怕|kě pà - scary} - frightening or terrifying
• {相信|xiāng xìn - trust} - believing in someone or something
• {分辨|fēn biàn - distinguish} - ability to tell things apart
• {寻找|xún zhǎo - search for} - actively seeking or looking for
• {放弃|fàng qì - give up} - abandoning effort or ceasing to try

Cultural Notes

Exploring the philosophical and cultural themes of perception versus reality in Chinese thought

The theme of appearances versus reality explored in "Trust Nothing" resonates deeply with traditional Chinese philosophical concepts, particularly from Daoist and Buddhist thought. The idea that what we perceive through our senses may not reflect true reality has been central to Chinese philosophy for millennia. The song's warning that eyes can deceive and appearances can change echoes the Buddhist concept of illusion and the Daoist teaching that the observable world is merely one layer of a much deeper truth.

In contemporary Chinese culture, the tension between surface and substance has taken on new meaning in the context of rapid urbanization and technological advancement. The cyberpunk setting of this song reflects modern anxieties about authenticity in an increasingly digital and image-conscious society. Chinese social media culture, with its emphasis on carefully curated personas and filtered reality, makes the song's message particularly relevant to young urban Chinese speakers who navigate daily between online and offline identities.

The phrase emphasizing that "every face hides lies" also connects to traditional Chinese concepts of social harmony and face-saving, where maintaining appropriate appearances in social situations is culturally important. However, the song subverts this by suggesting that such surface presentations may conceal darker truths, creating a tension between traditional values of social propriety and contemporary skepticism about manufactured authenticity. This reflects ongoing cultural conversations in Chinese society about balancing traditional values with modern realities.

The vocabulary of deception and truth-seeking in this song provides learners with language tools for discussing these complex philosophical and social concepts. Terms like distinguishing truth from falsehood and searching for reality appear frequently in Chinese discussions of everything from consumer fraud to media literacy, making this vocabulary particularly practical for intermediate learners engaging with contemporary Chinese discourse on authenticity and trust.

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In a world where {表面|biǎo miàn - surface} ({biǎo miàn|表面 - surface}) and {内心|nèi xīn - inside/heart} ({nèi xīn|内心 - inside/heart}) often conflict, which do you find harder to {分辨|fēn biàn - distinguish} ({fēn biàn|分辨 - distinguish}) - the {谎言|huǎng yán - lies} ({huǎng yán|谎言 - lies}) others tell or the ones we tell ourselves?