Each Other in Chinese with 互相 (Hùxiāng)
互相 + Verb Phrase
Use 互相 before a suitable verb phrase for reciprocal actions, and distinguish mutual participation from several people acting in the same direction.
互相帮助
hùxiāng bāngzhù
Help each other
HSK 2.0 Level 5 grammar
Control emphasis and tone.
Make a contrast, express a concession and organise a longer explanation. Notice how the construction changes what the listener expects next.
106 grammar topics, 105 with practice.
这道菜咸了点儿。
Zhè dào cài xián le diǎnr.
This dish is a little too salty.
Study this construction →Find a construction
106 topics
Adverbs and degree
都 Beyond All: Even, Already, and Emphatic Complaints
Subj. + 都 + Predicate
Recognize extended uses of 都 that highlight an extreme result, an already reached situation, or a reason for a response.
我很想妈妈，有时候我都能看见她。
Wǒ hěn xiǎng Māma, yǒu shíhou wǒ dōu néng kànjiàn tā.
I really miss Mom. Sometimes I can even see her.
还 for Surprise and Sarcasm: Emphatic Chinese Patterns
Subj. + 还 + Predicate + 呢
Understand 还 with surprising claims, ironic descriptions, and rhetorical questions, often reinforced by sentence-final 呢.
这个小孩还真聪明！
Zhège xiǎohái hái zhēn cōngming!
This kid is brilliant!
总 with Modals: Eventually, In Any Case, and Necessary Action
总 + (会 / 得 / 要 / 能) + Verb Phrase
Use 总 with 会, 得, 要, or 能 to express an expected eventual outcome, an unavoidable need, or confidence despite circumstances.
这里是他家，他总会回来的。
Zhèlǐ shì tā jiā, tā zǒng huì huílái de.
This is his home. He will come back eventually.
毕竟 (Bìjìng): After All and Reasons That Still Matter
(Subject +) 毕竟 + Relevant Fact / Reason
Use 毕竟 to foreground a decisive fact or reason that should be considered despite other concerns or appearances.
别骂他了，他毕竟是孩子。
Bié mà tā le, tā bìjìng shì háizi.
Stop yelling at him. He's only a kid, after all.
再不…就…: If You Do Not Act Now in Chinese
再不…… 就……
Express urgency with 再不…就…, connecting continued inaction with an approaching consequence or missed opportunity.
你再不走，我就叫保安了。
Nǐ zài bù zǒu, wǒ jiù jiào bǎoān le.
If you don't leave now, I'm going to call security.
差点没 (Chàdiǎn Méi): Almost Not and Ambiguous Near Misses
Subj. + 差点没 + Verb
Interpret 差点没 by the intended outcome and context, including successful results that nearly failed and colloquial near-miss expressions.
我差点儿没想起来。
Wǒ chàdiǎnr méi xiǎng qǐlái.
I almost couldn't recall it.
反正 (Fǎnzhèng): Anyway, Regardless, and a Settled Reason
反正
Use 反正 to keep a conclusion unchanged despite alternatives, or to introduce a practical reason for a decision in Chinese.
不管他去不去， 反正我要去。
Bùguǎn tā qù bu qù, fǎnzhèng wǒ yào qù.
Regardless of whether he's going or not, I'm going anyway.
尽量 (Jǐnliàng): As Much as Possible and Trying Your Best
尽量 + Verb Phrase / Description
Place 尽量 before an action or description to aim for the greatest feasible extent, including efforts to avoid doing something.
我会尽量想办法帮你的。
Wǒ huì jǐnliàng xiǎng bànfǎ bāng nǐ de.
I will try my best to figure out something to help you.
好不容易 and 好容易: Achieving Something with Difficulty
Subject + 好不容易 / 好容易 + (才 +) Result
Learn how 好不容易 and idiomatic 好容易 emphasize effort and difficulty, often with 才 before a hard-won result in Chinese.
她好容易才减肥成功。
Tā hǎo róngyì cái jiǎnféi chénggōng.
She had a hard time losing weight and succeeded.
尽管 (Jǐnguǎn): Feel Free to Ask, Speak, or Help Yourself
尽管 + Verb
Encourage someone to act without hesitation using 尽管 before a verb, and distinguish this use from the concession meaning although.
大家有话尽管说。
Dàjiā yǒu huà jǐnguǎn shuō.
Feel free to speak up if you have anything to say.
干脆 (Gāncuì): Just Do It or Choose the Direct Option
Subj. + 干脆 + Verb Phrase
Use 干脆 to propose or report a decisive, uncomplicated course of action when other options feel troublesome.
家里什么都没有， 干脆出去吃吧。
Jiālǐ shénme dōu méiyǒu, gāncuì chūqù chī ba.
There is nothing in the house, let's just go out to eat.
再也不 and 再也没: Never Again and No More Since Then
Subj. + 再也 + 不 + Verb Phrase + 了
Use 再也不 for a future refusal or impossibility and 再也没 for an action that has not occurred again since a past point.
我再也不想看到你了！
Wǒ zài yě bù xiǎng kàndào nǐ le!
I never want to see you again!
曾经 (Céngjīng): Once, Former Experience, and Past States
Subject + 曾经 + Predicate (+ 过)
Use 曾经 before a predicate to recall an earlier experience or state, with 过 when appropriate and without implying exactly one time.
我们曾经一起去过。
Wǒmen céngjīng yīqǐ qù guò.
We once went there together.
再三 (Zàisān): Repeatedly and Time After Time
再三 + Verb
Use 再三 before verbs of warning, requesting, considering, and emphasizing to describe repeated or sustained effort.
老师再三强调这次考试对我们很重要。
Lǎoshī zàisān qiángdiào zhè cì kǎoshì duì wǒmen hěn zhòngyào.
The teacher has stressed over and over that this exam is really important for us.
简直 (Jiǎnzhí): Simply, Absolutely, and Emphatic Comparisons
简直⋯⋯
Use 简直 to express a striking judgment, amplify a description, or present an exaggerated comparison in Chinese.
这里简直是天堂！
Zhèlǐ jiǎnzhí shì tiāntáng!
This place is simply heaven.
白 (Bái) Before Verbs: In Vain, Wasted Effort, and For Free
白 + Verb
Understand 白 before an action as wasted effort or no cost, and distinguish it from the color word white.
白花了一百块钱，这件衣服不能穿。
Bái huā le yībǎi kuài qián, zhè jiàn yīfu bù néng chuān.
I just wasted a hundred kuai. I can't even wear these clothes.
顺便 (Shùnbiàn): While You Are at It and Doing an Extra Task
Subj. ＋Verb Phrase 1，顺便 + Verb Phrase 2
Use 顺便 before a secondary action that fits conveniently into an existing trip, task, or conversation in Chinese.
你去买早饭的时候顺便帮我带杯咖啡吧。
Nǐ qù mǎi zǎofàn de shíhou shùnbiàn bāng wǒ dài bēi kāfēi ba.
When you go out to get breakfast can you also bring me a cup of coffee?
Verb + 了又 + Verb: Doing Something Again and Again
Subj. + Verb + 了 + 又 + Verb
Repeat a short verb around 了又 to emphasize repeated attempts, consideration, or checking, often despite an unchanged result.
这个人我看了又看， 还是觉得我不认识他。
Zhège rén wǒ kàn le yòu kàn, háishì juéde wǒ bù rènshi tā.
I looked at him again and again, but I still think I don't know him.
差很多 (Chà Hěn Duō): Very Different Rather Than Roughly the Same
Subj. + 差很多
Use 差很多 as a predicate to describe a substantial gap, and compare it with 差不多 in statements of rough similarity.
中西方的文化差很多。
Zhōng xīfāng de wénhuà chà hěn duō.
Chinese culture and western culture are quite different.
格外 (Géwài): Express Especially or Unusually
Subject + 格外 + adjective / stative predicate
Use 格外 before a quality or state to say it stands out in degree, and distinguish its adverb use from 特别.
下过雨的早晨格外舒服.
Xià guo yǔ de zǎochén géwài shūfu.
It's especially comfortable on mornings after a rain.
Conjunctions and complex sentences
Making Suggestions with 要不 (Yàobù): How About
Reason / Situation，要不 + Suggestion + 吧
Use 要不 to propose an option in conversation, often with final 吧, and distinguish this suggestion use from 要不 meaning “otherwise.”
大家都有点累了， 要不休息一会儿吧。
Dàjiā dōu yǒudiǎn lèi le, yàobù xiūxi yīhuìr ba.
Everyone is a little tired. Let's rest for a while.
反而 (Fǎn'ér): Express the Opposite of Expectations
Context，subject + 反而 + unexpected opposite result
Use 反而 when a result goes against the expected direction, and place it after the subject of the contrasting clause.
吃了这个药，病反而更严重了。
Chī le zhège yào, bìng fǎn'ér gèng yánzhòng le.
After taking the medicine, the illness actually got even worse.
之所以…是因为: State the Result Before the Reason
Subject + 之所以 + result，是因为 / 是为了 / 是想 + explanation
Explain a result first with 之所以, then supply its cause with 是因为 or its purpose with 是为了.
她之所以问这么多是为了多关心你们。
Tā zhī suǒyǐ wèn zhème duō shì wèile duō guānxīn nǐmen.
The reason she asks so many questions is in order to she cares about you guys.
一旦…就 (Yīdàn…Jiù): Once a Condition Is Met
一旦 + triggering condition，subject + 就 + consequence
Use 一旦 to mark a triggering event and describe what follows, including warnings and consequences with 就.
一旦发生事故，你要负责！
Yīdàn fāshēng shìgù, nǐ yào fùzé!
In case of an accident, you're responsible!
就是…也 (Jiùshì…Yě): A Conversational Even If
就是 + hypothetical condition，subject + 也 + unchanged result
Recognize 就是…也 as an even-if construction when a hypothetical obstacle leaves the speaker's decision unchanged.
就是这台电脑价格上万，我也会买。
Jiùshì zhè tái diànnǎo jiàgé shàng wàn, wǒ yě huì mǎi.
Even if this computer's price is over 10,000 yuan, I'm still going to buy it.
就算…也 (Jiùsuàn…Yě): Even If or Even Assuming
就算 + hypothetical condition，subject + 也 + unchanged result
Use 就算 to grant a possibility for argument's sake while keeping a result unchanged, often with a conversational tone.
就算你不想听，我也要说。
Jiùsuàn nǐ bù xiǎng tīng, wǒ yě yào shuō.
Even if you don't want to listen, I still need to say it.
哪怕…也 (Nǎpà…Yě): Even If, However Extreme
哪怕 + concession，subject + 也 + unchanged result
Use 哪怕…也 to concede a difficult or extreme condition while maintaining a decision, result, or commitment.
哪怕他不说，我也会知道。
Nǎpà tā bù shuō, wǒ yě huì zhīdào.
Even if he doesn't say, I'll still find out.
假如…就 (Jiǎrú…Jiù): Imagine If in Chinese
假如 + imagined condition，subject + 就 + consequence
Introduce imagined situations with 假如 and connect them to consequences, advice, or hypothetical responses using 就.
假如你的成绩再好一点儿，你就能申请北大了。
Jiǎrú nǐ de chéngjì zài hǎo yīdiǎnr, nǐ jiù néng shēnqǐng Běi Dà le.
If your grades come up a little more, then you can apply to Beijing University.
万一 (Wànyī): What If or In Case
万一 + possible event，response; 万一 + event + 怎么办 / 呢？
Raise a possible contingency with 万一, ask what to do if it happens, and understand 以防万一 for just in case.
万一我父母不同意呢？
Wànyī wǒ fùmǔ bù tóngyì ne?
What if my parents disapprove?
Topic + 的话 (De Huà): As For or When It Comes To
Topic + 的话，comment
Use 的话 after a topic to narrow what the comment concerns, and distinguish this from its conditional if meaning.
北京的话，秋天去最好。
Běijīng dehuà, qiūtiān qù zuì hǎo.
As for Beijing, autumn is the best time to go.
或者…或者 (Huòzhě…Huòzhě): Offer Two Alternatives
或者 + option A，或者 + option B
Use a repeated 或者 before each alternative to present possible actions, plans, or explanations in a statement.
只有一块蛋糕， 或者你吃或者我吃。
Zhǐyǒu yīkuài dàngāo, huòzhě nǐ chī huòzhě wǒ chī.
There's only one piece of cake. Either you eat it, or I eat it.
别说…就是 / 连…: Let Alone in Chinese
别说 + stronger case，就是 / 连 + lesser case + 也 / 都 + predicate
Use 别说 to set aside a stronger case, then show that even a smaller or easier case supports the same conclusion.
别说一百， 就是一块钱我也不给你。
Bié shuō yībǎi, jiùshì yīkuài qián wǒ yě bù gěi nǐ.
Don't think about one hundred, I won't even give you one kuai.
更不用说 (Gèng Bùyòng Shuō): Let Alone or Not to Mention
Established case，更不用说 + further case (+ 了)
Extend a conclusion to an even clearer or stronger case with 更不用说, often after a 连…都 statement.
连我都不知道这个歌手， 更不用说他了。
Lián wǒ dōu bù zhīdào zhège gēshǒu, gèng bùyòng shuō tā le.
I don't even know the singer, let alone him.
Noun phrases
以来 (Yǐlái): Ever Since and Periods Leading Up to Now
Time / Event + 以来 ，⋯⋯
Express an ongoing period with 以来 after a starting event, and use 来 after a duration to mean over the past period.
今年八月以来，这里一直没下过雨。
Jīnnián Bāyuè yǐlái, zhèlǐ yīzhí méi xià guo yǔ.
It hasn't rained since August of this year.
当中 (Dāngzhōng): Among a Group and During a Process
(在 +) Group / Process + 当中
Use 当中 after a group or process to identify membership, comparison within a set, or involvement during an activity.
你是我所有朋友当中最聪明的一个。
Nǐ shì wǒ suǒyǒu péngyou dāngzhōng zuì cōngming de yī gè.
Of all of my friends, you are the smartest one.
彼此 (Bǐcǐ): Each Other and Mutual Relationships
彼此 + Predicate; Verb + 彼此; 彼此 + 的 + Noun
Use 彼此 for reciprocal actions and shared relationships, as a participant, object, or modifier with 的.
我们只见过一次， 彼此不是很了解。
Wǒmen zhǐ jiàn guo yī cì, bǐcǐ bù shì hěn liǎojiě.
We've only met once. We don't know each other well.
当…的时候: Framing When Something Happens in Chinese
当 + Event / Situation + (的时候 / 时)，Main Clause
Use 当 to introduce a time clause, with 的时候 or 时 when appropriate, for occasions, states, and recurring reactions.
当我有自行车的时候，大家都开始骑电动车了。
Dāng wǒ yǒu zìxíngchē de shíhou, dàjiā dōu kāishǐ qí diàndòngchē le.
When I got a bike, everyone started riding electric ones.
这个 After a Person or Name: Labels and Emphatic Topics
Person / Thing + 这个 + Label / Category，Comment
Recognize person + 这个 + label for emphatic judgments, and compare neutral topic descriptions with 这种 or 这类.
你这个坏蛋，就没做过一件好事。
Nǐ zhège huàidàn, jiù méi zuò guo yī jiàn hǎoshì.
You're such a bad person! You haven't done a single good thing.
Prepositions and coverbs
为 (Wèi): Acting for Someone or Expressing Concern
Subject + 为 + Person / Group / Cause + Predicate
Use 为 to identify who an action, feeling, or contribution is for, with common patterns for work, support, and concern.
我们都为你高兴。
Wǒmen dōu wèi nǐ gāoxìng.
We are all happy for you.
以上, 以下, 以内, and 以外: Setting Chinese Limits
Amount / Level + 以上 / 以下 / 以内 / 以外
Define upper and lower bounds with 以上, 以下, 以内, and 以外, and make exact boundary inclusion clear from context.
十岁以下的孩子不用买票。
Shí suì yǐxià de háizi bùyòng mǎi piào.
Children under the age of 10 do not need to buy tickets.
自从 (Zìcóng): Ever Since a Starting Event in Chinese
自从 + Past Starting Point + (以来)，Main Clause
Introduce a past starting point with 自从 and describe the changes or continuing situation that follow, sometimes with 以来.
自从来到湖南，我越来越能吃辣了。
Zìcóng lái dào Húnán, wǒ yuèláiyuè néng chī là le.
Ever since arriving in Hunan I've been more and more able to eat spicy food.
对…而言 (Duì…Éryán): From Someone’s Point of View
对 + Person / Group + 而言 ，⋯⋯
Use 对…而言 to identify whose circumstances or perspective a comment applies to, as a more formal alternative to 对…来说.
这样的工作对我而言很重要。
Zhèyàng de gōngzuò duì wǒ ér yán hěn zhòngyào.
This kind of job, for me, is very important.
在内 (Zài Nèi): Including Items Within a Total or Group
(包括)⋯⋯ 在内 ，⋯⋯
Use 包括…在内 and related 在内 phrases to make clear which people, costs, or items belong inside a stated total.
这些费用不包括在内。
Zhèxiē fèiyòng bù bāokuò zài nèi.
These fees are not included.
凭 (Píng): On the Basis Of, By Virtue Of, and Evidence
凭⋯⋯
Use 凭 before a credential, resource, or reason that enables an action or supports a judgment, and recognize challenging 凭什么 questions.
凭护照， 外国人可以买火车票。
Píng hùzhào, wàiguó rén kěyǐ mǎi huǒchē piào.
Using a passport, foreigners can buy train tickets.
Passive 给 (Gěi): Colloquial Got-Done-To Patterns
Affected Subject + 给 + Doer + Verb Phrase; Affected Subject + 被 + Doer + 给 + Verb Phrase
Recognize 给 as a colloquial passive marker and its emphatic use alongside 被 when describing an affected participant.
我给他骗了。
Wǒ gěi tā piàn le.
I got scammed by him.
至于 (Zhìyú): As For and Turning to a Related Topic
至于 + Topic， Comment
Use 至于 to move from an established discussion to a related issue, followed by the comment or answer about that issue.
项目方案我给老板了。 至于老板同不同意，要看老板了。
Xiàngmù fāng'àn wǒ gěi lǎobǎn le. Zhìyú lǎobǎn tóng bu tóngyì, yào kàn lǎobǎn le.
I've given the project proposal to my boss. It's up to him whether he agrees or not.
就 for Scope: Regarding a Topic and From One Aspect
就 + Scope + Verb / 就 + Topic + (来说 / 而言) + Comment
Use 就 before a discussion topic or with 来说 and 而言 to limit the perspective or aspect covered by a comment.
两国领导人就环保问题交换了意见。
Liǎng guó lǐngdǎorén jiù huánbǎo wèntí jiāohuàn le yìjiàn.
The two leaders exchanged views on environmental issues.
趁 (Chèn): Do Something While the Opportunity Lasts
趁 + opportunity or situation，action
Learn how 趁 introduces a useful opportunity or temporary situation, so an action happens while conditions are favorable.
趁打折，我买了新手机。
Chèn dǎzhé, wǒ mǎi le xīn shǒujī.
Taking advantage of the discount, I bought a new phone.
Verb phrases
算 (Suàn): Counting as Something and Making a Judgment
Subject + (不 +) 算 + Noun / Description (+ 的)
Use 算 with nouns and descriptions to assess whether something qualifies, and recognize the more qualified tone of 算是.
她算天才。
Tā suàn tiāncái.
She is considered a genius.
Verb + 什么 (Shénme): Challenge an Action in Chinese
Verb + 什么 + verb / object
Learn how rhetorical 什么 questions challenge someone's action, including the emphatic verb + 什么 + verb pattern.
你买什么买，钱都花光了。
Nǐ mǎi shénme mǎi, qián dōu huā guāng le.
Why buy anything? All the money is gone.
像…一样 and 不像…那么: Compare Specific Qualities
A + 像 + B + 一样 + predicate; A + 不像 + B + 这么 / 那么 + predicate
Compare how people or things share a quality with 像…一样, and express a lower degree with 不像…那么.
她有时候像小孩一样天真。
Tā yǒushíhou xiàng xiǎohái yīyàng tiānzhēn.
She's as naive as a little kid sometimes.
化 (Huà): Form Chinese Words Meaning -ize or -ify
Noun / adjective + 化
Understand how 化 forms words for transformation and processes, including noun-like uses in formal and technical Chinese.
中国化、美国化、个性化、数字化、城市化、两极化、边缘化
Zhōngguó- huà, Měiguó- huà, gèxìng- huà, shùzì- huà, chéngshì- huà, liǎngjí- huà, biānyuán- huà
sinicize/Chinese-ify, Americanize, personalize, digitize, urbanize, polarize, marginalize
难怪 (Nánguài) as a Verb: Hard to Blame
难怪 + person; 这也难怪 (+ person)
Distinguish the verb use of 难怪, meaning someone cannot reasonably be blamed, from its familiar no-wonder use.
他迟到了， 这也难怪。 今天地铁坏了。
Tā chídào le, zhè yě nánguài. Jīntiān dìtiě huài le.
He's late, but we can't blame him for that. The subway broke down today.
难免 (Nánmiǎn): Say Something Is Hard to Avoid
Subject + 难免 + (会 / 要) + predicate
Describe natural or difficult-to-avoid outcomes with 难免, including its common combinations with 会 and 有点.
刚开始说外语时难免会有一些误会。
Gāng kāishǐ shuō wàiyǔ shí nánmiǎn huì yǒu yīxiē wùhuì.
When you first start speaking a foreign language, there are inevitably going to be some misunderstandings.
受 (Shòu): Express Being Affected or Receiving Treatment
Subject + 受 + (agent) + action / influence
Learn common 受 constructions for receiving respect, influence, or harm, and why 受 cannot replace 被 in every passive.
张老师的课很受学生的欢迎。
Zhāng Lǎoshī de kè hěn shòu xuéshēng de huānyíng.
Teacher Zhang's lessons are welcomed by the students.
Sentence structure and word order
怪不得 and 难怪: Saying No Wonder in Chinese
Reason ，怪不得 / 难怪 + Observation
Connect a newly understood reason with an observation using 怪不得 or 难怪, including explanations introduced by 原来.
小张请假了， 怪不得今天没有看到他。
Xiǎo Zhāng qǐngjià le, guàibude jīntiān méiyǒu kàndào tā.
Little Zhang asked for vacation time, no wonder I haven't seen him today.
要不是 (Yàobushì): If It Were Not For
要不是 + condition (+ 的话)，counterfactual result
Explain how 要不是 introduces a counterfactual condition, crediting help or identifying what prevented a different outcome.
要不是你，我会迷路。
Yàobùshì nǐ, wǒ huì mílù.
If it weren't for you, I would get lost.
多亏 (Duōkuī): Say Thanks To in Chinese
多亏(了) + helpful circumstance，subject + 才 + favorable result
Use 多亏 to credit helpful circumstances, connect them to a good outcome, and explain the trouble they helped prevent.
我能这么快做完， 多亏了你帮我。
Wǒ néng zhème kuài zuò wán, duōkuī le nǐ bāng wǒ.
I was able to finish so quickly thanks to your help.
而已 (Éryǐ): Express Only, Merely, or That's All
Limited statement + 而已
Learn where to place 而已 when limiting a claim to a noun, amount, or action, often alongside 只 or 仅仅.
一杯咖啡而已，不要这么感动。
Yī bēi kāfēi éryǐ, bùyào zhème gǎndòng.
It's just a cup of coffee, you don't need to be so moved.
将 (Jiāng) as a Formal Alternative to 把
Subject + 将 + object + verb phrase
Understand the object-marking use of 将, its formal register, and how the following verb phrase describes handling or change.
他将这些蛋糕都吃完了。
Tā jiāng zhèxiē dàngāo dōu chī wán le.
He has eaten all the cake.
Advanced 把 Sentences: 给, 当作, and 成
Subject + 把 + object + 给 + verb phrase; 把 + A + 当作 / 看作 + B; 把 + object + verb + 成 + result
Extend 把 sentences with emphatic 给, judgments using 当作 or 看作, and changes or mistaken identifications marked by 成.
我把这事儿给忘了。
Wǒ bǎ zhè shì er gěi wàng le.
I forgot about this matter.
要…就: If You Are Going to Do It, Do It
要 + intended action + 就 + action / requirement
Learn the decisive 要 + verb + 就 + verb pattern for urging action, stating a condition, or insisting on how something is done.
要走就走，我们不需要你。
Yào zǒu jiù zǒu, wǒmen bù xūyào nǐ.
If you want to leave, leave. We don't need you.
少不了 (Shǎobuliǎo): Cannot Do Without or Bound to Have
Subject / situation + 少不了 + noun / verb phrase
Use 少不了 for essential ingredients, unavoidable experiences, and contributions that are needed for an outcome.
每年春节， 少不了饺子和春晚。
Měi nián Chūnjié, shǎobuliǎo jiǎozi hé Chūnwǎn.
Every Chinese New Year, it's gotta be dumplings and the Spring Festival Gala.
等于 (Děngyú): Be Equivalent To or Amount To
A + (就) + 等于 + B
Use 等于 beyond mathematics to explain that an action has effectively the same meaning, effect, or consequence as another.
今天吃了炸鸡， 等于白跑步了。
Jīntiān chī le zhájī, děngyú bái pǎobù le.
I ate fried chicken today, which amounts to me going jogging for nothing.
从…中 (Cóng…Zhōng): Learn or Gain Something From
Subject + 从 + source + 中 + gain / discovery
Identify the source of knowledge, understanding, or experience with 从…中, including books, conversations, and events.
我从书中学习了很多知识。
Wǒ cóng shū zhōng xuéxí le hěn duō zhīshi.
I learned a lot from the book.
Verb + 就 + Verb: So Be It in Chinese
Verb phrase + 就 + repeated verb phrase
Express acceptance, indifference, or defiance by repeating a verb around 就, including negative forms and completed situations.
坏了就坏了，再买新的。
Huài le jiù huài le, zài mǎi xīn de.
If it's broken, so be it—we can buy a new one.
不但…甚至连…也: Not Only, But Even
不但 + first point，甚至连 + surprising focus + 也 / 都 + predicate
Build a stronger addition with 不但 and 甚至连, focusing the second clause on a more surprising case or achievement.
他不但不知道李连杰， 甚至连成龙也不知道。
Tā bùdàn bù zhīdào Lǐ Liánjié, shènzhì lián Chéng Lóng yě bù zhīdào.
Not only does he not know Jet Li, he doesn't even know Jackie Chan.
好 (Hǎo) for Purpose: So That Someone Can
Enabling action，(subject +) 好 + intended action
Use 好 before a purpose clause to explain how an earlier action makes the next action easier or possible.
她睡前常常喝牛奶， 好入睡。
Tā shuì qián chángcháng hē niúnǎi, hǎo rùshuì.
She often drinks milk before bedtime to help her fall asleep.
跟…有关的: Describe Things Related To a Topic
跟 / 和 / 与 + topic + 有关的 + noun
Build noun phrases with 跟, 和, or 与…有关的, and distinguish a related-to modifier from a complete 有关 statement.
我和他分手了, 跟他有关的事情我都不想知道。
Wǒ hé tā fēnshǒu le, gēn tā yǒuguān de shìqing wǒ dōu bù xiǎng zhīdào.
We broke up, I don't want to know anything related to him.
一面…一面 (Yīmiàn…Yīmiàn): Do Two Things at Once
Subject + 一面 + action 1 + 一面 + action 2
Connect simultaneous activities with 一面…一面 and understand its similarity to the more conversational 一边…一边.
我一面哭一面跑。
Wǒ yīmiàn kū yīmiàn pǎo.
I cried while running away.
所谓 (Suǒwèi): So-Called or What Is Known As
所谓 + (的) + noun phrase
Use 所谓 before a label or concept, with or without skepticism, and understand the role of optional 的.
所谓的天才，有可能有这样的人，也有可能，他自己偷偷地努力。
Suǒwèi de tiāncái, yǒu kěnéng yǒu zhèyàng de rén, yě yǒu kěnéng, tā zìjǐ tōutōu de nǔlì.
There may be such a person as this the so-called "genius," or, possibly, he has been secretly trying really hard.
不是…就是 (Bù Shì…Jiùshì): Either One or the Other
不是 + option A + 就是 + option B
Present two alternatives as the only relevant possibilities with 不是…就是, including recurring habits and uncertain identifications.
他整天不是打游戏就是睡觉。
Tā zhěng tiān bù shì dǎ yóuxì jiùshì shuìjiào.
If he's not playing video games all day, he's sleeping.
宁可…也不 and 宁可…也要: Would Rather
宁可 + chosen alternative，也不 + rejected alternative; 宁可 + accepted cost，也要 + determined action
Express a deliberate preference with 宁可, rejecting another option with 也不 or accepting a cost with 也要.
我宁可没有男朋友， 也不要随便找一个男朋友。
Wǒ nìngkě méiyǒu nán péngyǒu, yě bù yào suíbiàn zhǎo yī gè nánpéngyǒu.
I'd rather have no boyfriend than choose one at random.
Comparisons
常常 vs 经常: Two Ways to Say Often in Chinese
Subject + 常常 / 经常 + Verb Phrase
Compare 常常 and 经常 as frequency adverbs, including ordinary word order, negation, and 经常 in modifier expressions.
我常常收到垃圾短信。
Wǒ chángcháng shōudào lājī duǎnxìn.
I often receive spam texts.
比起…来 and 相比: Make Chinese Comparisons
比起 + B (+ 来)，A + comparison; 与 / 和 / 跟 + B + 相比，A + comparison
Use 比起…来 and 与…相比 to establish a comparison point before describing a difference, judgment, or preference.
比起上海，我老家的物价便宜多了。
Bǐ qǐ Shànghǎi, wǒ lǎojiā de wùjià piányí duō le.
Compared to Shanghai, the prices in my hometown are way cheaper.
不如 (Bùrú): Not as Good as and Better To
A + 不如 + B (+ predicate); 不如 + suggested action
Learn how 不如 compares quality or degree and how its suggestion use introduces a preferable course of action.
我哥的成绩不如我的。
Wǒ gē de chéngjì bùrú wǒ de.
My older brother's grades are not as good as mine.
不比 (Bù Bǐ) versus 没有: No More or Not As
A + 不比 + B + adjective
Distinguish 不比 from 没有 in Chinese comparisons, including reassuring phrases that deny someone is worse than another person.
你没有我聪明。
Nǐ méiyǒu wǒ cōngming.
You're not as smart as me.
总算 versus 终于: Finally in Chinese
Subject + 总算 / 终于 + predicate
Compare 总算 and 终于 when an event happens after waiting or difficulty, including differences in relief, emphasis, and register.
你总算来了！
Nǐ zǒngsuàn lái le!
You finally came!
跟 versus 对: With Someone or Toward Someone
跟 / 对 + person + suitable predicate
Distinguish 跟 and 对 in speech, interaction, comparisons, and attitudes, and learn where their uses overlap.
我跟她说了，但是她不信。
Wǒ gēn tā shuō le, dànshì tā bù xìn.
I told her, but she didn't believe me.
朝, 向, and 往: Toward in Chinese
朝 / 向 / 往 + direction + suitable verb
Compare 朝, 向, and 往 for movement, facing a target, and abstract direction, including common verb-plus-direction combinations.
从这里向 / 朝 / 往北走两百米就到了。
Cóng zhèlǐ xiàng / cháo / wǎng běi zǒu liǎng bǎi mǐ jiù dào le.
From here, go one hundred meters north, and you'll get there.
对 versus 对于: Overlapping Uses and Key Differences
对 / 对于 + object，comment; subject + 对 + person + treatment
Learn where 对 and 对于 both introduce a relevant object, and why 对 also appears in treatment, facing, and matching expressions.
对(于) 这种事情，你有什么看法？
Duì(yú) zhè zhǒng shìqing, nǐ yǒu shénme kànfǎ?
As for this kind of thing, what's your perspective?
对于 versus 至于: Regarding or As For
对于 + object，comment; 至于 + shifted topic，comment; 不至于 + degree
Compare 对于 for a relevant object with 至于 for shifting a topic, and recognize 至于 in expressions about degree.
对于电脑，我什么都不懂。
Duìyú diànnǎo, wǒ shénme dōu bù dǒng.
With regards to computers, I don't understand anything.
给 versus 为: Two Meanings of For in Chinese
Subject + 给 + recipient + action; subject + 为 + beneficiary / concern + predicate
Choose 给 for recipients and directed services, or 为 for benefits, purposes, duties, and emotional responses in common expressions.
请给我拿一双筷子。
Qǐng gěi wǒ ná yī shuāng kuàizi.
Please get me a pair of chopsticks.
平时 versus 平常: Usually or Ordinary
Subject + 平时 / 平常 + predicate; 很平常; 平常的 + noun
Use 平时 and 平常 for usual circumstances, and recognize 平常 as an adjective meaning ordinary or commonplace.
你平常会健身吗？
Nǐ píngcháng huì jiànshēn ma?
Do you often work out?
以后 versus 之后: After, Later, or In the Future
Event / time + 以后 / 之后; 以后 + future statement; 之后 + later development
Compare 以后 and 之后 after an event or time, and distinguish their standalone meanings of in the future and after that.
下过雨以后空气会好很多。
Xià guo yǔ yǐhòu kōngqì huì hǎo hěn duō.
After it rains, the air will be a lot better.
看起来 versus 看来: Looks Like or It Seems
Subject + 看起来 + description; 看来 + inference; 在 + person + 看来
Distinguish an appearance or impression with 看起来 from an inference with 看来, including 在…看来 for someone's perspective.
女儿今天看起来很开心。
Nǚ'ér jīntiān kànqǐlái hěn kāixīn.
Our daughter looks really happy today.
显得 versus 看起来: Appear or Look a Certain Way
Subject + 显得 / 看起来 + description; circumstance + 显得 + person + description
Compare 显得 for a quality made apparent by context with 看起来 for an observed impression, without treating either as guaranteed fact.
这样穿显得我比较成熟。
Zhèyàng chuān xiǎnde wǒ bǐjiào chéngshú.
Dressing like this makes me appear more mature.
Complements
得不得了 (De Bùdéliǎo): Extremely and Terribly in Chinese
Adj. + 得不得了
Intensify a description with adjective + 得不得了, including positive emotions as well as difficult or unpleasant situations.
爸爸气得不得了，你要倒霉啦。
Bàba qì de bùdéliǎo, nǐ yào dǎoméi la.
Dad is super angry. You're in for it.
得很 (De Hěn): Strong Emphasis After an Adjective
Adj. + 得 很
Use adjective + 得很 for emphatic descriptions, and compare its word order and tone with 很 before an adjective.
我好得很，你不用为我担心。
Wǒ hǎo de hěn, nǐ bùyòng wèi wǒ dānxīn.
I'm doing great. You don't need to worry about me.
了 with Complements: After Results and Inside Directional Phrases
Verb + Result / Direction Complement + 了; Selected Verb + 了 + Direction Complement
Place 了 after verb-result compounds and recognize selected directional constructions where it can follow the main verb.
吃完了。
Chī wán le.
Finished eating.
得很, 得不得了, and More: Chinese Degree Complements
Adjective + 得 + 很 / 不得了 / 要命 / 不行
Intensify a quality with adjective + 得很, 得不得了, 得要命, or 得不行, and understand the tone of each expression.
这个孩子自私得很。
Zhège háizi zìsī de hěn.
This child is super selfish.
得了, 得下, 得起, 得动, and 得着: Potential Complements
Verb + 得 / 不 + 了 / 下 / 起 / 动 / 着
Express capacity, affordability, strength, and reach with Chinese potential complements, including their negative forms.
他那么老， 走得了那么多路吗？
Tā nàme lǎo, zǒu deliǎo nàme duō lù ma?
He's so old. Will he be able to walk that far?
住, 开, and 出来: Chinese Result Complements
Verb + 住 / 开 / 出(来)
Learn how 住, 开, and 出来 describe holding, separation, and emergence as results of an action in Chinese.
一定要记住我的话。
Yīdìng yào jì zhù wǒ de huà.
You must remember what I said.
坏了 (Huài Le): Express an Extreme State
Adjective / suitable verb + 坏了
Use 坏了 after a predicate to describe intense tiredness, hunger, worry, or excitement, and distinguish literal damage.
大家都累坏了。
Dàjiā dōu lèi huài le.
Everyone was dead-tired.
着 (Zháo): Achieve a Result or Reach a Goal
Verb + 着; verb + 得 / 不 + 着
Distinguish result-complement 着 from aspect 着, and use 得着 or 不着 to discuss whether the result is attainable.
宝宝刚睡着。
Bǎobao gāng shuì zháo.
The baby just fell asleep.
到 (Dào) as a Result Complement: Achieve the Goal
Verb + 到
Understand how verb + 到 highlights successful attainment, including differences such as 买 versus 买到 and 做 versus 做到.
我还没有做。
Wǒ hái méiyǒu zuò.
I haven‘t done it.
Verb + 来 + Verb + 去: Back and Forth or Repeatedly
Verb + 来 + verb + 去
Describe pacing, repeated discussion, or continued thinking with a repeated verb around 来 and 去.
学生们都很紧张，在考场外面走来走去。
Xuéshēng men dōu hěn jǐnzhāng, zài kǎochǎng wàimiàn zǒu lái zǒu qù.
The students are all nervous, they are all pacing back and forth outside of the exam room.
Adjectives
Adjective + 了点儿: A Bit Too and Small Changes in Chinese
Adj. + 了 + (一) 点儿
Use adjective + 了点儿 to soften a criticism, and recognize contexts where the same shape describes a small change.
这道菜咸了点儿。
Zhè dào cài xián le diǎnr.
This dish is a little too salty.
有的是 (Yǒudeshì): Plenty Of and More Than Enough
Subj. + 有的是 + Noun
Express abundant money, time, opportunities, or other resources with 有的是, including noun-first topic patterns.
他爸是大老板， 有的是钱。
Tā bà shì dà lǎobǎn, yǒudeshì qián.
His dad is a big boss. He's got plenty of money.
Particles
啊 (A) in Lists: Naming Examples Conversationally
Item A + 啊，Item B + 啊，Item C + 啊 + (什么的)
Add 啊 after items in an informal list to give examples of a category without implying the list is complete.
我们什么零食都有，花生啊，瓜子啊，薯片啊，你随便吃吧。
Wǒmen shénme língshí dōu yǒu, huāshēng a, guāzǐ a, shǔpiàn a, nǐ suíbiàn chī ba.
We have all sorts of snacks: peanuts, roasted seeds, chips, go ahead and eat whatever you want.
了 After an Object: Completed Events and Sentence Rhythm
Verb + Obj. + 了
Compare verb + 了 + object with verb + object + 了, considering context, object length, and the difference between aspect and new relevance.
我上了课。
Wǒ shàng le kè.
I had class....
Topic + 嘛: Introducing What You Want to Discuss
Topic + 嘛，Comment
Use 嘛 after a topic to create a conversational frame before the comment, and distinguish it from sentence-final obviousness.
大熊猫嘛，大家都喜欢。
Dàxióngmāo ma, dàjiā dōu xǐhuan.
Pandas. Everybody likes them.
Questions
呢 (Ne) in Questions: Wondering, Weighing Choices, and Tone
⋯⋯呢？
Add 呢 to question-word, alternative, and affirmative-negative questions for a reflective or context-sensitive conversational tone.
我去缅甸呢， 还是泰国呢？我得想一想！
Wǒ qù Miǎndiàn ne, háishì Tàiguó ne? Wǒ děi xiǎng yi xiǎng!
Should I go to Myanmar or Thailand? I have to think a bit!
Modality and auxiliary verbs
将, 将要, and 将会: Express Future Events Formally
Subject + 将 / 将要 / 将会 + verb phrase
Use 将, 将要, and 将会 for future events in announcements, predictions, and formal writing, without implying only the near future.
他将成为一个好爸爸。
Tā jiāng chéngwéi yī gè hǎo bàba.
He will become a good father.
Aspect, time and completion
在…内 (Zài…Nèi): Within a Period of Time
在 + time period + 内 + predicate
Set a time window or deadline with 在 + time period + 内, and distinguish within that interval from after it ends.
在短短的两年内，他就成为了 CEO。
Zài duǎnduǎn de liǎng nián nèi, tā jiù chéngwéi le CEO.
In just two years, he has become the CEO.
No matching construction. Try a shorter word or clear the search.
Use the grammar with your words
Choose words from the same level, read the full explanation and practise the patterns you find difficult.
Open the level 5 vocabulary list →Browse all Chinese grammar →Level grouping and sources
The HSK 2.0 level labels retained with the reference lessons.
Each linked article retains its reference attribution. Chinese examples, teaching copy and exercise links come from the same Laowai grammar collection. Official HSK syllabus and sample questions.