How to use 这样
Condition ，这样 + Result / Purpose
这样 can refer to a way of doing something that is demonstrated, described, or understood. Before a verb, it means carrying out the action in that manner. The listener needs a relevant model or earlier explanation to know what “this way” refers to, whether the reference is physical or conversational.
It can also connect a described arrangement to its consequence. A following clause with 这样 explains what becomes possible or what result follows if things proceed that way. 这样的话 makes the conditional connection more explicit, often corresponding to “in that case.” Distinguish a description of manner from a link between circumstances and outcomes, and look backward for the situation being referenced.
Examples with pinyin and English
这样做不对。
Doing it this way is not right.
这样说不礼貌。
It's not polite to say this.
这样走过去更近。
If you walk over this way, it's closer.
你们真的是这样想的吗？
Do you guys really think so?
What to remember
- Use 这样 before an action for manner.
- Look back for the referenced arrangement.
- 这样的话 can introduce a conditional consequence.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.