Chinese Grammar Wiki: A1

"A1" (Beginner) is the first and lowest level used on the Chinese Grammar Wiki. It is roughly equivalent to HSK Levels 1-2.

There are 40 total grammar points in the list below.

Contents

1 Parts of Speech

1.1 Adverbs

1.2 Conjunctions

1.3 Numbers

1.4 Particles

1.5 Verbs

1.5.1 Auxiliary verbs

1.5.2 Verb phrases

2 Grammatical Structures

2.1 Basics

2.2 Question Forms

3 Comparisons

3.1 Numbers

4 See Also

Parts of Speech

Adverbs

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Negation of "you" with "měi" | 没 + 有 | 我 没有 钱 。
Standard negation with "bu" | 不 + Verb / Adj. | 他们 不 是 坏 孩子。
The "all" adverb "dou" | 都 + Verb / Adj. | 我们 都 住 在 上海。
The "also" adverb "ye" | 也 + Verb / Adj. | 昨天 很 冷，今天 也 很 冷。

Conjunctions

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing "and" with "he" | Noun 1 + 和 + Noun 2 | 我 和 他 都 不 去。
Offering choices with "haishi" | A + 还是 + B ? | 你 要 喝 茶 还是 咖啡 ?

Numbers

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Age with "sui" | Subj. + Number + 岁 | 我 20 岁 。
Measure word "ge" | Number + 个 + Noun | 一 个 人 。
Structure of dates | Number + 年 + Number + 月 + Number + 日 | 今天 是 2011年 11月 11日/号 。
Structure of days of the week | 星期 + Number | 今天 星期三 。
Structure of numbers | Number + Unit | 三 百 五 十 九。
Structure of times (basic) | Number + 点(钟) | 现在 十一点 。

Particles

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing close possession without "de" | Pronoun + Noun | 我 女朋友
Expressing possession with "de" | Noun 1 + 的 + Noun 2 | 我 的 老师
Questions with "ne" | ⋯⋯呢 ? | 我 很 好。你 呢 ?
Suggestions with "ba" | Command + 吧 | 我们 走 吧 。

Verbs

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing existence in a place with "zai" | 在 + Place | 老师 在 上海 。
Expressing existence with "you" | Place + 有 + Obj. | 我们 学校 有 很 多 学生。
Expressing possession with "you" | Subj. + 有 + Obj. | 我 有 钱。
Using the verb "jiao" | 叫 + Name | 你 叫 什么 名字 ？
Using the verb "qu" | 去 + Place | 我 去 学校。
Using the verb "xing" | 姓 + Surname | 你 姓 什么 ？

Auxiliary verbs

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing "be going to" with "yao" | Subj. + 要 + Verb (+ 了) | 我 要 去 吃饭，你 去 吗？
Expressing a learned skill with "hui" | 会 + Verb | 他 会 说 中文 。
Expressing ability or possibility with "neng" | 能 + Verb | 中文 这么 难，你 能 学 好 吗？
Expressing permission with "keyi" | 可以 + Verb | 这里 可以 吸烟 吗?
Wanting to do something with "yao" | 要 + Verb | 我 要 吃饭 。

Verb phrases

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
How to do something with "zenme" | 怎么 + Verb ? | 怎么 走?
Negation of past actions with "meiyou" | 没有 + Verb | 我 没有 去 酒吧。
Negative commands with "buyao" | 不要 + Verb | 不要 说 英文！

Grammatical Structures

These are grammatical structures that do not correspond to one particular part of speech.

Basics

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Basic sentence order | Subj. + Verb (+ Obj.) | 我 爱 你 。
Connecting nouns with "shi" | A + 是 + B | 我 是 学生 。
Expressing "excessively" with "tai" | 太 + Adj. + 了 | 太 好 了 !
Simple "noun + adjective" sentences | Noun + 很 + Adj. | 我 很 好。

Question Forms

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Affirmative-negative question | Verb + 不 + Verb / Adj. + 不 + Adj. | 去 不 去？好 不 好 ?
Placement of question words | 什么 / 什么时候 / 谁 / 哪儿 / 为什么 / 怎么 | 你 是 谁 ？你 在 哪儿 ？
Tag questions with "bu" | ⋯⋯是不是 / 对不对 / 好不好 ? | 你们 明天 来，好 不 好 ?
Tag questions with "ma" | ⋯⋯是吗 / 对吗 / 好吗 ? | 这样 做， 对 吗 ?
Yes-no questions with "ma" | ⋯⋯吗？ | 他 是 老板 吗 ?

Comparisons

Numbers

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Comparing "er" and "liang" | 二 vs 两 | 两 个 人。二 十 二。

See Also

Grammar Points by Level

This list in French: Grammaire chinoise niveau A1

Negation of "yǒu" with "méi"

The verb 有 (yǒu) is negated differently from ordinary verbs. Rather than placing 不 (bù) before it as with other verbs, you must use 没 (méi) to negate the verb 有 (yǒu).

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 The Short Form of 没有 is 没

4 See also

5 Sources and further reading

5.1 Books

5.2 Videos

Structure

Nearly all verbs can be negated with 不 (bù). The verb 有 (yǒu) is an exception, and must be negated with 没 (méi).

没 + 有 (+ Obj.)

Examples

我 没 有 问题。
Wǒ méi yǒu wènti.
I don't have any questions.

我们 现在 没 有 钱。
Wǒmen xiànzài méi yǒu qián.
We don't have money now.

他 没 有 工作 吗？
Tā méi yǒu gōngzuò ma?
Does he not have a job?

他们 没 有 爸爸妈妈。
Tāmen méi yǒu bàba māma.
They don't have parents.

我们 在 北京 没 有 房子。
Wǒmen zài Běijīng méi yǒu fángzi.
We don't have a house in Beijing.

你 爸爸 没 有 手机 吗？
Nǐ bàba méi yǒu shǒujī ma?
Does your dad not have a cell phone?

你们 在 上海 没 有 朋友 吗？
Nǐmen zài Shànghǎi méi yǒu péngyou ma?
Do you not have friends in Shanghai?

我 的 老师 现在 没 有 男朋友。
Wǒ de lǎoshī xiànzài méi yǒu nánpéngyou.
My teacher doesn't have a boyfriend now.

他们 都 没 有 电脑 吗？
Tāmen dōu méi yǒu diànnǎo ma?
Do they all not have computers?

这 个 周末 你们 都 没 有 时间 吗？
Zhè ge zhōumò nǐmen dōu méi yǒu shíjiān ma?
Do you all not have time this weekend?

Remember that trying to negate 有 (yǒu) with 不 (bù) is a classic mistake that many people make in the early stages of studying Chinese:

我 不 有 车。 Never use 不 with 有! Wǒ bù yǒu chē.

我 没 有 车。 Always use 没 with 有.Wǒ méi yǒu chē. I don't have a car.

Never use 不 (bù) with 有 (yǒu).

The Short Form of 没有 is 没

没有 (méiyǒu) can be shortened to 没 (méi) without altering its meaning.

我 没 钱。
Wǒ méi qián.
I don't have money.

你 没 男朋友 吗？
Nǐ méi nánpéngyou ma?
Do you not have a boyfriend?

你们 没 车 吗？
Nǐmen méi chē ma?
Do you not have a car?

老板 现在 没 时间。
Lǎobǎn xiànzài méi shíjiān.
The boss doesn't have time right now.

我 没 工作，我 老公 也 没 工作。
Wǒ méi gōngzuò, wǒ lǎogōng yě méi gōngzuò.
I don't have a job. Neither does my husband.

See also

Negation of past actions with "méiyou"

Standard negation with "bù"

Inability with "méi banfa"

Comparing "bù" and "méi"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 51)

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 382)

A Practical Chinese Grammar For Foreigners (外国人实用汉语语法) (pp. 35)

Videos

Yoyo Chinese: Negation word 没

The "all" adverb "都" "dōu"

The adverb 都 (dōu) is used to express "all" in Chinese. It's common to use 都 (dōu) in a variety of sentences where it would seem unnecessary in English.

Contents

1 都 (dōu) for "All"

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 都 (dōu) for "Both"

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

都 for "all"

Structure

Subject + 都 + [Verb Phrase]

Remember that 都 (dōu) appears after the subject. A common mistake learners make is to put 都 (dōu) at the beginning of the sentence (as "all" often appears there in English). This isn't good Chinese - make sure you put 都 (dōu) after the subject and before the verb.

Examples

你们 都 认识 John 吗 ？
Nǐmen dōu rènshi John ma?
Do you all know John?

他们 都 在 上海 。
Tāmen dōu zài Shànghǎi.
They are all in Shanghai.

明天 我们 都 可以 去 。
Míngtiān wǒmen dōu kěyǐ qù.
Tomorrow we all can go.

你们 都 用 wiki 吗 ？
Nǐmen dōu yòng wiki ma?
Do you all use the wiki?

我们 都 要 冰水。
Wǒmen dōu yào bīngshuǐ .
We all want ice water.

都 for "both"

Chinese doesn't normally use a special word for "both" like English does. It just uses 都 (dōu) as if it were any other number greater than one. Chinese also doesn't have a special pattern like "neither / nor" for the negative case. Just use 都 (dōu) and make the sentence negative.

Structure

Subjects + 都 + [Verb Phrase]

This pattern should look familiar.

Examples

These examples follow exactly the same form in Chinese as the ones above. The only difference is that here we don't translate 都 (dōu) as "all" in English; we translate it as "both," and for negative cases, we translate it as "neither."

>我们 两 个 都 爱 你 。
Wǒmen liǎng gè dōu ài nǐ.
The two of us both love you.

你 爸爸 和 你 妈妈 都 是 美国人 吗？
Nǐ bàba hé nǐ māma dōu shì Měiguó rén ma?
Are your father and your mother both Americans?

我 和 我 太太 都 不 吃 肉。
Wǒ hé wǒ tàitai dōu bù chī ròu.
Neither my wife nor I eat meat.

你们 两个 都 喜欢 中国 菜 吗？
Nǐmen liǎng gè dōu xǐhuan Zhōngguó cài ma?
Do you both like Chinese food?

她 和 她 老公 都 没有 工作。
Tā hé tā lǎogōng dōu méi yǒu gōngzuò.
Neither she nor her husband has a job.

See also

"Yě" and "dōu" together

The "also" adverb "yě"

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 53-4)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 88)

Basic Patterns of Chinese Grammar (p. 35)

The "also" adverb "yě"

The English adverb "too" or "also" is expressed in Chinese as 也 (yě). In Chinese, it always needs to come before the verb (or adjective).

Contents

1 也 with Verb Phrases

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

1.3 A Note on the Negative Form

2 也 with Adjectives

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 Expressing "me too" with 也

3.1 Structure

3.2 Examples

4 See also

5 Sources and further reading

5.1 Books

也 with Verb Phrases

Structure

Since it is an adverb, 也 (yě) is inserted after the subject, before the verb or verb phrase.

Subj. + 也 + Verb / [Verb Phrase]

Examples

我 也 喜欢。
Wǒ yě xǐhuan.
I also like it.

我 也 是 学生 。
Wǒ yě shì xuésheng.
I am a student too.

她 也 有 一个 儿子。
Tā yě yǒu yī gè érzi.
She also has a son.

他们 也 是 法国 人 吗？
Tāmen yě shì Fǎguó rén ma?
Are they also French?

我 也 想 学 中文。
Wǒ yě xiǎng xué Zhōngwén.
I also want to study Chinese.

他们 也 会 去吗？
会 expresses the futur
Tāmen yě huì qù ma?
Are they also going?

我 妈妈 也 喜欢 吃 水饺。
Wǒ māma yě xǐhuan chī shuǐjiǎo.
My mother likes to eat boiled dumplings too.

小孩 也 可以 喝 酒 吗？
Xiǎohái yě kěyǐ hē jiǔ ma?
Can kids drink alcohol too?

你 也 想 来 我 家 吗？
Nǐ yě xiǎng lái wǒ jiā ma?
Do you want to come to my house too?

她 也 觉得 这 个 老师 不 好。
Tā yě juéde zhè ge lǎoshī bù hǎo.
She also thinks this teacher isn't good.

Let's take one more look at two different English sentences which mean the same thing, but can result in bad Chinese if you translate word-for-word.

我 也 喜欢。
Wǒ yě xǐhuan.
I also like it.

我 喜欢 也 。
Wǒ xǐhuan yě .
I like it too.

Note that the translation for the first sentence is "I also like it." The translation of the second sentence is "I like it too," which is equally correct in English, but translated word-for-word into Chinese, the 也 (yě) comes at the end of the sentence, which is 100% wrong in Chinese.

A Note on the Negative Form

Please note that in English, we replace the word "too" with "either" in negative sentences. For example:

A:I like cats.

B:I like cats too.

A: I don't like cats.

B: I don't like cats either.

In Chinese, regardless of whether the sentence is positive ("I like them too") or negative ("I don't like them either"), 也 (yě) is used the same way. Just make sure you put the 也 (yě) before the 不 (bù) or other negative part that comes before the verb.

我 也 不 喜欢。
Wǒ yě bù xǐhuan.
I don't like it either.

我 也 不 知道。
Wǒ yě bù zhīdao.
I don't know either.

他 也 没 有。
Tā yě méi yǒu.
He doesn't have it either.

你 也 不 想 来 我 家 吗？
Nǐ yě bù xiǎng lái wǒ jiā ma?
You don't want to come to my house either?

也 with Adjectives

Structure

也 (yě) can also be used with adjectives. Remember that for simple "noun + adjective" sentences you normally need to include an adverb like 很 (hěn) before the adjective. In that case, just put the 也 (yě) before the adverb.

Subject + 也 (+ Adverb) + Adjective

Examples

你 也 很 高。
Nǐ yě hěn gāo.
You are also tall.

他 也 很 胖。
Tā yě hěn pàng.
He is also fat.

我 爸爸 也 很 帅。
Wǒ bàba yě hěn shuài.
My dad is also handsome.

湖南 菜 也 很 辣。
Húnán cài yě hěn là.
Hunan food is very spicy too.

这 种 酒 也 很 好喝。
Zhè zhǒng jiǔ yě hěn hǎohē.
This kind of alcohol is also good.

这 个 地方 也 很 漂亮。
Zhège dìfang yě hěn piàoliang.
This place is also pretty.

昨天 很 冷 ， 今天 也 很 冷。
Zuótiān hěn lěng, jīntiān yě hěn lěng.
Yesterday was cold, and today is also cold.

他 生气 了 ？ 我 也 很 生气！
Tā shēngqì le? Wǒ yě hěn shēngqì!
He got angry? I'm also angry!

这 个 问题 也 很 麻烦。
Zhè ge wènti yě hěn máfan.
This problem is also very troublesome.

我 觉得 这 个 餐厅 也 很 好 。
Wǒ juéde zhè ge cāntīng yě hěn hǎo.
I think that this restaurant is also good.

Expressing "me too" with 也

It can be tricky to know how to say "me too" when you first study 也 (yě), as you can't say "wǒ yě" all by itself. That's not a complete sentence; you can't just leave 也 (yě) hanging there with nothing after it.

The all-purpose correct sentence is "wǒ yě shì," which literally means, "I am too," but can also stand in for "me too."

Structure

The correct structure uses the verb 是 (shì):

我 也 是 。 The 是 fills in for whatever was just said.
Wǒ yě shì .
I am too. / Me too.

我 也 。 Always put something after 也! It never ends a sentence.Wǒ yě ...

Examples

The "me too" structure works with other subjects, as well. But for these simple examples, we'll stick to the classic 我 (wǒ) subject.

A:
我 是 美国人 。
Wǒ shì Měiguó rén.
I am an American.

B:
我 也 是 。
Wǒ yě shì .
Me too. / I am too.

For this next one, you'll notice that the "me too" reply repeats the original verb 喜欢 (xǐhuan) instead of using 是 (shì). Both ways are possible.

A: 我 喜欢 看书 。
Wǒ xǐhuan kànshū.
I like to read.

B: 我 也 喜欢 。
Wǒ yě xǐhuan .
Me too. / So do I.

You'll notice that some of those English translations use "so do I." The Chinese works exactly the same; they're just translated that way to produce more natural-sounding English.

See also

"Yě" and "dōu" together

Expressing "and also" with "hái"

The "all" adverb "dōu"

Expressing "and also" with "hái"

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 31-2)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 88)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册） (p. 73)

Expressing "and" with "hé"

When listing out multiple nouns, 和 (hé) is there to help you out. Just remember that 和 (hé) isn't a word you can use to translate just any usage of the English word "and."

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Structure

The most common way to express "and" in Chinese is with 和 (hé). It's important to note that 和 (hé) is mainly used to link nouns. This is how you should use it exclusively as you get used to it. Don't try to link verbs (or whole sentences) with 和 (hé).

Noun 1 + 和 + Noun 2

Examples

你 和 我
nǐ hé wǒ
you and I

老板 喜欢 咖啡 和 茶 。
Lǎobǎn xǐhuan kāfēi hé chá .
The boss likes coffee and tea.

我 的 爷爷 和 奶奶 都 70 岁 。
Wǒ de yéye hé nǎinai dōu qīshí suì.
My grandpa and grandma are both 70 years old.

他 和 他 女朋友 都 喜欢 中国 菜 。
Tā hé tā nǚpéngyou dōu xǐhuan Zhōngguó cài.
His girlfriend and he both like Chinese food.

你 爸爸 和 你 妈妈 都 是 美国 人 吗 ？
Nǐ bàba hé nǐ māma dōu shì Měiguó rén ma?
Are your father and your mother both Americans?

手机 和 电脑 都 很 贵 。
Shǒujī hé diànnǎo dōu hěn guì.
Cell phones and computers are both expensive.

德语 和 法语 都 很 难 吗 ？
Déyǔ hé Fǎyǔ dōu hěn nán ma?
Are both German and French difficult?

今天 和 明天 都 可以 吗 ？
Jīntiān hé míngtiān dōu kěyǐ ma?
Are today and tomorrow both OK?

(If you're unclear why the 都 (dōu) is used in the sentences about, see our article on the adverb 都 (dōu).)

Just to be absolutely clear what we mean by using 和 (hé) with nouns only, here are two English examples of what you should and shouldn't try to express with 和 (hé):

I went to the store and bought some gum. Don't use 和 (hé) for this "and"! "Went to the store" and "bought some gum" are both verb phrases, not nouns.

I like to eat cucumbers and cheese. This one is good! "Cucumbers" and "cheese" are both nouns, so you can use 和 (hé) here.

See also

Expressing "in addition" with "haiyou"

"In addition" as "lingwai"

Expressing "not only… but also"

Combining verbs with "bing"

Sources and further reading

Books

Basic Patterns of Chinese Grammar (pp. 74-5)

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 14-5)

A Practical Chinese Grammar For Foreigners (外国人实用汉语语法) (p. 126)

Offering choices with "háishì" "还是"

还是 (háishì) is used in Chinese to provide options in a question. This is equivalent to one of our uses of "or" in English.

Contents

1 Simplest Form

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Full Sentence Form

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and Further Reading

4.1 Books

4.2 Websites

Simplest Form

Structure

Option A + 还是 + Option B

When you're asked a question of this form, there are two ways you're expected to answer: either Option A or Option B. (Pick one, but not both.) It's not that no other answers are possible, it's that usually when you're asked a question this way, the person asking expects you to just choose one. For example, if asked if you'd like to drink coffee or tea, most people are going to choose one or the other, not ask for both. 还是 (háishì) is used to ask people to make that choice between the two.

Examples

我 还是 他 ？
Wǒ háishì tā?
Me or him?

一 个 还是 两 个 ？
Yīgè háishì liǎng gè ?
One or two?

辣 的 还是 不 辣 的 ？
Là de háishì bù là de ?
Spicy or non-spicy?

冰 的 还是 热 的 ？
Bīng de háishì rè de ?
Cold or hot?

上海 还是 北京 ？ The eternal China expat question! Choose wisely...
Shànghǎi háishì Běijīng?
Shanghai or Beijing?

Full Sentence Form

Structure

You can take the structure above, add a subject and a verb, and create all kinds of questions with the following structure:

Subject + Verb + Option A + 还是 + Option B

Examples

这 是 水 还是 酒 ？
Zhè shì shuǐ háishì jiǔ ?
Is this water or alcohol?

他 是 美国 人 还是 英国 人 ？
Tā shì Měiguó rén háishì Yīngguó rén ?
Is he American or British?

你 喜欢 我 还是 我 的 钱 ？
Nǐ xǐhuan wǒ háishì wǒ de qián ?
Do you like me or my money?

你 要 喝 茶 还是 咖啡 ？
Nǐ yào hē chá háishì kāfēi ?
Do you want to drink tea or coffee?

你们 想 吃 中国 菜 还是 法国 菜 ？
Nǐmen xiǎng chī Zhōngguó cài háishì Fǎguó cài ?
Do you want to eat Chinese food or French food?

Please note that 还是 (háishì) is for offering options in a question. It should not be used for "or" in statements.

See also

"Or" in statements

"Had better" with "háishì"

Providing two options with double "huozhe"

Sources and Further Reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 76-7, 257-8)　

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 179)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 206-7, 251)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册） (p. 125)

Websites

Yale Chinese Usage Dictionary: Comparing 还是 and 或者

Age with "suì" "岁"

Use 岁 (suì) to tell someone your age. The sentence pattern is a bit different from English, however.

Content

1 Structure

1.1 Examples

2 See Also

3 Sources and further reading

Structure

The structure for telling someone's age with 岁 (suì) is:

Subj. + Number + 岁

This is equivalent to someone "is x years old" in English. Notice that you don't need to include any verb when you use 岁 (suì).

Examples

我 20 岁 。
Wǒ èrshí suì .
I am 20 years old.

我 妈妈 今年 45 岁 。
Wǒ māma jīnnián sìshí-wǔ suì .
My mother is 45 years old this year.

我 儿子 一 岁 半。
Wǒ érzi yī suì bàn.
My child is one and a half years old.

你 爷爷 今年 80 岁 吗？
Nǐ yéye jīnnián bāshí suì ma？
Is your grandpa eighty years old this year?

他 女朋友 也 20 岁 吗？
Tā nǚpéngyou yě èrshí suì ma?
Is his girlfriend also twenty years old?

Note that you don't need the verb 是 (shì) in any of these sentences, and you don't need a measure word like 个 (gè) either. In fact, it would be incorrect to use either of those with  岁    suì):

我 的 孩子 一 个 岁 。
Wǒ de háizi yī gè suì .

我 的 孩子 是 一 岁 。
Wǒ de háizi shì yī suì .

我 的 孩子 一 岁 。
Wǒ de háizi yī suì .
My child is one year old.

See Also

Word order

Simple "noun + adjective" sentences

Sources and further reading

Short-term Spoken Chinese: Intermediate (汉语口语速成中级篇) Chapter 10

New Concept Chinese (新概念汉语 初级本I) Chapter 5

Measure word "gè"

个 (gè) is the most commonly used measure word. It can be used in a pinch for any noun if you can't think of a more precise measure word. (Although you might not sound quite as smart, you'll still get your point across). Also, for many nouns, 个 (gè) is the only correct measure word.

Contents

1 General Structure

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Omitting the number

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

4.2 Websites

General Structure

Structure

The general structure for 个 (gè) and measure words in general is:

Number + 个 + Noun

Any time you want to state how many of a noun in Chinese, you probably need a measure word. First get used to expressing it with 个 (gè).

Examples

一 个 人
yī gè rén
one person

四 个 朋友
sì gè péngyou
four friends

三 个 苹果 手机
sān gè Píngguǒ shǒujī
three iPhones

五 个 星期
wǔ gè xīngqī
five weeks

六 个 月
liù gè yuè
six months

两 个 老婆 If you're wondering why it's 两 and not 二，see our article on "èr" and "liǎng" 
liǎng gè lǎopo 
two wives

十 个 男人， 七 个 傻， 八 个 坏。
shí gè nánrén, qī gè shǎ, bā gè huài.
Ten men: seven are fools, and eight are bad.

Omitting the number

Structure

Verb + 个 + Noun

If the number is one (1), you can omit it and use 个 (gè) by itself. This is equivalent to a or an in English, for example in "a person" or "an idiot." (The tone on 个 (gè) is normally neutral for this usage, but you don't need to stress about it.)

Examples

他 是 个 老外。
Tā shì ge lǎowài.
He is a foreigner.

我 有 个 儿子。
Wǒ yǒu ge érzi.
I have a son.

她 是 个 好 老师。
Tā shì ge hǎo lǎoshī.
She is a good teacher.

你 想 吃 个 包子 吗？
Nǐ xiǎng chī ge bāozi ma?
Would you like to eat a stuffed steamed bun?

老师 ， 我 有 个 问题。
Lǎoshī, wǒ yǒu ge wènti.
Teacher, I have a question.

See also

Counting money

Measure words in quantity questions

Measure words for counting

Measure words to differentiate

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 21-2)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 45-6)

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (p. 21)

Websites

Chinese classifier (Wikipedia)

Structure of dates

Dates in Chinese follow the order "year, month, day." This is in keeping with the larger "from big to small" trend in Chinese culture.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Structure

Dates are arranged from largest unit to smallest: year, month, day.

x 年 + y 月 + z 日

So April 1st, 2013 is: 2013 年 4 月 1 日. ( Èr-líng-yī-sān nián sì yuè yī rì)

Note that 号 (hào) is commonly used in spoken Mandarin instead of 日 (rì): 2013 年 4 月 1 号. ( èr-líng-yī-sān nián sì yuè yī hào.) In written Chinese, however, you will see 日 (rì) rather than 号 (hào).

x 年 + y 月 + z 号

Examples

1868 年 1 月 18 号
Yī-bā-liù-bā nián Yī yuè shí-bā hào
January 18, 1868

1910 年 8 月 9 号
Yī-jiǔ-yī-líng nián Bā yuè jiǔ hào
August 9, 1910

2001 年 7 月 20 日
Èr-líng-líng-yī nián Qī yuè èrshí rì
July 20th, 2001

1 月 1 日 是 新年。
Yī yuè yī rì shì Xīnnián.
January 1st is New Year's Day.

12 月 24 日 是 平安夜。
Shí-èr yuè èrshí-sì rì shì Píng'ān Yè.
December 24th is Christmas Eve.

10 月 1 号 我们 去 上海。
Shí yuè yī hào wǒmen qù Shànghǎi.
We will go to Shanghai on October 1st.

我 1990 年 7 月 出生。
Wǒ yī-jiǔ-jiǔ-líng nián Qī yuè chūshēng.
I was born in July 1990.

你 的 生日 是 11 月 11 号 吗？
Nǐ de shēngrì shì Shí-yī yuè shí-yī hào ma?
Is your birthday November 11th?

我 2006 年 4 月 17 号 认识 了 他。
Wǒ èr-líng-líng-liù nián Sì yuè shí-qī hào rènshi le tā.
I met him on April 17, 2006.

1980 年 9 月 4 号 我们 结婚 了。
Yī-jiǔ-bā-líng nián Jiǔ yuè sì hào wǒmen jiéhūn le.
We got married on September 4th, 1980.

See also

Structure of numbers

Structure of days of the week

Structure of times

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 73-4)　

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (pp. 122-3)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed)(pp. 141-2)

Structure of days of the week

星期 (xīngqī) means "week" in Chinese. This is also used to indicate which weekday you are talking about.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 Other words for "week"

4 See also

5 Sources and further reading

5.1 Books

Structure

Days of the week in Chinese are formed by the word "week" followed by a number:

English | Chinese | Chinese Pinyin
Monday | 星期一 | Xīngqīyī
Tuesday | 星期二 | Xīngqī'èr
Wednesday | 星期三 | Xīngqīsān
Thursday | 星期四 | Xīngqīsì
Friday | 星期五 | Xīngqīwǔ
Saturday | 星期六 | Xīngqīliù
Sunday | 星期天 | Xīngqītiān

Notice that Sunday is the only exception. Rather than a number, 天 (tiān) is used. More formally, Sunday is also referred to as 星期日 (xīngqīrì).

One other implication of this system that you may not have noticed: "day one" is Monday. In Chinese culture, the first day of the week is Monday, and not Sunday.

Examples

今天 是 星期一 吗？ This 是 is optional.
Jīntiān shì Xīngqīyī ma?
Is today Monday?

明天 星期五 ，太 高兴 了。 The optional 是 here is omitted.
Míngtiān Xīngqīwǔ , tài gāoxìng le.
Tomorrow is Friday. I'm so happy.

星期三 我 不在 上海。
Xīngqīsān wǒ bù zài Shànghǎi.
I'm not here in Shanghai on Wednesday.

星期二 早上 我 很 忙。
Xīngqī'èr zǎoshang wǒ hěn máng.
I am busy on Tuesday morning.

你 星期天 要 做 什么？
Nǐ Xīngqītiān yào zuò shénme?
What are you doing on Sunday?

上 个 星期五 我 跟 他 见面 了。
Shàng ge Xīngqīwǔ wǒ gēn tā jiànmiàn le.
I met him last Friday.

这 个 星期三 晚上 你 有空 吗？
Zhè ge Xīngqīsān wǎnshang nǐ yǒu kòng ma?
Are you free this Wednesday evening?

下 个 星期四 是 我 的 生日。
Xià ge Xīngqīsì shì wǒ de shēngrì.
My birthday is on next Thursday.

这个 星期五 晚上 我们 要 去 酒吧。
Zhè ge Xīngqīwǔ wǎnshang wǒmen yào qù jiǔbā.
We're going to a bar this Friday night.

星期六 和 星期天 我们 不 上班。
Xīngqīliù hé Xīngqītiān wǒmen bù shàngbān.
Saturday and Sunday we don't work.

Other words for "week"

Hopefully this doesn't freak you out, but there are actually two other ways to say "week" in Chinese. You should still learn 星期 (xīngqī) first, and that's really all you need as a beginner.

The other words for "week" are 礼拜 (lǐbài) and 周 (zhōu). Skip them for now unless you really need them.

See also

Structure of numbers

Structure of dates

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 123)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (p. 142)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (p. 72)

Structure of numbers

Chinese handles numbers in a very consistent and logical way. Once you've mastered just a few tricky parts, you will know how to read out any number in Chinese.

Contents

1 One to one hundred

1.1 Structure for the first ten

1.2 Structure for teens

1.3 Structure for tens

1.4 Examples

2 After one hundred

2.1 Dealing with Zeroes

2.2 Examples

2.3 For numbers 110 and greater

2.4 Examples

3 After one thousand

3.1 Examples

4 10,000 and beyond

5 See also

6 Sources and further reading

6.1 Books

One to one hundred

Structure for the first ten

You just have to memorize these ten; nothing tricky there.

Numeral | Character | Pinyin
1 | 一 | yī
2 | 二 | èr
3 | 三 | sān
4 | 四 | sì
5 | 五 | wǔ
6 | 六 | liù
7 | 七 | qī
8 | 八 | bā
9 | 九 | jiǔ
10 | 十 | shí

Phone Numbers

Like in American English, Chinese phone numbers are given as a string of individual numbers, using the digits 0-9. The only trick is that the number 1 is often pronounced "yāo" instead of "yī" to avoid confusion with number 7, which is pronounced "qī."

110 Number for the police in the PRC yāo yāo líng

120 Number for an ambulance in the PRC yāo èr líng

119 Number to report a fire in the PRC yāo yāo jiǔ

13501200120 Cell phone numbers are 11 digits in the PRC yāo sān wǔ, líng yāo èr líng, líng yāo èr líng

Structure for teens

十 + x

Eleven, twelve and the teens are handled very logically. They're formed with 十 (shí) followed by a digit 一 (yī) to 九 (jiǔ). So eleven is 十一 (shí-yī), twelve is 十二 (shí-èr), thirteen is 十三 (shí-sān), and so on up to nineteen, which is 十九 (shí-jiǔ).

Numeral | Character | Pinyin
11 | 十一 | shí-yī
12 | 十二 | shí-èr
13 | 十三 | shí-sān
14 | 十四 | shí-sì
15 | 十五 | shí-wǔ
16 | 十六 | shí-liù
17 | 十七 | shí-qī
18 | 十八 | shí-bā
19 | 十九 | shí-jiǔ

Structure for tens

All the tens are also formed very logically. Twenty is 二十 (èrshí), thirty is 三十 (sānshí), and so on. Units in the tens are simply added on the end. So twenty one is 二十一 (èrshí-yī), thirty four is 三十四 (sānshí-sì), and ninety-nine is 九十九 (jiǔshí-jiǔ). All very logical and consistent.

x + 十

x + 十 + y

Examples

Numeral | Character | Pinyin
20 | 二十 | èrshí
23 | 二十三 | èrshí-sān
30 | 三十 | sānshí
39 | 三十九 | sānshí-jiǔ
40 | 四十 | sìshí
44 | 四十四 | sìshí-sì
50 | 五十 | wǔshí
73 | 七十三 | qīshí-sān
82 | 八十二 | bāshí-èr
97 | 九十七 | jiǔshí-qī

And one hundred is simply 一百 (yībǎi), as in English. So you now know how to count to one hundred in Chinese.

After one hundred

Dealing with Zeroes

Note: when there's a "0" in the middle of a number, you read it as (líng), and don't put a number after it.

x + 百 + 零 + y

Examples

Numeral | Character | Pinyin
101 | 一百零一 | yībǎi líng yī
202 | 二百零二 | èrbǎi líng èr
206 | 二百零六 | èrbǎi líng liù
305 | 三百零五 | sānbǎi líng wǔ
407 | 四百零七 | sìbǎi líng qī
504 | 五百零四 | wǔbǎi líng sì
602 | 六百零二 | liùbǎi líng èr
701 | 七百零一 | qībǎi líng yī
803 | 八百零三 | bābǎi líng sān
909 | 九百零九 | jiǔbǎi líng jiǔ

For numbers 110 and greater

x + 百 + y + 十 + z

For numbers greater than 100, if the number ends in zero (110, 230, 370, 450, etc.), a number like 150 can be read as 一百五十 (yībǎi wǔshí), but is often read as 一百五 (yībǎi wǔ). In fact, reading it as 一百五 (yībǎi wǔ) always means 150, never 105. As described above, 105 would be read as 一百零五 (yībǎi líng wǔ).

For numbers greater than 100 that end in a number in the teens, it's normal to pronounce the ten as "yīshí" rather than just "shí" (see the examples below).

Also, sometimes the number 200, or "二百", is pronounced "èrbǎi," and sometimes it is pronounced "liǎngbǎi." Both are OK.

Examples

Numeral | Character | Pinyin
110 | 一百十 | yībǎi yīshí
111 | 一百一十一 | yībǎi yīshí yī
210 | 二百一十 | èrbǎi yīshí
350 | 三百五十 | sānbǎi wǔshí
480 | 四百八十 | sìbǎi bāshí
550 | 五百五十 | wǔbǎi wǔshí
635 | 六百三十五 | liùbǎi sānshí wǔ
777 | 七百七十七 | qībǎi qīshí qī
832 | 八百三十二 | bābǎi sānshí èr
999 | 九百九十九 | jiǔbǎi jiǔshí jiǔ

After one thousand

千 (qiān) means "thousand" in Chinese. Its rules of usage are similar to the rules for "hundred." Just note that no matter how many zeroes are in the middle of the number, you just say 零 (líng) once.

Examples

Numeral | Character | Pinyin
1001 | 一千零一 | yīqiān líng yī
1010 | 一千零一十 | yīqiān líng yīshí
1019 | 一千零一十九 | yīqiān líng yīshí-jiǔ
1020 | 一千零二十 | yīqiān líng èrshí
1100 | 一千一百 | yīqiān yībǎi
1101 | 一千一百零一 | yīqiān yībǎi líng yī
1234 | 一千二百三十四 | yīqiān èrbǎi sānshí-sì
2345 | 两千三百四十五 | liǎngqiān sānbǎi sìshí-wǔ
8765 | 八千七百六十五 | bāqiān qībǎi liùshí-wǔ
9999 | 九千九百九十九 | jiǔqiān jiǔbǎi jiǔshí-jiǔ

10,000 and beyond

Things get a little trickier once you get to 10,000. If you're ready for it, you can move on to big numbers.

See also

Big numbers

Structure of dates

Structure of days of the week

Measure words

"Èr" and "liǎng"

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 70-1)　

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (pp. 273-4)

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 15-6)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 104)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (p. 122)

>New Practical Chinese Reader 2 (新实用汉语课本2) (p. 18)

New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (p. 81)

Structure of times (basic)

Time in Chinese, just like in English, is expressed by stating the hour first, and then the minute.

Contents

1 On the hour

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Half hours

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

On the hour

The time of day in Chinese is formed with a number 1 to 12 (一 (yī) to 十二 (shí-èr)) followed by 点 (diăn). This 点 (diăn) is equivalent to o'clock in English. In China, people generally use a twelve-hour clock, preceded by 上午 (shàngwŭ) for "a.m." or 下午 (xiàwŭ) for "p.m." when necessary.

Structure

(Date and/or time of day +) x 点

Examples

If you want to include more specific information, start with the day or date, followed by the general time of day, with the exact clock time last. (This is the big-to-small pattern.)

九 点
jiǔ diǎn
9 o'clock

上午 七 点
shàngwǔ qī diǎn
7 o'clock a.m.

下午 四 点
xiàwǔ sì diǎn
4 o'clock p.m.

中午 十二 点
zhōngwǔ shí-èr diǎn
12 o'clock noon

明天 晚上 七 点
míngtiān wǎnshang qī diǎn
7 o'clock p.m. tomorrow evening

9 月 9 号 早上 六 点
jiǔ yuè jiǔ hào zǎoshang liù diǎn
September 9th, 6 o'clock a.m.

星期三 上午 九 点
Xīngqīsān shàngwǔ jiǔ diǎn
Wednesday at 9 o'clock a.m.

Note that two o'clock is 两点 (liǎng diǎn), not 二点 (èr diǎn). (For more information on when to use 两 (liǎng) vs. 二 (èr), see "Er" and "liang").

Half hours

Half hours are added after 点 (diăn) and are indicated with 半 (bàn).

Structure

x 点 + 半

Examples

五 点 半
wǔ diǎn bàn
5:30

下午 两 点 半
xiàwǔ liǎng diǎn bàn
2:30 p.m.

星期天 上午 十 点 半
Xīngqītiān shàngwǔ shí diǎn bàn
Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

昨天 晚上 七 点 半
zuótiān wǎnshang qī diǎn bàn
7:30 yesterday evening

今天 下午 四 点 半
jīntiān xiàwǔ sì diǎn bàn
4:30 p.m. this afternoon.

As a beginner, that should be all you need. If you've mastered all of these structures and want to get a little more advanced, see structure of times (advanced).

See also

Structure of times (advanced)

Structure of numbers

Structure of dates

Structure of days of the week

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 74-5)　

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (pp. 160)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 185)

Expressing close possession without "de" 的

Expressing possession in Chinese is accomplished with the particle 的 (de). But sometimes when certain (especially close) relationships are involved, it's more natural to drop the 的 (de).

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Structure

Pronoun + Noun

Normally possession is expressed with the particle 的 (de). However, you can omit 的 (de) in these cases:

A close personal relationship (family, close friends, boyfriends/girlfriends) is involved

An institutional or organizational relationship (school, work) is involved

In these cases 的 (de) should be omitted. It doesn't sound as natural if you leave it in.

Examples

我 家 很 大。
Wǒ jiā hěn dà.

My house is very big.

你 哥哥 很 高 。
Nǐ gēge hěn gāo.
Your big brother is very tall.

这 是 我 女朋友 。
Zhè shì wǒ nǚpéngyou .
This is my girlfriend.

她 妈妈 很 漂亮。
Tā māma hěn piàoliang.
Her mom is very pretty.

我们 学校 很 大 。
Wǒmen xuéxiào hěn dà.
Our school is big.

他们 公司 在 北京。
Tāmen gōngsī zài Běijīng.
Their company is in Bejing.

你 男朋友 很 帅。
Nǐ nán péngyou hěn shuài.
Your boyfriend is very handsome.

他 儿子 很 有名。
Tā érzi hěn yǒumíng.
His son is really famous.

我 女儿 会 说 英语。
Wǒ nǚ'ér huì shuō Yīngyǔ.
My daughter can speak English.

他 爸爸 是 我们 公司 的 老板。
Tā bàba shì wǒmen gōngsī de lǎobǎn.
His dad is the boss of our company.

If 的 (de) was used in the above examples, it would create an unnatural sense of distance between the two.

See also

Expressing possession with "de"

Modifying nouns with adjective + "de"

Modifying nouns with phrase + "de"

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (p. 76)

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (p. 31)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 87)

Expressing possession with "de" "的"

In Chinese, possession is marked with the particle 的 (de), placed after the "owner" noun or noun phrase. This particle works in a similar way to apostrophe-"s" in English, but is used much more broadly in Chinese. This article highlights one of its simplest and most common usages.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

Structure

Noun 1 + 的 + Noun 2

This means "Noun 1's Noun 2" (where Noun 2 belongs to Noun 1).

The structure is super simple. It will take a bit of time before you realize how truly universal this pattern is. It doesn't matter whether the "Noun 1" is a person, place, or thing, or even if it's a pronoun (like "he," "she," or "it"). The structure stays consistent.

Examples

我 的 老师
wǒ de lǎoshī
my teacher

你 的 手机
nǐ de shǒujī
your cell phone

我们 的 钱
wǒmen de qián
our money

他们 的 东西
tāmen de dōngxī
their stuff

爸爸 的 车
bàba de chē
dad's car

你们 的 菜
nǐmen de cài
your food

北京 的 空气
Běijīng de kōngqì
Beijing's air

公司 的 老板
gōngsī de lǎobǎn
the company's boss

上海 的 天气
Shànghǎi de tiānqì
Shanghai's weather

老师 的 朋友
lǎoshī de péngyou
teacher's friend

See also

Expressing close possession

Modifying nouns with adjective + "de"

Modifying nouns with phrase + "de"

Sources and further reading

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (p. 45)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 87)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 101-2)

New Practical Chinese Reader 2 (新实用汉语课本2) (pp. 64-5)

Questions with "ne" "呢"

The particle 呢 (ne) can be used to ask reciprocal questions, also known as "bounce back" questions. 呢 (ne) can also be used to form simple questions asking "what about...?" or "how about...?"

Contents

1 General Questions with 呢

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Asking "Where" with 呢

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

General Questions with 呢

Structure

Topic + 呢 ？

And it's as simple as that. Say what you want to ask about, then stick 呢 (ne) on the end. A very common way to use this is to return a question after being asked it. The classic example is this exchange:

A: 你 好 吗 ？
Nǐ hǎo ma?

B: 我 很 好。你 呢 ？
Wǒ hěn hǎo. Nǐ ne ?

A: 我 也 很 好 。
Wǒ yě hěn hǎo.

Examples

More 呢 (ne) examples (each of these can be translated as a "what about" question):

这 个 很 好 ， 那 个 呢 ？
Zhè ge hěn hǎo, nà ge ne ?
This one is good. What about that one?

这 个 用 中文 怎么 说？那 个 呢 ？
Zhè ge yòng Zhōngwén zěnme shuō? Nà ge ne ?
How do I say this in Chinese? And that?

我 在 家，你 呢 ？
Wǒ zài jiā. Nǐ ne ?
I'm at home. What about you?

你 爸爸 是 上海 人 ，你 妈妈 呢 ？
Nǐ bàba shì Shànghǎi rén, nǐ māma ne ?
Your father is Shanghainese. And your mom?

你 说 他们 可以 去。我们 呢 ？
Nǐ shuō tāmen kěyǐ qù. Wǒmen ne ?
You said they can go. What about us?

你 哥哥 有 工作，弟弟 呢 ？
Nǐ gēge yǒu gōngzuò. Dìdi ne ?
Your big brother has a job. What about your little brother?

北京 下雨 了 。 上海 呢 ？
Běijīng xiàyǔ le. Shànghǎi ne ?
It's raining in Beijing. How about in Shanghai?

我 现在 要 出去 。 你 呢 ？
Wǒ xiànzài yào chūqù. Nǐ ne ?
I'm going to go out now. How about you?

我 知道 你 会 说 中文 。 你 老公 呢 ？
Wǒ zhīdao nǐ huì shuō Zhōngwén. Nǐ lǎogōng ne ?
I know you can speak Chinese. What about your husband?

这 个 周末 我 想 去 酒吧 。 你们 呢 ？
Zhè ge zhōumò wǒ xiǎng qù jiǔbā. Nǐmen ne ?
I want to go to a bar this weekend. What about you all?

今天 晚上 没 空 ？ 明天 晚上 呢 ？
Jīntiān wǎnshang méi kòng? Míngtiān wǎnshang ne ?
You don't have time tonight? What about tomorrow evening?

Asking "Where" with 呢

You'll occasionally hear someone seemingly using 呢 (ne) out of the blue. When this happens, they're usually asking where someone or something is, and they expect that you know what they're talking about and know where that person or thing is.

Structure

[Missing Person/Thing] + 呢 ？

Examples

This one is simple, so just a few examples are needed:

钱 呢 ？
Qián ne ?
Where's the money?

你 妈妈 呢 ？
Nǐ māma ne ?
Where's your mom?

我 的 手机 呢 ？
Wǒ de shǒujī ne ?
Where's my cell phone?

See also

Yes-no questions with "ma"

Tag questions with "ma"

Softening the tone of questions with "ne" (advanced article)

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (p. 137)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 23-4)

Mandarin Chinese: A Functional Reference Grammar (pp. 300-7)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (pp. 87-8)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 102-3, 251)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册） (p. 97)

Suggestions with "ba" "吧"

The particle 吧 (ba) has a number of different uses. Here we'll talk about the simplest way to use 吧 (ba): making suggestions.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Structure

Command + 吧

Note that in Chinese, whenever you have a command with the subject "we," you're basically just saying, "let's (do something)." 吧 (ba) just makes the suggestion sound more tentative and more polite.

Examples

我们 走 吧 。
This is a suggestion
Wǒmen zǒu ba .
Let's go.

你 说 吧 。
This is a suggestion
Nǐ shuō ba .
You say it.

快 点 吃 吧 。
This is a suggestion
Kuài diǎn chī ba .
Hurry up and eat.

给 我 两 个 吧 。
This is a suggestion
Gěi wǒ liǎng gè ba .
Give me two.

喝 啤酒 吧 。
This is a most welcome suggestion!
Hē píjiǔ ba .
Have some beer.

我们 去 香港 吧 。
This is a great suggestion
Wǒmen qù Xiānggǎng ba .
Let's go to Hong Kong.

我们 六 点 去 吧 ？
This is more of a confirmation than a suggestion
Wǒmen liù diǎn qù ba ?
We're going at 6 o'clock (right)?

休息 一下 吧 。
This is a suggestion
Xiūxi yīxià ba .
Take a break.

我们 结婚 吧 。
This is a also suggestion, believe it or not!
Wǒmen jiéhūn ba .
Let's get married.

老板 ，便宜 一点 吧 。
This is more of a request, made to a shopkeeper
Lǎobǎn, piányi yīdiǎn ba .
Boss, can you make it cheaper?

See also

Softening speech with "ba"

Softening the tone of questions with "ne" (advanced article)

Conceding with "ba"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (p. 66)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (p. 129)

Mandarin Chinese: A Functional Reference Grammar (pp. 307-311)

Expressing existence in a place with "zài" "在>"

The verb 在 (zài) expresses existence in a location, similar to how we say in English, "to be at" or "to be in."

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Structure

The verb 在 (zài) is used to express existence in a place. English does not have a verb exclusively for this purpose, and instead uses "to be" with a preposition. In Chinese, 在 (zài) can cover both of these roles.

Subj. + 在 + Place

Remember that you don't need another verb in this construction. It can be tempting to try use 是 shì), as English uses "to be," but this is not correct. 在 (zài) is the only verb needed.

Examples

我 在 上海。
Wǒ zài Shànghǎi.
I'm in Shanghai.

他们 在 英国。
Tāmen zài Yīngguó.
They're in England.

老板 在 外面。
Lǎobǎn zài wàimian.
The boss is outside.

他 不 在 学校。
Tā bù zài xuéxiào.
He's not at school.

她 现在 在 家 吗？
Tā xiànzài zài jiā ma？
Is she at home now?

你 在 公司 吗？ Literally: "Are you at the company?"
Nǐ zài gōngsī ma?
Are you at the office?

老师 不 在 办公室 吗？
Lǎoshī bù zài bàngōngshì ma?
Is the teacher not in the office?

谁 在 楼上？
Shéi zài lóushàng?
Who is upstairs?

我 和 朋友 在 酒吧。
Wǒ hé péngyou zài jiǔbā.
I'm with a friend at a bar.

你们 明天 在 北京 吗？
Nǐ míngtiān zài Běijīng ma?
Are you in Beijing tomorrow?

See also

Indicating location with "zài" before verbs

Special cases of "zài" following verbs

Expressing location with "zài...shàng/xià/lǐ"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 85-7)

New Practical Chinese Reader 2 (新实用汉语课本2) (pp. 154)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册） (p. 73)

Expressing existence with "yǒu" "有"

有 (yǒu) can mean "to have," but it's also used to say "there is" or "there are."

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

Structure

The verb 有 (yǒu), which means "to have," can also be used to express existence. This is similar to saying "there is" or "there are" in English.

Place + 有 + Obj.

Examples

我 家 有 很 多 小 狗。
Wǒ jiā yǒu hěn duō xiǎo gǒu.
There are a lot of puppies in my home.

我们 学校 有 很 多 帅哥 。
Wǒmen xuéxiào yǒu hěn duō shuàigē.
There are a lot of cute guys in our school.

日本 有 很 多 中国人。
Rìběn yǒu hěn duō Zhōngguó rén.
There are many Chinese people in Japan.

这 个 酒吧 有 很 多 美女。
Zhè ge jiǔbā yǒu hěn duō měinǚ.
There are a lot of pretty girls in this bar.

你 家 有 啤酒 吗？
Nǐ jiā yǒu píjiǔ ma?
Is there beer in your house?

这里 有 一 个 问题。
Zhèlǐ yǒu yī gè wènti.
There is a problem here.

房间 里 有 人 吗？
Fángjiān lǐ yǒu rén ma?
Is there anyone in the room?

杯子 里 有 水 吗？
Bēizi lǐ yǒu shuǐ ma?
Is there any water in the cup?

我 的 手机 里 有 你 的 号码。
Wǒ de shǒujī lǐ yǒu nǐ de hàomǎ.
Your number is in my cell phone.

现在 超市 里 有 鬼 吗？
Xiànzài chāoshì lǐ yǒu guǐ ma?
Is there a ghost in the supermarket now?

See also

Expressing existence

Sources and further reading

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 87-8)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (p. 53)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 105)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 122-3)

New Practical Chinese Reader 2 (新实用汉语课本2) (p. 155)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (pp. 300-1)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册） (pp. 62, 73)

Expressing possession with "yoǔ" "有"

有 (yǒu) can be used in various ways, but the most basic meaning of this verb you need to know is "to have."

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 Negating 有

4 See also

5 Sources and further reading

Structure

Subj. + 有 + Obj.

Examples

我 有 钱。
Wǒ yǒu qián.
I have money.

你 有 房子 吗？
Nǐ yǒu fángzi ma?
Do you have a house?

她 没 有 车。
Tā méi yǒu chē.
She doesn't have a car.

他 有 女 朋友 吗？
Tā yǒu nǚpéngyou ma?
Does he have a girlfriend?

我们 有 三 个 女儿 。
Wǒmen yǒu sān gè nǚ'ér.
We have three daughters.

我们 家 有 两 个 公司 。
Wǒmen jiā yǒu liǎng gè gōngsī.
Our family has two companies.

你 有 一百 块 钱 吗？
Nǐ yǒu yī bǎi kuài qián ma?
Do you have 100 kuài RMB?

你 的 老师 有 iPad 吗？
Nǐ de lǎoshī yǒu iPad ma?
Does your teacher have an iPad?

我爸爸 没 有 工作。
Wǒ bàba méi yǒu gōngzuò.
My dad doesn't have a job.

今天 你 有 课 吗？
Jīntiān nǐ yǒu kè ma?
Do you have classes today?

Negating 有

The verb 有 (yǒu) is negated in a special way. Unlike most verbs, it is negated with 没 (méi), instead of 不 (bù). The negative form of 有 (yǒu) then, is 没有 (méiyǒu). For more on that topic, see our article on negation of "you".

See also

Expressing existence with "ài"

Negation of "yǒu" with "méi"

Sources and further reading

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 87-8)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (p. 53)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 105)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 122-3)

New Practical Chinese Reader 2 (新实用汉语课本2) (p. 155)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (pp. 300-1)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册） (pp. 62, 73)

Using the verb "jiào" "叫"

The verb 叫 (jiào) is used to indicate what someone or something is called, or what someone or something's name is. Its usage can seem a little weird to beginners, so it gets its own grammar point.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Structure

The verb 叫 (jiào) means both "to call" and "to be called." It's an easy way to give names, using the following structure:

Subj. + 叫 + [Name]

This can be used to give your full name or just your first name.

Examples

我 叫 Tom。
Note: it even works if you don't have a Chinese name!
Wǒ jiào Tom. My name is Tom.

他 叫 李小龙。
Note: this is the real name of Bruce Lee
Tā jiào Lǐ Xiǎolóng.
His name is Li Xiaolong.

我 哥哥 叫 老马 。
Note: this is probably not his real name
Wǒ gēge jiào Lǎo Mǎ.
My brother is called Lao Ma.

那 个 叫 什么？
Nà ge jiào shénme?
What is that called?

这 个 美女 叫 Alana。
Zhè ge měinǚ jiào Alana.
This pretty girl is named Alana.

我们 的 老板 叫 John。
Wǒmen de lǎobǎn jiào John.
Our boss is named John.

我 的 狗 叫 Maximus。
Wǒ de gǒu jiào Maximus.
My dog is called Maximus.

这 种 啤酒 叫 PBR。
Zhè zhǒng píjiǔ jiào PBR.
This kind of beer is called PBR.

你爸爸 叫 什么？
Nǐ bàba jiào 什么?
What is your dad's name?

这 个 地方 叫 外滩。
Zhè ge dìfang jiào Wàitān.
This place is called the Bund.

You can also ask people their names using 叫 (jiào):

你 叫 什么 名字 ？
Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?
What's your name?

See also

Using the verb "xìng"

Introducing people

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 24-5)

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (p. 303)

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (p. 49)

Using the verb "qu" "去"

You can use 去 (qù) whenever you have somewhere to go. It's pretty easy to get a handle on this verb; the only trick is getting used to not needing a word for "to" before the destination.

Contents

1 去 with just a Place

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 去 with a Verb

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

去 with just a Place

The verb 去 (qù) means "to go," and is an easy way to talk about going to places.

Structure

Subj. + 去 + [Place]

Notice that you don't need a word to express "to."

Examples

我 去 公司 。
公司 literally means "company" but is often used to mean "office."
Wǒ qù gōngsī.
I'm going to the office.

你 去 洗手间 吗？
Nǐ qù xǐshǒujiān ma?
Are you going to the restroom?

下午 我 会 去 超市。
Xiàwǔ wǒ huì qù chāoshì.
In the afternoon, I'll go to the supermarket.

我们 现在 去 公园。
Wǒmen xiànzài qù gōngyuán.
We're going to the park now.

晚上 我们 去 酒吧 。你 去 吗 ？
Wǎnshang wǒmen qù jiǔbā. Nǐ qù ma?
Tonight we're going to the bar. Are you going?

You can also use 去 (qù) for asking questions. (Note the use of question words and question particles.)

A: 你 去 哪儿 ？
Nǐ qù nǎr ?
Where are you going?

B: 我 去 学校 。
Wǒ qù xuéxiào .
I am going to school.

B: 你 去 我家 吗 ？
Nǐ qù wǒjiā ma ?
Are you going to my place?

A: 我 去 。 literally, "I'm going."
Wǒ qù .
Yes.

When answering a yes-no question that uses 去 (qù) you don't need anything following it. However, it's important to note that you cannot just use 去 (qù) when there is no context.

去 with a Verb

Instead of a place, 去 (qù) can also be followed by some sort of action. The structure then means "go to do (something)," and "go and do (something)."

Structure

Subj. + 去 + Verb

Examples

我 去 工作 。
Wǒ qù gōngzuò.
I'm going to work.

他 去 上课 。
Tā qù shàngkè.
He's going to class.

你 想 去 旅行 吗？
Nǐ xiǎng qù lǚxíng ma?
Would you like to go travel?

我们 去 吃饭 吧 。
Wǒmen qù chīfàn ba.
Let's go eat.

九 点 我们 去 买 。
Jiǔ diǎn wǒmen qù mǎi.
At 9 o'clock, we'll go buy it.

See also

Expressing movement

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (p. 106)　

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 455-6)

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (p. 67)

Using the verb xìng "姓"

The verb 姓 (xìng) literally means "to be surnamed" or "to have the surname." It may seem awkward at first that there's a verb just for this, but you'll find that it's used quite often in Chinese.

Contents

1 Giving One's Surname

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Asking Someone's Surname

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

Giving One's Surname

姓 (xìng) is used most often to tell someone your own surname, or to ask the surname of someone else.

Structure

Subj. + 姓 + [Surname]

Examples

我 姓 王。
Wǒ xìng Wáng.
My last name is Wang.

你 老板 姓 宋 吗？
Nǐ lǎobǎn xìng Sòng ma?
Is your boss‘s last name Song?

那 个 帅哥 姓 张。
Nà ge shuàigē xìng Zhāng.
That handsome guy's last name is Zhang.

我 爸爸 姓 周，我 妈妈 姓 林 。我 叫 周林。
Wǒ bàba xìng Zhōu, wǒ māma xìng Lín. Wǒ jiào Zhōu Lín.
My father's last name is Zhou, my mother's last name is Lin. My name is Zhou Lin.

他 女朋友 姓 钱。
Tā nǚpéngyou xìng Qián.
His girlfriend's last name is Qian.

你好，我 姓 毛。
Nǐ hǎo, wǒ xìng Máo.
Hello. My last name is Mao.

我 姓 赵，我 太太 也 姓 赵。
Wǒ xìng Zhào, wǒ tàitai yě xìng Zhào.
My last name is Zhao. My wife's last name is also Zhao.

我 的 中文 老师 姓 于。
Wǒ de Zhōngwén lǎoshī xìng Yú.
My Chinese teacher's last name is Yu.

你 奶奶 也 姓 陈 吗 ？
Nǐ nǎinai yě xìng Chén ma?
Is your grandma's last name also Chen?

他们 都 姓 李。
Tāmen dōu xìng Lǐ.
All of their last names are Li.

Asking Someone's Surname

You can also use 姓 (xìng) to ask people their surnames. You could do this quite directly by saying:

你 姓 什么？
Nǐ xìng shénme?
What is your last name?

However, the formal way to ask has a set form:

您 贵 姓 ？
Nín guì xìng?
What is your honorable surname?

Literally this means "What is your honorable surname?" Use this form to be polite when asking people their surnames.

See also

Using the verb "jiào"

Introducing people

Sources and further reading

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 22-3)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 39)

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (p. 49)

The Basic "How to do" Something with "zěnme" "怎么"

怎么 (zěnme) means "how" in Chinese, and it's not hard to use at all: just put it before a verb.

Contents

1 The Basic "How to Verb" Something

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Topic First

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

The Basic "How to Verb" Something

Structure

The question word 怎么 (zěnme) is used to ask how in Chinese. It is inserted in front of the verb that's being asked about:

Subj. + 怎么 + Verb + Obj.

Note that the subject can often be omitted from general "how to" questions, and there doesn't always have to be an object.

Examples

你们 怎么 学 中文？
Nǐmen zěnme xué Zhōngwén?
How do you study Chinese?

你 怎么 上班？坐 地铁 吗？
Nǐ zěnme shàngbān? Zuò dìtiě ma?
How do you get to work? By metro?

你 知道 怎么 去 外滩 吗？
Nǐ zhīdao zěnme qù​ Wàitān ma?
Do you know how to get to the Bund?

你 怎么 知道 我 喜欢 旅行？
Nǐ zěnme zhīdao wǒ xǐhuan lǚxíng?
How did you know I like to travel?

我 不 知道 怎么 跟 女孩子 说话。
Wǒ bù zhīdao zěnme gēn nǚháizi shuōhuà.
I don't know how to talk to girls.

Topic First

Starting a "how to" question with the topic at the beginning of the question is very common. That is, the thing being asked about is introduced first, then a question is asked about how to do something involving it.

Structure

Topic + 怎么 + Verb

The object doesn't have to come after the verb. Sometimes it moves to the front of the question, establishing what the question is going to be about, before getting specific with the "how" question.

Examples

芒果 怎么 吃？
Mángguǒ zěnme chī?
How do you eat mangos?

iPad 怎么 用？
iPad zěnme yòng?
How do you use an iPad?

语法 怎么 学 ？
Yǔfǎ zěnme xué?
How do you study grammar?

中国 菜 怎么 做？
Zhōngguó cài zěnme zuò?
How do you cook Chinese food?

"Apple" 怎么 说？
"Apple" zěnme shuō?
How do you say "apple"?

See also

Placement of question words

Asking questions

Sources and further reading

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (p. 191)

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 651-2)

Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (p. 163)

Negation of past actions with "meiyou" "没有"

Use 没有 (méiyǒu) to negate past actions (to say that someone didn't do something, or something didn't happen).

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 Go easy on the 了 (le)

4 See also

5 Sources and further reading

5.1 Books

5.2 Videos

Structure

Usually verbs can be negated with 不 (bù), but that construction is used for habitual or present actions. If the verb is about an action in the past, though, 没有 (méiyǒu) should be used:

Subj. + 没有 / 没 + Verb

Note that you can shorten 没有 (méiyǒu) to just 没 (méi).

Examples

我 没有 去 上班。
Wǒ méiyǒu qù shàngbān.
I didn't go to work.

他们 没有 说话。
Tāmen méiyǒu shuōhuà.
They didn't speak.

我 没有 喝 你 的 啤酒。
Wǒ méiyǒu hē nǐ de píjiǔ.
I didn't drink your beer.

她 没有 看到 你。
Tā méiyǒu kàn dào nǐ.
She didn't see you.

我 没有 吃 早饭。
Wǒ méiyǒu chī zǎofàn.
I didn't eat breakfast.

宝宝 没 哭。
有 has been omitted here.
Bǎobao méi kū.
The baby didn't cry.

你 昨天 没 回家 吗？
Nǐ zuótiān méi huíjiā ma?
You didn't go back home yesterday?

老板 今天 没 来 吗？
Lǎobǎn jīntiān méi​ lái ma?
The boss didn't come today?

老师 今天 没 生气 。
Lǎoshī jīntiān méi shēngqì.
The teacher didn't get angry today.

妈妈 晚上 没 做 饭。
Māma wǎnshang méi zuò fàn.
Mom didn't cook food this evening.

Go easy on the 了 (le)

One thing you need to remember when using 没有 (méiyǒu) is that 了 (le) is not normally used with 没有 (méiyǒu). 了 (le) marks completed actions, while 没有 (méiyǒu) is used for actions that didn't happen (so of course they're not completed). These two don't work together. This is a very common mistake for beginner learners of Chinese.

我 没有 做 了 。
Wǒ méiyǒu zuò le .

我 没有 做。
Wǒ méiyǒu zuò. I didn't do it.

See also

Negation of "yǒu"

Standard negation with "bù"

Sources and further reading

Books

Practicing HSK Grammar (语法精讲精炼) (p. 32)

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (p. 383)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 138-9)

>Videos

Yoyo Chinese: Negation with 没

Negative commands with "bùyào" "不要"

You can use 不要 (bùyào) to command someone: "don't" (do something). This is similar to the other negative command "别 (bié)".

Note: The pinyin for 不要 is written "bùyào" but pronounced "búyào" due to a tone change rule.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and Further Reading

Structure

Negative commands in Chinese ("do not" or "don't") are formed with 不要. Usually the subject is omitted, as in English.

不要 + Verb

Examples

不要 走。
Bùyào zǒu.
Don't leave.

不要 打 我！
Bùyào dǎ wǒ!
Don't hit me!

不要 生气 ， 好吗 ？
Bùyào shēngqì, hǎo ma?
Don't get angry, OK?

不要 哭！
Bùyào kū!
Don't cry!

不要 吃 很 多 肉。
Bùyào chī hěn duō ròu.
Don't eat a lot of meat.

你们 不要 喝 酒。
Nǐmen bùyào hē jiǔ.
You guys, don't drink alcohol.

不要 说 英文。
Bùyào shuō Yīngwén.
Don't speak English.

晚上 不要 喝 咖啡。
Wǎnshang bùyào hē kāfēi.
Don't drink coffee at night.

上课 的 时候 不要 玩 手机！
Shàngkè de shíhou bùyào wán shǒujī!
In class don't play with your phone!

不要 很 晚 睡觉！
Bùyào hěn wǎn shuìjiào.
Don't go to bed too late.

See also

Negative commands with bie

Sources and Further Reading

Standard negation with "bù" "不"

不 (bù) is generally used to negate a verb in the present or future, or to talk about what you do not do, as a habit. So expressing things like "I don't want to go" or "I'm not going" or "I don't eat meat" would be typical uses of 不 (bù).

Contents

1 Negating Verbs

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Negating Adjectives

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and Further Reading

4.1 Books

4.2 Videos

Negating Verbs

Structure

The standard way to negate verbs in Chinese is with 不 (bù). To negate a verb, simply place 不 (bù) before it:

Subj. + 不 + Verb + Obj.

Examples

他们 不 是 坏 孩子。
Tāmen bù shì huài háizi.
They are not bad kids.

我们 都 不 喝 酒。
Wǒmen dōu bù hē jiǔ.
We all don't drink alcohol.

我 今天 不 想 工作 。
Wǒ jīntiān bù xiǎng gōngzuò .
I don't want to work today.

你 不 喜欢 我 吗？
Nǐ bù xǐhuan wǒ ma?
Do you not like me?

为什么 你 不 喜欢 喝 咖啡？
Wèishéme nǐ bù xǐhuan hē kāfēi?
Why don't you like to drink coffee?

Almost all verbs can be negated with 不 (bù) (unless you're talking about the past). The only verb that can never be negated with 不 (bù) is 有 (yǒu).

我 不有 时间。
Wǒ bù yǒu shíjiān.

我 没有 时间。
Wǒ méiyǒu shíjiān. I don't have time.

Negating Adjectives

As it turns out, the structure with an adjective is basically the same as the one with a verb.

Structure

Subj. + 不 + Adj.

Examples

我 不 饿 。
Wǒ bù è .
I'm not hungry.

这 个 不 贵 。
Zhè ge bù guì .
This is not expensive.

我们 公司 不 大 。
Wǒmen gōngsī bù dà .
Our company is not big.

老板 今天 很 不 高兴 。
Lǎobǎn jīntiān hěn bù gāoxìng .
The boss is very unhappy today.

我 哥哥 不 高 ，但是 很 帅。
Wǒ gēge bù gāo , dànshì hěn shuài.
My older brother is not tall, but he is very handsome.

See also

Negation of "yǒu"

Negation of past actions with "méiyou"

Sources and Further Reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (p. 31)

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (p. 45)

Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 146-150)

Videos

Yoyo Chinese: Negation word 不

Basic sentence order

In its most basic form, Chinese word order is very similar to English word order. These similarities definitely have their limits, though; don't expect the two languages' word orders to stay consistent for anything past the very basic sentence orders outlined below.

Contents

1 Subject-predicate

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Subject-verb-object

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 When it all falls apart

4 See also

5 Sources and further reading

Subject-predicate

The most basic word order in Chinese is:

Structure

Subj. + Verb

You can form very simple sentences with just two words.

Examples

Subject | Verb | Translation
你们 Nǐmen | 吃。 chī. | You eat.
他 Tā | 笑。 xiào. | He laughs.
我 Wǒ | 读。 dú. | I read.
你 Nǐ | 去。 qù. | You go.
你们 Nǐmen | 看。 kàn. | You look.
你 Nǐ | 来。 lái. | You come here!
我 Wǒ | 说。 shuō. | I speak.
孩子 Háizi | 哭。 kū. | Children cry.
谁 Shéi | 要 学？ yào xué? | Who wants to study?
谁 Shéi | 想 玩？ xiǎng wán? | Who wants to play?

Subject-verb-object

A basic sentence usually has an object, and is formed with this structure:

Structure

Subj.+ Verb + Obj.

This is the same as in English, and is commonly referred to as SVO word order. You can express a huge variety of things with this simple structure.

Examples

Subject | Verb | Object | Translation
他们 Tāmen | 吃 chī | 肉。 ròu. | They eat meat.
你 Nǐ | 喝 hē | 茶 吗？ chá ma? | Do you drink tea?
我 Wǒ | 去 qù | 学校。 xuéxiào. | I go to school.
他 Tā | 说 shuō | 中文。 Zhōngwén. | He speaks Chinese.
你 Nǐ | 喜欢 xǐhuan | 孩子 吗？ háizi ma? | Do you like kids?
我们 Wǒmen | 要 买 yào mǎi | 电脑。 diànnǎo. | We want to buy a computer.
你们 Nǐmen | 想 吃 xiǎng chī | 中国 菜 吗？ Zhōngguó cài ma? | Do you want to eat Chinese food?
我 Wǒ | 爱 ài | 你 和 爸爸。 nǐ hé bàba. | I love you and dad.
他们 Tāmen | 要 做 yào zuò | 什么？ shénme? | What do they want to do?
你 Nǐ | 想 去 xiǎng qù | 什么 地方？ shénme dìfang? | What place do you want to go?

When it all falls apart

Despite the convenient word order similarities highlighted above, things start to break down as soon as you start adding in such simple sentence elements as the "also" adverb 也 (yě), a time word, or a location where something happened.

Don't worry; the more complicated Chinese structures aren't hard, they're just different! (If Chinese word order were really the same as English word order, that would be just a little too convenient, wouldn't it?)

See also

Word order (a more in depth article)

Time words and word order

Topic-comment sentences

Simple "noun + adjective" sentences

Using "zài" with verbs

Expressing location with "zài...shàng/xià/lǐ"

Sources and further reading

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 11, 249)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (p. 76)

Connecting nouns with "shì" "是"

The verb to be is not used in Chinese the same way as it is in English. In Chinese, 是 (shì) is for connecting nouns, and is generally not used with adjectives.

Contents

1 Basic Sentence

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Other Uses of 是

2.1 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

Basic Sentence

Structure

The structure for connecting nouns with 是 (shì) is:

Noun 1 + 是 + Noun 2

This is equivalent to "Noun 1 is Noun 2" in English.

Chinese does not conjugate verbs. That is, the form of the verb is the same no matter who is doing it. In this case, it is always 是 (shì) and never changes. As you can see, it's easy to form simple sentences expressing to be in Chinese. The only tricky thing about 是 (shì) in Chinese is that it's used to link two nouns, so you can't rely too much on translating directly from English when it comes to expressing the English verb "to be" in Chinese.

Examples

我 是 学生。
Wǒ shì xuésheng.
I am a student.

你 是 John 吗？
Nǐ shì John ma?
Are you John?

他们 是 有钱人。
Tāmen shì yǒuqiánrén.
They are rich people.

你 是 老板 吗？
Nǐ shì lǎobǎn ma?
Are you the boss?

这 是 我 男朋友。
Zhè shì wǒ nán péngyou.
This is my boyfriend.

那 是 你们 公司 吗？
Nà shì nǐmen gōngsī ma?
Is that your company?

你 妈妈 是 老师 吗？
Nǐ māma shì lǎoshī ma?
Is your mother a teacher?

这 都 是 你 的 钱。
Zhè dōu shì nǐ de qián.
This is all your money.

那 是 什么 菜？
Nà shì shénme cài?
What food is that?

我 也 是 他 的 朋友。
Wǒ yě shì nǐ de péngyou.
I am also your friend.

Other Uses of 是

Be careful and take note. As you can see above, 是 (shì) is only used to link two nouns. It cannot be used to link a noun and an adjective. This is a very common mistake for people just beginning to learn Chinese. For that kind of sentence, you'll want to use a different structure with the linking word 很 (hěn).

In Chinese it is also possible to use the phrase "是不是 (shì bù shì)?" It can be used at the beginning or end of a sentence. It's meaning is quite similar to the English word: "right" or "aren't you?" This is very useful if you want to express concern for a person, or if you want to mix up your sentence structure a bit and make it more interesting. The 是不是 (shì bù shì) pattern is also part of the affirmative-negative questions.

Another way to use 是 (shì) is to use it as a tag question. You can add “是吗?” (shì ma?) to the end of a question to mean the English equivalent of: "is it" or "yeah?" Using this in a question usually allows the speaker to get a confirmation answer.

Examples

他 没 听 到， 是 不 是 ？
Tā méi tīng dào, shì bù shì ?
He didn't hear you, right?

你 是 不 是 还 没 吃 饭？
Nǐ shì bù shì hái méi chīfàn?
Haven't you eaten yet?

你们 是 不 是 中 国 人？
Nǐmen shì bù shì Zhōngguó rén?
Are you Chinese?

你 到 了， 是 吗 ？
Nǐ dàole, shì ma ?
You have arrived, yeah?

你 有 两 个 孩子， 是 吗 ？
Nǐ yǒu liǎng ge háizi, shì ma ?
You have two kids, yeah?

See also

Word order

Simple "noun + adjective" sentences

Sources and further reading

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (p. 29)　

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 47-8)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 44)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 50-1)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册） (p. 62)

Expressing "excessively" with "tài" "太"

In Chinese, the simplest structure for expressing too in the sense of excessively is by using the word 太 (tài). Don't forget to also add 了 (le) after the adjective to keep your Chinese sounding natural.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and Further Reading

Structure

太 + Adj. + 了

As in English, this can express that something really is excessive (often as a complaint), or can also colloquially express the meaning of so or very.

Examples

The following examples sound a little bit like a complaint, or a reason for not doing something. They're similar to how we would use "too" in English, and the translations are straightforward.

米饭 太 多 了 。
Mǐfàn tài duō le .
There is too much rice.

现在 太 晚 了 。
Xiànzài tài wǎn le .
Now it's too late.

老板 太 忙 了 。
Lǎobǎn tài máng le .
The boss is too busy.

老师 太 累 了 。
Lǎoshī tài lèi le .
The teacher is too tired.

这个 厕所 太 脏 了 。
Zhè ge cèsuǒ tài zāng le .
This restroom is too dirty.

In the following examples, the same exact pattern is used to exclaim at how good something is, so these uses are totally not complaints. The English translations have to get a little more creative to express the same feeling in English.

你 太 好 了 。
Nǐ tài hǎo le .
You are so great.

他 太 帅 了 。
Tā tài shuài le .
He is very handsome.

这 个 女孩 太 漂亮 了 。
Zhè ge nǚhái tài piàoliang le .
This girl is so pretty.

小猫 太 可爱 了 ！
Xiǎomāo tài kě'ài le !
The kitten is so cute!

你 的 孩子 太 聪明 了 。
Nǐ de háizi tài cōngming le .
Your kids are wicked smart.

Note for the more advanced learner: This pattern can be used with modal verbs (e.g. 会 (huì), 能 néng)) as well as psychological verbs (e.g. 喜欢 (xǐhuan), 想 (xiǎng), 爱 (ài)) to intensify the degree.

See also

"Not very" with "bu tài"

Positive adjectives with "-ji le"

The "zui" superlative

Special verbs with "hen"

Sources and Further Reading

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (p. 200)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 180-1)

Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (p. 57)

Simple "noun + adjective" sentences

In English, nouns can be "linked" to adjectives and other nouns with the verb to be. In Chinese, nouns are linked to other nouns in one way, but linked to adjectives in a completely different way. Nouns are linked to other nouns with 是 (shì). Nouns are linked to adjectives with 很 (hěn).

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 很 (hěn), what's your problem?!

4 See also

5 Sources and further reading

5.1 Videos

5.2 Books

Structure

Noun + 很 + Adj.

The noun in this structure is the subject of the sentence. Sometimes the 很 (hěn) in this structure is translated as "very", but often it is just a way to link a noun to an adjective.

Examples

In the following examples, 很 (hěn) is just a link (you could think of it as a substitute for the verb "to be"), and the sentences could be translated as "(Noun) is (adjective)".

我 很 好。
Wǒ hěn hǎo.
I'm good.

你 很 漂亮。
Nǐ hěn piàoliang.
You are pretty.

他 很 高兴。
Tā hěn gāoxìng.
He is happy.

中文 很 难 。
Zhōngwén hěn nán.
Chinese is difficult.

老板 很 生气。
Lǎobǎn hěn shēngqì.
The boss is angry.

猪 很 聪明 。
Zhū hěn cōngming.
Pigs are smart.

我 哥哥 也 很 高。
Wǒ gēge yě hěn gāo.
My older brother is also tall.

你 家 也 很 远 吗？
Nǐ jiā yě hěn yuǎn ma?
Is your house also far away?

爸爸 很 忙，妈妈 也 很 忙。
Bàba hěn máng, māma yě hěn máng.
Dad is busy, and mom is also busy.

他 和 他 弟弟 都 很 帅。 Tā hé tā dìdi dōu hěn shuài. He and his younger brother are both handsome.

Remember that 是 (shì) is not used to link adjectives to nouns. This is a classic mistake that almost everyone makes when learning Chinese. Make sure you use 很 (hěn) and not 是 (shì) to link adjectives to nouns, as shown below:

他 是 高 。
Tā shì gāo.

他 很 高 。
Tā hěn gāo.
He is tall.

很 (hěn), what's your problem?!

If you're like most learners, when you first learn this pattern, you're thinking, "how can 很 (hěn) mean "very" one minute, but then nothing but a "link" the next? How do I know if anything means anything in this language?" That's a reasonable response. But in the case of these "Noun + Adj." sentences, you just have to think of this usage of 很 (hěn) as an exception. It's just part of the structure.

If you actually want to add the meaning of "very" into the sentence, you could use another adverb instead of 很 (hěn). One good choice is 非常 (fēicháng).

他 很 高 。
Tā hěn gāo.
He is tall.

他 非常 高 。
Tā fēicháng gāo.
He is very tall.

See also

Connecting nouns with "shì"

Sources and further reading

>Videos

Yoyo Chinese: "To be" + Adjectives

Books

Basic Patterns of Chinese Grammar (pp. 56-8)

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 44-5)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 126-8)　

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (pp. 20-1, 143)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 23, 166, 249)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册） (p. 86)

Affirmative-negative question

Also known as: 正反问句 (zhèng-fǎn wènjù) and alternative questions.

A common way to form questions in Chinese is to first use a verb in the positive, then repeat the same verb in its negative form, similar to how in English we can say, "Do you have money or not?" or "Have you or have you not been to the park?" This sentence pattern feels a lot more natural in Chinese than those admittedly awkward English equivalents, however.

Contents

1 Verb-Not-Verb

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Verb-Not-Verb with an Object

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 Adjective-Not-Adjective

3.1 Structure

3.2 Examples

4 Two-character verbs or adjectives in positive-negative questions

4.1 Structure

4.2 Examples

5 有 in positive-negative questions

5.1 Structure

5.2 Examples

6 See also

7 Sources and further reading

7.1 Videos

7.2 Books

Verb-Not-Verb

Structure

Verb + 不 + Verb

Examples

是 不 是 ？
Shì bù shì ?
Is it (or not)?

他们 来 不 来 ？
Tāmen lái bù lái ?
Are they going to come or not?

你 想 不 想 我 ？
Nǐ xiǎng bù xiǎng wǒ?
Do you or do you not miss me?

我们 要 去 酒吧， 你 去 不 去 ？
Wǒmen yào qù jiǔbā, nǐ qù bù qù ?
We are going to the bar.Do you want to go?

我 去 买 咖啡 ，你 要 不 要 ？
Wǒ qù mǎi kāfēi, yào bù yào ?
I‘m going to buy coffee.Do you want some?

Note that the question provides the listener with both possible answers: it's either "Verb" or "不 (bù) Verb."

Verb-Not-Verb with an Object

Structure

If you want to add an object after the verb, the general sentence structure is:

Subj. + Verb + 不 + Verb + Obj.

Examples

你 回 不 回 家？
Nǐ huí bù huí jiā?
Are you coming back home or not?

她 吃 不 吃 鱼？
Tā chī bù chī yú?
Does she eat fish?

你们 要 不 要 米饭？
Nǐmen yào bù yào mǐfàn?
Do you want rice?

你爸爸 喝 不 喝 酒？
Nǐ bàba ​ hē bù hē jiǔ?
Does your dad drink alcohol or not?

今天 老板 来 不 来 办公室？
Jīntiān lǎobǎn lái bù lái bàngōngshì?
Is the boss coming to the office today?

Adjective-Not-Adjective

Structure

It can also be done with adjectives (adjectives often behave like verbs in Chinese):

Adj. + 不 + Adj.

Examples

好 不 好 ？
Hǎo bù hǎo ?
Is it good? (or "good or not good?")

热 不 热 ？
Rè bù rè ?
Is it hot?

他 帅 不 帅 ？
Tā shuài bù shuài ?
Is he handsome?

这里 的 咖啡 贵 不 贵 ？
Zhèlǐ de kāfēi gùi bù gùi ?
Is the coffee expensive here?

中国 菜 辣 不 辣 ？
Zhōngguó cài là bù là ?
Is Chinese food spicy?

Again, the question provides the listener with both possible answers: it's either "Adjective" or "不 (bù) Adjective."

These are something like adding tag questions in English, in this case "Are you an adult or not?" If you wanted to translate it very literally, it would be, "Are you or are you not an adult?" In any case, the structure is a very common way to ask questions in Chinese.

Two-character verbs or adjectives in positive-negative questions

All of the verbs used so far have been single-character verbs. Using two-characters verbs in positive-negative questions is slightly trickier. You usually put 不 (bù) after just the first character, then put the entire verb. For example 喜不喜欢 (xǐ bù xǐhuan) is the usual question form of 喜欢 (xǐhuan). You can repeat the whole two-character verb twice, but it's more common (and more elegant) to insert 不 (bù) after the first character (and the same is generally true of two-character adjectives).

Structure

It can be done with verbs:

[First Character of Verb] + 不 + Verb

It can also be done with adjectives:

[First Character of Adj.] + 不 + Adj.

Examples

喜欢 不 喜欢
the whole word is repeated
Xǐhuan bù xǐhuan ?
Do you like it?

喜 不 喜欢
only the first character is repeated
Xǐ bù xǐhuan ?
Do you like it?

高兴 不 高兴
the whole word is repeated
Gāoxìng bù gāoxìng ?
Are you happy?

高 不 高兴
only the first character is repeated
Gāo bù gāoxìng ?
Are you happy?

他 女朋友 漂亮 不 漂亮 ？
the whole word is repeated
Tā nǚpéngyou piàoliang bù piàoliang ?
Is his girlfriend pretty?

他 女朋友 漂 不 漂亮 ？
only the first character is repeated
Tā nǚpéngyou piào bù piàoliang ?
Is his girlfriend pretty?

中国 菜 好吃 不 好吃 ？
the whole word is repeated
Zhōngguó cài hǎochī bù hǎochī ?
Is Chinese food good?

中国 菜 好 不 好吃 ？
only the first character is repeated
Zhōngguó cài hǎo bù hǎochī ?
Is Chinese food good?

那 个 地方 好玩 不 好玩 ？
the whole word is repeated
Nà ge dìfang hǎowán bù hǎowán ?
Is that place fun?

那 个 地方 好 不 好玩 ？
only the first character is repeated
Nà ge dìfang hǎo bù hǎowán ?
Is that place fun?

有 in positive-negative questions

Structure

Because the verb 有 (yǒu) is negated with 没 (méi) and not 不 (bù), the structure for positive-negative questions with 有 (yǒu) is:

Subj. + 有没有 + Obj.

The possible answers are: "有 (yǒu)" or "没有 (méiyǒu)."

The questions could be be asking about current possession ("do you have it or not?"), or to ask about verbs in the past ("did you do it or not?").

Examples

你哥哥 有 没有 女 朋友？
Nǐgēge yǒu méiyǒu nǚpéngyou?
Does your older brother have a girlfriend?

你们 有 没有 孩子？
Nǐmen yǒu méiyǒu háizi?
Do you have children?

你 有 没有 见 过 Obama？
Nǐ yǒu méiyǒu jiàn guo Obama?
Have you met Obama?

奶奶 有 没有 坐 过 飞机？
Nǎinai yǒu méiyǒu zuò guo fēijī?
Has grandma been on a plane?

他 有 没有 上 过 大学？
Tā yǒu méiyǒu shàng guo dàxué?
Has he been to college?

See also

Tag questions with "bù"

Yes-no questions with "ma"

Offering choices with "háishì"

Sources and further reading

Videos

Yoyo Chinese: Verb-not-verb Questions

Books

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 141-4)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 86, 102-4)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 87)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 102, 250-1)

Placement of question words

Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. These question words are one key way to form questions in Chinese. The important thing to remember is that word order is the same in Chinese for questions and statements.

Contents

1 Overview

1.1 Common question words list

1.2 Rules

2 Expressing "what" with 什么 (shénme)

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 Expressing "where" with 哪里 (nǎli) / 哪儿 (nǎr)

3.1 Structure

3.2 Examples

4 Expressing "which" with 哪个

4.1 Structure

4.2 Examples

5 Expressing "who" with 谁 (shéi)

5.1 Structure

5.2 Examples

6 Expressing "when" with 什么时候 (shénme shíhou)

6.1 Structure

6.2 Examples

7 Expressing "why" with 为什么 (wèishénme)

7.1 Structure

7.2 Examples

8 Expressing "how" with 怎么 (zěnme)

8.1 Structure

8.2 Examples

9 See also

10 Sources and further reading

Overview

Common question words list

In English, question words are also known as wh-words, as the majority of them begin with wh:

什么 shénme what

哪里 、 哪儿 nǎli, nǎr where

哪个 nǎge which

谁 shéi who
(In spoken Chinese, people normally say "shéi", not "shuí")

什么时候 shénme shíhou when

为什么 wèishénme why

怎么 zěnme how

Rules

In English, question words have to be placed at the beginning of the sentence. This involves changing the word order to allow this rearrangement. In Chinese, using question words is a lot simpler. You simply place a question word in the place of the thing you want to ask about. Nothing needs to be rearranged.

So if the statement is

我 是 小李 。
Wǒ shì Xiǎo Lǐ .
I am Xiao Li.

the question form - "who are you?" - has the same word order:

你 是 谁 ？
Nǐ shì shéi ?
Who are you? (you are who?)

This works for whatever it is you want to ask about. The question form has the same word order as the statement form.

Expressing "what" with 什么 (shénme)

Structure

Subj. + Verb + 什么 + (Noun)

Examples

A: 这 是 什么 ？
Zhè shì shénme ?
What is this?

B: 这 是 我 的 iPad 。
Zhè shì wǒ de iPad .
This is my iPad.

A: 你 喜欢 吃 什么 菜？
Nǐ xǐhuan chī shénme cài?
What kind of food do you like?

B: 我 喜欢 吃 中国 菜 。
Wǒ xǐhuan chī Zhōngguó cài .
I like Chinese food.

A: 你 用 什么 手机？
Nǐ yòng shénme shǒujī?
What kind of cell phone do you use?

B: 我 用 iPhone 。
Wǒ yòng iPhone .
I use an iPhone.

A: 你 在 看 什么 书？
Nǐ zài kàn shénme shū?
What kind of book are you reading?

B: 我 在 看 小说 。
Wǒ zài kàn xiǎoshuō .
I am reading a novel.

A: 他 开 什么 车？
Tā kāi shénme chē?
What kind of car does he drive?

B: 他 开 宝马 。
Tā kāi Bǎomǎ .
He drives a BMW.

Expressing "where" with 哪里 (nǎli) / 哪儿 (nǎr)

Structure

Subj. + Verb + 哪里 / 哪儿

Examples

A:你 在 哪里 ？
Nǐ zài nǎli ?
Where are you?

B:我 在 家 。
Wǒ zài jiā .
I'm at home.

A:你 要 去 哪儿 ？
Nǐ yào qù nǎr ?
Where are you going now?

B:我 要 去 洗手间 。
Wǒ yào qù xǐshǒujiān .
I'm going to the bathroom.

A:我们 在 哪儿 ？
Wǒmen zài nǎr ?
Where are we?

B:我们 在 南京西路 。
Wǒmen zài Nánjīng Xī Lù .
We are at West Nanjing road.

A: 这 个 周末 你 想 去 哪儿 ？
Zhè ge zhōumò nǐ xiǎng qù nǎr ?
Where do you want to go this weekend?

B: 我 想 去 酒吧 。
Wǒ xiǎng qù jiǔbā .
I want to go to the bar.

A: 你好，你 要 去 哪儿 ？
Nǐhǎo nǐ yào qù nǎr ?
Hello, where do you want to go?

B: 我 要 去 外滩 。
Wǒ yào qù wàitān .
I want to go to the Bund.

Expressing "which" with 哪个

Structure

Subj. + Verb + 哪个 (+Noun)

Examples

A: 你 要 哪个 ？
Nǐ yào nǎge ?
Which one do you want?

B: 我 要 这个 。
Wǒ yào zhè ge .
I want this one.

A: 你 喜欢 哪 个 菜 ？
Nǐ xǐhuan nǎ ge cài ?
Which dish do you like?

B: 我 喜欢 这 个 菜 。
Wǒ xǐhuan zhè ge cài .
I like this dish.

A: 我们 去 哪 个 饭店 ？
Wǒmen qù nǎ ge fàndiàn ?
Which restaurant are we going to?

B: 我们 去 你 妈妈 的 饭店 。
Wǒmen qù nǐ māma de fàndiàn .
We are going to your mom's restaurant.

A: 你 在 哪 个 房间 ？
Nǐ zài nǎ ge fángjiān ?
Which room are you in?

B: 我 在 你 的 房间 。
Wǒ zài nǐ de fángjiān .
I'm in your room.

A: 你 住 在 哪 个 区 ？
Nǐ zhù zài nǎ ge qū ?
Which district do you live in?

B: 我 住 在 静安 区 。
Wǒ zhù zài Jìng'ān Qū .
I live in Jing'an District.

Expressing "who" with 谁 (shéi)

Structure

Subj. + 是 + 谁 谁 + Verb

Examples

A: 你 是 谁 ？
Nǐ shì shéi ?
Who are you?

B: 我 是 他的女朋友 。
Wǒ shì tā de nǚpéngyou .
I'm his girlfriend.

A: 她 是 谁 ？
Tā shì shéi ?
Who is she?

B: 她 是 我的老师 。
Tā shì wǒ de lǎoshī .
She‘s my teacher.

A: 你 不 喜欢 谁 ？
Nǐ bù xǐhuan shéi ?
Who do you not like?

B: 我 不 喜欢 我 的 老板 。
Wǒ bù xǐhuan wǒ de lǎobǎn .
I don't like my boss.

A: 谁 想 去？
Shéi xiǎng qù?
Who wants to go?

B: 我 想 去。
Wǒ xiǎng qù.
I want to go.

A: 谁 想 喝 咖啡？
Shéi xiǎng hē kāfēi?
Who wants to drink coffee?

B: 我 想 喝 咖啡。
Wǒ xiǎng hē kāfēi.
I want to drink coffee.

Expressing "when" with 什么时候 (shénme shíhou)

Structure

Subj. + 什么时候 + Predicate

Examples for asking and telling when (to keep things simple, we'll just include questions about the future; asking questions about the past can be slightly more complicated and may involve the "shi... de" construction).

Examples

A: 你 什么时候 来 ？
Nǐ shénme shíhou lái?
When are you coming?

B: 我 明天 来。
Wǒ míngtiān lái.
I'm coming tomorrow.

A: 你们 什么时候 走？
Nǐmen shénme shíhou zǒu?
When are you guys leaving?

B: 我们 下 个 月 走。
Wǒmen xià ge yuè zǒu.
We're leaving next month.

A: 我们 什么时候 吃 饭？
Wǒmen shénme shíhou chī fàn?
When are we eating?

B: 我们 6 点 吃 饭。
Wǒmen liù diǎn chī fàn.
We're eating at 6:00.

A: 爸爸 什么时候 回来？
Bàba shénme shíhou huílai?
When is dad coming back?

B: 爸爸 周末 回来。
Bàba zhōumò huílai.
Dad is coming back this weekend.

A: 你 的 飞机 什么时候 到 上海？
Nǐ de fēijī shénme shíhou dào Shànghǎi?
When is your airplane arriving in Shanghai?

B: 晚上 八点 。
Wǎnshang bā diǎn.
Eight o'clock this evening.

Expressing "why" with 为什么 (wèishénme)

Structure

Subj. + 为什么 + Predicate

Examples

A: 你 为什么 学 中文？
Nǐ wèishénme xué Zhōngwén?
Why do you study Chinese?

B: 因为 我 在 中国 工作。
Yīnwèi wǒ zài Zhōngguó gōngzuò.
Because I'm working in China.

A: 他们 为什么 不 喝 咖啡？
Nǐ wèishénme bù hē kāfēi?
Why don't you drink coffee?

B: 因为 咖啡 很 苦。
Yīnwèi kāfēi hěn kǔ.
Because coffee is bitter.

A: 他 为什么 不 来？
Tā wèishénme bù lái?
Why isn't he coming?

B: 因为 他 很 忙。
Yīnwèi tā hěn máng.
Because he is busy.

A: 你 早上 为什么 不 在？
Nǐ zǎoshang wèishénme bú zài?
Why were you not here this morning?

B: 因为 我 出去 见 朋友 了。
Yīnwèi wǒ chūqù jiàn péngyou le.
Because I was out meeting some friends.

A: 这些 外国人 为什么 不 喜欢 中国？
Zhèxiē wàiguórén wèishénme bù xǐhuan Zhōngguó?
Why do these foreigners not like China?

B: 因为 中国 人 太多。
Yīnwèi Zhōngguó rén tài duō.
Because China has a lot of people.

Expressing "how" with 怎么 (zěnme)

Structure

Subj. + 怎么 + Verb (+ Obj.)

Examples

A: 你 怎么 学习 中文？
Nǐ zěnme xuéxí Zhōngwén?
How do you study Chinese?

B: 我 用 Grammar Wiki 学习 中文 。
Wǒ yòng Grammar Wiki xuéxí Zhōngwén.
I use the Grammar Wiki.

A: 你 怎么 上网？
Nǐ zěnme shàngwǎng?
How do you go online?

B: 我 用 手机 上网。
Wǒ yòng shǒujī shàngwǎng.
I use my cell phone to go online.

A: 你 怎么 去 北京？
Nǐ zěnme qù Beijing?
How do you go to Běijīng?

B: 我 坐 火车 去。
Wǒ zuò huǒchē qù.
I take the train.

A: 你们 怎么 回家 ？
Nǐmen zěnme huíjiā?
How are you guys going to get home?

B: 我 开车 回家。
Wǒ kāichē huíjiā.
I‘m driving home.

A: 你 怎么 买 票 ？
Nǐ zěnme mǎi piào?
How do you buy tickets?

B: 我 上网 买 票 。
Wǒ shàngwǎng mǎi piào.
I go online to buy tickets.

See also

Word order

Affirmative-negative questions

Yes-no questions with "ma"

Sources and further reading

Basic Patterns of Chinese Grammar (p. 23)

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 132-5)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 57)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 66, 251)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed)

Tag questions with "bù" "不"

In the same way you can tag questions with 吗 (ma), tag questions can also be formed using 不 (bù). This is done by putting an affirmative-negative question at the end of a sentence.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and Further Reading

Structure

Verb + 不 + Verb

This can then be attached to the end of a sentence to form a tag question. Tag questions seek confirmation or acceptance of what has been said. In English, "right?" and "OK?" are often used as tag questions.

Examples

你 会 说 中文 ， 对 不 对 ？
Nǐ huì shuō Zhōngwén, duì bù duì ?
You speak Chinese, right?

他 是 你 的 老板 ， 对 不 对 ？
Tā shì nǐ de lǎobǎn, duì bù duì ?
He's your boss, right?

我们 是 好 朋友 ， 对 不 对 ？
Wǒmen shì hǎo péngyou, duì bù duì ?
We are good friends, right?

你 昨天 没 回家， 对 不 对 ？
Nǐ zuótiān méi huíiā, duì bù duì ?
You didn't come back home yesterday, right?

你 有 新 女朋友 了 ， 是 不 是 ？
Nǐ yǒu xīn nǚpéngyou le, shì bù shì ?
You have a new girlfriend, right?

九 点 开 会 ， 是 不 是 ？
Jǐu diǎn kāi huì, shì bù shì ?
We are going to hold a meeting at 9, right?

你 姓 王 ， 是 不 是 ？
Nǐ xìng Wáng, shì bù shì ?
Your last name is Wang, is it not?

我们 回家 吧 ， 好 不 好 ？
Wǒmen huǐjiā ba, hǎo bù hǎo ?
Let's go home, OK?

周末 去 看 电影， 好 不 好 ？
Zhōumò qù kàn diànyǐng, hǎo bù hǎo ?
Let's go to a movie this weekend, OK?

你们 明天 来， 好 不 好 ？
Nǐmen míngtiān lái, hǎo bù hǎo ?
You come here tomorrow, OK?

See also

Yes-no questions with "ma"

Tag questions with "ma"

Affirmative-negative questions

Sources and Further Reading

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (1st ed) (pp. 85-86)　

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (p. 218)

Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 152-7)

Tag questions with "ma" "吗"

As well as yes / no questions, you can also form tag questions with 吗 (ma). Tag questions are quick questions that are tagged on the end of a sentence to ask for confirmation. In English, this is often done with "right?", or negatively with "isn't it?"

The easiest way to do this in Chinese is to add some kind of confirmation word and 吗 (ma) on the end of the sentence.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and Further Reading

Structure

A you can see below, the pattern typically involves words like 好 (hǎo), 对 (duì), 是 (shì), or 可以 (kěyǐ), followed by 吗 (ma).

……， 好 / 对 / 是 / 可以 + 吗？

By placing these on the end of a sentence, you can soften a suggestion or request confirmation.

Examples

这样 做， 对 吗 ？
Zhèyàng zuò, duì ma ?
Do it like this, right?

你们 见过， 对 吗 ？
Nǐmen jiànguo, duì ma ?
You’ve met, right?

他们 昨天 都 没 去， 是 吗 ？
Tāmen zuótiān dōu méi qù, shì ma ?
None of them went yesterday, right?

你 没 来 过， 是 吗 ？
Nǐ méi lái guò, shì ma ?
You haven't been here, right?

你 喜欢 我妹妹， 是 吗 ？
Nǐ xǐhuan wǒ mèimei, shì ma ?
You like my younger sister, huh?

我们 去 你 家 ， 好 吗 ？
Wǒmen qù nǐ jiā, hǎo ma ?
Let's go to your place, OK?

不要 告诉 他 ， 好 吗 ？
Bú yào gàosu tā, hǎo ma ?
Don't tell him, OK?

今天 我们 都 不 喝 酒， 好 吗 ？
Jīntiān wǒmen dōu bù hē jiǔ​, hǎo ma ?
Let's all not drink alcohol today, OK?

我 现在 想 去 洗手间， 可以 吗 ？
Wǒ xiànzài xiǎng qù xǐshǒujiān, kěyǐ ma ?
I want to go to the bathroom now. Is that OK?

妈妈，我 要 吃 巧克力 ， 可以 吗 ？
Māma, wǒ yào chī qiǎokèlì, kěyǐ ma ?
Mom, I want to eat chocolate. May I?

See also

Yes-no questions with "ma"

Tag questions with "bù"

Questions with "ne"

Sources and Further Reading

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 144-145)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 218)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (p. 106)

Yes-no questions with "ma" "吗"

The question particle 吗 (ma) is a simple way to form questions in Chinese. By placing 吗 (ma) on the end of a statement, you convert it into a yes/no question (questions that could be answered with yes or no in English).

Contents

1 Basic Usage

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 More Advanced Usage

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Videos

4.2 Books

Basic Usage

Structure

Any statement can be converted into a yes / no question with 吗 (ma). You could think of 吗 (ma) as being like a question mark you say out loud. So the basic structure is:

[Statement] + 吗 ？

Examples

你 喜欢 咖啡 。
statement
Nǐ xǐhuan kāfēi.
You like coffee.

"You like coffee" can easily be converted into "Do you like coffee?" by adding 吗 (ma):

你 喜欢 咖啡 吗 ？
question
Nǐ xǐhuan kāfēi ma ?
Do you like coffee?

More examples of statements and their yes/no question forms:

你 是 大 学生 。
statement
Nǐ shì dàxuésheng.
You are a college student.

你 是 大 学生 吗 ？
question
Nǐ shì dàxuésheng ma ?
Are you a college student?

他 是 老板。
statement
Tā shì lǎobǎn.
He is the boss.

他 是 老板 吗 ？
question
Tā shì lǎobǎn ma ?
Is he the boss?

你 喜欢 她。
statement
Nǐ xǐhuan tā.
You like her.

你 喜欢 她 吗 ？
question
Nǐ xǐhuan tā ma ?
Do you like her?

你 想 家。
statement
Nǐ xiǎng jiā.
You miss home.

你 想 家 吗 ？
question
Nǐ xiǎng jiā ma ?
Do you miss home?

爸爸 喜欢 喝 茶。
statement
Bàba xǐhuan hē chá.
Dad likes drinking tea.

爸爸 喜欢 喝 茶 吗 ？
question
Bàba xǐhuan hē chá ma ?
Does dad like drinking tea?

你们 也 去。
statement
Nǐmen yě qù.
You also go.

你们 也 去 吗 ？
question
Nǐmen yě qù ma ?
Are you also going?

他 在 你们 学校 学 中文。
statement
Tā zài nǐmen xuéxiào xué Zhōngwén.
He studies Chinese in your school.

他 在 你们 学校 学 中文 吗 ？
question
Tā zài nǐmen xuéxiào xué Zhōngwén ma ?
Does he study Chinese in your school?

我 见 过 他 。
statement
Wǒ jiàn guo tā.
I've met him.

我见 过 他 吗 ？
question
Wǒ jiàn guo tā ma ?
Have I met him?

妈妈 会 做 饭。
statement
Māma huì zuò fàn.
Mom knows how to cook.

妈妈 会 做 饭 吗 ？
question
Māma huì zuò fàn ma ?
Does mom know how to cook?

你 昨天 没 去 上班。
statement
Nǐ zuótiān méi qù shàngbān.
You didn't go to work yesterday.

你 昨天 没 去 上班 吗 ？
question
Nǐ zuótiān méi qù shàngbān ma ?
Did you not go to work yesterday?

It's important to remember that you do not normally add 吗 (ma) to a sentence that's already a question. For example:

你 是 谁 吗 ？
谁 is a question word
Nǐ shì shéi ma ?

这 是 不 是 书 吗 ？
是不是 is a question pattern
Zhè shì bù shì shū ma ?

These would be something like "Are you who are you?" and "Is this is a book?" in English, both obviously ungrammatical. Still, if you're not careful, you may find yourself throwing a 吗 (ma) onto the end of a question that doesn't need it. Many learners make this mistake, so don't worry if it happens every once in a while, just catch it and remember it the next time.

More Advanced Usage

However, this doesn't mean that a sentence can't ever have a question word and 吗 (ma). If a sentence contains verbs of understanding such as "知道 (zhīdao),了解 (liǎojié), 明白 (míngbai), 认识 (rènshi)" etc, then "吗" (ma) can still be added at the end of the question.

This is not a necessary pattern for a beginner to know, but you may also wish to read about advanced yes-no questions with "ma".

See also

Tag questions with "ma"

Affirmative-negative questions

Questions with "ne"

Sources and further reading

Videos

Yoyo Chinese: Yes-no Questions with 吗

Books

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 138-40)

>Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 29-30)　

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (p. 21)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 23, 250)

"Èr" "二" and "liǎng" "两"

In Chinese, there are two words for "two." They are 二 (èr) and 两 (liǎng), and each is used in different circumstances.

Contents

1 Uses of 二 (èr)

1.1 二 is used in numbers

1.2 Examples

2 Uses of 两 (liǎng)

2.1 两 is used with measure words

2.2 Examples

3 Sources and further reading

Uses of 二 (èr)

二 is used in numbers

The digit "2" is 二 (èr). This is used generally in numbers, when counting to ten, giving out a phone number, and so on.

Unlike 两 (liǎng), 二 (èr) is not used to say there are "two" of something, and does not generally occur with measure words by itself. Numbers like 十二 (12) (shí-èr) and 二十二 (22) (èrshí-èr) end with a "2" and can still be combined with measure words. In those cases, 两 (liǎng) is not needed.

Examples

Here are some common examples of 二 (èr) in action:

第 二
dì- èr
#2; second

第 二 个
dì- èr gè
the second one

第 二 次
dì- èr cì
the second time

二 月
Èr yuè
February (the second month)

二 号
èr hào
#2; the second (of the month)

二 号 线
èr hào xiàn
Line 2 (of the metro)

二 楼
èr lóu
second floor

二 十
èr shí
20

二 十 块 钱
èr shí kuài qián
20 RMB

二 十 二 个 人 èr shí- èr ge rén
twenty-two people

Uses of 两 (liǎng)

两 is used with measure words

When specifying quantities (and using measure words to do it), 两 (liǎng) is used. This is when you want to say "two of something" or "both."

Here are some common examples of 两 (liǎng) in action:

Examples

两 个 小时
liǎng ge xiǎoshí
two hours

两 点
liǎng diǎn
2 o'clock

两 天
liǎng tiān
two days

两 个 星期
liǎng ge xīngqī
two weeks

两 个 月
liǎng ge yuè
two months

两 年
liǎng nián
two years

两 次
liǎng cì
two times / twice

两 块 钱
liǎng kuài qián
2 kuai / 2 RMB

两 百 note: 二百 (èrbǎi) is also acceptable.
èr bǎi
200

两 千
liǎng qiān
2,000

我 两 个 都 要 。
Wǒ liǎng ge dōu yào.
I want both of them.

Sources and further reading

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 16-7)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (p. 53)

Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide(p. 28)

Expressing "be going to" with "yào" "要"

The auxiliary verb 要 (yào) has several different meanings, and here we'll tackle the "be going to" meaning. You'll use this when you are discussing your plans with someone.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

4.2 Dictionaries

Structure

The idea behind this usage of 要 (yào) is that someone is "planning to" or "going to" or "preparing to" do something. It's not that they just want to, or have to, it's that they fully expect to do it. It's in their plan.

This usage of 要 (yào) typically includes a time word of some sort, which may be placed before or after the subject. This is fairly logical; if you're discussing plans for the future, you're quite likely to say when you plan to do things.

Subj. + Time + 要 + Verb

Time + Subj. + 要 + Verb

Note that the time word is not strictly required, and when it's missing, you may at first find yourself wondering which usage of 要 (yào) you're dealing with. This is normal; it just takes some getting used to.

Examples

我 明天 要 买 一 个 iPhone。
Wǒ míngtiān yào mǎi yī gè iPhone.
I am going to buy an iPhone tomorrow.

你们 现在 要 出去 吗？
Nǐmen xiànzài yào chūqù ma?
Are you all going out now?

我们 今年 要 去 美国 。
Wǒmen jīnnián yào qù Měiguó.
We are planning to go to the U.S. this year.

他 下 个 月 要 来 中国 工作。
Tā xià gè yuè yào lái Zhōngguó gōngzuò.
He is coming to China to work next month.

你 下 个 星期 要 去 她 家 吃 晚饭 吗？
Nǐ xià gè xīngqī yào qù tā jiā chī wǎnfàn ma?
Are you going to her place for dinner next week?

这 个 星期天 你 要 做 什么？
Zhège Xīngqītiān nǐ yào zuò shénme?
What are you doing this Sunday?

我 晚上 要 给 妈妈 打电话。
Wǒ wǎnshang yào gěi māma dǎ diànhuà.
I am going to call my mom this evening.

下午 老师 要 来 我家。
Xiàwǔ lǎoshī yào lái wǒ jiā.
The teacher is coming to my place this afternoon.

老板 明天 要 见 他们 吗？
Lǎobǎn míngtiān yào jiàn tāmen ma?
Is the boss going to meet them tomorrow?

下班 以后 你 要 回家 吗？
Xiàbān yǐhòu nǐ yào huíjiā ma?
Are you planning to go home after getting off work?

See also

About to happen with "le"

Wanting to do something with "yào"

Auxiliary verb "huì" for "will"

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (p. )

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (p. )

Expressing a learned skill with "huì" "会"

The word 会 (huì) can be used to express an ability that has been learned (a skill). In this case 会 (huì) is an auxiliary verb.

Contents

1 Basic Usage

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Negating 会 (huì) Sentences

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

Structure

Subj. + 会 + Verb + Obj.

This structure is the easiest way to express all kinds of skills, from languages, to sports, to skills in daily life such as cooking and driving.

Examples

他 会 说 中文。
Tā huì shuō Zhōngwén.
He can speak Chinese.

我 会 写 汉字。
Wǒ huì xiě Hànzì.
I can write Chinese characters.

你 会 做饭 吗？
Nǐ huì zuòfàn ma?
Can you cook food？

狗 会 唱 歌 吗？
Gǒu huì chànggē ma?
Can dogs sing？

爸爸 会 开车。
Bàba huì kāichē.
Dad can drive.

Negating 会 (huì) Sentences

Structure

会 (huì) sentences are negated with 不 (bù), which is inserted in front of 会 (huì):

Subj. + 不 + 会 + Verb + Obj.

Again, this is the simplest way to express the lack of a learned ability. So while "can't" is a natural translation for "不会" (bù huì) in English, "don't know how to" is equally correct (and perhaps more helpful).

Also, due to a tone change rule for "不" (bù), the phrase "不会" (bù huì) is actually pronounced "bú huì."

Examples

我 不会 说 英文。
Wǒ bù huì shuō Yīngwén.
I can't speak English.

妈妈 不会 做 中国 菜。
Māma bù huì zuò Zhōngguó cài.
Mom can't cook Chinese food.

你 不会 游泳 吗？
Nǐ bù huì yóuyǒng ma?
You can't swim?

我 奶奶 不会 用 电脑。
Wǒ nǎinai bù huì yòng diànnǎo.
My grandmother can't use a computer.

你 不会 开车 吗？
Nǐ bù huì kāichē ma?
You can't drive a car?

Note that if we say 我不能说中文 (wǒ bù néng shuō Zhōngwén), the speaker is saying that he can't speak Chinese for some reason other than his own ability, perhaps because speaking Chinese in English class is forbidden.

See also

Expressing ability or possibility with "néng"

Sources and further reading

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 219-20)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (pp. 160-1, 200)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 185-7, 228)

Expressing ability or possibility with "néng" "能"

能 (néng) is one of several Chinese words that is normally translated as "can" in English. However, 能 (néng) is used to emphasize one's ability or the possibility of something happening.

Contents

1 Expressing Ability

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Expressing Possibility

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 Other Usages

3.1 Examples

4 See also

5 Sources and further reading

5.1 Websites

5.2 Books

Expressing Ability

能 (néng) indicates ability when used with activities that are not consciously learned or studied.

Structure

The structure to use 能 (néng) to express "ability" is:

Subj. + 能 + Verb + Obj.

Examples

我 能 吃 四 十 个 饺子。
Wǒ néng chī sìshí gè jiǎozi.
I can eat 40 dumplings.

他 能 工作 24 个 小时。
Tā néng gōngzuò èrshí-sì gè xiǎoshí.
He can work 24 hours.

你 能 帮 我 找到 他 吗？
Nǐ néng bāng wǒ zhǎodào tā ma?
Can you help me find him?

你 的 手机 能 上网 吗？
Nǐ de shǒujī néng shàngwǎng ma?
Can your cell phone go on the internet?

一 岁 的 宝宝 能 说话 吗？
Yī suì de bǎobao néng shuōhuà ma?
Can a one year old baby talk?

Expressing Possibility

When used with activities that are consciously learned or studied, 能 (néng) generally means that circumstances do not allow execution of the action. In other words, it's not possible.

Structure

The structure to use 能 (néng) to express possibility is exactly the same:

Subj. + 能 + Verb + Obj.

Examples

开车 一 个 小时 能 到 家 吗？
Kāichē yī gè xiǎoshí néng dào jiā ma?
Is it possible to drive home in one hour?

他们 明天 能 早 点 来 吗？
Tāmen míngtiān néng zǎo diǎn lái ma?
Would it be possible for them to come a little earlier tomorrow?

你们 能 小声 一点 吗？
Nǐmen néng xiǎo shēng yīdiǎn ma?
Could you all lower your voices a bit?

你 能 告诉 我 她的 手机 号码 吗 ？
Nǐ néng gàosu wǒ tā de shǒujī hàomǎ ma?
Could you tell me her cell phone number?

一 千 块 能 买 一 个 手机 吗？
Yīqiān kuài néng mǎi yī gè shǒujī ma?
Is it possible to buy a cell phone with one thousand RMB?

Other Usages

From these examples we can see such circumstances might be pertaining to getting someone's consent or reliant on the speaker's health. If the speaker wishes to express that they are able to execute an action requiring a consciously studied skill, 会 (huì) can be used instead.

Because 能 (néng) can express possibility, it is often used to form polite questions, something like "would it be possible" in English:

Examples

我 能 问 你 一 个 问题 吗？
Wǒ néng wèn nǐ yī gè wèntí ma?
Could I ask you a question?

我 能 坐 在 这里 吗？
Wǒ néng zuò zài zhèlǐ ma?
Could I sit here?

这里 不 能 游泳。
It's not allowed, or not possible for other reasons.
Zhèlǐ bù néng yóuyǒng .
You can't swim here.

上课 的 时候 不 能 说 英文。
My teacher has forbidden me from speaking English.
Shàngkè de shíhou bù néng shuō Yīngwén.
In class, you can't speak English.

工作 的 时候 不 能 玩 手机。
Gōngzuò de shíhou bù néng wán shǒujī.
When working, you can't play with your cell phone.

See also

Expressing permission with "kěyǐ"

Expressing a learned skill with "huì"

Comparing "huì" "néng" "kěyǐ"

Sources and further reading

Websites

Sinosplice: Chinese Modal Verb Venn Diagram

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 219-20)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (pp. 160-1)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 185-7)

Expressing permission with "kěyǐ" "可以"

可以 (kěyǐ) is an auxiliary verb primarily used for expressing permission. It's often translated as "can," but in order to not get it confused with other words, it's best to think of it as "may" to emphasize the permission aspect.

Contents

1 Basic Usage

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Negating 可以 (kěyǐ) Sentences

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

Basic Usage

Just put 可以 (kěyǐ) in directly before a verb to create a meaning of "may" (plus the verb). It's the same structure whether it's a statement or a question.

Structure

Subj. + 可以 + Verb + Obj.

Use this structure to express permission to do things.

Examples

我 可以 进来 吗？
Wǒ kěyǐ jìnlái ma?
May I come in?

二十 一 岁 以后 可以 喝酒。
Èrshí-yī suì yǐhòu kěyǐ hējiǔ.
After you are 21 years old, you may drink alcohol.

妈妈，我 可以 出去 玩 吗？
Māma, wǒ kěyǐ chūqù wán ma?
Mom, may I go out and play?

我们 可以 在 办公室 吃饭 吗？
Wǒmen kěyǐ zài bàngōngshì chīfàn ma?
Can we eat in the office?

我 可以 在 这里 停车 吗？
Wǒ kěyǐ zài zhèlǐ tíngchē ma?
Can I park here?

Negating 可以 (kěyǐ) Sentences

可以 (kěyǐ) sentences are negated with 不 (bù), which is inserted before 可以 (kěyǐ).

Structure

Subj. + 不 + 可以 + Verb + Obj.

Examples

孩子 不 可以 看 这 个。
Háizi bù kěyǐ kàn zhège.
Children can't watch this.

你 现在 不 可以 进去。
Nǐ xiànzài bù kěyǐ jìnqù.
You can't go in right now.

这里 不 可以抽烟。
Zhèlǐ bù kěyǐ chōuyān.
You can't smoke here.

我们 都 不 可以 去 。
Wǒmen dōu bù kěyǐ qù.
None of us may go.

你 不 可以 说 脏话。
Nǐ bù kěyǐ shuō zānghuà.
You can't say swear words.

See also

Expressing ability or possibility with "néng"

Comparing "huì" "néng" "kěyǐ"

Expressing a learned skill with "huì"

Sources and further reading

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (pp. 160-1)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 185-7)

A Practical Chinese Grammar For Foreigners (外国人实用汉语语法) (p. 44)

Wanting to do something with "yào" "要"

The auxiliary verb 要 (yào) has several different meanings, and here we'll tackle the "want to" meaning. To express "wanting to do" something, use 要 (yào) before the verb.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 要 (yào) and 想 (xiǎng)

3.1 Examples

4 See also

5 Sources and Further Reading

Structure

The verb 要 (yào) can be used as an auxiliary verb to indicate wanting to do something.

Subj. + 要 + Verb + Obj.

Examples

他 要 学 中文。
Tā yào xué Zhōngwén.
He wants to study Chinese.

宝宝 要 睡觉。
Bǎobao yào shuìjiào.
The baby wants to sleep.

早饭 我 要 吃 肉。
Zǎofàn wǒ yào chī ròu.
For breakfast I want to eat meat.

今天 很 累，我 要 休息。
Jīntiān hěn lèi, wǒ yào xiūxi.
Today I'm very tired. I want to rest.

这 个 周末 你们 要 做什么？
Zhège zhōumò nǐmen yào zuò shénme?
This weekend what do you want to do?

要 (yào) and 想 (xiǎng)

Instead of using 要 (yào), it is also possible to use the word 想 (xiǎng). These two words are largely interchangeable, and both can mean "to want." The small difference is that 要 (yào) is often used for something you want to or need to do, and plan to take action on. It can sound a bit more demanding (and less polite). 想 (xiǎng) on the other hand, often conveys an idea on one's mind, that one may or may not take action on. You can think of it as meaning "would like to."

Examples

我 要 喝 咖啡 。
I am going to get my hands on some coffee.
Wǒ yào hē kāfēi.
I want to drink coffee.

我 想 喝 咖啡 。
I want to drink a cup of coffee, but may or may not act on that.
Wǒ xiǎng hē kāfēi.
I'd like to drink coffee.

你 要 吃 什么 ？
Nǐ yào chī shénme?
What do you want to eat?

你 想 吃 什么 ？
Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?
What would you like to eat?

See also

"Would like to" with "xiǎng"

Comparing "yào" and "xiǎng"

Auxiliary verb "huì" for "will"

Sources and Further Reading

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (p. 231)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (pp. 179-80)

New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (p. 207)