二 vs 两: Choosing Èr or Liǎng for Two in Chinese
二 vs 两
Learn when Chinese uses 二 and when it uses 两, covering numbers, dates, ordinals, quantities with classifiers, and two o'clock.
第二个
dì- èr gè
the second one
HSK 2.0 Level 2 grammar
Put events in order.
Talk about what happened, compare two things and explain a plan. Connect the time, place and action without losing the sentence's main point.
70 grammar topics, 64 with practice.
这个背包比我的轻。
Zhège bēibāo bǐ wǒ de qīng.
This backpack is lighter than mine.
Study this construction →Find a construction
70 topics
Comparisons
Compare two things with 比
A / 比 B / adjective
Say which route is shorter, which bag is lighter, or what feels different today.
这个背包比我的轻。
Zhège bēibāo bǐ wǒ de qīng.
This backpack is lighter than mine.
要 vs 想: Wanting, Intending and Missing in Chinese
要 vs 想
Compare 要 and 想 before nouns and verbs, distinguish firmer intentions from gentler wishes, and recognize 想要 as another expression of desire.
你也要茶吗？
Nǐ yě yào chá ma?
Do you also want tea?
Much More in Chinese Comparisons: 很多, 得多, and 多了
A + 比 + B + Adjective + 很多 / 得多 / 多了
Emphasize a large difference in Chinese by placing 很多, 得多, or 多了 after an adjective in a comparison sentence.
拼音比汉字容易很多。
Pīnyīn bǐ Hànzì róngyì hěn duō.
Pinyin is much easier than Chinese characters.
Choose 会 or 能 for “can”
subject / 会 / 能 / verb phrase
Separate knowing how to do something from being able to do it in the circumstances.
我会骑自行车。
Wǒ huì qí zìxíngchē.
I know how to ride a bicycle.
Numbers, quantities and classifiers
Emphasizing Groups and Quantities with 都 (Dōu)
大家 / 很多人 + 都⋯⋯
Use 都 after plural subjects such as 大家 or 很多人 to show that a description applies across the people or things being discussed.
很多地方都有 wifi。
Hěn duō dìfang dōu yǒu wifi.
A lot of places have wifi.
Several and A Few with 几 (Jǐ) in Chinese
几 + Measure Word + Noun
Use 几 for an unspecified small quantity, 好几 for “quite a few,” and combinations such as 几十 for larger approximate amounts.
桌子上有几本书。
Zhuōzi shàng yǒu jǐ běn shū.
There are a few books on the table.
Say “every” with 每…都…
每 + classifier + noun + 都 + predicate / 每次 / 每天 + 都 + predicate
Describe something that applies to every person, every item, or every occasion in a group.
我每天都在阳台上喝茶。
Wǒ měitiān dōu zài yángtái shang hē chá.
I drink tea on the balcony every day.
Chinese Measure Words for Counting Nouns
Number + Measure Word + Noun
Build number + classifier + noun phrases in Chinese, choose classifiers suited to the item, and understand how different units change the quantity described.
一个人
yī gè rén
a person
This and That with Chinese Classifiers: 这 and 那
这 / 那 + Measure Word (+ Noun)
Use 这 or 那 before a suitable classifier and noun, and understand how an already clear noun may be omitted from the phrase.
那个人
nà ge rén
that person
这本书
zhè běn shū
this book
First, Second and Other Ordinals with 第 (Dì)
第 + Number (+ Measure Word)
Make ordinal numbers with 第 before the number, add classifiers when needed, and recognize conventional numbered forms such as building floors.
我是第一个到公司的人。
Wǒ shì dì-yī gè dào gōngsī de rén.
I'm the first person that came to the office.
Reduplicated Chinese Measure Words: 个个, 天天, and Every
(Topic / Subject +) Measure Word + Measure Word + (都 +) Predicate
Understand how repeated measure words such as 个个 and 天天 express every member, every day, or every occurrence.
这些学生个个都很认真。
Zhèxiē xuésheng gègè dōu hěn rènzhēn.
Every one of these students is very conscientious.
多 (Duō) After Numbers: Saying More Than in Chinese
Round Number + 多 + Unit / Classifier (+ Noun); Small Number + Classifier + 多 + Noun
Learn where 多 goes in approximate quantities such as ages, prices, and durations when an amount exceeds a round number.
我妈妈已经五十多岁了。
Wǒ māma yǐjīng wǔshí duō suì le.
My mother is over fifty.
次, 遍, and 下: Counting Actions in Chinese
Verb + Number + Measure Word
Count occurrences, complete repetitions, and brief actions using the Chinese verbal measure words 次, 遍, and 下.
再说一遍。
Zài shuō yī biàn.
Say it again.
Adverbs and degree
Say “already” with 已经
Subject + 已经 + verb phrase / 已经 + situation + 了
Show that a situation has been reached or an action has happened by the time you are talking about.
小林已经到车站了。
Xiǎo Lín yǐjīng dào chēzhàn le.
Xiaolin has already arrived at the station.
Adding Another Action with 还 (Hái): And Also
还 + Verb
Use 还 to add another action or fact about the same subject, and distinguish this additive meaning from the common uses of 也.
她有一个弟弟， 还有一个妹妹。
Tā yǒu yī gè dìdi, hái yǒu yī gè mèimei.
She has a younger brother and also has a younger sister.
Then and So with 就 (Jiù) in Chinese
就 + Verb Phrase
Learn how 就 connects a situation to the action or result that follows, including decisions, immediate responses, and practical suggestions.
你喜欢喝奶茶，我们就买奶茶吧。
Nǐ xǐhuan hē nǎichá, wǒmen jiù mǎi nǎichá ba.
So you like milk tea. Then we'll buy milk tea.
Asking How Tall, Big or Far with 多 (Duō)
Subj. + 多 + Adj. ?
Ask about degree with 多 before an adjective in Chinese, including height, size, distance, and the contextual age question 多大.
她多高？
Tā duō gāo?
How tall is she?
Describe a small problem with 有点儿
Subject + 有点儿 + adjective / 一点儿 + noun
Soften a description such as a little salty, a little difficult, or a bit heavy.
这碗蘑菇汤有点儿咸。
Zhè wǎn mógu tāng yǒudiǎnr xián.
This mushroom soup is a little salty.
Expressing Distance with 离 (Lí) in Chinese
Place 1 + 离 + Place 2 + Adv. + 近 / 远
Use 离 to relate two locations in Chinese, describe them as near or far, and ask about the distance with 多远.
我家离公司很近。
Wǒ jiā lí gōngsī hěn jìn.
My house is close to my office.
More and Even More with 更 (Gèng)
更 + Adj.
Use 更 before adjectives for a greater degree, with an implied comparison or an explicit 比 phrase in Chinese.
这两个银行哪个更近？
Zhè liǎng gè yínháng nǎge gèng jìn?
Between these two banks, which one is closer?
Expressing Really and So with 真 (Zhēn)
真 + Adj.
Use 真 to emphasize a quality, feeling, or ability in Chinese, and understand why its force often sounds personal or exclamatory.
你真好！
Nǐ zhēn hǎo!
You are so nice!
Saying Pretty Good or All Right with 还 (Hái)
还 + Adj.
Understand 还好、还行、还可以 and 还不错 as moderate positive evaluations whose strength depends on expectations and tone.
我还好。
Wǒ hái hǎo.
I'm OK.
Chinese Relative Clauses with Phrase + 的 + Noun
Phrase + 的 + Noun
Use 的 to place a descriptive clause before a noun in Chinese, including phrases that English introduces with “who” or “that.”
妈妈做的菜
māma zuò de cài
the food that mom cooks / cooked
Superlatives in Chinese with 最 (Zuì)
最 + Adj. (+ 了)
Use 最 for the highest degree within a group, including “best,” “biggest,” and favorite things expressed with 最喜欢.
哪个老师最好？
Nǎge lǎoshī zuì hǎo?
Which teacher is the best?
Still in Chinese with 还、还在 and 还是
Subj. + 还 + Verb Phrase / Adj.
Express continuation with 还, ongoing actions with 还在, and persistence with 还是, including negatives for “still not” and “not yet.”
这件事情我还在考虑。
Zhè jiàn shìqing wǒ hái zài kǎolǜ.
I am still thinking over this matter.
Emphasis with 就是 (Jiùshì): Exactly and Simply
就是 + Verb
Use 就是 to identify precisely or insist on a statement, and recognize how context gives this emphasis a neutral, firm, or stubborn tone.
那个人就是她的新男朋友。
Nàge rén jiùshì tā de xīn nánpéngyou.
That guy is her new boyfriend.
About to and Countdown Expressions with 就要……了
还有 + Time Period + 就要 + Verb Phrase + 了
Use 就要 with final 了 for approaching events in Chinese, and add an explicit remaining interval with 还有……就要……了.
就要下雨了。
Jiù yào xiàyǔ le.
It's about to rain.
Ask to do something again with 再
Subject + 再 + verb / 请 + 再 + verb + 一遍 / 一次
Use 再 for another action that is requested, planned, or still to come.
这道题我想再试一次。
Zhè dào tí wǒ xiǎng zài shì yí cì.
I would like to try this question once more.
Emphatic Already with 都……了 in Chinese
都 + Time + 了
Use 都 with final 了 to stress that a time, age, amount, or event has already been reached, often against an expectation.
都九点了，快点起床！
Dōu jiǔ diǎn le, kuài diǎn qǐchuáng!
It's already nine o'clock. Get out of bed!
Earlier and Sooner Than Expected with 就 (Jiù)
Subj. + Time + 就 + Verb + 了
Use 就 after a time expression for an early or prompt event, distinguish future “right away” from past earliness, and recognize 早就.
我马上就来。
Wǒ mǎshàng jiù lái.
I'll be there in a second.
Negation
Saying Don't in Chinese with 别 (Bié)
别 + Verb
Form negative requests and instructions with 别 before the verb, and understand how context shapes the strength of the command.
别走。
Bié zǒu.
Don't leave.
Conjunctions and complex sentences
那个 (Nèige) as a Chinese Conversation Filler
⋯⋯那个⋯⋯
Recognize 那个 as a hesitation filler in spoken Mandarin, including its common nèige pronunciation and its difference from pointing to “that.”
那个 ⋯⋯ 我不跟你们一起去了，可以吗？
Nèige... wǒ bù gēn nǐmen yīqǐ qù le, kěyǐ ma?
So, ummm... I won't go with you guys, OK?
Noun phrases
Saying When with 的时候 (De Shíhou) in Chinese
⋯⋯的时候
Attach 的时候 to an action, state, or time phrase to explain when another event occurs, without moving the Chinese time phrase after its noun.
你不在的时候，我会想你。
Nǐ bù zài de shíhou, wǒ huì xiǎng nǐ.
When you are not here, I'll miss you.
Particles
Reluctant Agreement with 吧 (Ba): All Right or Fine
⋯⋯吧
Recognize sentence-final 吧 in concessions and acceptance, where context makes the reply sound like “all right,” “fine,” or agreement with a reservation.
太贵了！
Tài guì le!
That's too expensive!
Already Understood from Context with 了 (Le)
Subj. + Verb Phrase + 了
See how 了 can convey an “already” meaning in a reply without 已经, when an action or situation is relevant to the current conversation.
老板呢？
Lǎobǎn ne?
Where is the boss?
Talk about experience with 过
subject / verb + 过 / object
Talk about things you have tried, places you have visited, and experiences you have not had yet.
我坐过夜班火车。
Wǒ zuòguo yèbān huǒchē.
I have taken an overnight train.
Sentence-Final 呢 (Ne) in Chinese Statements
⋯⋯呢 ?
Recognize 呢 in statements that emphasize a current situation, reinforce a point, or highlight continuation, rather than treating every 呢 as a question.
我不要回家。还早呢！
Wǒ bù yào huíjiā. Hái zǎo ne!
I don't want to go home. It's still early!
Using 过 and 了 Together in Chinese
Verb + 过 (+ Object) + 了
Understand verb + 过 + 了 for actions already taken in a relevant situation, including where an object fits between the two particles.
她吃过了。
Tā chī guo le.
She has eaten (already).
Describe an ongoing state with 着
Verb + 着 / Place + verb + 着 + object
Describe a position, arrangement, or condition that continues to hold.
书桌上放着一本地图册。
Shūzhuō shang fàng zhe yì běn dìtúcè.
An atlas is lying on the desk.
Prepositions and coverbs
From…To… in Chinese with 从……到
从⋯⋯到⋯⋯
Use 从……到 for starting and ending points in time or space, including date ranges, travel routes, and periods defined by events.
从 2004 年到 2008 年
cóng èr-líng-líng-sì nián dào èr-líng-líng-bā nián
from 2004 to 2008
给 (Gěi) Before a Verb: Doing Something for Someone
Subj. + 给 + Recipient + Verb Phrase
Place 给 before the beneficiary of an action to describe services, favors, and things done for another person in Chinese.
给客人倒茶。
Gěi kèrén dàochá.
Pour tea for the guests.
往 (Wǎng): Directions, Destinations, and Continuing
往 + Direction / Place + Verb; Selected Motion Verb + 往 + Destination
Use 往 before directions and movement verbs, recognize formal verb + 往 phrases, and understand 往下 for continuing an activity.
一直往前走。
Yīzhí wǎng qián zǒu.
Go straight ahead.
对 (Duì) with Verbs: Targets, Feelings, and Attitudes
Subj. + 对 + Person + Verb
Learn common 对 + target patterns for speaking to someone, showing an attitude, and expressing interest or responsibility.
宝宝对我笑了。
Bǎobao duì wǒ xiào le.
The baby smiled at me.
Modality and auxiliary verbs
The Main Meanings of 要 (Yào): Want, Need and Going To
要 + Noun / 要 + Verb
Interpret 要 with nouns and verbs in Chinese, distinguishing wants, intentions, necessities, and upcoming events from the surrounding context.
你要什么？
Nǐ yào shénme?
What do you want?
Verb phrases
Linking Actions in Chinese Without an Extra And
(Verb Phrase 1) + (Verb Phrase 2)
Understand how Chinese combines successive or purpose-related verb phrases, and why 和 usually cannot replace English “and” between actions.
我要回家吃饭。
Wǒ yào huí jiā chī fàn.
I want to go home and eat.
Doing Things Together with 一起 (Yīqǐ)
一起 + Verb
Use 一起 before an action for shared activity, with plural subjects or a companion phrase introduced by 跟 or 和.
我们一起吃晚饭吧。
Wǒmen yīqǐ chī wǎnfàn ba.
Let's eat dinner together.
Verb Reduplication in Chinese: AA, A一A and ABAB
Verb + 一 + Verb
Repeat suitable Chinese verbs to suggest a brief or casual action, and distinguish the patterns for one-syllable and two-syllable verbs.
你看看。
Nǐ kànkan.
Take a little look.
When 在 Follows a Verb: 住在、坐在 and Similar Patterns
Verb + 在 + Place
Recognize location complements with verbs such as 住、坐、站 and 放, and distinguish them from ordinary 在 + place phrases before an action.
你住在上海吗？
Nǐ zhù zài Shànghǎi ma?
Do you live in Shanghai?
Arriving and Going to Places with 到 (Dào)
到 + Place
Use 到 for reaching a destination or going there to do something, and distinguish its focus from movement with 去 and departure with 走.
他们已经到酒吧了。
Tāmen yǐjīng dào jiǔbā le.
They have already arrived at the bar.
Easy to Do and Pleasant Qualities with 好 (Hǎo)
好 + Verb
Use 好 before verbs for ease, and distinguish conventional compounds such as 好吃、好听 and 好看 that describe pleasant qualities.
这个词的意思很好懂。
Zhège cí de yìsi hěn hǎo dǒng.
The meaning of this word is easy to understand.
Brief Actions and Softer Requests with 一下 (Yīxià)
Verb + 一下 (+ Obj.)
Put 一下 after a verb for a brief action or a lighter request, with the object following when the verb phrase needs one.
请你等一下。
Qǐng nǐ děng yīxià.
Please wait a little bit.
Chinese Verbs with Two Objects: Person Before Thing
Subj. + Verb + Indirect Obj. + Direct Obj.
Learn the double-object order used by suitable Chinese verbs, placing the person affected before the thing transferred or discussed.
老师，我可以问你一个问题吗？
Lǎoshī, wǒ kěyǐ wèn nǐ yī gè wèntí ma?
Teacher, may I ask you a question?
Verb + 给: Placing a Recipient After a Chinese Verb
Subject + Verb + 给 + Recipient + Object; Object + Subject + Verb + 给 + Recipient
Learn recipient placement after verbs such as 送 and 递, using verb + 给 + recipient and related object-first patterns.
昨天有人送给我一束花。
Zuótiān yǒu rén sòng gěi wǒ yī shù huā.
Yesterday someone gave me a bouquet of flowers.
给 Before Verbs: Naming the Target of an Action
Subj. + 给 + Target + [Verb Phrase]
Use 给 + target before verbs for calling, writing, replying, and other actions directed at a person in Chinese.
现在不要给他打电话。
Xiànzài bùyào gěi tā dǎ diànhuà.
Don't give him a phone call now.
Complements
Say you cannot understand with 听不懂 and 看不懂
听 / 看 + 不 + 懂 / 听 / 看 + 得 + 懂
Distinguish hearing or reading something from being able to understand it.
收音机里的人说得太快，我听不懂。
Shōuyīnjī lǐ de rén shuō de tài kuài, wǒ tīng bu dǒng.
The person on the radio speaks too fast; I cannot understand.
Result Complements 到 and 见 with Seeing and Hearing
Verb + 到 / 见
Distinguish looking or listening from achieving perception, using 到 and 见 after suitable Chinese sensory verbs and 没 for absent results.
你看到那个帅哥了吗？
Nǐ kàn dào nàge shuàigē le ma?
Did you see that handsome guy?
Show that something is finished with 完
verb / 完 / object
Distinguish doing an activity from reaching the end of it.
我看完这本小说了。
Wǒ kànwán zhè běn xiǎoshuō le.
I have finished reading this novel.
Describe how an action goes with 得
verb / 得 / description
Say that someone speaks clearly, runs quickly, or does something especially well.
他说得很清楚。
Tā shuō de hěn qīngchu.
He speaks very clearly.
Chinese Result Complements: What an Action Achieves
Subject + Verb + Result Complement + (了) + (Object)
Use result complements such as 好, 完, 错, and 饱 to distinguish performing an action from reaching its result.
你吃好了吗？
Nǐ chī hǎo le ma?
Are you done eating?
Questions
Asking How Come with 怎么 (Zěnme)
怎么⋯⋯？
Use 怎么 to ask why something unexpected is true, including negative actions and adjective phrases that convey surprise or disagreement.
他怎么还没来？
Tā zěnme hái méi lái?
How come he's not here yet?
Chinese Rhetorical Questions: 不是…吗 and 怎么会
不是 + Proposition + 吗？; 怎么会 + Proposition？; 能 + Predicate + 吗？
Recognize common rhetorical question patterns used to remind, challenge, or express disbelief rather than request new information.
你看到我的手机了吗？
Nǐ kàn dào wǒ de shǒujī le ma?
Have you seen my cell phone?
Sentence structure and word order
Explain why with 因为…所以…
因为 + reason / 所以 + result
Give a reason and explain its result.
因为外面很冷，所以我们坐在里面。
Yīnwèi wàimiàn hěn lěng, suǒyǐ wǒmen zuò zài lǐmiàn.
Because it is cold outside, we are sitting inside.
About to Happen with 快……了 and 要……了
快 + Verb / Adj. + 了
Use 快、快要 or 要 with final 了 to describe an approaching event or state, and understand why 了 does not place these sentences in the past.
我们快到了。
Wǒmen kuài dào le.
We're almost there.
Everything and Anything with 什么都 in Chinese
什么 + 都 / 也⋯⋯
Use 什么……都 for inclusive statements and 什么也不 or 什么都没 for negatives that exclude everything within the relevant context.
我觉得这里的菜什么都好吃。
Wǒ juéde zhèlǐ de cài shénme dōu hǎochī.
I think everything is delicious here.
Stop Doing It with 别……了 in Chinese
别 + Verb + 了
Use 别 + action + 了 to request stopping or abandoning an action, including a planned activity that has not yet begun.
别说了， 我不想听。
Bié shuō le, wǒ bù xiǎng tīng.
Stop talking. I don't want to listen.
是…的 for Purpose: What Someone Came for or Something Is Used for
Person + 是 + 来 / 去 + Action + 的; Thing + 是 + 用来 + Action + 的
Explain intentions and intended functions in Chinese with 是来…的, 是去…的, 是用来…的, and related purpose patterns.
我是来玩的。
Wǒ shì lái wán de.
I came for fun.
是…的 Patterns: Details, Classification, Purpose, and Emphasis
Subj. + 是 + [Distinguishing Words] + 的
Distinguish the main Chinese 是…的 patterns by meaning, including omitted nouns, event details, intended uses, and firm assertions.
你也是大学生？你是什么专业的？
Nǐ yě shì dàxuéshēng? Nǐ shì shénme zhuānyè de?
Are you also a college student? What's your major?
Show contrast with 虽然…但是…
虽然 + fact / 但是 + contrast
Acknowledge one fact, then explain what is unexpectedly true alongside it.
虽然这家店很小，但是里面很舒服。
Suīrán zhè jiā diàn hěn xiǎo, dànshì lǐmiàn hěn shūfu.
Although this shop is small, it is comfortable inside.
Aspect, time and completion
每次…都…: Saying Every Time in Chinese
每次 + Event 1 + 都 + Event 2
Describe a consistent reaction or repeated outcome with 每次…都…, including sentences where the two events have different subjects.
她每次来我家都带花。
Tā měi cì lái wǒ jiā dōu dài huā.
She brings flowers every time she visits me.
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