Strong Adjective Intensifiers with 死了 (Sǐ Le)
Adj. + 死了
Understand adjective + 死了 as a conversational exaggeration for extreme feelings or qualities, including common negative and positive uses.
我饿死了。
Wǒ è sǐ le!
I'm starving!
HSK 2.0 Level 4 grammar
Connect ideas clearly.
Compare viewpoints, qualify a statement and explain how events relate. Study the whole construction, including the words on either side of its connector.
104 grammar topics, 98 with practice.
下雨了，于是我们回家了。
Xiàyǔ le, yúshì wǒmen huí jiā le.
It started raining, so we went home.
Study this construction →Find a construction
104 topics
Adverbs and degree
Approximation and Similarity with 差不多 (Chàbuduō)
Subj. + 差不多
Use 差不多 for things that are nearly alike, actions that are almost complete, and approximate numbers, times, or quantities.
这几个地方都差不多。
Zhè jǐ gè dìfang dōu chàbuduō.
These places are all pretty much the same.
Just Happened in Chinese with 刚 and 刚刚
Subj. + 刚 + Verb
Use 刚 or 刚刚 before an action to show recent occurrence, including cases where an added duration presents the event as relatively recent.
我们刚知道。
Wǒmen gāng zhīdào.
We just found out.
Just Right and Happen To with 正好 (Zhènghǎo)
Subj. + 正好 + Verb Phrase
Use 正好 for a coincidental match between events or for a degree, amount, size, or timing that is exactly suitable.
我正好要出去，垃圾我来扔吧。
Wǒ zhènghǎo yào chūqù, lājī wǒ lái rēng ba.
I'm just about to leave. I'll take out the trash.
原来 (Yuánlái): Originally and It Turns Out
Former state with 原来(的) / New information with 原来
Distinguish 原来 for an earlier state from 原来 introducing a realization, and use 原来的 before a noun to describe something former or original.
你原来的发型也很可爱。
Nǐ yuánlái de fàxíng yě hěn kě'ài.
Your original hairstyle was also very cute.
Almost Happened with 差点 (Chàdiǎn) in Chinese
Subj. + 差点 + Predicate
Use 差点 or 差点儿 before a predicate for an outcome that nearly occurred, and recognize why forms containing 没 need separate interpretation.
车差点撞到我。
Chē chàdiǎn zhuàngdào wǒ.
The car almost hit me.
Have Always with 从来都 (Cónglái Dōu) in Chinese
从来 + 都 (是) + Predicate
Use affirmative 从来都 to describe a consistent pattern across the relevant period, and contrast it with the negative 从来不 and 从来没 patterns.
他从来都这样。
Tā cónglái dōu zhèyàng.
He's always like this.
As a Result and Ended Up with 结果 (Jiéguǒ)
Reason / Condition ，结果 + Result
Use 结果 to introduce an outcome after its background, including consequences that follow logically or turn out differently from expectations.
她穿得很少， 结果感冒了。
Tā chuān de hěn shǎo, jiéguǒ gǎnmào le.
She didn't dress warmly enough, and as a result, she caught a cold.
Enough with 够 (Gòu) Before and After Verbs
Subj. + 够 + Predicate (+ 了)
Use 够 for a sufficient amount or degree, form negatives with 不够, and recognize postverbal patterns meaning having done enough or being fed up.
我们买了很多菜， 够吃了。
Wǒmen mǎi le hěn duō cài, gòu chī le.
We bought a lot of food. It's enough for us to eat.
A Considered Better Choice with 还是 (Háishì)
还是 + Verb
Use 还是 before an action to suggest a preferable choice after consideration, often with final 吧, and distinguish this use from choice questions.
还是明天去吧。
Háishì míngtiān qù ba.
We'd better go tomorrow.
Had Better and It Is Best To with 最好 (Zuìhǎo)
Subj. + 最好 + Predicate
Use 最好 before a recommended action, form advice against an action with 最好不要 or 最好别, and read its strength from context.
你最好先休息一下。
Nǐ zuìhǎo xiān xiūxi yīxià.
You'd better get some rest first.
One by One and Gradually with Repeated 一 Phrases
一 + Measure Word + 一 + Measure Word
Repeat 一 plus a classifier or time unit for individual sequence, gradual change, or repeated actions, including emphatic forms with 又.
别吵， 一个一个说。
Bié chǎo, yī gè yī gè shuō.
Don't argue. Speak one by one.
Also All with 也都 (Yě Dōu) in Chinese
也都 + Verb / Adj.
Combine 也 and 都 in the order 也都 when a whole relevant group shares a previously mentioned action, state, or negative condition.
我很好，我的家人也都很好。
Wǒ hěn hǎo, wǒ de jiārén yě dōu hěn hǎo.
I'm good. So is everyone in my family.
Quite and Pretty with 挺……的 (Tǐng…De)
挺 + Adj. + 的
Use 挺 before adjectives or suitable mental predicates for conversational degree, often followed by 的 at the end of the descriptive phrase.
这个老师挺年轻的。
Zhège lǎoshī tǐng niánqīng de.
This teacher is quite young.
看来 (Kànlái): Drawing a Conclusion or Naming a Perspective
看来 + Judgment to the Situation；在 + Person + 看来
Use 看来 for an inference from the situation and 在…看来 to identify whose view or judgment is being described.
看来他不来了，都这么晚了。
Kànlái tā bù lái le, dōu zhème wǎn le.
It seems he's not coming. It's already so late.
只好 (Zhǐhǎo): Having No Better Choice in Chinese
只好 + Verb Phrase
Use 只好 to introduce the course of action someone accepts because other workable options have been ruled out.
餐厅都关门了，我们只好去吃 KFC。
Cāntīng dōu guānmén le, wǒmen zhǐhǎo qù chī KFC.
The other restaurants are all closed, so we had no choice but to eat at KFC.
可 (Kě) for Emphasis: Strong Descriptions and Firm Warnings
可 + Adj. (+ 了)
Recognize emphatic 可 before adjectives and verbs, including 可…了, 可别, and expressions of a long-awaited development.
这只小狗可淘气了！
Zhè zhǐ xiǎo gǒu kě táoqì le!
This puppy is so naughty!
恐怕 (Kǒngpà): I Am Afraid and Concerned Predictions
(Subject +) 恐怕 + Clause / Predicate
Use 恐怕 to present a concerning possibility, soften unwelcome information, or cautiously assess what is likely to happen.
今天恐怕要下雨。
Jīntiān kǒngpà yào xià yǔ.
I'm afraid it's going to rain today.
甚至 (Shènzhì): Adding an Extreme or Surprising Case
甚至
Use 甚至 to extend a statement to an unexpected example or stronger claim, often with 都 or 也 for emphasis.
每个观众甚至裁判都站起来给他鼓掌。
Měi gè guānzhòng shènzhì cáipàn dōu zhàn qǐlái gěi tā gǔzhǎng.
Each and every member of the audience, and even the referee, stood up and applauded for him.
不得不 (Bùdébù): Have To and Cannot Avoid Doing
Subj. + 不得不 + Verb
Express externally imposed necessity or reluctant acknowledgment with 不得不 before an action or admission in Chinese.
你真的太厉害了， 我不得不承认。
Nǐ zhēn de tài lìhài le, wǒ bùdébù chéngrèn.
You are so good. I have to admit it.
到底 (Dàodǐ): What Exactly, After All, and Finally
到底
Distinguish 到底 in insistent questions, explanations based on a defining fact, and statements about an eventual result.
到底是个大老板，出手就是大方。
Dàodǐ shì ge dà lǎobǎn, chūshǒu jiùshì dàfang.
After all, he's a big boss, so naturally he spends generously.
究竟 (Jiūjìng): Asking What Exactly or Finding the Real Answer
Subject + 究竟 + Question Predicate / Affirmative-Negative Predicate？
Use 究竟 to press for precise information in question-word and affirmative-negative questions, and recognize embedded uses.
这个人究竟是谁？
Zhège rén jiūjìng shì shéi?
Who on earth is this guy?
本来 (Běnlái): Original Plans and Things True All Along
本来⋯⋯
Describe an original intention with 本来 and use 本来就 to emphasize a fact or viewpoint that was already true.
我本来是要去的，不过后来不太舒服，就没去。
Wǒ běnlái shì yào qù de, bùguò hòulái bù tài shūfu, jiù méi qù.
I originally wanted to go, but I didn't go because I didn't feel very well.
千万 (Qiānwàn): Be Sure To and Whatever You Do, Do Not
千万 + 要 / 别 / 不要 / 不能 + Verb Phrase
Strengthen a Chinese request or warning with 千万, commonly followed by 要, 别, 不要, or 不能 before the action.
这个菜很难吃， 千万不要点！
Zhège cài hěn nánchī, qiānwàn bùyào diǎn!
This dish is horrible. Make sure you don't order it!
竟然 (Jìngrán): Express an Unexpected Result
Subject + 竟然 / 竟 + predicate
Use 竟然 or the shorter 竟 to mark surprise at an event, whether the unexpected result is good or bad.
这么简单的问题，他竟然答错了。
Zhème jiǎndān de wèntí, tā jìngrán dá cuò le.
He actually got such a simple question wrong.
Conjunctions and complex sentences
But in Chinese: 可是 (Kěshì) and 但是 (Dànshì)
……，可是 / 但是……
Connect contrasting ideas with 可是 or 但是, and understand their common differences in tone and formality without treating them as rigid rules.
我喜欢他， 可是他不喜欢我。
Wǒ xǐhuan tā, kěshì tā bù xǐhuan wǒ.
I like him, but he doesn't like me.
A Softer But with 不过 (Bùguò) in Chinese
⋯⋯ ，不过 ⋯⋯
Use 不过 to introduce a qualification or contrasting point after a statement, while recognizing that tone and context determine how strong the contrast feels.
这件衣服我很喜欢， 不过有点贵。
Zhè jiàn yīfu wǒ hěn xǐhuan, bùguò yǒudiǎn guì.
I like this piece of clothing, but it's a little bit expensive.
Adding an Afterthought with 还有 (Háiyǒu)
⋯⋯ ，还有 ，⋯⋯
Use 还有 to introduce another point or reminder in a conversation, and distinguish the connector from a literal statement that something else exists.
你需要吃药。 还有，要多休息。
Nǐ xūyào chī yào. Háiyǒu, yào duō xiūxi.
You need to take medicine. Also, you should get more rest.
In Addition and Separately with 另外 (Lìngwài)
⋯⋯ ，另外 ，⋯⋯
Use 另外 to introduce an additional point or modify an action done separately or extra, with 还 or 也 often reinforcing addition.
这个课文太难了，我不想学。 另外，我也没准备。
Zhège kèwén tài nán le, wǒ bù xiǎng xué. Lìngwài, wǒ yě méi zhǔnbèi.
This lesson is too difficult and I don't want to read it. Besides, I didn't prepare for it.
Besides and Moreover with 再说 (Zàishuō)
⋯⋯ ，再说 ，⋯⋯
Use 再说 at the start of a supporting clause to add another reason for a decision or judgment, rather than translating it literally as “say again.”
这么晚，别走了。 再说，外面正在下雪。
Zhème wǎn, bié zǒu le. Zàishuō, wàimiàn zhèngzài xiàxuě.
It's so late. Stay. Besides, it's snowing outside.
来 (Lái) for Purpose: Connecting a Method to an Action
通过 / 用 + Method + 来 + Verb Phrase
Learn how 来 connects a tool or method to its purpose, including common Chinese patterns with 用 and 通过.
用这种方法来赚钱，真丢人。
Yòng zhè zhǒng fāngfǎ lái zhuànqián, zhēn diūrén.
It's shameful to earn money in this way.
Adjective + 是 + Adjective: Conceding a Point in Chinese
Adj. + 是 + Adj.， 但是⋯⋯
Acknowledge that a description is true before adding a reservation, using patterns such as 好看是好看，但是….
工作忙是忙， 但是我很开心。
Gōngzuò máng shì máng, dànshì wǒ hěn kāixīn.
Work may be busy, but I'm very happy.
于是 (Yúshì): So Then and Consequences in a Narrative
⋯⋯ ，于是 ⋯⋯
Connect a situation with the action it prompts using 于是, and distinguish a narrative development from general causal reasoning.
我看大家都买了， 于是我也买了。
Wǒ kàn dàjiā dōu mǎi le, yúshì wǒ yě mǎi le.
I saw that everyone had bought it, so I bought it too.
而 (Ér): Connecting Contrasts and Saying But Rather
Clause A，而 + Clause B; 不是 A，而是 B; 是 A，而不是 B
Use 而 to contrast related clauses in Chinese, especially in 不是…而是… and 是…而不是… corrections and distinctions.
我们是来办事的， 而不是来玩的。
Wǒmen shì lái bànshì de, ér bù shì lái wán de.
We're here to do work, not to have fun.
尽管 (Jǐnguǎn): Express Although and Despite
尽管 + fact，subject + 但是 / 还是 + contrasting result
Use 尽管 with a contrasting result, often introduced by 但是 or 还是, and pronounce its first character with third tone.
尽管很多人批评他，他还是坚持这么做。
Jǐnguǎn hěn duō rén pīpíng tā, tā háishì jiānchí zhème zuò.
Despite the fact that many people criticize him, he still insists on doing it.
倒 (Dào): Mark an Unexpected Contrast
Subject + 倒 + predicate
Understand 倒 as a contrastive adverb for unexpected facts, qualified agreement, and differences from an earlier assumption.
我帮他， 倒不是因为喜欢他，是因为他工作很努力。
Wǒ bāng tā, dào bù shì yīnwèi xǐhuan tā, shì yīnwèi tā gōngzuò hěn nǔlì.
I helped him not because I liked him, but because he worked very hard.
却 (Què): Express But or Yet Within a Clause
Context，subject + 却 + contrasting predicate
Learn how 却 marks an unexpected contrast, where it sits relative to the subject, and how it differs from a conjunction.
他是老板， 却没有人听他的。
Tā shì lǎobǎn, què méiyǒu rén tīng tā de.
He's the boss, but nobody listens to him.
由于 (Yóuyú): Introduce a Cause or Reason
由于 + cause，result
Use 由于 to introduce causes in formal Chinese, with a noun phrase or clause followed by the resulting situation.
由于温室效应的影响，全球的气候变得越来越反常了。
Yóuyú wēnshì xiàoyìng de yǐngxiǎng, quánqiú de qìhòu biàn de yuèláiyuè fǎncháng le.
Due to the influence of the greenhouse effect, the whole Earth's climate is getting more and more abnormal.
既然…就 (Jìrán…Jiù): Since That Is the Case
既然 + accepted fact，(那) + subject + 就 + conclusion
Use 既然 to accept a known premise and draw a conclusion, recommendation, or challenging question from it.
你既然不想说， 那就别说了。
Nǐ jìrán bù xiǎng shuō, nà jiù bié shuō le.
Since you don't want to say, then just don't say.
因此 (Yīncǐ): Express Therefore in Chinese
Cause，(subject +) 因此 + result
Connect a stated cause to its consequence with 因此, a common transition in explanations, reports, and formal writing.
我病了， 因此心情不好。
Wǒ bìng le, yīncǐ xīnqíng bù hǎo.
I am sick, therefore I am not in a good mood.
除非 (Chúfēi): Express Unless and Only If
除非 + exception，否则 / 不然 + result; 除非 + condition，才 + enabled result
Learn 除非 with 否则 or 不然 for unless, and with 才 when presenting the exceptional condition that enables a result.
我不去， 除非你也去。
Wǒ bù qù, chúfēi nǐ yě qù.
I won't go unless you go too.
即使…也 (Jíshǐ…Yě): Even If
即使 + hypothetical condition，subject + 也 + unchanged result
Use 即使…也 when an imagined condition does not change the outcome, and distinguish this from denying the condition itself.
即使你不想让我去，我也要去。
Jíshǐ nǐ bù xiǎng ràng wǒ qù, wǒ yě yào qù.
Even if you don't want me to go, I still have to go.
要是…就 (Yàoshi…Jiù): Say If in Conversation
要是 + condition，subject + 就 + consequence
Use conversational 要是…就 for conditions and consequences, and distinguish 要不是 when imagining an alternative without a fact.
你要是真想我， 就给我打电话。
Nǐ yàoshi zhēn xiǎng wǒ, jiù gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà.
If you do miss me, then give me a call.
不管…都 (Bùguǎn…Dōu): No Matter What
不管 + question word / alternatives，subject + 都 / 也 + unchanged result
Express an unchanged result across choices with 不管, using a question word, alternatives, or a range of possibilities.
不管你穿什么都好看。
Bùguǎn nǐ chuān shénme dōu hǎokàn.
No matter what you wear, it looks good on you.
不管天气怎么样，我们都去散步。
Bùguǎn tiānqì zěnmeyàng, wǒmen dōu qù sànbù.
Whatever the weather is like, we go for a walk.
无论 and 不论: Express No Matter or Regardless
无论 / 不论 + question word / alternatives，subject + 都 / 也 + result
Use 无论 or 不论 with question words and alternatives to state that a result holds regardless of the circumstances.
无论多么成功，他总觉得自己不够好。
Wúlùn duōme chénggōng, tā zǒng juéde zìjǐ bù gòu hǎo.
No matter how successful he is, he always thinks he isn't enough.
Verb phrases
Never in Chinese with 从来不 and 从来没
从来 + 不 / 没(有) + Verb
Distinguish 从来不 for habits or principles from 从来没 for absent experience, including the common pairing of 没 with experiential 过.
她从来不喝酒。
Tā cónglái bù hējiǔ.
She never drinks.
要看 and 得看: Saying It Depends in Chinese
这 / 那 + 要看 / 得看 + Unclear Situation
Explain what a decision depends on with 要看 or 得看, from short answers to full sentences about uncertain outcomes.
这得看你的时间。
Zhè děi kàn nǐ de shíjiān.
This depends on when you are available.
好像 (Hǎoxiàng): Expressing Seems and Tentative Impressions
好像⋯⋯
Use 好像 before a description or clause to express an impression, uncertainty, or a conclusion that is not fully confirmed.
他好像是英国人。
Tā hǎoxiàng shì Yīngguó rén.
He seems to be British.
以为 (Yǐwéi): An Assumption That Turns Out to Be Wrong
Subj. + 以为⋯⋯
Express mistaken assumptions with 以为 and understand its use in corrections, surprises, and warnings about what someone believes.
我以为他是德国人。
Wǒ yǐwéi tā shì Déguó rén.
I thought he was German.
通过 (Tōngguò): Passing, Approval, and Achieving Through a Method
通过 + Agent / Method ，⋯⋯
Understand 通过 as a verb meaning pass and as a preposition introducing the channel or method used to achieve a result.
从我家到那儿要通过两座桥。
Cóng wǒ jiā dào nàr yào tōngguò liǎng zuò qiáo.
To get there from my house, you have to cross two bridges.
来自 (Láizì): Stating an Origin or Source in Chinese
Subject + 来自 + Place / Source
Use 来自 to say where people and things originate, and to identify the source of an idea, suggestion, or influence.
我来自中国。
Wǒ láizì Zhōngguó.
I come from China.
我来 and 你来: Using 来 to Say Who Will Do It
(让 +) Subj. + 来
Use 来 as a stand-in for an understood task when offering to act, assigning a turn, or asking someone to try.
你来！
Nǐ lái!
You do it!
少 (Shǎo) Before Verbs: Do Less or Cut Back
少 + Verb
Place 少 before an action to suggest doing less, reducing an amount, or cutting back on a habit in Chinese.
请少放点盐。
Qǐng shǎo fàng diǎn yán.
Use less salt, please.
多 (Duō) Before Verbs: Do More or More Often
多 + Verb
Use 多 before an action to recommend a greater amount or frequency, with common patterns using 点 and 一点.
多吃点。
Duō chī diǎn.
Eat a little more.
到 (Dào) After a Verb: Continuing Until a Time or Event
(一直 +) Verb + 到 + Time / Event; Verb + Object + Verb + 到 + Endpoint
Mark an action’s endpoint with verb + 到, and learn when to repeat a verb that already has an object.
你们要玩到几点？
Nǐmen yào wán dào jǐ diǎn?
When will you be done playing?
Separable Verbs in Chinese: Verb-Object Phrases and Word Order
Separable verb: Verb … [other material] … Object
Understand separable Chinese verbs, including where aspect markers and counted actions go and how to introduce another participant.
我没有时间见面。
Wǒ méiyǒu shíjiān jiànmiàn.
I don't have time to meet.
并 (Bìng): Connect Related Verb Phrases
Verb phrase 1 + 并 + verb phrase 2
Learn how 并 joins related actions in concise written Chinese, and how it differs from 并 used before a negative.
我同意并支持你的决定。
Wǒ tóngyì bìng zhīchí nǐ de juédìng.
I agree with and support your decision.
由 (Yóu): Identify Who Handles or Causes an Action
Topic + 由 + person + verb phrase
Use 由 to identify the person responsible for an action, decision, or event, often after the matter being discussed.
这件事由我说了算。
Zhè jiàn shì yóu wǒ shuō le suàn.
This matter is up to me.
并且 (Bìngqiě): Add And Also or Moreover
Clause / verb phrase 1 + 并且 + clause / verb phrase 2
Connect related actions with 并且 and strengthen an additional point using 还, 也, or a preceding 不但 clause.
我同意并且支持你的决定。
Wǒ tóngyì bìngqiě zhīchí nǐ de juédìng.
I agree with and support your decision.
值得 (Zhídé): Say Something Is Worth Doing
Subject + 值得 + verb phrase; subject + 很值得
Use 值得 to evaluate an action or experience, and distinguish it from 值 when stating a monetary value.
巴金的散文很值得一看。
Bājīn de sǎnwén hěn zhídé yī kàn.
Ba Jin's prose deserves a look.
Verb + 着 + Verb + 着: As an Action Continues
Verb + 着 + verb + 着，(就) + new development (+ 了)
Describe an ongoing activity that leads into a new development with the repeated verb + 着 pattern and a following result.
说着说着我就发现自己也糊涂了。
Shuō zhe shuō zhe wǒ jiù fāxiàn zìjǐ yě hútu le.
After talking and talking, I realized that I had confused myself.
在于 (Zàiyú): Lie In or Depend On
Topic + 在于 + essential factor / determining condition
Identify the essential factor, meaning, or basis of a situation with 在于, including contrasts between what matters and what does not.
问题在于时间不够。
Wèntí zàiyú shíjiān bú gòu.
The problem lies in not having enough time.
Sentence structure and word order
Chinese Location Phrases with 在、上、下 and 里
在 + Place + 上 / 下 / 里 / 旁边
Describe positions with 在 plus a reference noun and a location word, while recognizing places that can follow 在 without an added position marker.
在中国
zài Zhōngguó
in China
连…都…: Saying Even in Chinese
连 + Subj. + 都 (+ 不 / 没) + Verb
Highlight an unexpected person, thing, or event with 连…都…, including correct placement when the focused phrase is an object.
这个问题太简单了， 连三岁小孩都知道。
Zhège wèntí tài jiǎndān le, lián sān suì xiǎohái dōu zhīdào.
This question is so easy that even a three-year-old kid knows the answer.
倍 (Bèi): Times as Much and Multiplicative Comparisons
Noun 1 + 是 + Noun 2 + 的 + Number + 倍
Express ratios with 是…的…倍 and distinguish a total multiple from an increase described with a comparative adjective.
他现在的工资是两年前的四倍。
Tā xiànzài de gōngzī shì liǎng nián qián de sì bèi.
His current salary is four times what it was two years ago.
一点也不 and 一点都不: Not at All in Chinese
Subj. + 一点 + 也 / 都 + 不 + Adj.
Strengthen a negative description with 一点也不 or 一点都不, including feelings and attitudes as well as adjectives.
那个问题一点儿也不难。
Nàge wèntí yīdiǎnr yě bù nán.
That question isn't difficult at all.
不知道…好: Not Knowing What Would Be Best to Do
Subject + 不知道 + Embedded Question + (才 +) 好
Express indecision with 不知道…好, using an embedded question and optional 才 to ask what action would be appropriate.
我真的不知道怎么办才好。
Wǒ zhēnde bù zhīdào zěnme bàn cái hǎo.
I really don't know what to do about this.
来说 (Láishuō): For Someone, Generally, and Speaking Broadly
对 + Person + 来说 / 一般 来说
Frame a comment with 对…来说 or a familiar 来说 phrase to identify a perspective or the scope of a generalization.
对我来说， 中文不容易。
Duì wǒ lái shuō, Zhōngwén bù róngyì.
For me, Chinese is not easy.
一…就…: As Soon As and Immediate Reactions in Chinese
Subj. + 一 + Event 1，就 + Event 2
Connect a trigger to an immediate result with 一…就…, for single events, future plans, and habitual reactions.
饿死了，我一下课就要去吃午饭。
È sǐ le, wǒ yī xiàkè jiù yào qù chī wǔfàn.
I'm starving. I'm going to have lunch as soon as class is over.
老师一来大家就不说话了。
Lǎoshī yī lái dàjiā jiù bù shuōhuà le.
As soon as the teacher came, everyone stopped talking.
连…都不: Not Even an Action or a Single Thing
连 + verb + 都 + 不 / 没 + repeated verb; 连 + 一 + measure word + noun + 都 / 也 + negative predicate
Emphasize complete absence with 连 + verb + 都不 or 都没, and use 连 with a minimal quantity for not even one.
朋友？这个人我连见都没见过。
Péngyou? Zhège rén wǒ lián jiàn dōu méi jiàn guo.
Friends? I've never even met this person.
任何 (Rènhé): Any or Whichever in Chinese
任何 + noun + 都 / 也 + predicate
Use 任何 before nouns to include every possible member of a group, often with 都 or a following negative statement.
你到派对以后任何饮料都不要喝。
Nǐ dào pàiduì yǐhòu rènhé yǐnliào dōu bùyào hē.
After you arrive at the party, don't drink anything.
既…又 and 既…也: Both And in Chinese
Subject + 既 + predicate 1 + 又 / 也 + predicate 2
Combine two qualities, actions, or identities with 既…又 or 既…也, keeping the two descriptions grammatically parallel.
这个同事既积极又努力。
Zhège tóngshì jì jījí yòu nǔlì.
This colleague is both proactive and hard-working.
不但, 不仅, and 不只: Not Only But Also Patterns
不但 / 不仅 / 不只 + first point，而且 / 还 / 也 + additional point
Compare 不但, 不仅, and 不只 with 而且, 还, or 也 when adding another fact or extending a statement.
我不只对排球感兴趣， 而且对足球也很感兴趣。
Wǒ bùzhǐ duì páiqiú gǎnxìngqù, érqiě duì zúqiú yě hěn gǎnxìngqù.
I am not only interested in volleyball, but also in soccer.
以…为… (Yǐ…Wéi…): Take or Use A as B
以 + A + 为 + B
Use formal 以 A 为 B to identify a standard, basis, goal, example, or role, including common expressions with 为例 and 为主.
请以这份报告为参考。
Qǐng yǐ zhè fèn bàogào wéi cānkǎo.
Please use this report as a reference.
为…而… (Wèi…Ér…): Act for a Purpose or Cause
Subject + 为 + purpose / cause + 而 + action
Name the purpose, beneficiary, or cause behind an action with 为…而…, a common pattern in formal and emphatic Chinese.
很多中国父母为孩子而活。
Hěnduō Zhōngguó fùmǔ wèi háizi ér huó.
Many Chinese parents live for their children.
Adjectives
The Whole and All with 全 (Quán) in Chinese
全 + Noun
Use 全 before suitable group nouns or predicates, and distinguish 全都不 from 不全都 when expressing total versus partial negation.
我们全家都去过北京。
Wǒmen quán jiā dōu qù guo Běijīng.
Our entire family has been to Beijing.
Negation
Emphasizing Negatives with 又不 and 又没
又 + 不 / 没 + Verb
Use 又 before 不 or 没 to push back against an assumption, explain a denial, or question why a response is necessary in Chinese.
问我干吗？我又不知道。
Wèn wǒ gànmá? Wǒ yòu bù zhīdào.
Why ask me? I definitely don't know.
并不 and 并没有 (Bìng): Emphasize a Chinese Negation
Subject + 并 + 不 / 没有 + predicate
Use 并不 and 并没有 to reject an assumption or emphasize that something is not true, without changing the basic negation.
在中国创业并不容易，有很多的挑战。
Zài Zhōngguó chuàngyè bìng bù róngyì, yǒu hěn duō de tiǎozhàn.
In China, starting a business really isn't easy. There are a lot of challenges.
害得 (Hàide): Describe an Unwanted Consequence
Cause + 害得 + affected person + unwanted result
Learn how 害得 links a cause to trouble, worry, or another unwelcome result, often with a complaining tone.
下午喝了两杯咖啡， 害得我晚上睡不着。
Xiàwǔ hē le liǎng bēi kāfēi, hàide wǒ wǎnshang shuì buzháo.
I had two cups of coffee. It kept me from falling asleep at night.
Numbers, quantities and classifiers
Just and Only with 就 (Jiù) for Small Quantities
就 + Subject + Predicate
Use 就 to single out a person or limited quantity, distinguishing focus before a subject from restriction before a predicate or number phrase.
这件事就我知道。
Zhè jiàn shì jiù wǒ zhīdào.
I'm the only person that knows about this.
分之 (Fēn Zhī): Chinese Fractions and Percentages
Denominator + 分之 + Numerator
Read and form Chinese fractions with the denominator first, and express percentages and proportions using 分之.
我的手机电量只有百分之五了。
Wǒ de shǒujī diànliàng zhǐ yǒu bǎi fēn zhī wǔ le.
My phone only has 5% power left.
Particles
And Things Like That with 什么的 (Shénme De)
Noun 1, Noun 2 + 什么的
End an informal Chinese list with 什么的 when similar items are understood, including a single illustrative item or a series of activities.
我奶奶不吃肉，只吃蔬菜、豆腐什么的。
Wǒ nǎinai bù chī ròu, zhǐ chī shūcài, dòufu shénme de.
My grandma doesn't eat meat. She only eats vegetables, tofu, and so on.
And So On with 等 and 等等 in Chinese
⋯⋯ 等 / 等等
Use 等 or 等等 after examples in a Chinese list, understand the role of a following category noun, and distinguish these endings from casual 什么的.
西瓜、菠萝、葡萄等等，我都喜欢吃。
Xīguā, bōluó, pútao, děngděng, wǒ dōu xǐhuan chī.
Watermelons, pineapples, grapes, and so on... I like them all.
吧…吧: Weighing Two Unsatisfactory Options in Chinese
Option 1吧 ，⋯⋯ ；Option 2 吧 ，⋯⋯
Use repeated 吧 to weigh alternatives, explain the drawback of each choice, and express uncertainty about a decision.
冬天去吧，太冷；夏天去吧，太热。
Dōngtiān qù ba, tài lěng; xiàtiān qù ba, tài rè.
If we go in the winter, it's too cold. If we go in the summer, it's too hot.
Sentence-Final 的 (De): Certainty and Reassurance
⋯⋯的
Understand how 的 at the end of a statement expresses confidence, including common reassuring sentences with 会.
他会好的。
Tā huì hǎo de.
He will get better.
Questions
吗 with Question Words: Embedded Questions in Chinese
Subject + 知道 / 明白 / 能告诉… + Embedded Question + 吗？
See why 吗 can appear with 什么, 谁, or 哪里 when the question word belongs inside a larger yes-no question.
这是什么？
Zhè shì shénme?
What is this?
难道 (Nándào): Challenging an Idea with a Rhetorical Question
难道 + Proposition + (吗)？
Use 难道 to question a surprising or doubtful proposition, often with 吗, and infer the speaker’s expected answer.
难道你真的相信他吗？
Nándào nǐ zhēn de xiāngxìn tā ma?
You don't actually believe him, do you?
Prepositions and coverbs
在…上, 在…下, and 在…方面: Abstract Chinese Frames
在 + Topic + 上 ，Subj. ⋯⋯
Discuss a topic, describe surrounding conditions, or name an aspect with the Chinese patterns 在…上, 在…下, and 在…方面.
在这个问题上，我们的看法是一样的。
Zài zhège wèntí shàng, wǒmen de kànfǎ shì yīyàng de.
In regards to this problem, our opinions are the same.
随着 (Suízhe): Along With and Changes That Develop Together
随着 + Noun / Developing Process，Subject + Predicate
Use 随着 before a movement, condition, or developing process to show another action or change accompanying it.
树枝随着风不停地摇动。
Shùzhī suízhe fēng bù tíng de yáodòng.
The branch keeps swaying in the wind.
Modality and auxiliary verbs
不用 (Bùyòng): Saying There Is No Need to Do Something
Subj. + 不用 + Verb Phrase
Use 不用 before a verb to remove a necessity, offer reassurance, or explain an exemption, and distinguish it from 不要.
不用谢。
Bùyòng xiè.
You don't need to thank me.
得 (Děi): Must and Have To in Spoken Chinese
Subject + 得 + Verb Phrase
Express practical necessity with 得 pronounced děi, and distinguish this modal verb from the complement particle de.
我们得走了。
Wǒmen děi zǒu le.
We have to leave now.
Complements
起来 (Qǐlai): Upward Movement, Starting, and Impressions
Verb + 起来
Understand literal and extended uses of 起来 after verbs, including upward motion, an action beginning, and sensory impressions.
请大家站起来。
Qǐng dàjiā zhàn qǐlái.
Everyone, please stand up.
起来 (Qǐlái): Gather, Collect, or Put Things Away
Verb + 起来
Explore figurative verb + 起来 for gathering, combining, storing, and putting things away beyond literal upward movement.
13 和 15 加起来是多少？
Shísān hé shíwǔ jiā qǐlái shì duōshǎo?
How much are 13 and 15 added up?
Noun phrases
所有 (Suǒyǒu): All, All Of, and Not All in Chinese
所有 (+ 的) + Noun
Build noun phrases with 所有, combine them with 都, and distinguish not all from none when placing the negative.
你买了她所有的书？
Nǐ mǎi le tā suǒyǒu de shū?
You've bought all her books?
之一 (Zhī Yī): Saying One Of in Chinese
Subject + 是 + Group Noun Phrase + 之一
Use 之一 after a group noun phrase to identify one member, including one of the best and one of the reasons.
她是我最好的朋友之一。
Tā shì wǒ zuì hǎo de péngyou zhī yī.
She is one of my best friends.
另 and 另外: Another, the Other, and the Remaining Ones
另 / 另外 + Number + [Measure Word] + Noun
Use 另 or 另外 before a quantity phrase to identify another item or the remaining members of a known group.
我有两个手机，一个是小米， 另一个是 iPhone。
Wǒ yǒu liǎng gè shǒujī, yī gè shì Xiǎomǐ, lìng yī gè shì iPhone.
I have two cell phones. One is a Xiaomi, and the other is an iPhone.
其中 (Qízhōng): Among Them, Of Which, and Within a Set
Established Group / Whole，其中 + Subset / Member + Predicate
Refer back to an established group with 其中 to identify a subset, a particular member, or an item standing out from the rest.
我有四辆汽车， 其中三辆都是宝马。
Wǒ yǒu sì liàng qìchē, qízhōng sān liàng dōu shì Bǎomǎ.
I have four cars. Of them, three are BMW's.
Aspect, time and completion
一方面…另一方面…: Presenting Two Sides in Chinese
一方面 + Aspect A，(另)一方面 + Aspect B
Organize two aspects of a situation with 一方面 and 另一方面, whether the points support each other or pull in different directions.
自己做饭一方面健康， 一方面还能省点钱。
Zìjǐ zuòfàn yī fāngmiàn jiànkāng, yī fāngmiàn hái néng shěng diǎn qián.
On one hand, cooking for yourself is healthy; on the other hand, it can also help to save some money.
Comparisons
离 vs 从: Distance From and Starting From in Chinese
离 vs. 从
Use 离 to measure separation and 从 to introduce a starting point or source in space, time, and other relationships.
从下个月起，公司会越来越忙。
Cóng xiàge yuè qǐ, gōngsī huì yuèláiyuè máng.
Starting from next month, the company will be busier and busier.
以后 vs 的时候: After an Event or When It Happens
以后 vs 的时候
Choose 以后 for a later stage and 的时候 for the time of an event or state, even when English uses when for both.
下飞机以后给我打电话。
Xià fēijī yǐhòu gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà
Give me a call after you get off the plane.
本来 versus 原来: Originally, All Along, or It Turns Out
本来 + original plan / fact; 原来 + discovery; 原来的 + noun
Distinguish 本来 for original plans or inherent facts from 原来 for discoveries and former states, including common 就 and 的 patterns.
我本来是要去参加你的生日派对的，可是周末突然要加班。
Wǒ běnlái shì yào qù cānjiā nǐ de shēngrì pàiduì de, kěshì zhōumò tūrán yào jiābān.
I was originally going to go to your birthday party, but I had to work some extra time this weekend.
关于 versus 对于: About a Topic or Regarding an Object
关于 + topic + 的 + noun; 对于 + object，response / evaluation
Distinguish 关于 for subject matter from 对于 for the object of a response, and use 关于…的 before a noun.
对于那个人我并不了解。
Duìyú nàge rén wǒ bìng bù liǎojiě.
As for that person, I just don't know him very well at all.
适合 versus 合适: Suit Someone or Be Suitable
A + 适合 + B; subject + 很 / 不 + 合适
Distinguish the verb 适合, which takes a person or purpose as its object, from the adjective 合适, meaning suitable.
这个工作很适合我。
Zhège gōngzuò hěn shìhé wǒ.
This job really suits me.
反而 versus 相反: Unexpected Reversal or Opposite
Subject + 反而 + predicate; 相反，clause; 相反的 + noun
Distinguish adverbial 反而 from 相反 as a sentence transition or adjective, including opposite opinions and directions.
这样做帮不了他， 相反，还会害了他。
Zhèyàng zuò bāng bùliǎo tā, xiāngfǎn, hái huì hài le tā.
This won't help him. On the contrary, it will harm him.
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