B2 grammar points

"B2" (Upper Intermediate) is the fourth level, as defined by the European Common Framework, which is used on this Chinese Grammar Wiki. It is roughly equivalent to HSK Levels 4-5. For more information on the levels used here, see the Grammar Points by Level page.

There are 161 total grammar points in the list below.

Contents

1 Parts of Speech

1.1 Adjectives

1.2 Adverbs

1.3 Auxiliary Words

1.4 Conjunctions

1.5 Nouns

1.6 Particles

1.7 Prepositional Phrase

1.8 Prepositions

1.9 Sentence Patterns

1.10 Verbs

1.10.1 Auxiliary verbs

1.10.2 Verb phrases

2 Grammatical Structures

2.1 "But" Statements

2.2 "Even If" Statements

2.3 "If" Statements

2.4 "No Matter" Statements

2.5 Adverbs with Adjectives

2.6 Cause/Effect Statements

2.7 Complements

2.8 Conditional Statements

2.9 Sentence Patterns

2.9.1 Either… or

2.9.2 Let alone

2.9.3 Not only… but also…

3 Comparisons of Similar Grammar Points

3.1 Adverbs

3.2 Auxiliary Words

3.3 Conjunctions

3.4 Prepositions

3.5 Separate Functions

3.6 Time Words

3.7 Verbs

4 See Also

Parts of Speech

These following grammar points fit pretty neatly into one part of speech category.

Adjectives

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Adjectival complement "de budeliao" | Adj. + 得不得了 | 爸爸 气 得 不得了，你 要 倒霉 啦。
Adjectival complement "de hen" | Adj. + 得 很 | 这个 题目 简单 得 很 。
Challenging an adjective with "shenme" | Adj. + 什么？ | 你急 什么 急，还 早 着 呢。
Expressing "a bit too" | Adj. + 了 + (一) 点儿 | 那个 地方 离 我家 远 了 点儿 。
Saying "a lot" with "youdeshi" | Subj. + 有的是 + Noun | 川菜 上海 有的是。

Adverbs

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Advanced use of "you" | Subj. + Verb + 了 + 又 + Verb | 他 找 了 又 找，还 是 没 找到 他 的 钱 包。
Advanced uses of "dou" | Subj. + 都 + Predicate | 我都能闻见面包的香味。
Advanced uses of "hai" | Subj. + 还 + Predicate + 呢 | 还 好朋友 呢 ，天天 说 我 坏话 。
Advanced uses of "zong" | 总 + Media + Verb | 咱们 总 得 想 个 办法 啊。总 不 能 让 他 一个人 去 吧？
An additional step with "jin yi bu" | Subj. + 进一步 + Verb | 我们 准备 进一步 扩大 中国 市场。
Assessing situations with "kanlai" | 看来 + Judgment to the Situation；在 + Person + 看来 | 看来他不来了，都这么晚了。
Declaring the only option with "zhihao" | 只好 + Verb Phrase | 上 个 周末 下雨 了 ，我们 只好 待 在 家。
Emphatic adverb "ke" | 可 + Adj. (+ 了) | 这 件 事情 对 他 造成 的 影响 可 大 了 。
Expressing "after all" with "bijing" | 毕竟 | 别 怪 他 了 ， 毕竟 他 还 小 。
Expressing "almost" using "chadian mei" | Subj. + 差点没 + Verb | 路 这么 滑，我 差点没 摔倒。
Expressing "anyway" as "fanzheng" | 反正 | 随便 你 信 不 信 ， 反正 我 不 信 。
Expressing "as much as possible" with "jinliang" | 尽量 + Verb | 我 会 尽量 想 办法 帮 你 的。
Expressing "even" with "shenzhi" | 甚至 | 他们 贡献 出 所有 的 精力 ， 甚至 最 宝贵 的 生命 。
Expressing "feel free" with "jinguan" | 尽管 + Verb | 有 什么 事 ，尽管 找 我 。
Expressing "have to" with budebu | Subj. + 不得不 + Verb | 老板 很 讨厌 应酬，但是 她 不得不 去。
Expressing "in the end" with "daodi" | 到底 | 事情 到底 是 办 成 了 。
Expressing "in the end" with "jiujing" | 究竟 | 你 究竟 喜 不 喜欢 我？
Expressing "just" do it with "gancui" | Subj. + 干脆 + Verb | 家里什么都没有，干脆出去吃吧。
Expressing "nearly" with "jihu" | Subj. + 几乎 + Verb | 他 的 头发 几乎 全 白 了 。
Expressing "never again" with "zai ye bu" | Subj. + 再也 + 不 + Verb-Obj. + 了 | 我 再也 不 想 跟 你 说话 了 。
Expressing "once" with "cengjing" | Subj. + 曾经 + Verb + 过 (+ Obj.) | 他 说 他 曾经 做 过 很多 傻事 。
Expressing "originally" with "benlai" | 本来⋯⋯ | 搬家 本来 就 很 麻烦。
Expressing "over and over again" with "zaisan" | 再三 + Verb | 妈妈 再三 叮嘱 我 ， 要 注意 安全 。
Expressing "simply" with "jianzhi" | 简直⋯⋯ | 她 简直 要 哭 出来 了 。
Expressing "since the beginning" with "yixiang" | 一向 + Verb | 他 做 事情 一向 踏实 。
Expressing "to make certain" with "qianwan" | 千万 + Verb/Verb Phrase | 千万 别 泄露 出 去。
Expressing "while you're at it" with "shunbian" | Subj. ＋Verb Phrase 1，顺便 + Verb Phrase 2 | 你 出去 的 时候顺便 帮 我 买 杯 咖啡。
Expressing concern with "kongpa" | 恐怕 + Fact | 恐怕 今天 做 不 完。
Expressing difficulty with "hao (bu) rongyi" | 好(不)容易 | 我 好不容易 才 打通 了 银行 的 服务 热线。
Expressing wasted efforts with "bai" | 白 + Verb | 白 花 了 一 百 块 钱，这 件 衣服 不 能 穿。
Rhetorical questions with "nandao" | ���道⋯⋯？ | 这 都 是 你 引起 的 ， 难道 你 就 不 内疚 ？
The opposite of "chabuduo" is "cha hen duo" | Subj. + 差很多 | 中国 文化 和 西方 文化 差 很 多 。

Auxiliary Words

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Listing things with "a" | ⋯⋯啊，⋯⋯啊 | 我们 店里 有 水饺 啊，盖浇饭 啊 ⋯⋯

Conjunctions

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing "and then" with "yushi" | ⋯⋯ ，于是 ⋯⋯ | 他 实在 太 懒 了 ，于是 老板 把 他 辞 了 。
Expressing "and" with "he" (advanced) | Verb 1 + 和 + Verb 2 | 政府 每年 都 会 维护 和 修理 这些 建筑 。
Expressing "in addition" with "lingwai" | ⋯⋯ ，另外 ，⋯⋯ | 希望 你 不要 再 迟到 了。另外，你 应该 穿 得 正式 一点 。
Using "er" to explain contrasting ideas | Sentence 1， + 而 + Sentence 2 | 以后 后悔 的 人 不 是 我，而 是 你 自己。

Nouns

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Comparing "bici" and "duifang" | 彼此 + Verb | 太 吵 了，我们 都 听不到 对方 在 说 什么。
Expressing "among" with "dangzhong" | 当中 | 他们 当中 有 温州 人 ， 有 宁波 人 。
Expressing "each other" with "bici" | 彼此 + Verb | 太 吵 了，我们 都 听不到 对方 在 说 什么。
Expressing "within (it/them)" with "qizhong" | 其中 | 有 五 个 人 报名 了 ， 其中 两 个 是 女生 。
Name-calling with "zhege" | Noun + 这个 + Category | 你 这个 坏蛋，就 没 做 过 一 件 好 事。

Particles

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Advanced "le" after an object | Verb + Obj. + 了 | 我 吃 了 早饭 。
Marking a topic with "ma" | Statement + 嘛 | 大家 有 话 就 说 嘛 。
Softening the tone of questions with "ne" | ⋯⋯呢？ | 他 人 在 哪 呢 ？
Taiwanese "you" | 有 + Verb + 过 | 我 有 去 过 中国。

Prepositional Phrase

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Defining scope | 级别 / 次序 / 数目 + 以上 / 以下 | 十 岁 以下 的 孩子 不用 买 票 。

Prepositions

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing "along with…" with "suizhe" | 随着 A + 的 + Verb， Subj. + Predicate | 随着 经济 的 发展，人们 的 生活 越 来 越 好。
Expressing "ever since" with "zicong" | (自)从⋯⋯ | 自从 来 了 上海 ， 他 就 习惯 了 繁忙 的 生活 。
Expressing "for…" with "eryan" | 对 + Party + 而言 ，⋯⋯ | 对 消费者 而言 ，促销 活动 很 有 吸引力 。
Expressing "including" with "zainei" | (包括)⋯⋯ 在内 ，⋯⋯ | 水 电 费 在内 ，我 每 个 月 的 房租 三千 五 。
Expressing "on the basis of" with "ping" | 凭⋯⋯ | 他 凭 自己 的 努力 成功 。
Expressing "with regards to" with "zhiyu" | 至于 | 你 先 看 产品 。 至于 价格 ， 我们 再 商量 。
Expressing passive voice with "gei" | 受事主语 + 给 + 施事者 + Verb Phrase；受事主语 + 被 + 施事者 + 给 + Verb Phrase | 事情 给 解决 了 吗？
Limiting scope with "jiu" | 就⋯⋯ (来说 / 而言) | 就 我 而言 ， 兴趣 最 重要 。
Opportune timing with "chen" | 趁⋯⋯ | 趁 老板 不 在，我们 出去 吃饭 吧。

Sentence Patterns

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Emphasizing a negation with "bing" | Subj. + 并 + 不 + Verb / Adj. | 当 金融 分析 人员 并 不是 我 的 梦想。
Expressing "if it were not for" with "yaobushi" | 要不是 ⋯⋯ ( 的话 )，⋯⋯ | 要不是 你们 迟到 的话，我们 早就 到 了。
Expressing "thanks to" with "duokui" | Good Outcome ，多亏 (了) + Lucky Incident | 我 没 迟到 ，多亏了 你 开车 送 我 。
Expressing "that's all" with "eryi" | Subj. + (仅仅) + 是 + Obj. + 而已 | 他 只 是 开 个 玩笑 而已，不 要 当 真。
Using "jiang" as a formal "ba" | Subj. + 将 + Obj. + Verb Phrase | 学校 将 那些 经常 逃学 的 学生 都 开除 了 。

Verbs

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Challenging a verb with "shenme" | Verb + 什么 + Obj. | 没有 钱 看 什么 电影。
Comparing specifically with "xiang" | Noun 1 + 像 + Noun 2 + (那么⋯⋯) | 你 怎么 像 我 妈 一样 啰嗦！
Comparisons with "biqi" | 比起 + B (+ 来) ，A ~ | 比起上海 ，我 老家 的 物价 便宜 多 了。
Comparisons with "buru" | 不如⋯⋯ | 我的 汉语 不如 他的。
Making "-ize" and "-ify" verbs with "hua" | Noun / Adj. + 化 | KFC 的 中国 本土化 经营 做 得 非常 成功。
Using "nanguai" as a verb | 难怪 + Person， Reason | 难怪 他，他还是个孩子呢，什么都不懂。

Auxiliary verbs

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing future with "jiang" | Subj. + 将 / 将要 / 将会 + Verb Phrase | 比赛 结果 将 在 月底 公布 。
The use of Taiwanese Mandarin "hui" | Subj. + 会 + Predicate + 吗 ？ | 你 会 冷 吗 ？

Verb phrases

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Combining verbs with "bing" | Verb + 并 + Verb | 我 同意 并且 支持 你 的 决定 。
Emphasizing the doer of an action with "you" | 由 + Person + Verb | 这个 项目 由 小李 来 完成 。
Expressing "hard to avoid" with "nanmian" | 难免 + Verb | 第 一 次 尝试 ， 难免 失败 。
Expressing "to be worth" doing with "zhide" | 值得 + Verb | 这个 想法 不错 ， 值得 考虑 。
Facilitating an outcome with "yibian" | 以便 + Verb | 用 普通话 说 ， 以便 我 能 听懂 。
Passive verbs with "shou" | 受 + Verb | 他 为 人 善良 ， 很 受 尊重 。
Using "zhe" when "verbing away" | Verb + 着 + Verb + 着 | 走 着 走 着 ， 他们 到 家 了 。

Grammatical Structures

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

"But" Statements

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing "although" with "jinguan" | 尽管⋯⋯，但是⋯⋯ | 尽管 我 很 生气 ，但是 我 没 发脾气 。
Expressing "on the contrary" with "fan'er" | ⋯⋯，反而 ⋯⋯ | 他 没有 放弃 ，反而 更加 努力 了 ！
Expressing contrariness with "dao" | 倒⋯⋯ | 雨 没有 停 ， 倒 大 起来 了 。
The "however" adverb "que" | ⋯⋯，却⋯⋯ | 他们 一见钟情 ， 却 没有 在 一起 。

"Even If" Statements

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing "even if…" with "jishi" | 即使⋯⋯，也⋯⋯ | 即使 你 没胃口 ， 也 要 吃 一点 。
Expressing "even if…" with "jiushi" | 就是⋯⋯，也⋯⋯ | 就是 天气 不 好 ， 我 也 要 出去 玩 。
Expressing "even if…" with "jiusuan" | 就算⋯⋯ ，也⋯⋯ | 就算 再 困难 ， 我们 也 要 坚持 到底 。
Expressing "even if…" with "napa" | 哪怕⋯⋯，也⋯⋯ | 哪怕 第 一 次 失败 了 ， 也 要 继续 研究 。

"If" Statements

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing "if… then…" with "jiaru" | 假如⋯⋯，就⋯⋯ | 假如 下雨 了 ， 就 收 衣服 。
Expressing "if… then…" with "jiashi" | 假使⋯⋯，就⋯⋯ | 假使 你 遇到 坏人 ， 就 报警 。
Expressing "if… then…" with "yaoshi" | 要是⋯⋯，就⋯⋯ | 你 要是 真 想 我，就 给 我 打 电话 。
Expressing "what if" with "wanyi" | 万一 ⋯⋯ 怎么办 ？ | 万一 被 发现 了 怎么办 ？
Marking a topic with "de hua" | Topic + 的话 ，Comment | 北京 的话 ，秋天 去 最好 。

"No Matter" Statements

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing "no matter" with "buguan" | 不管⋯⋯，都 / 也⋯⋯ | 不管 身体 好 坏 ， 他 都 工作 到 深夜 。
Expressing "no matter" with "wulun" | 无论 / 不论⋯⋯，都 / 也⋯⋯ | 无论 天 多 热 ， 都 要 坚持 。

Adverbs with Adjectives

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing "especially" with "gewai" | 格外 + verb | 他今天格外 忙.

Cause/Effect Statements

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing "due to…" with "youyu" | 由于⋯⋯，⋯⋯ | 由于 天气 原因， 我们 的 航班 取消了。
Expressing "since" with "jiran" | 既然⋯⋯，就⋯⋯ | 既然 来 了 ， 就 留 下来 吃饭 吧 。
Expressing "therefore" with "yinci" | ⋯⋯，因此⋯⋯ | 这 家 饭店 涨价 了 ， 因此 顾客 也 少 了 。
Stating the effect before the cause | 之所以 ⋯⋯ ，是因为 / 是为了 / 是想 ⋯⋯ | 我 之 所以 来 晚 了 是 因为 路上 堵车 。
Using "because" with "er" to indicate effect | 因为⋯⋯ ，而⋯⋯ | 饭店 因为 物价 上涨 而 涨价 。

Complements

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Advanced degree complements | Adj. + 得 + 很 / 不得了 / 要命 / 不行 | 我 老婆 的 工作 轻松 得很 。
Advanced potential complements | Verb + 得 / 不 + 了 | 今晚 我 有事 ，去 不 了 。
Advanced result complements | Verb + 住 | 抓住 那个 小偷 ！
Advanced uses of direction complement "-qilai" | Verb + 起来 | 宝宝，你 应该 把 你 的 玩具 收 起来 。
Complement "-huai le" | Verb + 坏了 | 坏 了。
Tricky uses of "dao" | Verb + 到 | 他 做 到 了 吗 ？
Using "lai" and "qu" when "verbing around" | Verb + 来 + Verb + 去 | 他 考虑 来 考虑 去 ， 最后 还是 决定 回 学校 。
Using "zhao" as complement | Verb + 着 | 宝宝 刚 睡 着。

Conditional Statements

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing "as long as" with "zhiyao" | 只要⋯⋯，就⋯⋯ | 只要 你 过来 ， 我们 就 很 开心 。
Expressing "once...then..." with "yidan...jiu..." | 一旦⋯⋯，就⋯⋯ | 一旦 我 找 好 的 工作，我 就 会 安心。
Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" | 只有⋯⋯，才⋯⋯ | 只有 你 帮忙 ， 我 才 能 完成 任务 。
Expressing "unless" with "chufei" | 除非⋯⋯ ，才⋯⋯ | 除非 你 求情 ，他 才 肯 帮忙 。

Sentence Patterns

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Advanced uses of "ba" | 把 + Noun + Verb⋯⋯ | 我 没有 把 它 当回事。
Advanced uses of "lian" | 连 + Verb + 都 + 不 / 没 + Verb (，就 ⋯⋯) | 朋友 ？这个 人 我 连 见 都 没 见 过 。
Basic comparisons with "bu bi" | Noun 1 + 不比 + Noun 2 + Adj. | 你 不 比 别人 笨 。
Conditions with "yao" and "jiu" | 要 + Verb + 就 Verb | 要 买 就 买 ，我们 快 关门 了 。
Expressing "any" with "renhe" | 任何 + Noun | 我 的 弟弟 特别 顽固，任何 的 人 都 不 能 说服 他。
Expressing "both… and…" with "ji...you" | 既⋯⋯也 / 又⋯⋯ | 他 做 事情 既 快 又 好。
Expressing "in the name of" with "yi... de mingyi" | 以 + Subject + 名义 | 不要 以 我的 名义 给公司写��.
Expressing "no" (noun) "to" (verb) with "wu... ke..." | 无 + Noun + 可 + Verb | 我 无 话 可 说。
Expressing "not even one" | 一 + Measure Word + (Noun) + 也 / 都 + 不 / 没 + Verb | 一 句 中文 都 不 会 说 。
Expressing "not only..., even..." using "budan……, shenzhi lian" | Subj. + 不但 ⋯⋯ ，甚至连 + New Subject + 也 + Matching Situation | 不但，甚至连。
Expressing "related to..." with "you guan de" | 与 + topic/subject + 有关的 + noun | 与 他有关的事情，我都不想知道。
Expressing "the more... the more..." with "yue… yue…" | Subj.＋越＋Verb＋越 + Adj. / Verb | 她 越 想 越 生气 。
Expressing "within" a period of time using "zai... nei" | 在 + Time + 内 | 你 必须 在 一周 内 完成。
Expressing "would rather" with "ningke" | 宁可⋯⋯，也⋯⋯ | 他 宁可 输，也 不 放弃。
Expressing indifference with "jiu" | Verb + 就 + Verb | 走 就 走 ，我 早就 不 想 干 了 ！
Expressing purpose with "hao" | Action ，好 + Purpose | 她 睡前 常常 喝 牛奶 ，好 入睡 。
Expressing simultaneous actions with "yimian" | 一面⋯⋯，一面⋯⋯ | 他 喜欢 一面 吃 东西 ， 一面 看 电影。
Expressing the only two possibilities | 不是⋯⋯，就是⋯⋯ | 不是 成功，就是 失败。
Occurring together with "shaobuliao" | A 少不了 B | 春节 少不了 吃 饺子。
Use "cong...zhong" to express "from" | 从 + noun + 中 + result | 我从 书中学习了很多知识。
Using "dengyu" to express "equal to" | A, 等于 B | 今天吃了炸鸡等于白跑步了。
Using "suowei" to express "so-called" | 所谓 + Noun Phrase + 就是…… | 所谓 “小意思” 就 是 指 礼物。

Either… or

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Providing two options with double "huozhe" | 或者⋯⋯，或者⋯⋯ | 只 有 一 块 蛋糕，或者 你 吃 或者 我 吃。

Let alone

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing "let alone" with "bie shuo" | 别说⋯⋯，就是⋯⋯ | 别说 一百 ， 就是 一 块 钱 我 也 不 给 你 。
Expressing "let alone" with "geng buyong shuo" | ⋯⋯，更不用说⋯⋯ | 她 会 说 法语 ， 更 不用 说 英语 了 。
Expressing "let alone" with "hekuang" | 连⋯⋯都（也）⋯⋯，何况⋯⋯ | 连 小李 都 同意 了 ， 何况 小张。

Not only… but also…

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Expressing "not only… but also" with "bujin" | 不仅⋯⋯，而且⋯⋯ | 她 不仅 聪明 ， 而且 漂亮 。
Many types of "not only... but also..." | 不但 / 不只 / 不仅⋯⋯，而且 / 还 / 也 ⋯⋯ | 他 不仅 喜欢 吃 中国 菜，而且 也 会 做 几 个 中国 菜！

Comparisons of Similar Grammar Points

What's the difference between this grammar point and that grammar point? Check here.

Adverbs

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Comparing "benlai" and "yuanlai" | 本来 vs 原来 | 他原来的 公司 本来 要 派 他 去 上海，但是 因为 家 里 有事，去 不了 了。
Comparing "buduan" and "buting" | 不断 vs 不停 | 她 不断 地 找 我，每次 都 说 个 不停。
Comparing "cai" and "jiu" | 才 vs 就 | 我 花 了 两 天 才修 好 ，你 一下子 就 弄 坏 了。
Comparing "turan" and "huran" | 突然 vs 忽然 | 我的 电话 忽然 响了。 事情 发生 得 太 突然。
Comparing "yizhi" and "yixiang" | 一直 vs. 一向 | 我 一直 在 现在 的 公司 工作 。他 一向 不 迟到 。
Comparing "zai" and "you" | 再 vs 又 | 我不能再喝了，你走���我又喝了两瓶 。

Auxiliary Words

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Comparing "zongsuan" and “zhongyu" | 总算 vs 终于 | 今天 的 会 终于 开 完 了！你 总算 来 了。

Conjunctions

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Comparing "gen" and "dui" | 跟 vs 对 | 那 个 帅哥 在 对 我 招手！那 你 要 跟 他 去 吗？

Prepositions

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Comparing "chao" "xiang" and "wang" | 朝 vs 向 vs 往 | 往 前 走 十 分 钟。向 雷锋 同志 学习！他 朝 我 笑 了 笑。
Comparing "dui" and "duiyu" | 对 vs. 对于 | 我 对 她 很 了解 ，她 不 会 这么 做 的 。
Comparing "duiyu" and "zhiyu" | 关于 vs 对于 vs 至于 | 关于 放假， 对于 怎么解决，至于另���一份工作 。
Comparing "guanyu" and "duiyu" | 关于 vs 对于 | 对于 那 个 人， 关于 我们 的 学习 方法

Separate Functions

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Comparing "fan'er" and “xiangfan" | 反而 vs 相反 | 吃 水果 不但 对 他 没 好处，反而 有 坏处。 老板 的 想法 跟 我 的 相反。
Comparing "kending" "queding" and “yiding" | 肯定 vs 确定 vs 一定 | 老板 肯定 了 我们 团队 的 工作。你 确定 他 是 我们 要 找 的 人？一定 要 小心。
Comparing "shihe" and "heshi" | 适合 vs 合适 | 这 个 颜色 不 适合 他 ， 黑色 才 是 最 合适 的。

Time Words

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Comparing "pingshi" and "pingchang" | 平时 vs. 平常 | 你 平时 / 平常 做饭 吗 ？
Comparing "yihou" "ranhou" "houlai" | 以后 vs. 然后 vs. 后来 | 我 以后 想 开 公司 。/ 后来 他 去 了 美国 ，然后 他 的 父母 也 搬 过去 了 。
Comparing "yihou" and "zhihou" | 以后 vs. 之后 | 我 昨天 吃完 以后 去 了 超市 。之后 我 就 回家 了 。

Verbs

Grammar Point (English) | Pattern | Examples
Comparing "xiande" and "kanqilai" | 显得 vs 看起来 | 你 看起来 很 苗条 ，可能 是 这 件 衣服 显得 你 很 苗条 。

See Also

Grammar Points by Level

This list in French: Grammaire chinoise niveau B2

Adjectival complement "de budeliao"

ry

得不得了 (de bùdéliǎo) can be used as a complement to suggest a situation is serious, or is likely to result in perhaps terrible consequences. It can be used in a positive sense, such as in English when we say "I'm terribly happy."

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Structure

Adj. + 得不得了

Examples

升职 的 事情 让 他 高兴 得 不得了。 The fact that he got promoted made him extremely happy.

嗨，他 跟 老总 的 关系 好 得 不得了，你 一定 要 小心！ The relationship between him and the chief officer is really good, you need to be careful!

爸爸 气 得 不得了，你 要 倒霉 啦。 Dad is super angry. You're going to be unlucky.

她的妈妈刚去世， 她难过 得 不得了。 Her mom just passed away, she is extremely sad.

See also

Adjectival complement "de hen"

Descriptive complements

Negative adjectives with "-si le"

Positive adjectives with "-ji le"

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 2 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 134-5) [ →buy]

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 53) →buy

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (pp. 262) →buy

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 159) →buy

Adjectival complement "de hen"

The complement 得很 (dehěn) is used after adjectives to add intensity. It is similar to adding 很 before the adjective，the main difference being that adjective + 得很 is more informal, and adds more emphasis than just 很 + adjective. Note that 在普通话里，能用在“得很”前的形容词、动词不多。

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Structure

Adj.+ 得很

Examples

你 觉得 不 好吃？我 觉得 好吃 得很。 You don't think it tastes good? I think it's quite good.

不 用 担心，这次 考试 简单 得很。 Don't worry. This test is very simple.

离 我 远 点儿 ！我 现在 烦 得很！ Stay away from me! I'm very upset now!

你 觉得 他 不 高兴？我看 他 今天 心情 好 得很！ You think he's unhappy? From what I see, he's in good mood today!

我 最近 忙 得很，每天 都 要 加班。 I've been quite busy lately. I need to work late every day.

高峰期 路上 堵 得很，我 建议 你 上班 坐 地铁。 The traffic is really heavy in rush hours. I suggest you take the metro to work.

他 这 个 人 自私 得 很，从来 不 为 别人 考虑。 He's really selfish. He never thought about other people.

See also

Adjectival complement "de budeliao"

Positive adjectives with "-ji le"

Negative adjectives with "-si le"

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 50-1) →buy

Challenging an adjective with "shenme"

Adding 什么(shénme) to the end of an adjective (or less frequently to a verb) can be used to form a rhetorical question. For example, in the phrase 你急什么？"what are you worried about?," the speaker is implying that there is no need to be worried.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and Further Reading

Structure

Adj. + 什么 (+ Adj.) ？

Verb + 什么 (+ Verb) ？

Like in English, "what are you worried about" can be a rhetorical question, and can also be actually inquiring about what exactly the listener is worried about. The same is true in Chinese, so context and tone of voice is important in understanding what the speaker means.

Examples

紧张 什么 啊，你 不 是 上 过 好 几 次 舞台 了 吗？应该 早就 习惯 了 吧。 What are you nervous for? Haven't you been on stage a bunch of times? You should be used to it by now.

郁闷 什么 呀，看看 这 蓝蓝 的天空，绿绿 的 田园，生活 多 美好 啊！ Why so sad? Look at the blue sky, the green fields, life is so beautiful!

你急 什么 急，还 早 着 呢。 Why are you so anxious? It's still early.

你看 什么 看，没 见 过 美 女 啊？ What are you looking at? Haven't you seen a pretty girl before?

If the adjective or verb is repeated after the 什么 as in the 3rd and 4th example, it acts to give further emphasis. It almost has a tone of incredulity, a bit like "what on earth are you worried/anxious about?" Generally only single character adjectives can be used in this way.

你忙什么忙？

你紧张什么紧张？

See also

Challenging a Verb with "shenme"

Expressing "a bit too"

了一点儿 (le yīdiǎnr), can be added after an adjective to mean "a little bit too." It is softer in tone than using 太, and so is often used when the speaker doesn't want to insult the listener by speaking too directly.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Structure

In this structure, the overall effect of the pattern depends on the preceding adjective. If the adjective in the structure has a negative meaning, then it is used to show the speaker’s dissatisfaction (a sort of complaint). If the adjective in the structure has a positive meaning, then it usually reflects a change.

Adj. + 了（一）点儿

Examples

这 条 牛仔裤 好像 短 了 点儿 。 This pair of jeans seems a little short for me.

那个 地方 离 我 家 远 了 一点儿。 That place is a little too far away from my house.

这 件 衬衫 小 了 点儿 ，我 想 换 一 件。 This shirt is a little small. I want to exchange it for another one.

他 给 的 这个 红包 好像 少 了 点儿 。 The money he gave in the red envelope seems too little.

你 管 得 是 不 是 多 了 点儿 ？ Don't you care a little too much?

现在 说 “对不起” 是 不 是 晚 了 点儿 ？ Isn't it a little too late to say sorry now?

私立 学校 是 贵 了 点儿 ，不过 老师 很 优秀 。 Private schools are a little expensive, but their teachers are excellent.

你 这么 高 ，你 这个 男朋友 是 不 是 矮 了 点儿 ？ You are so tall. Isn't your boyfriend a little short for you?

这 道 菜 咸 了 点儿 ，可以 换 一 盘 吗？ This dish is a little too salty, could you make another one?

对 五 岁 的 孩子 来说 ，这 个 问题复杂 了 一点儿 。 This question is a bit complicated for a five-year-old kid.

As in the first two examples, 稍微 is often added before the adjective to further soften the tone.

See also

Expressing "much more" in comparisons

Expressing "excessively" with tai

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (pp. 6- 8) →buy

Saying "a lot" with "youdeshi"

In Chinese, there are "a lot" of ways to say "a lot." “有的是” (yǒudeshì) is one of those ways. However, we need to be very clear: "有的是" is not the same as "有的+是". Unfortunately, these two phrases are extremely close, but their meanings are not the same at all! "有的是" indicates that the amount or quantity of something is very large, and it can sometimes indicate a mood of exaggeration.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See Also

4 Sources and Further Reading

Structure

Subj. + 有的是 + Noun

You can also put the noun at the beginning of the sentence, and put "有的是" at the end, like so:

Noun + Subj. + 有的是 。

Examples

他 爸 是 大 老板 ，有的是 钱 。 I have a lot of spare change, you don't need to give me change.

她 是 全职 妈妈 ，有的是 时间 。 She's a full-time mother. She's got plenty of time.

我 一 个 大男人 ，有的是 力气 。 I'm a big man. I've got plenty of strength.

上海 这么 大 的 城市 ，工作 机会 有的是 。 Shanghai is such a big city. It's got plenty of job opportunities.

这样 的 笔 我 家 有的是 ，这些 都 送给 你 。 There are a lot of this kind of pens in my house. I'm going to give them to you.

这样 的 资源 网上 有的是。 There's a lot of this kind of resources on the Internet.

这 种 风格 的 咖啡店 上海 有的是 。 There are lots of cafes of this kind of style.

别 担心 。世界上 男人 有的是 ，分手 了 还 可以 再 找 。 Don't worry. There are a lot of men in the world. You can find someone else after breakup.

It's important to note that "有的是" can not be negated. If you want to say the negative statement, you'll have to say "没有很多."

我不有的是零钱。

我没有的是零钱。

我没有很多零钱。

See Also

Sources and Further Reading

NEEDS SOURCES

Advanced use of "you"

This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. Here we repeat the verb used and place 又 in the middle. The repetition of the verb emphasizes how the action is being repeated again and again. This one is definitely the most advanced usage of 又 here, and you're not going to use it nearly as much as the others.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Structure

In the pattern below, 又, together with a repeating verb, indicates that the speaker did something repeatedly (not just twice) in the past. Note that verb used here must be a single-syllable verb, usually like 看, 想, 问, 找, 试, etc. 了 is placed right after the first 又.

Subj. ＋Verb + 了 + 又 + Verb，还是 / 就是 ……

Note that "还是" or "就是" is often used to emphasize that "nothing changed" after all.

Examples

这 个 人 我 看 了又 看，还是 觉得 我 不 认识 他。 Zhège rén wǒ kàn le yòu kàn, háishì juéde wǒ bù rènshi tā. I looked at him again and again, but I still think I don't know him.

我 想 了又 想，还是 觉得 不 能 这样 做 。 Wǒ xiǎng le yòu xiǎng, háishì juéde bù néng zhèyàng zuò. I thought it over again and again, I think I can't do it like this.

他 找了又 找，还是 没 找到 他 的 钱 包。 Tā zhǎo le yòu zhǎo, háishì méi zhǎodào tā de qiánbāo He searched again and again, and still couldn't find his wallet.

他 想了又 想，还是 不 同意。 Tā xiǎng le yòu xiǎng, háishì bù tóngyì. He thought it over again and again, and he still disagree.

我们 问 了 又 问，她 就是 不 说。 Wǒmen wèn le yòu wèn, tā jiùshì bù shuō. We asked again and again, but she wouldn't say it.

他 试 了 又 试，就是 打 不 开 门。 Tā shì le yòu shì, jiùshì dǎ bù kāi mén. He tried again and again, but he still couldn't open the door.

我 尝 了 又 尝，还是 觉得 这些 菜 坏 了。 Wǒ cháng le yòu cháng, háishì juéde zhèxiē cài huài le. I tasted again and again, but I still think those food has gone bad.

他 闻 了 又 闻，还是 什么 都 没 闻到。 Tā wén le yòu wén, háishì shénme dōu méi wéndào. He smelled again and again, but he still didn't smell anything.

这 个 方案 改了又 改，终于 通过 了。 Zhège fāng'àn gǎi le yòu gǎi, zhōngyú tōngguò le. This plan was changed again and again, and finally it passed.

这 件 衣服 妈妈 洗了又 洗，终于 洗 干净 了。 Zhè jiàn yīfu māma xǐ le yòu xǐ, zhōngyú xǐ gānjìng le. Mother washed this clothing again and again, and it's finally clean.

See also

Expressing "both A and B" with "you"

Expressing "again" in the past with "you"

Comparing "zai" and "you"

Emphasizing negation with "you"

Sources and further reading

Books

Advanced uses of "dou"

In its simplest terms, 都 (dōu) means "all," but there are also many other advanced uses for it.

Contents

1 都 meaning "to the point that"

1.1 Examples

2 都 meaning "since..., then..."

2.1 Examples

3 都 can also have have a tone of complaint

3.1 Examples

4 See also

5 Sources and further reading

5.1 Books

5.2 Dictionaries

都 meaning "to the point that"

都 can also mean 甚至, meaning "even to the point that," and in this form it expresses emphasis.

Subj. + 都 + Predicate

Examples

我都能闻见面包的香味。 I can even smell the aroma of bread.

我对你太了解了，我都能知道你下一步要做什么。 I understand you completely. I can even know what your next move is.

我很想妈妈，有时候我都能看见她。 I really miss Mom. Sometimes I can even see her.

都 meaning "since..., then..."

都 can also mean "既然⋯⋯就", meaning "Since ..., in that case...“ A simple example would be 他都不说汉语，别跟他讲话, meaning "Since he does not speak Chinese, so don't talk with him."

都 + 小句，主句

Examples

他都这么说了，你还好意思再找他帮忙？ Even though he said that, you still have the guts to ask for his help?

来都来了，就先别急着走了。 Since everyone got here, we need to go now.

都 can also have have a tone of complaint

It often has a tone of grumbling or complaint, and it is often used with 怨 or 怪.

都 + 怨 / 是 / 怪 + Somebody

Examples

都 怪 你，出门 不 带 伞。 It's all your fault, leaving without bringing an umbrella.

都 是 你，害 我 跑 这么 远。 It's your fault for making me run so far.

都 怨 你，不 提前 订 好 座位。 I blame you for not making the reservation earlier in the day.

See also

"Even" as "shenzhi"

Expressing "Every" with "mei" and "dou"

Explaining results with "suoyi"

Expressing "all" with "shenme dou"

Emphasizing quantity with "dou"

Expressing "even" with "lian" and "dou"

"Already" with "dou…le"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 97-99) [ →buy]

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 178) [ →buy]

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp.329 ) →buy

Advanced uses of "hai"

This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. This article focuses on two of the advanced usages of 还. It can be used to express a surprised or shocked tone.

Contents

1 Expressing a Strong Tone of Surprise

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Used in a Rhetorical Question

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Expressing a Strong Tone of Surprise

Structure

常跟"呢"连用，表示某种情况不合理、不寻常，没想到会这样但居然如此。多包含惊讶、不满、讽刺的语气。

Subj. + 还 + Predicate + 呢

Examples

这个 小孩 还 真 聪明 ！ This kid is brilliant!

还 留 过 学 呢 ，英语 这么 差 。 You have studied abroad, yet your English is so bad.

还 好朋友 呢 ，天天 说 我 坏话 。 What a good friend! Speaking evil of me all the time.

还 大 老板 呢 ，一点 也 不 大方 。 He is the big boss, yet he is not generous at all.

都 怪 你 ，你 还 生气 呢 。 It's all your fault, yet you're mad.

Used in a Rhetorical Question

Structure

跟"吗"连用，加强反问语气。

Subj. + 还 + [Verb Phrase] + 吗 ?

Examples

他 那么 有钱 ，还 在乎 这 点 钱 吗 ？ He has so much money, will he care about this small amount of money? 这 种 人 你 还 相信 吗 ？ Do you even believe this type of person?

过期 的 牛奶 你 还 喝 吗 ？ The milk is expired, yet you're going to drink it?

今天 这么 热，你 还 出门 吗 ？ It's so hot today, yet you're going out now?

See also

Moderating positive adjectives with "hai"

Expressing "and also" with "hai"

Continuation with "hai"

Sources and further reading

Books

Advanced uses of "zong"

总 (zǒng) can often be simply translated as "always," but it has other advanced uses as well. It can express "no matter how long or under what circumstances, facts are facts." It can also express "no matter what." It is often paired with other words to form set phrases such as 总会, 总归, 总得, 总要, 总能, etc. It can also be structured together with other unconditional compound phrases like 无论 and 不管. You cannot place it directly after the verb.

Contents

1 Used with Auxiliary Verb

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Used with 不 and 没

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Used with Auxiliary Verb

In this structure, 总, with its companion character (usually a modal/auxiliary verb), means "always will (fill in character/action here)" Once again, it gives the feeling of something very concrete and factual. One of the examples below says "No matter what happens, people have to eat."

Structure

总 + 会 / 得 / 要 / 能 + Verb

Examples

这里 是 他 家，他 总 会 回来 的。 This is his home. He will always come back.

咱们 总 得 想 个 办法 啊。 We always have to come up with something to do.

不管 发生 了 什么，人 总 要 吃饭 吧。 No matter what happens, people have to eat.

他 是 你 爸爸，你 总 要 礼貌 一点 吧。 He is your father, you should always a little more polite.

你 拿 了 人家 的 钱，总 得 帮 人家 做 事 吧。 You took their money, so you're always going to have to help them do stuff.

Used with 不 and 没

When 总 is used together with a negating word (like 不 or 没), it often has a tone of speculation, judgement or suggestion. The sentence often ends with a 吧.

Structure

总 + 不 / 没 + Verb

Examples

你们 之间 的 联系 这么 少，看 起来 总 不 像 是 一 家 人。 You talk to each other so little. It seems that you're barely family.

他 这么 大 年纪 了，我们 总 不 能 让 他 一个人 去 吧？ He'e so old. We can't let him go there all alone. What do you think?

这么 晚 了，总 不 会 出 了 什么事 吧？ It's getting late. Do you think something bad happened?

这 件 事 总 不 会 是 内部 的 人 做 的 吧？ Do you think this is an inside job?

他 想 带 父母 去 旅行，可是 总 没 时间。 He wants to take her parents to travel, but he's always not able to find time.

See also

Comparing "zongsuan" and “zhongyu"

"Always" with "zongshi"

Expressing "After All" with "bijing"

Expressing "In the End" with "daodi"

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 698) [ →buy]

现代汉语虚词例释 (pp. 663) →buy

This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. 进一步 (jìnyībù), is an adverb meaning "further" or to "go a step forward." Usually it is used in formally written Chinese, though it can be spoken as well.

Contents

1 Structure

1.1 Examples

2 又, 再, 才能, 并 with 进一步

2.1 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Structure

It is simply placed before the verb of the sentence.

Subj. + 进一步 + Verb

Examples

我们 准备 进一步 扩大 中国 市场。 We are prepared to further expand the Chinese market.

这 件 事情 需要 进一步 调查。 This event requires further investigation.

这 次 开会 的 内容 是 进一步 研究 这 个 项目。 The purpose of this meeting is to further research on this project.

如果你要在中国工作你最好 进一步 学汉语。 If you are going to work in China, you had better study Chinese a little bit more.

我们在一起旅游后我们的友谊有了进一步 的发展. After swimming together, our friendship developed further.

又, 再, 才能, 并 with 进一步

又, 再, 才能, and 并 also can also be added in front of 进一步.

Examples

这项设计完成以后，他们又进一步 致力于另一项工程的设计。 After this design was completed, they worked further on a different engineering project.

我们先在一所学校进行教学改革的试点，并 进一步 推广到全市的中学。 We first tested our education reform in one school, and then we further extended it to the rest of the city's middle schools.

先学好第一外语，再 进一步 学好第二外语。 Study your first foreign language well first, then you can take the next step and start a second foreign language.

弄懂这个问题之后，才能进一步 研究其他问题。 After you've figured out this problem, go a bit further and research the other problems as well.

See also

"In addition" with "zaishuo"

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词 (pp. 309) →buy

Assessing situations with "kanlai"

看来 can be translated as "apparently" or "it seems" and is used by the speaker to introduce his understanding of a situation.

Contents

1 看来 as "it seems"

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 看来 as "from x's perspective"

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

4.2 Dictionaries

看来 as "it seems"

When speaking objectively about a situation, you can say 看来 and then state your perspective.

Structure

看来 + Perspective

Examples

看来他不来了，都这么晚了。 It seems he's not coming. It's already so late.

看来你玩得不高兴，怎么这么早就回来了？ I guess you didn't have a good time. Is that why you came back so early?

现在看来，事情没那么糟。 Now it looks like things aren't that bad.

看来 as "from x's perspective"

看来 can also be used to highlight a specific person(s) or type of person(s) point of view. This is like saying "the way he/she sees it..." You can also say 在我看来, which is the longer version, though it is used more often that way in formal speaking and writing, as it has more of a feeling like "in my opinion..."

Structure

在 + Person + 看来 + Perspective

Examples

在我看来，不 会 花 钱 的 人 就 不 会 享受 生活。 The way I see it, people who won't spend money aren't going to enjoy life.

在他看来，公司 大小 不重要，重要的是老板好不好。 According to him, the size of the company isn't important. What's important is whether or not the boss is good.

See also

"For…" with "eryan" Limiting scope with "jiu" Appearance with "kanqilai" "It seems" with "haoxiang"

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 60) →buy

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp.763) →buy

Declaring the only option with "zhihao"

This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. 只好 is an adverb used to express that one "has no choice but to" or "has no other option but to." The option is one the speaker is not fond of.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Structure

⋯⋯ ，(Subj. +) 只好 + [Verb Phrase]

Examples

餐厅 都 关门 了 ，我们 只好 去 吃 KFC 。 Other restaurants are all closed. We didn't have a choice but go to KFC to eat.

我 忘 了 预约 ，只好 去 排队 。 I forgot to make an appointment. I had to wait in a queue.

他 没有 时间 去 ，只好 我 去 。 He doesn't have time to go. So I have to go.

老板 不 给 我 涨工资 ，我 只好 去 干私活 。 The boss wouldn't give me a pay raise. I had to do some private jobs.

她 实在 受不了 那么 吵闹 的 邻居 ，只好 搬走 了 。 She really can't stand such noisy neighbors. She had to move away.

那天 突然 下雨 了 ，我们 只好 取消 。 It rained suddenly that day. We had to cancel it.

警察 给 小偷 看 了 监控 ，小偷 只好 承认 了 。 The police showed the surveillance to the thief. He had to admit it.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Emphatic adverb "ke"

可 (kě) can be used to intensify an adjective, or to add emphasis to a verb. It is stronger than other modifiers, as 可 compares the speaker‘s expectations with the actual situation. The meaning of 可 is very reliant on context.

可 is generally used by Northern speakers and is informal, generally only used in spoken Chinese.

Contents

1 可 used to intensify an adjective 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 可 used to emphasize a verb 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books

可 used to intensify an adjective

Structure

可 + Adj.

Examples

In these examples, 可 is used a bit like 很, as it is used to intensify an adjective:

这 只 小 狗 可 淘气 了！The speaker never expected dogs to be this naughty These dogs are so naughty! 哇，这 个 糖醋 里脊 可 好吃 了！The speaker never dreamt that sweet and sour pork could taste this good Wow! This sweet and sour pork is delicious! 可 used to emphasize a verb

Structure

可 + Verb

Examples

In these examples 可 is used a bit like 真, and used to emphasize a verb:

你 可 来 了! The speaker never expected it would take so long for you to get here) 你 可 别 喝 太 多 酒。 I'm not expecting you to drink a lot) 你 可 别 走！ I'm blocking your way, almost pleading with you, as I believe you are going to leave) 话 可 不 能 这 样 说。 What you said doesn't accord with my own beliefs) In two of the sentences above, 可 is used with 别, and sounds a bit like "don't even think about..." in English.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 270-1) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 56) →buy ]

Expressing "after all" with "bijing"

毕竟 (bìjìng) can be used to emphasize a reason or characteristic, and is like "after all" where you might say, "he is after all, only a child." 毕竟 is used both in spoken and written Chinese.

Contents

1 Basic Form

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Fuller Form

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Basic Form

In it's most basic form, you just need to add the "after all" stuff after the 毕竟, and it could be a reason or a characteristic.

Structure

毕竟 ⋯⋯

Examples

别 骂 他 了 ，他 毕竟 是 孩子 。 Stop scolding him. After all, he's only a kid.

毕竟 是 冬天 ，你 还是 多 穿 点 吧 。 It's winter after all. You'd better wear more clothes.

他 不知道 也 很 正常，毕竟 他 不 是 本地 人。 It is normal that he doesn't know. After all, he is not a local.

有的 玩笑 不能 再 开 了，毕竟 他们 都 是 大孩子 了 。 Some jokes shouldn't be said again. After all, they are all grown up.

我们 不太 想 搬 ，毕竟 在 这儿 住 了 好几 年 了 。 We don't really want to move. After all, we've lived here for more than a few years.

Fuller Form

Structure

虽然 ⋯⋯ ，但 + 毕竟 ⋯⋯ ，(as a result) ⋯⋯

In this structure, the parts after 虽然 and 毕竟 are reasons or characteristics, and the part after (as a result) is a result or conclusion. It's a bit more complex, so pay attention to the different parts in the example sentences below.

Examples

虽然 他 做 错 了，但 毕竟 他 还是 小，你 就 别 打 他 了 。 Although he did something wrong, he is, after all, so young. So don't hit him.

虽然 我 穿 了 不 少 衣服，但 毕竟 是 北方 的 冬天，所以 我 还是 觉得 挺 冷 的。 Although I wear a lot of clothes , it is, after all, winter in the north. I still feel very cold.

虽然 我 跟 他 认识，但 毕竟 不 太 熟，还是 不要 去 麻烦 人家 了。 Although I know him, after all we are not close. I'd better not trouble him.

虽然 我 小时候 奶奶 对 我 不 好，但 毕竟 她 是 我 奶奶，所以 我 还是 会 照顾 她。 Although my grandma didn't treat me well, but after all, she is my grandma, so I still look after her.

虽然 你们 已经 离婚 了，但 毕竟 还有 一个 孩子 ，跟 孩子 在 一起 的 时候 别 吵架。 Although you are divorced, there is, after all, a child. So don't start fighting when you're with the child.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp. 155) →buy

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 127-30) [ →buy]

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 151-2) →buy

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 92) →buy

HSK Standard Course 5上 (pp. 82) →buy

Expressing "almost" using "chadian mei"

Logically, 差点没 is not that different from 差点. In fact, you shouldn't think of it as a single word; think of the 没 as belonging to what follows 差点 and it makes more sense. Still, it can be a little confusing, and is worth a closer look.

Contents

1 Logical Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

4.2 Dictionaries

4.3 Websites

Logical Structure

Subj. + 差点 + 没 + Verb Phrase

Note that the "Verb Phrase" part is a desired result. So this structure is literally saying, "almost didn't [Verb Phrase]."

Also note that because you're using 没, you don't use 了 after the verb phrase.

Examples

我 差点儿 没 想 起来。I did remember it. Wǒ chàdiǎnr méi xiǎng qǐlái. I almost forgot it.

我 差点 没 赶 上 火车。 I almost missed it, but I didn't. Wǒ chàdiǎn méi gǎnshàng huǒchē. I didn't miss the train.

他 差点 没 通过 考试。He did pass it. Tā chàdiǎn méi tōngguò kǎoshì. He barely passed the examination.

排队 的 人 太 多 了，差点儿 没 买到。I did get it. Páiduì de rén tài duō le, chàdiǎnr méi mǎidào. The waiting line is too long. I almost didn't get it.

See also

Expressing "almost" using "chadian"

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 112) [ →buy]

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 145) →buy

Websites

http://wenku.baidu.com/view/129e1b0f7cd184254b35358f.html

Expressing "anyway" as "fanzheng"

Using 反正 (fǎnzhèng) can be a bit addictive as it is seemingly possible to throw in everywhere. It means "anyhow," or "regardless"， and is used to disregard a previous statement, particularly those involving options or choices.

Contents

1 反正 as "No Matter What"

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 反正 for Giving An Emphasis On the Reason

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See Also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

反正 as "No Matter What"

Structure

Just put 反正 in the sentence after a comma or pause, similar to how we use "anyways" in English. It can be used with "不管."

[Disregarded Situation] ， 反正 ⋯⋯

Examples

不管 他 去 不 去 ，反正 我 要 去 。 No matter he's going or not, I'm going anyways.

不管 你 信 不 信 ，反正 我 信 。 No matter you believe this or not, I believe it anyways.

不管 他 爸爸 是 谁 ，反正 我 要 告 他 。 No matter who his father is, I'm going to sue him anyways.

随便 别人 怎么 想 ，反正 我 无所谓。 I don't really care however people think.

说 不 说 都 一样 ，反正 没有 人 会 听 我 的 。 Speaking or not is all the same. Nobody is going to listen to me anyways.

反正 for Giving An Emphasis On the Reason

Structure

反正, in this case, is used to convey a certainty or resolution. It‘s similar to 既然. It can be placed either at the beginning or the end while 既然 can only be placed at the beginning.

反正 + Condition ，Decision / Suggestion

Examples

反正 他们 不 来 了，咱们 自己 去 吧。 They are not coming anyway, so let's just go by ourselves.

反正 我 也 不 需要，就 送 给 你 吧。 I don't need it anyway. So I'll just give it to you.

反正 我 家 够 大，你们 今晚 都 住 这儿 吧。 My house is big enough, you can all stay here tonight.

反正 大家 都 知道 了，你 还 怕 什么？ Everybody knows about it now. So what are you still afraid of?

反正 可以 刷卡 ，没有 现金 没什么 大不了 的 。 It’s no big deal not to have cash. We can swipe a credit card.

See Also

"No matter" with "wulun"

"No matter" with "buguan"

Expressing "since" with "jiran"

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 6 (新实用汉语课本6) (pp. 209) →buy

Short-term Spoken Chinese: Elementary (汉语口语速成基础篇) (pp. 139-140) [ →buy]

Expressing "as much as possible" with "jinliang"

尽量 (jǐnliàng) is an adverb meaning "as much as possible" or "to the greatest extent." In this article, we will do our best to explain how to use it!

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

4.2 Dictionaries

4.3 Websites

Structure

Using 尽量 is as simple as adding it before a verb.

尽量 + Verb / Adj.

Examples

我 会 尽量 想 办法 帮 你 的。 Wǒ huì jǐnliàng xiǎng bànfǎ bāng nǐ de. I will try my best to figure out something to help you.

你 看 书 吧，我 尽量 不 打扰 你。 Nǐ kànshū ba, wǒ jǐnliàng bù dǎrǎo nǐ. Go ahead and study, I'll do my best to not disturb you.

父母 应该 尽量 多 陪 陪 孩子。 Fùmǔ yīnggāi jǐnliàng duō péi péi háizi. Parents should do as much as possible to be with the children.

你 是 哥哥，要 尽量 照顾 好 妹妹。 Nǐ shì gēge, yào jǐnliàng zhàogù hǎo mèimei . You are the big brother and you should try your best to take good care of you little sister.

我们 要 尽量 避免 问 这 种 问题，有的 客户 会 感觉 很不舒服。 Wǒmen yào jǐnliàng bìmiǎn wèn zhè zhǒng wèntí, yǒude kèhù huì hěn bù shūfu de. We should avoid asking this kind of questions, which could make some clients very uncomfortable.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 212) [ →buy]

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 308) [ →buy]

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 709) →buy

Websites

ChinesePod Jinliang

Expressing "even" with "shenzhi"

甚至 (shènzhì) is similar to "even" in English and is used for emphasis. Like "even," it can be used quite directly or in a more subtle manner. When used more subtly it acts to supplement the speaker’s initial thought, creating the impression that the speaker has realized half way through his statement that he hasn’t gone far enough, and wants to take the idea one step further.

Contents

1 甚至 used to connect words or phrases

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 甚至 used to connect sentences

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

甚至 used to connect words or phrases

Structure

Note the word or phrase following 甚至 often uses 也 or 都 to add further emphasis.

A，B，甚至 C + 都 / 也 ⋯⋯

Examples

每 个 观众 甚至 裁判 都 站 起来 给 他 鼓掌。 Each and every audience, even the judge, stood up and applauded for him.

我 去 过 很 多 中国 的 城市，北京、上海、杭州、昆明、桂林，甚至 拉萨 我 也 去 过。 I've been to many cities in China, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Kunming, Guilin. I even went to Lasa once.

他 很 喜欢 玩 手机，吃饭 的时候，坐 地铁 的时候，甚至 上 厕所 的时候 也 在 玩。 He likes playing with his cell phone when he's eating, taking the metro, even when he goes to the bathroom.

甚至 used to connect sentences

Structure

Note the sentence following 甚至 often uses 也 or 都 to add further emphasis.

⋯⋯，甚至 ⋯⋯

Examples

他 太 忙 了，甚至 连 吃 中饭 的 时间 都 没有。 He's too busy. He doesn't even have time to eat lunch.

他 从来 不 聊 工作 的 事，甚至 跟 他 老婆 也 不 说。 He never talks about work, not even to his wife.

这 个 问题 很 简单，甚至 连 孩子 都 知道。 This question is simple, even kids know the answer.

我 男朋友 很 喜欢 游泳，甚至 连 冬天 也 游。 My boyfriend likes swimming a lot. He goes swimming even when it's winter.

几 年 不 见，他 变 胖 了 很 多，甚至 连 我 这 个 老 朋友 都 认 不 出来 了。 I haven't seen him for a few years and he's gotten much fatter. I, as an old friend, couldn't even recognize him.

See also

Advanced uses of "lian"

Expressing "even" with "lian" and "dou"

Combining verbs with "bing"

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 228) →buy

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 72) →buy

Short-term Spoken Chinese: Pre-Intermediate (汉语口语速成提高篇) (pp. 133) [ →buy]

Expressing "feel free" with "jinguan"

This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. 尽管 (jǐnguǎn) is an adverb which means "feel free to, " and can be used to encourage someone to not be shy about doing something.

Structure

尽管 + Verb

Examples

大家 有 话 尽管 说 。 Dàjiā yǒu huà jǐnguǎn shuō. Feel free to talk if you have anything to say.

有 什么 问题 尽管 问 。 Yǒu shénme wèntí jǐnguǎn wèn. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

有 什么 事 尽管 找 我 。 Yǒu shénme shì jǐnguǎn zhǎo wǒ. Feel free to ask me for help if you need anything.

这些 饮料 是 免费 的 ， 尽管 喝 。 Zhèxiē yǐnliào shì miǎnfèi de, jǐnguǎn hē. Feel free to have these drinks. They are all free of charge.

想 吃 什么 尽管 点 ， 我 请客 。 Xiǎng chī shénme jǐnguǎn diǎn, wǒ qǐngkè. Feel free to order anything you want. I'm buying.

Expressing "have to" with budebu

不得不 (bùdébù) has a stronger tone than 必须 (bìxū) meaning "someone cannot help but do something."

Structure

Subj. + 不得不 + Verb

Examples

我们 都 是 打工的 ， 不得不 服从 公司 的 安排 。 . 你 真的 太 厉害 了 ， 我 不得不 承认 。 You are so good. I have to admit it.

电梯 又 坏了 ， 我们 不得不 爬楼梯 。 . 你 真 会 说话 ，这一点 我们 不得不 佩服 。 . 不好意思 ，时间 有限 ，我 不得不 打断 你 。 I'm sorry. We have very limited time. I have to interrupt you.

See also

Expressing "in the end" with "daodi"

到底 (dàodǐ) literally means "to the bottom," and often is used where the speaker wants to get to the bottom of a problem or issue, emphasizing or questioning what the real reason for something is.

Contents

1 到底 as 毕竟 or "in the end"

1.1 Structure 1

1.2 Examples

1.3 Structure

2 2 到底 as 究竟 or "on earth"

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 到底 as 终于 or "finally"

3.1 Structure

3.2 Examples

4 See also

5 Sources and further reading 5.1 Books

到底 as 毕竟 or "in the end"

It is often used like 毕竟, to mean "after all" or "in the end." When used in this way, 到底 is used to emphasize a reason or characteristic the speaker considers to be most important.

Structure 1

到底 ⋯⋯ ，Reason / Characteristic

Examples

到底 是 个 大 老板，出手 就是 大方 。 "He is a high-level boss, after all...")

到底 是 个 高手，这么 快 就 把 问题 解决 了！"He is a master, after all...")

到底 还 是 孩子，有些 事情 他 不 懂 是 很 正常 的。"He is a kid, after all...")

Structure 2

虽然 + A， 但是 + 到底 + B， C

In this structure, A and B are reasons or characteristics, and C is a result or conclusion. For this one, although it's possible to use 到底, 毕竟 is definitely the more common choice, so for examples of this usage, see expressing "after all" with "bijing". 毕竟 can be placed before and after the Subject in this case, but 到底 is usually placed after the Subject.

到底 as 究竟 or "on earth"

到底 can be used to mean "on earth," where it is used to emphasize a question. In this sense, 到底 is similar to 究竟.

Structure

到底 + Question Word

到底 + Verb＋不 / 没＋Verb

Examples

你 到底 怎么 了？ What on earth is up with you?

到底 怎么 走？ How on earth do we get there?

快 说 啊！你 男友 到底 是 谁？ Come on! Who on earth is your boyfriend?

你 到底 说 不 说？ Are you going to say it or not?

你 到底 喜 不 喜欢 我？ Do you like me or not?

他们 到底 离 没 离婚？ Did they get divorced or not?

Note that 到底 can't appear in an answer to a question. Also, 吗 can't appear in a question formed with 到底 but 没有 can be used instead:

你 到底 吃 了 没有 ？

你 到底 吃 了 吗 ？

到底 as 终于 or "finally"

到底 can be used to mean "finally." In this sense, 到底 is similar to 终于.

Structure

到底＋Verb＋了

Examples

天气 到底 暖和 起来 了。 It‘s finally getting warm.

他 到底 想 明白 了。 He finally understood.

经过 两 年 多 的 努力，我们 的 项目到底 成功 了。 Our program finally succeed after we worked on this for over two years.

See also

Expressing "After All" with "bijing"

Expressing "In the End" with "jiujing"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 127-33) [ →buy]

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 2 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 183-5) [ →buy]

Expressing "in the end" with "jiujing"

When someone asks you "what on earth are you doing?," "究竟 (jiūjìng)" is used by the speaker to intensify the question. In this case, 究竟 is similar to 到底.

Note that 究竟 is more formal than 到底.

Contents

1 Using 究竟 in a question

1.1 Using 究竟 in a special question

1.1.1 Structure

1.1.2 Examples

1.2 Using 究竟 in a yes / no question

1.2.1 Structure

1.2.2 Examples

2 Using 究竟 in an affirmative sentence

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See Also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Using 究竟 in a question

Using 究竟 in a special question

Structure

究竟 + Question Word

Examples

这 个 人 究竟 是 谁？ Who on earth is this guy?

你 究竟 是 做 什么 的？ What exactly do you do?

他们 究竟 什么 时候 到？ When exactly are they arriving?

我们 究竟 还 要 等 多久？ How much longer do we still need to wait?

你们 究竟 想 让 我 怎么 做？ What on earth do you want me to do?

Using 究竟 in a yes / no question

Structure

究竟＋Verb＋没 / 不＋Verb

Examples

你 究竟 来 不 来？ Are you coming or not?

你们 究竟 能 不 能 帮 我？ Can you guys help me or not?

她 究竟 是 不 是 你 女朋友？ So, is she your girlfriend or not?

你 究竟 喜 不 喜欢 我？ So, do you like me or not?

经理 究竟 同 不 同意？ Does the manager agree or not?

Using 究竟 in an affirmative sentence

究竟 can be used with 是 for an emphasis on a fact, which is similar to 毕竟, meaning "after all."

Structure

A＋究竟 + 是＋ A，……

Examples

孩子 究竟 是 孩子，总是 想 着 怎么 玩。 Kids are kids after all. They always think about how to have fun.

上海 究竟 是 上海，生活 成本 就 是 高。 Shanghai is Shanghai after all. The living expense here is high.

年轻 人 究竟 是 年轻 人，精力 真 好。 Young people are young people after all. Their are so energetic.

生意 人 究竟 是 生意 人，对 他们 来说，赚钱 是 最 重要 的 。 Businessman is businessman after all. The most important thing to them is making money.

家人 究竟 是 家人，也许 你 不 喜欢 他们，但 你 还是 会 爱 他们。 Family are family after all. You may not like them, but you will still love them.

See Also

Expressing "After All" with "bijing"

Expressing "In the End" with "daodi"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 130-3) [ →buy]

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 19-20) →buy

Expressing "just" do it with "gancui"

干脆 is an adverb meaning "you might as well" or "just," and is normally used by the speaker to propose a straightforward course of action within a difficult situation.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

4.2 Dictionaries

Structure

Subj. + 干脆 + Verb

Examples

家里什么都没有，干脆出去吃吧。 There is nothing in the house, let's just go out to eat.

既然学不好，干脆别学了。 Since you aren't going to study well, might as well not study at all.

这台破电脑又坏了，干脆别修了，买台新的吧。 This ratty computer broke again. Might as well not fix it and just buy a new one.

苹果很贵，我干脆没买，只买了点香蕉。 Apples are too expensive. I'd better not buy them, just some bananas.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 439) →buy

Expressing "nearly" with "jihu"

几乎 (jīhū) means 'nearly', 'almost' or 'practically', and is used to emphasize that someone or something 'almost' meets a certain standard or is close to doing something.

Contents

1 Used before the Subject

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Used before the Predicate

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Used before the Subject

It is often used together with words that mean "all," such as 每, 所有, or 全. It can also be used with words that can be used to mean "none" such as 没有.

Structure

几乎 + Subj. + 都 + Verb / Adj.

Examples

几乎 每 个 人 都 有 手机 。 Almost everyone has a cell phone.

在 我们 公司，几乎 每 个 人 都 会 说 英文 。 In our company, almost everyone can speak English.

在 中国，几乎 所有 老外 都 会 说 “你好” 。 In China, almost all of the foreigners can say "hello" in Chinese.

几乎 所有 人 都 相信 他 。 Almost everyone believes what he said.

几乎 全 世界 的 观众 都 喜欢 这 部 电影 。 Almost all audiences across the world like this movie.

Used before the Predicate

Structure

Subj. + 几乎 + Predicate

Subj. + 几乎 + 不 / 没 + Predicate

Examples

爸爸 的 头发 几乎 白 了 。 Dad's hair is almost all white.

这 次 旅行 ，他们 几乎 花 了 所有 的 钱 。 They spent almost all of their money on this trip.

他 一个人 几乎 吃 了 一整个 蛋糕 。 He almost ate this whole cake by himself.

我 老板 几乎 不 喝酒 。 My boss doesn't really drink.

老板 这 几 个 月 几乎 没 好好 休息 过。 Boss has barely taken a break in the past few months.

See also

Expressing "almost" using "chadian" Approximations with "chabuduo"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 134-6) [ →buy]

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 241) →buy

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 40) →buy

Expressing "never again" with "zai ye bu"

Sometimes you may do something or experience something that you never ever want to do again. How do we express that in Chinese? One of the ways is to use 再也不 (zàiyěbù)!

Contents

1 Using 再也 with 不

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Using 再也 with 没

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See Also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Using 再也 with 不

Structure

To express that something will never be done again, or never happen again, you can use this structure:

Subj. + 再也 + 不 + Verb-Obj. + 了

Notice that 了 is used - in this case it's sentence 了. This is because it is now the case that the action will not be done. It usually indicates some kind of determination or decision.

Examples

我 再也不 想 看到 你 了 ！ Wǒ zài yě bù xiǎng kàndào nǐ le! I never want to see you again!

我 再也不 想 跟 你 说话 了 。 Wǒ zài yě bù xiǎng gēn nǐ shuōhuà le. I don't want to talk with you ever again.

我们 再也不 会 相信 你 了 ！ Wǒmen zài yě bù huì xiāngxìn tā le! We're not going to believe you ever again!

医生 说 她再也不 能 跳舞 了 。 Yīshēng shuō tā zài yě bù néng tiàowǔ le. The doctor said she can never be able to dance again.

我 再也不 要 离开 你 了 。 Wǒ zàiyě bù yào líkāi nǐ le. I'm not going to leave you ever again.

Using 再也 with 没

Structure

Subj. + 再也 + 没 + Verb + 过 + Obj.

Notice that 过 is used. And it means during a certain period of time in the past or from a certain time point up to now, something hasn't been done again.

Examples

从 那 以后 ，我 再也没 去 过 酒吧 。 Cóng nà yǐhòu, wǒ zài yě méi qù guo jiǔbā. I've never been to the bar again since then.

出国 以后 ，我 再也没 吃 过 地道 的 中国 菜 。 Chūguó yǐhòu, wǒ zài yě méi chī guo dìdào de Zhōngguó cài. I've never eaten any authentic Chinese food ever since I left the country.

分手 以后 ，他们 再也没 见 过 。 Fēnshǒu yǐhòu, tāmen zài yě méi jiàn guo. They haven't seen each other ever since they broke up.

毕业 以后，她 再也没 花 过 父母 的 钱 。 Bìyè yǐhòu, tā zài yě méi huā guo fùmǔ de qián. She has never spent her parents' money after she graduated.

考 完 试 以后，我 再也没 碰 过 那些 书 。 Kǎo wán shì yǐhòu, wǒ zàiyě méi pèng guo nàxiē shū. I haven't touched those books after I took the exam.

See Also

Sequencing with "xian" and "zai"

Again in the future with "zai"

Sources and further reading

Books

Common Chinese Patterns 330 (汉语常用格式330例) (pp. 299) →buy

Boya Chinese Elementary Starter 2 (博雅汉语初经起步篇) (pp. 174) →buy

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 265) →buy

Expressing "once" with "cengjing"

曾经 (céngjīng) is an adverb, and as such comes before verb phrases in a sentence. It adds the sense of "once" having happened (not the "one time" meaning of "once"), sometimes translated as "ever." It frequently pairs with 过.

Contents

1 Used with 过

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Used without 过

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 Negative Form

4 See also

5 Sources and further reading

5.1 Books

Used with 过

When used with action verbs, 曾经 comes before the verb, and that same verb is followed by 过. For psychological verbs, the 过 is optional.

Structure

Subj. + 曾经 + Verb + 过 (+ Obj.)

Examples

我们 曾经 一起 去 过 。 We've once been there together.

他 说 他 曾经 做 过 很多 傻事 。 He said that he once did a lot of stupid things.

我 曾经 喜欢 过 你 。 I once liked you.

她 曾经 想 当 演员 ，后来 成 了 全职太太 。 She once wanted to become an actress. She became a full time wife afterwards.

Sometimes 曾经 is used with 了 rather than 过.

为了 找 亲生 父母 ，她 曾经 花 了 很多钱 。 In order to find her biological parents, she once spent lots of money.

曾经 can also be used with some adjectives. In these cases, 过 is usually also used.

我们 都 曾经 年轻 过 。 We were all once young.

他 的 音乐 曾经 流行 过 。 His musician was once popular.

Used without 过

When used with the verbs 是, 在, and 有 (all related to existence rather than actions), 过 is generally not used.

Structure

曾经 + 是 / 在 / 有 ⋯⋯

Examples

曾经 with 是他 曾经 是 我 老板 。 He was once my boss.

这里 曾经 是 一个 学校 。 It was once a school here.

曾经 with 在市政府 曾经 在 我们 家 旁边 。 The city government was next to our house.

他 的 墓 曾经 在 国外 。 His tomb was once abroad.

曾经 with 有她 曾经 有 一个 西班牙 男朋友 。 She once had a Spanish boyfriend.

他们 家 曾经 有 很多钱 。 Their family once has lots of money.

Negative Form

Because 过 is used to talk about past actions, it should be negated with 没 (méi). When you mean to say "I haven't ever (done something)" or "(something) hasn't happened ever," just say 没⋯⋯过. It is incorrect to use 没 or 不 to negate 曾经.

Try not to say:

我们 不 曾经 吵 过 架 。 We've never fought.

他们 一直 写信 ，没 曾经 见 过 面 。 They've been writing to each other, but they've never met.

不曾 (bùcéng) and 未曾 (wèicéng), however, can also be used to express the above meaning, but they're more formal and thus used only in written language.

不曾/ 未曾 + Verb + 过 + Obj.

A few examples:

他们 一直 写信 ，不曾 见 过 面 。 They've been writing to each other, but they've never met.

他 从小 就 没有 父母 ，未曾 感受 过 家庭 的 温暖 。 He's lost his parents since his childhood. He's never experienced the warmth of a family.

See also

Taiwanese "you"

Expressing experiences with "guo"

Before a specific time with "yiqian"

Expressing "before" in general with "yiqian"

Sources and further reading

Books

HSK Standard Course 5上 (pp. 75) →buy

Expressing "originally" with "benlai"

There are a number of ways to express "originally" in Chinese, and 本来 (běnlái) is one of the ones first learned, partly because its two characters are so simple.

Contents

1 Using 本来是 (běnlái shì) Expresses a Change of Plans

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Using 本来就 (běnlái jiù) Used for Emphasis of a Viewpoint

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 本来 (běnlái) with 就 (jiù) to Express "Duh!"

3.1 Structure

3.2 Examples

4 See also

Using 本来是 (běnlái shì) Expresses a Change of Plans

If something happened unexpectedly later, 本来 is preferred rather than 原来 considering there is a change of the original situation. 本来 means "originally." Since the action has already happened, the pattern 是... 的 is suggested here. 是 is optional.

Structure

Subj. + 本来 + 是 +（不）要 / 会 / 应该 + Verb + 的，但是 / 可是 ...

Examples

我 本来 是 要 去 的，不过 后来 不 太 舒服 ，就 没 去 。 I was originally going, but I didn't go because I didn't feel very well.

他 本来 是 应该 考 得 更 好 的 ，可是 那天 他 生病 了 。 He would have done better on the test, but he was sick that day.

我们 本来 想 去 找 他 帮忙 的，可是 他 那么 忙 ，就 没 去 。 We were going to ask him for help, but we didn't because he was so busy.

这些 工作 本来 是 要 今天 做完 的 ，不过 明天 做 也 可以 。 This work needs to be done by today. But it's OK to leave it to tomorrow.

我 本来 要 跟 他 结婚 的 ，可是 后来 发现 了 我们 真的 不 合适。 I was originally going to marry him, but then I found that we are just not meant for each other.

Using 本来就 (běnlái jiù) Used for Emphasis of a Viewpoint

If you've got an opinion to express after stating how it "should be" or "should not be," then 本来就 will help you sound more convincing. The end of the sentence usually has an imperative or rhetorical question that leads to an opinion or suggestion, emphasizing the tone.

Structure

Subj. + 本来 + 就...

Examples

你 本来 就 够 瘦 了 ，还要 减肥 吗？ You are already so thin and you still want to lose weight?

他 讲 得 本来就 不 对 ，为什么 还 要 我 听 他 的？ What he says has always been wrong, so why do you still want me to listen to him?

她 本来 就 很 有钱，当然 买得起 了。 She is rich. Of course she can afford it.

她 本来 就 不 喜欢 你，你 别 再 追 她 了。 She never liked you in the first place, so stop pursuing her.

他 本来 就 很 喜欢 开玩笑，你 别 介意 。 He has always liked joking around, so don't take it personally.

本来 (běnlái) with 就 (jiù) to Express "Duh!"

本来 (běnlái) is used when the speaker believes something is common sense. There are certain expectations for the speaker and listener. "Duh" is probably an overly saracastic and informal English equivalent, so another translation could be "it goes without saying." It could also be translated to "supposed to," following it with a certain expectation.

Structure

Subj. + 本来 + 就 + 很 / 不 + Adj.

Subj. + 本来 + 就 + 会 / 要 / 得 / 应该 + Verb

Examples

照顾 孩子 本来 就 是 父母 的 责任。 Taking care of children is supposed to be the responsibility of parents.

老师 本来 就 应该 好好 备课。 Teachers are supposed to prepare their lessons well.

美国 人 本来 就 会 说 流利 的 英文。Literally, "Americans are supposed to speak fluent English." Well, of course Americans speak fluent English.

搬家 本来 就 很 麻烦。Literally, "Moving is supposed to be troublesome." Moving is always a pain.

生活 本来 就 很 不 容易。Literally, "Life was never supposed to be easy." No one ever said life was easy.

See also

Expressing "over and over again" with "zaisan"

再三 (zàisān) or means "repeatedly" or "time and again" in a formal way, and is usually placed before a two-syllable verb.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Structure

再三 + Verb

Examples

老师 再三 强调 这 次 考试 对 我们 很 重要。 The teacher has stressed over and over that this exam is really important for us.

中国 政府 再三 警告 美国 不要 干涉 中国 的 内政。 China's government warns the USA repeatedly not to interfere in China's affairs.

她 再三 犹豫 之后，选择 了 放弃 比赛。 After hesitating again and again, she chose to give up the competition.

我们 再三 考虑 过后，决定 满足 你 的 这 个 要求。 After back and forth considering, we decided to satisfy your requirements.

我 再三 提醒 你 出国 旅游 一定 要 小心 你 的 钱包。 I reminded you, again and again, that you need to be careful with your wallet when you travel abroad.

See also

Again in the future with "zai" Again in the past with "you"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 195-7) [ →buy]

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 157) →buy

HSK Standard Course 5上 (pp. 126) →buy

Expressing "simply" with "jianzhi"

简直 (jiǎnzhí) is similar to "simply" or "completely" in English, and can be used to modify adjectives or verbs, adding a tone of amazement on the part of the speaker.

Contents

1 Used as "simply"

1.1 Basic structure

1.2 Examples

2 Used as "basically"

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Used as "simply"

Basic structure

Subj. + 简直 + Predicate

Examples

他 简直 是 个 魔鬼 ！ He is simply a monster!

他 唱歌 简直 难听 死了 ！ His singing is simply awful!

你 男 朋友 简直 太 帅 了 ！ Your boyfriend is simply so handsome!

我 简直 不 明白 他 为什么 这么 傻 ！ I just don't understand why he's so stupid.

我 简直 不 知道 怎么 教 这样 的 学生 ！ I just don't know how I should teach such kind of students.

However, although it is possible in English to say something is "simply beautiful," in Chinese, 简直 cannot be followed directly by an unmodified adjective. Check out the following examples:

她 简直 漂亮 ！

她 简直 很 漂亮 ！

她 简直 太 漂亮 了 ！

她 简直 漂亮 极 了 !

Used as "basically"

Structure

Subj. + 简直 + 是(在) + Predicate

Examples

他 简直 是 骗 人 。 He's just lying to you.

他们 简直 就是 在 抄 我们 的 创意 。 They are basically stealing our creativity.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp. 115) →buy

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 134-6) [ →buy]

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 225) →buy

Expressing "since the beginning" with "yixiang"

一向 (yī xiàng) is generally used to express a habit, attitude, or ‘set way of things' has continued for a long period of time until the present.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

4.2 Websites

Structure

Subj. + 一向 + Habit / Attitude / etc.

Examples

他 一向 是 个 好 学生，怎么 可能 会 作弊 呢？ He's always been a good student, why would he possibly cheat?

中国人 一向 把 红色 视为 吉祥 喜庆 的 颜色。 Chinese people have always considered red to be a lucky and joyous color.

云南 的 雨季 一向 来 得 很 突然。 Yunnan's rainy season always comes suddenly.

他 的 态度 一向 很 认真。 His attitude has always been very serious.

一向 cannot be used with verbs involving changes or actions. In this case, 一直 should be used:

So we cannot say:

中国 的经济 一向都在快速发展. 他 一向 都 在 学 汉语.

一向 indicates that a certain state has continued until the present. It cannot be used to express actions in the future. Again, 一直 can be used instead:

你打算一向在上海工作吗？

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 224-5) →buy

Websites

‘一向’与‘一直’的多角度分析

‘一直’和‘一向’

Expressing "to make certain" with "qianwan"

千万 (qiān wàn) on the surface seems to just mean "thousand ten thousand," but it actually means "to make certain." It is used when you want to command someone or remind someone to do something (like: "don't forget to clean your room!") It really adds a kick to your sentence!

Contents

1 Structure

2 千万 with "don't"

2.1 Examples

3 千万 with "do"

3.1 Examples

4 See also

5 Sources and further reading

5.1 Books

Structure

千万 usually starts the imperative sentence/phrase (also called command sentence/phrase), and it is usually paired with 要, 不能, 别 or similar types of words. You can use 千万 with sentences that are commanding someone not do do something, or you can tell them to do something.

千万 + Verb/Verb Phrase

千万 with "don't"

The following examples use 千万 to command someone not to do something.

Examples

这 个 菜 很 难吃，千万 不要 点！

那里 太 危险 了，千万 不要 去！

他们 的 产品 是 假 的，你 千万 不 要 买！

他 不 是 什么 好人，千万 不 要 相信 他！

孩子 有 错，父母 可以 教育 他， 但 千万 不 能 打 孩子。

千万 with "do"

The following examples use 千万 to command someone to do something.

Examples

过 马路 千万 要 小心。

这 句 话 你 千万 要 记 在 心里。

一个人 去 旅行千万 要 注意 安全。

出门 以前 千万 要 把 门 锁 好。

雨天 路 滑， 千万 要 开 慢 点。

See also

Comparing "kending" "queding" and “yiding"

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2(P.95) →buy

Practicing HSK Grammar (语法精讲精炼)(P.42) →buy

现代汉语八百词(P.447) →buy

Expressing "while you're at it" with "shunbian"

This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. Although sometimes translated as "in passing" or even "conveniently," the most common way that the idea of adverb 顺便 (shùnbiàn) is expressed in English is "while you're at it" (or "while I'm at it," etc.). It's the idea of doing something at a convenient and logical time to save effort. Now you just have to get used to expressing this concept as an adverb.

Contents

1 General use of 顺便

1.1 Structure

1.2 Example

2 Colloquial usage of 顺便

2.1 Common phrases

2.2 Example

3 See aslo

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

4.2 Dictionaries

General use of 顺便

Structure

Subj. ＋Verb Phrase 1，顺便 + Verb Phrase 2

Example

你 去 买 早饭 的 时候 顺便 帮 我 带 杯 咖啡 吧。 Nǐ chūqù de shíhou shùnbiàn bāng wǒ dài bēi kāfēi ba. Bring me a cup of coffee when you go to buy breakfast.

你 去 超市 能 不 能 顺便 帮 我 买 一 瓶 牛奶？ Nǐ qù chāoshì néng bu néng shùnbiàn bāng wǒ mǎi yī píng niúnǎi? Could you please buy me a bottle of milk when you go to the supermarket?

老板 去 见 客户，顺便 吃 了 午饭。 Lǎobǎn qù jiàn kèhù, shùnbiàn chī le wǔfàn. The boss went to see the client and also eat lunch with him.

我 下周 去 北京 出差，顺便 去 看 一 个 朋友。 Wǒ xià zhōu qù Běijīng chūchāi, shùnbiàn qù kàn yīgè péngyou. I'm going to Beijing on a business trip next week. I'll go to visit a friend while I'm there.

我 出门 的 时候 都 会 顺便 扔 垃圾。 Wǒ chūmén de shíhou dōu huì shùnbiàn rēng lājī. I take out the trash every time I leave the house.

你 见 他 的 时候 顺便 问 一下 他 周末 来 不 来。 Nǐ jiàn tā de shíhou shùnbiàn wèn yīxià tā zhōumò lái bu lái. Ask him if he's coming this weekend when you meet him.

Colloquial usage of 顺便

Here 顺便 means by the way.

Common phrases

顺便说一下

顺便问一下

Example

顺便 说 一下，我 最近 搬 家 了。 Shùnbiàn huō yīxià, wǒ zuìjìn bān jiā le. By the way, I moved lately.

顺便 问 一下，你 下周 什么 时候 回来？ Shùnbiàn wèn yīxià, nǐ xià zhōu shénme shíhou huílái? By the way, when are you coming back next weekend?

顺便 说 一下，电脑 已经 修 好 了。 Shùnbiàn huō yīxià, diànnǎo yǐjīng xiū hǎo le. By the way, the computer's been fixed.

See aslo

Sources and further reading

Books

Dictionaries

Expressing concern with "kongpa"

恐怕 (kǒngpà) can be used to express "I'm afraid that," or "I'm concerned that," or even "I'm worried that," followed by some sort of reason. It doesn't need to be something you're literally afraid of; it may be that you're just trying to soften the blow of some bad news, as in, "I'm afraid that I'm too busy washing my hair tomorrow night to come over and see the 2000 pictures of your trip to ComicCon."

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 我 with 恐怕

4 See also

5 Sources and further reading

5.1 Videos

5.2 Books

Structure

恐怕 comes at the beginning of the sentence. The meaning is similar to "perhaps" or "probably." It's often used with auxiliary verbs, such as 要, 会, 能, 得, etc.

(Reason,) 恐怕 ⋯⋯

Examples

今天 恐怕 要 下雨 。 I'm afraid it's going to rain today.

这 是 很重要 的 决定 ，你 恐怕 不 能 这么 着急 。 I'm afraid you can't rush this decision as it is a big one to make.

老婆 ，我 晚上 要 加班 ，恐怕 不 能 回家 吃 晚饭 了 。 Wife, I'm going to work late tonight. I'm afraid I can't go home to eat dinner.

这个 颜色 太 粉 了 ，恐怕 我女儿 不 喜欢 。 This pink is too much. I'm afraid my daughter isn't going to like it.

这件事 恐怕 得 你 帮忙 。 I'm afraid you have to help me with this.

你 现在 知道 被 骗 了 ？恐怕 骗子 早就 跑了 。 You finally realized the fact that you were ripped off? I'm afraid that guy was long gong.

这样做 恐怕 不太 合适 。 I'm afraid it wasn't appropriate to do it this way.

"恐怕"也经常和"吧"连用，表示一种委婉、商量、劝告的语气，而说话人有自己的想法。

恐怕 没 那么 容易 吧 。 I'm afraid it's not that easy.

一个人 去 那个 地方 恐怕 不太 安全 吧 。 I'm afraid it's not safe to go there alone.

你 这样 说 ，恐怕 她 会 不 高兴 吧 。 I'm afraid she will be upset about the way you talk.

我 with 恐怕

A common mistake many people make when learning 恐怕 is putting a pronoun, such as 我, before 恐怕. It's a reasonable assumption, as 恐怕 translates to, "I'm afraid" but the pronoun is more or less implied and grammatically incorrect when preceded by 我:

我 恐怕 帮不了 你 。Never put 我 before 恐怕!

恐怕 我 帮不了 你 。 I'm afraid I can't help you.

See also

"Would like to" with xiang

Wanting to do something with yao

Auxiliary verb Auxiliary verb "hui" for "will"

Sources and further reading

Videos

Yoyo Chinese: "Have to and Don't have to"

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 164-5) →buy

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (pp. 301) →buy

Expressing difficulty with "hao (bu) rongyi"

好不容易 (hǎo bù róngyì) means "very difficult" or "really not easy." It is often used where the speaker wants to comment on the result of their hard work, something like "It was really hard for me do to do x, but then I realized y."

Contents

1 Adverbial Structure with 才

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Adjectival Structure (without 才)

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Adverbial Structure with 才

Structure

Sentences using 好不容易 are often followed by 才, emphasizing the action has been completed later than expected. Strange as it might seem, 好容易 has the same meaning as 好不容易, and can be used interchangeably.

Subj. + 好容易 / 好不容易 + 才 + Verb，[Result Sentence]

Examples

我们 好不容易 才做完这个项目，结果 合同 取消 了。 With great difficulty, we finally finished this project. As a result, the contract is up.

我 好不容易 才 到 市 中心， 却 发现 没 带 手机，只好 回去 拿。 It took me a long time to reach the city center, then I realized I had forgotten my cell phone and had to go back and get it.

金融 危机 之后 他 好不容易 才 找到 工作，现在 又 辞职 了。 After the financial crisis, he had a hard time finding a job. Now he's resigning.

我 好不容易 才 打通 了 银行 的 服务 热线。 It was so hard for me to get my call through to the bank service hotline.

他们 好不容易 才 爬 到 了 山顶，结果 下起 了 大雨。 With great difficulty, they finally climbed to the top of the mountain. Then it started raining heavily.

Adjectival Structure (without 才)

Structure

Verb / [Verb Phrase] + 好容易 / 好不容易

In this structure one can only use “好(不)容易” to express “with great difficulty”. At the end of the sentence particles such as “啊” or “哦” will also often be used to emphasize emotion.

Examples

要 完成 这 个 大 项目好不容易 啊。 Finishing this big project will not be an easy task.

养 大 一 个 孩子 好不容易。 Raising a child is not an easy thing to do.

创办 一 个 公司 好不容易 啊。 Starting a company isn't easy.

See also

Easy to do something

Difficult to do something

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 2 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 100，110-11) [ →buy]

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 77-8) [ →buy]

Expressing wasted efforts with "bai"

白 (bái) doesn't only mean "white." When added before a verb it means to do that verb "in vain" or "with no effect." In a certain way, you can think of 白 as not being just "white" but also "blank," like when you do something for a long time without thinking, and you're just going through the motions. It's like doing something with a "blank" mind.

Contents

1 Structure with just 白

1.1 Examples

2 Structure with 白白

2.1 Examples

3 Sources and further reading

Structure with just 白

All you have to do is but 白 before the verb.One important thing to note is that 白 is usually used with mono-syllabic words, like 帮, 做, 学 etc. You cannot put a 地 after 白.

白 + Verb + 了

Examples

白 花 了 一 百 块 钱，这 件 衣服 不 能 穿。 I just wasted a hundred kuai. I can't even wear these clothes.

他 不 回来 吃饭 了？！我 这些 菜 白 做了。 He's not coming back to eat？！I made all this food for nothing.

你 一 句 汉语 都 不 会 说，白 学 了 这么 长 时间。 You can't speak even one sentence in Chinese, wasting all of that time studying.

我 去 的 时候 他 不 在 家， 所以 我 白 跑 了 一 趟。 He wasn't home when I got there, so I wasted all of that time going over there.

不好意思， 让 你 白 忙 了 一 个 早上，我们 老板 今天 来 不了 了。 Sorry to make you work this whole morning for nothing. Our boss just said that he couldn't come today.

Structure with 白白

白 can also be replaced with 白白, and they are basically the same, though 白白 has a stronger emphasis on the "wasted effort." 白白 also is usually paired with a disyllabic word, like 帮助, 准备, 学习 etc. Unlike 白, 白白 can be used with a 地.

Examples

明天 不 考 中文， 小王 白白 准备 了 一 天。 There's not a Chinese test tomorrow. Little Wang studied the whole day in vain.

他 没有 来，我 在 飞机场 白白 等 了 他 四 个 小时。 He hasn't come. I wasted four hours at the airport waiting for him.

她 白白 学 了 十 年 的 英语， 她 看得懂 英文，但是 连 简单 的 对话 都 不 会 说！ She spent ten years fruitlessly studying English. She can read English, but she can't even speak a simple sentence.

Sources and further reading

现代汉语八百词 (pp. 58) →buy

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 160-161) [ →buy]

Rhetorical questions with "nandao"

Rhetorical questions use the form of a question to emphasize a point, and, as such, the question does not require an answer. A typical English rhetorical question might be: "you're not saying you actually believe him, are you?" or "just how stupid are you?" In Chinese, 难道 (nándào) is used as a marker to form this kind of question.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See Also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

4.2 Websites

Structure

难道 + [Rhetorical Question]

Examples

难道 你 真的 相信 他 吗？ You're not telling me you actually believe him?

难道 你 是 我 妈 吗？ What are you, my mother or something?

今天 是 我 的 生日，难道 你 不 知道 吗？ Today's my birthday; you're telling me you didn't know?

你 父母 这么 关心 你， 难道 你 一点 都 感觉 不到 吗？ Your parents care so much about you;You are not telling me that you could't feel it at all?

他 这么 帅，又 这么 有钱，难道 你 不 想 嫁 给 他 吗？

He's so handsome and rich;you are not telling me that you don't want to marry him? Note that 难道 can only be used for rhetorical questions which could be answered with yes or no, and generally end with 吗.

难道 我 应该 给 你 多少 钱？Not a 吗 question How much money should I give you?

难道你 还 想 在 这 种 公司 工作 多少 年？Not a 吗 question How many more years do you want to work for this kind of company?

难道他们 还 要 再 生 几 个 孩子？Not a 吗 question How many more kids do they want to have?

See Also

"Could it be that" with "qibushi" Expressing "could it be possible that" with "mofei"

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Elementary Starter 2 (博雅汉语初经起步篇) (pp. 132-3) →buy

Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp. 91-2) →buy

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 120) →buy

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 83) →buy

Websites

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetorical_question

Listing things with "a"

When listing nouns belonging to a certain category, 啊 (a) can be added to the end of each noun to give an informal feeling a bit like saying "you know, that kind of thing" after a list of things.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and Further Reading

Structure

A 啊， B 啊， C 啊⋯⋯

Examples

我们 什么 零食 都 有，花生 啊，瓜子 啊，薯片 啊，你 随便 吃 吧。 We have all sorts of snacks: peanuts, roasted seeds, chips, go ahead and eat whatever you want.

椅子 啊，桌子 啊，电脑 啊 什么的 都 买 好 了，现在 办公室 只 差 招 员工 了！ Chairs, tables, computers, and so one have all been bough. Now the office only needs to hire workers!

《发展 汉语》 啊， 《实用 汉语 课本》 啊，我 都 学 过，没 用！ "Developing Chinese" and "The Practical Chinese Reader," we've studied both of them, they won't help.

As in the first example, the list can be followed by 什么的, but is not generally followed by 等 as this feels too formal.

See also

Ending a Non-Exhaustive List with "shenme de"

Sentence-final interjection "a"

Sources and Further Reading

现代汉语八百词 (pp. 47) →buy

Expressing "and then" with "yushi"

于是 is a conjunction used to express a continuation between two events. The second event is the direct result of the first event.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 于是 Used with 就

4 因此 vs. 于是

5 See also

6 Sources and further reading

6.1 Books

Structure

于是 is a conjunction that comes between two clauses. Its closest English equivalent would be "and then." Since 于是 can only be used to talk about the past, 了 is ofter used in the same sentence.

⋯⋯ ，于是 (+ Subj.) ⋯⋯ + 了

Examples

我 看 大家 都 买 了 ，于是 我 也 买 了 。 I saw everyone was was buying. And then I bought it, too.

昨天 突然 下雨了 ，于是 我们 取消 了 野餐 的 计划 。 It rained yesterday, so we cancelled the picnic.

网站上 的 票 已经 卖 光 了 ，于是 我们 买 了 黄牛票 。 The tickets on the website were sold out. And then we bought the tickets from the scalpers.

他 的 英语 太差 了，于是 ，他 妈妈 给 他 请 了 一个 英语 家教 。 His English is too bad. And then his mother hired an English tutor for him.

她 发现 男朋友 已经 结婚 了 。于是 ，她 马上 跟 他 分手 了 。 She found her boyfriend's been married. And she broke up with her.

于是 Used with 就

于是 is often used with 就 to emphasize that the actions or events that come after 就 are immediately after the first event.

电影 太 暴力 了 ，我们 实在 看 不 下去 了 ，于是 就 走 了 。 This movie was so violent and we couldn't bear watching it anymore. And then we left.

他 实在 太 懒 了 ，于是 老板 就 把 他 辞 了 。 He was too lazy and then the boss fired him.

因此 vs. 于是

While they may seem very similar, 因此 is not quite the same as 于是. When using 因此, it acts as a conjunction that expresses the cause and effect. Because of the reasons in clause one, clause two reaches this result or conclusion.

因此 emphasizes a cause and effect relationship. 于是 emphasizes that the first event is closely followed by the second event.

于是 can only be used to recount events that happened in the past.

因此 is more formal and mostly used in writing. 于是 is more commonly used when speaking.

他 经常 随便 开玩笑 ，因此 ，大家 都 不 喜欢 跟 他 说话 。 He often makes jokes recklessly. Therefore, people doesn't like to talk to him.

他 经常 随便 开玩笑 ，于是 ，大家 都 不 喜欢 跟 他 说话 。 He often makes jokes recklessly, so people doesn't like to talk to him.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语虚词手册 (pp. 326) →buy

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 636) [ →buy]

对外汉语教学语法释疑201例 (pp. 362) [ →buy]

Expressing "and" with "he" (advanced)

You probably learned early on that 和 (hé) is used as an "and" word to connect nouns and noun phrases, but not sentences or clauses. This rule is fine for a while but eventually you will begin encountering what appears to be non-nouns linked by 和. This article addresses how you may see 和 used in other ways.

It's worth mentioning that none of these uses of 和 needs to be "learned." You could do just fine only using 和 to connect nouns and noun phrases, and native speakers may prefer not to use 和 in some of the examples sentences given below. Still, uses like these do exist.

Contents

1 Linking Verbs with 和

2 Linking Adjectives with 和

3 Incorrect uses of 和

4 See also

5 Sources and further reading

5.1 Books

5.2 Websites

Linking Verbs with 和

Verb 1 + 和 + Verb 2

Rather than give absolute rules, it's more helpful to give trends, because it's very difficult to provide a rule for using 和 with non-nouns which is never broken. There are just too many gray areas.

In most cases, the following trends apply when 和 is used to connect verbs:

The two verbs are very similar in nature. This could include characteristics such as level of formality, structure, and scope. Often you'll find that the verbs even overlap a little in meaning or are frequently used together. Thus "唱歌和跳舞" is natural (both are separable verbs, equally informal, frequently used together), whereas "玩游戏和跑" (the structure of the two is very different) is quite awkward.

Both verbs share the same object (e.g. "管理和运营着家公司") or are both modified by the same adverbial phrase (e.g. "进一步地了解和交流").

Normally (but not always) both verbs are disyllabic (two-syllable verbs), such as 维护, 修理.

政府 每年 都 会 维护 和 修理 这些 建筑 。

我们 需要 进一步 地 了解 和 交流。

他 十八岁 的 时候 就 管理 和 运营 着 一 家 公司。

这 种 材料 可以 无限 地 回收 和 利用。

预防 和 治理 污染 需要 所有 人 共同 的 努力。

Linking Adjectives with 和

Adj. 1 + 和 + Adj. 2

In most cases, at least one of the following trends apply when 和 is used to connect adjectives:

The two adjectives do not act as the predicate of the sentence, but instead act as an attributive (coming before a noun), object (coming after a verb), or other sentence element. There will be some kind of modification before the adjectives; they won't just be used "bare"

我 就是 喜欢 她 任性 和 调皮，怎么了？做宾语) 她 那么 单纯 和 天真，你 怎么 可以 这样 对 她？

有修饰成分) 她 安静 和 甜美 的笑容让我觉得温暖。

做定语) 这种 恐惧 和 担心 不 是 没有 道理。

有修饰成分，做主语) 你 什么时候 才 可以 像 他 那样 冷静 和 理性？有修饰成分)

Incorrect uses of 和

Don't forget that in addition to 和, there are all kinds of other ways to express the "and" meaning, such as the words 并, 并且, and 还有, or the patterns 又⋯⋯又⋯⋯ or 既⋯⋯又⋯⋯.

The following sentences don't follow the trends laid out above, and are thus not good sentences.

你自私和冷漠，怎么会有人喜欢你？！The adjectives are acting as the predicate, and have nothing modifying them.)

你这么自私和冷漠，怎么会有人喜欢你？！Adding a modifier to the adjectives sounds much better.)

我去了超市和买了水果。You could look at these actions as two separate clauses or verbs with separate objects. Either way, it's bad.)

我去了超市，并且买了水果。Here we treated the verbs as separate clauses and used 并且 to connect them.)

你需要买和装杀毒软件。Although the verbs share an object, they're both monosyllabic verbs. While perhaps not blatantly incorrect, this sentence just sounds weird to most Chinese.)

你需要购买和安装杀毒软件。They still share the same object, but now the monosyllabic verbs have been converted to disyllabic verbs. Problem solved!)

See also

Translations of "and" 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) →buy

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

现代汉语虚词例释 (pp. 236) →buy

现代汉语八百词 (pp. 265) →buy

实用现代汉语语法 (pp. 317) →buy

Websites

Sinosplice: Syntactic Anguish of the Verb-Object-Modifier Variety

Expressing "in addition" with "lingwai"

另外 (lìng wài) can be used to express "in addition" or "besides," which are often followed with 还 (hái) or 也 (yě).

Contents

1 Using as a Conjunction

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Used as an Adverb

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Using as a Conjunction

Structure

⋯⋯ ，另外 ，⋯⋯

Note that 还 or 也 is often used after 另外.

Examples

这个 课文 太 难 了 ，我 不 想 学 。另外 ，我 也 没 准备 。 Zhège kèwén tài nán le, wǒ bù xiǎng xué. Lìngwài, wǒ yě méi zhǔnbèi. This lesson is too difficult and I don't want to read it. Besides, I didn't prepare for it.

希望 你 不要 再 迟到 了 。另外，你 应该 穿 得 正式 一 点 。 Xīwàng nǐ bùyào zài chídào le. Lìngwài, nǐ yīnggāi chuān de zhèngshì yīdiǎn. I hope you won't be late again. In addition, you should also dress a little more formally for work.

这个 航班 经常 晚点 。另外 ，他们 的 飞机 餐 也 很 难吃 。 Zhège hángbān jīngcháng wǎndiǎn. Lìngwài, tāmen de fēijī cān yě hěn nánchī. This flight is always delayed. In addition, their meal set is terrible.

我 没 时间 参加 这个 活动 。另外 ，我 也 不 太 感 兴趣 。 Wǒ méi shíjiān cānjiā zhège huódòng. Lìngwài, wǒ yě bù tài gǎn xìngqù. I don't have time to attend this activity. Besides, I'm not really interested.

幼儿园 提供 午餐 。另外 ，每天 下午 还 有 点心 和 水果 。 Yòuéryuán tígōng wǔcān. Lìngwài, měi tiān xiàwǔ hái yǒu diǎnxin hé shuǐguǒ. The kindergarten provides lunch. In addition, there are deserts and fruits every afternoon.

Used as an Adverb

Structure

另外 + [Verb Phrase]

Examples

今天 我 没 空 ，能 不 能 另外 安排 时间 ？ Jīntiān wǒ méi kōng, néng bu néng lìngwài ānpái shíjiān? I don't have time today. Can you schedule it another time?

在 我家 开会 不 方便 ，我们 另外 找 地方 吧 。 Zài wǒ jiā kāi huì bù fāngbiàn, wǒmen lìngwài zhǎo dìfang ba. It's not very convenient to have this meeting at my place. Let's find some other place.

这个 项目 他们 做 不 好 ，我 建议 你们 另外 找 人 来 做 。 Zhège xiàngmù tāmen zuò bu hǎo, wǒ jiànyì nǐmen lìngwài zhǎo rén lái zuò. They can't accomplish this project. I suggest you find some other people to do it.

这里 是 VIP 室 ，要 另外 付费 才 能 用 。 Zhèlǐ shì VIP shì, yào lìngwài fùfèi cái néng yòng. This is the VIP room. You will have to pay more in order to use it.

如果 学生 觉得 不 难 ，老师 可以 另外 加 一些 学习 内容 。 Rúguǒ xuéshēng juéde bù nán, lǎoshī kěyǐ lìngwài jiā yīxiē xuéxí nèiróng. If the students don't find the lesson difficult, the teacher can add more learning materials.

See also

Expressing "in addition" with "haiyou" "In addition" with "zaishuo" Expressing "not only… but also"

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp. 196) →buy

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 155-6) →buy

Using "er" to explain contrasting ideas

The conjunction 而 (ér) is used to connect two sentences that are related to each other, but talk about contrasting ideas or subjects. In this manner, it can be seen as a word meaning "but" or "rather." 而 is often used in a more formal or literary sense, but it is also common in everyday speech.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 Examples

4 See Also

5 Sources and Further Reading

5.1 Books

5.2 Websites

Structure

Sentence 1， + 而 + Sentence 2

Examples

我 今天 去 你 家 找 你 了，而 你 不 在 家。 I am going to your home to find you today, and you are not at home.

孩子 发烧 很 严重，而 你 一点 都 不 关心。 Your child has a very hot fever,but you must not care.

她 在 公司 很 受 欢迎，而 我 并 不 喜欢 她。 She is very popular at the company, but I don't like her.

As you can see, 而 comes between the two to heighten the contrast.

Frequently you'll see the pattern in one of these two more specific forms:

不是……，而是……

是……，（而）不是……

Examples

以后 后悔 的 人 不 是 我，而 是 你 自己。 The regretful person isn't me. It's you.

现在 要 做 的 不 是 责怪 谁 错 了，而 是 怎么 解决。 Now is not the time to accuse who did it wrong, but to figure out how to resolve it.

我 没 说 不 是 想 骗 你 ，而 是 怕 你 不 高兴 。 The reason I didn't tell you isn't that I wanted to lie to you; it's that I was afraid you would be upset.

我 不 是 不 想 帮 你 ，而 是 没有 能力 帮 你 。 It's not that I don't want to help you, it's that I have no ability to help you.

重要 的 不是 你 的 外表 ，而是 你 的 内心 。 What's important is not how you look on the outside, but rather what's on the inside.

生活 中 不是 缺少 美 ，而是 缺少 发现 美 的 眼睛 。 It's not that life is lacking in beauty, but rather that we lack eyes that discover it.

Subj. + 是⋯⋯ ，（而）不是⋯⋯

Some examples:

我们 是 来 办事 的 ，不是 来 玩 的 。 We're here to do our job, not to have fun.

你 这样 做 是 害 他 ，不是 帮 他 。 By doing this you were hurting him, not helping him.

不好意思 ，我 是 不 小心 ，不是 故意 的 。 I'm sorry. It was an accident. It wasn't on purpose.

See Also

"On the contrary" with "fan'er"

Conceding a point with "shi"

Expressing "not only… but also"

Two words for "but"

Using "because" with "er" to indicate effect

Sources and Further Reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 343-4) →buy

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 128, 200) [ →buy]

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 277) →buy

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 20) →buy

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (pp. 516) →buy

Websites

Yale Chinese Usage Dictionary: Usage of 而

Comparing "bici" and "duifang"

词性相同：彼此(bǐcǐ)和对方(duìfāng)都是人称代词。对方(duìfāng)指的是与行为主体相对的一方，也可以说“另一方”。

彼此(bǐcǐ)强调"互相之间"。

彼此(bǐcǐ)可以放在人称代词“你们、我们、大家”后使用，对方(duìfāng)不能这样用。

Contents

1 Used before a Verb

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Used after a Verb

2.1 Structure

2.2 Examples

3 Used before a Noun

3.1 Structure

3.2 Examples

4 对方 used as "the other side"

4.1 Structure

4.1.1 Examples

5 See also

6 Sources and further reading

6.1 Books

Used before a Verb

动词前，只能用"彼此"，不能用"对方"；It's similar to 互相 used before a Verb.

Structure

彼此 + Verb

Examples

你们 这样 做 其实 是 彼此 伤害。 You both did this to hurt each other.

结婚 以前 夫妻 应该 多 花 时间 彼此 了解。 Before they get married, the husband and wife should spend more time getting to know each other.

我们 是 一 个 部门 的，工作 上 要 彼此 配合。 We are from the same department. We should cooperate with each other at work.

如果 你们 不 能 彼此 信任，这 次 合作 不 太 可能 成功。 If you can trust each other, this cooperation probably won't succeed.

Used after a Verb

二者都可以用于动词后，做宾语。动词通常是双音节。"彼此"偏书面色彩。

Structure

Verb + 彼此 / 对方

Examples

照顾 彼此。 To look after each other.

原谅 对方。 To forgive each other.

信任 彼此。 To trust each other.

尊重 对方。 To respect each other.

Used before a Noun

二者都可以放在名词前，做定语。

Structure

彼此 + 的 + Noun

Examples

你们 应该 多 关注 彼此 的 优点。 You both did this to hurt each other.

他 跟 人 说话 的时候 常常 忽视 对方 的 感受。 He usually ignores their feelings when he talks to people.

对方 used as "the other side"

Structure

对方 + Predicate

Examples

我 道歉 了 ，但是 对方 不 接受。 I apologized to him, but he didn't accepted it.

我 问 了 人家 ，但是 对方 不 同意 。 I asked, but they didn't agree.

你 那样 说 会 让 对方 很 不 舒服 的 。 It would make them very uncomfortable for you to speak like that.

跟 朋友 吵架 的时候 ，我们 都 希望 对方 能 先 道歉 。 We all expect the other side to apologize first when we have a fight with friends.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Expressing "among" with "dangzhong"

当中（dāngzhōng） means "among," or more literally "in the middle of." In English this is a bit like "of," where you would say, "of all of my friends, you are the most loyal." Also, 当中 can be used to express being in the middle of an activity or process that is fairly formal in nature e.g being in the middle of negotiating rather than being in the middle of talking on the phone.

Contents

1 Structure

2 Examples

3 See also

4 Sources and Further Reading

Structure

Group + 当中

Process + 当中

Examples

你 是 我 所有 朋友 当中 最 聪明 的 一 个。 Of all of my friends, you are the smartest one.

在 这 一百 个 选手 当中 我 表现 得 最 出色。 Among these one hundred participants, my performance was the most outstanding.

这 个 工程 还在 计划 当中。 This engineering project is still in the planning stage.

When used to express "among" 当中 is a little like 其中. However, 其中 means something more like "among the aforementioned," where as 当中 simply means "among." Furthermore 其中 cannot be used in relation to processes.

See also

"Within (it/them)" as "qizhong"

"One of" with "…zhi yi"

Sources and Further Reading

Expressing "each other" with "bici"

This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. 彼此，人称代词。彼(bǐ)是“那"，此(cǐ)是“这”，彼此(bǐcǐ)的意思是“那个和这个”或者“你和我”。

Contents

1 Basic Usage

1.1 Structure

1.2 Examples

2 Using 彼此 Idiomatically

3 See also

4 Sources and further reading

4.1 Books

Basic Usage

Structure

作为人称代词，“彼此”常用作主语、宾语。做宾语时，动词必须是双音节且比较正式的。

彼此 + Verb

Verb + 彼此

Examples

我们 只 见 过 一 次 ，彼此 不是 很 了解 。 We've only met once. We haven't known each other much.

我们 是 一个 团队 ，彼此 应该 多 沟通 。 We're a team. We should communicate more.

我 很 尊重 我 的 对手 ，我 希望 彼此 都 能 有 好 的 表现 。 I respect my opponent very much. I hope we both can play our best.

我们 是 一家人 ，必须 好好 照顾 彼此 。 We're family. We must look after each other very well.

好朋友 总是 会 陪伴 彼此 。 Best friends will always be there for each other.

你们 是 夫妻 ，怎么 一点也不 信任 彼此 ？ You're husband and wife. How can you not trust each other at all?

有时也可以用作定语，被修饰名词的意义通常都比较抽象。

彼此 + 的 + Noun

A few examples:

过去 一年 ，我们 见证 了彼此 的 进步 。 each other.

大家 都 很 辛苦 ，我们 需要 尊重 彼此 的 努力 。 To respect each other.

我们 十年 没 见 了 ，对 彼此 的 生活 都 不 了解 ，也 很 惊讶 彼此 的 变化 。 It's been ten years since we met last time. We don't really know each other's life and we are very surprised about each other's change.

Using 彼此 Idiomatically

在口语中，“彼此“可以重叠为“彼此彼此”，是一种客套话，意思是“大家都一样，我们差不多”。

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

HSK Standard Course 5上 (pp. 68) →buy

Expressing "within (it/them)" with "qizhong"

(Redirected from ASGD1LNT)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "one of" with "…zhi yi" (B1) Expressing "among" with "dangzhong" (B2) Used for Keywords 其中 Translations among In classical Chinese, 其 means 那个, 那, or 那些, and refers to people or things previously mentioned in the sentence. It stands to reason therefore, that 其中 (qízhōng）means "among the aforementioned" or 那里面, and denotes that something belongs to, is or is part of a bigger group. This is a little like "of which" in English, where you can say, "I have 3 ties, of which 2 are silk."

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

Category / Group / Context + 其中

Examples

我 有 四辆 汽车，其中 三 辆 都 是 宝马。 I have four cars. Of them, three are BMW's. 到处 都 有 孤独 的 人，我 只 是 其中 一 个。 There are solitary people all over the place. I am just one of them. 人类 21 世纪 面临 许多 问题，其中 最 严重 的 是 环境 问题。 Mankind faces many challenges in the 21st century. Among them, the most serious is the problem of protecting the environment. 工作 虽然 有时 枯燥，但是 我 乐在 其中。 Although work is sometimes boring, I am able to find joy in it. In the last example sentence, 乐在其中 means "to find pleasure in" or maybe "there is joy involved with." This sounds awkward in English, but 其中 is often used in this abstract way.

See also

"Among" as "dangzhong" "One of" with "…zhi yi" Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 2 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 169) [ →buy] Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 353) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 259-60) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 6 (新实用汉语课本6) (pp. 29) →buy

Name-calling with "zhege"

(Redirected from ASGNPO4V)

Level B2 Similar to Used for Describing people, Describing things, Emphasizing, Differentiating Keywords 这个, 这

这个 (zhège) can be used by the speaker to emphasize how one regards something or someone. Using 这个 has a stronger effect than if one were to label something without using 这个 e.g "中国， 这个国家" has a stronger impact than merely saying "中国是一个国家."

Contents

1 这个 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 这种/这类 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 这个

Structure

Subj. + 这个 + [Category]

Examples

你 这个 坏蛋，就 没 做 过 一 件 好 事。 You bad person, you. You haven't done a single good thing. 他 这个 马屁精，又 去 拍 老板 的 马屁 了。 That scum. He's flattering the boss again. 上海 这个 城市，夏天 太 热，冬天 太 冷。 Shanghai, this city. Its summers are too hot, and its winters are too cold. As 个 is a measure word it can be replaced by other measure words in this structure. Often it is replaced with 种 or 类. which actually shifts the meaning slightly from e.g. "this city" to "this type of city."

这种/这类

Structure

Subj. + 这种 / 这类 + [Category]

Examples

猕猴桃 这种 水果，营养 价值 最 高。 Kiwis and that kind of fruit have a high nutritional value. 钱 这种 东西，可以 有 可以 没有。 Money and that kind of thing, you can have, but you don't need. See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Exemplification of Common Sentence Patterns in Spoken Chinese 汉语口语常用句式例解 (pp. 200-201) [ →buy]

Advanced "le" after an object

(Redirected from ASG4K5WH)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing completion with "le" (A2) Used for Expressing completion, Describing actions, Referring to the past Keywords 了

You may have learned that 了 (le) follows immediately after a verb to indicate completion (AKA 了1), and comes at the end of a sentence when it indicates a "change of state" (AKA 了2). But what's the explanation for how it frequently follows not the verb, but the object after the verb? That's what this grammar point is about: bringing a bit more depth to your understanding of expressing completion with "le".

Contents

1 Two Possible Structures 2 了 After a Verb with an Object 2.1 Specifying the Object 2.2 Specifying the Time, Place, Purpose, etc. 2.3 Used as An Answer to A Question 3 Completion in the Future 4 不需要“了”表完成的情况 5 Putting 了 After Consecutive Actions 6 Usage of Double 了 6.1 Emphasizing "big quantity" 6.2 Giving a tone of strong confirmation 7 Sources and further reading 7.1 Books Two Possible Structures

Both of these basic structures are possible (and correct).

Subj. + Verb + 了 + Obj.

Subj. + Verb + Obj. + 了

如果句子成分很少，宾语也极其简单，Verb + 了 + Obj.的语气常常不能自足的。如:

我 上 了 课 。 I took the class (and I finished it). 老师 问 了 问题。 The teacher asked questions. The point of this article is to determine when to use one, and when to use the other. Note that there maybe be other words and phrases slipped into the general patterns above.

了 After a Verb with an Object

Verb + 了 + Obj.语气上往往不能自足，但满足以下几种条件时，“了”通常在宾语前，句子的语气才完整。

Specifying the Object

宾语有修饰限定的成分，如数量短语、形容词，或者宾语本身即专有名词。When the Object's Quantity is Specified

Some examples：

他 买 了 一辆 车 。 He bought a car. 妈妈 做 了 很多 菜 。 Mom made many dishes. 我们 吃 了 印度 菜 。 We ate Indian food. 她 穿 了 最漂亮 的 裙子 。 She wore her most beautiful dress. Specifying the Time, Place, Purpose, etc.

句中有时间、地点、目的、方式等状语。When Time is Specified

我 昨天 看 了 电影 。 I had dinner together with my colleagues. 我 和 同事 一起 吃 了 饭 。 I had dinner together with my colleagues. 我们 在 动物园 和 熊猫 拍 了 照 。 We took photos with pandas in the zoo. 他 女朋友 为了 他 辞 了 工作 。 His girlfriend quit her job for him. 他们 顺利 地 到 了 南极 。 They arrived at the South Pole successfully. Used as An Answer to A Question

在对话中作为答句，因为语境充分，可以成句。

A:你 带 电脑 了 吗？ Did you bring your computer? B: 我 带 了 电脑 。 Yes, I've had it. Completion in the Future

In this case , 了 is often placed after a Verb with an Object. To illustrate that 了 (le) can also indicate that one action is completed before another in the future, see the following examples:

Some examples:

你 到 了 给 我 打 电话 。future action After you have arrived, call me. 我 下 了 课 去 找 你 。future action I will go find you after I finish class. 她 想 毕 了 业 就 结婚 。future action She wants to get married after she graduates. 我 打算 生 了 孩子 就 回去 工作 。future action I plan to get back to work after childbirth. 不需要“了”表完成的情况

不能和“心理动词”连用。

句中有“以前”连用。

“了”不能和“会”连用表示将来完成。

动词只是做某个时间状语的定语时，一般不加“了”。

我刚来了中国的时候，不会说中文。 我上大学了的时候，认识了我女朋友。

Putting 了 After Consecutive Actions

“了”的位置起到标志主要事件的作用。

In a list of consecutive events, the position of 了 serves to signal the purpose of the events.

他 坐 高铁 去 了 广州 。 He took the high speed train and went to Guangzhou. 我 的 一个 男 同事 帮 我 搬 了 家 。 A male coworker helped me move. 老板 请 我们 吃了 一 顿 大餐 。 My boss invited me to eat a big dinner. 他 站起来 ，走过去 ，打 了 他 一下 。 He stood up and walked to him and hit him. Usage of Double 了

Emphasizing "big quantity"

如果在句末再加一个“了”，则有两层含义：一是强调或暗示数量多；二是表示“还有可能继续”。

If another 了 is added at the end of the sentence, it indicates two things. One is to emphasize or imply that the number in front of the object is already a big number, and the other is to indicate that this number could continue to grow.

他们 生 了 四 个 孩子 了 。 They've had four children already. 你 吃 了 五 个 包子 了 。 You've eaten five baozi already. 她 一年 换 了 三 个 工作 了。 She had three different jobs within one year. Giving a tone of strong confirmation

如果句末再加一个“了”，表示加强肯定语气，因为语气充足，允许宾语极其简单。

If there is another 了 placed at the end of the sentence, it can add a stronger emphasis that the action was completed, in the same way we might say we "did finish the work" instead of just saying we "finished the work."

我 做 了 作业 了 ，你 要 检查 吗 ？ I did finish my homework. Do you want to check it? 不用 给 我们 盛饭 ，我们 吃 了 饭 了 。 You don't need to serve rice for us. We did eat. 他 问了 经理 了 ，经理 说 行 。 He did ask the manager, and he said yes. Sources and further reading

Books

Marking a topic with "ma"

(Redirected from ASGB33AE)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing the self-evident with "ma" (B1) Topic-comment sentences (B1) Marking a topic with "de hua" (B2) Used for Marking a topic Keywords 嘛 This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. 嘛 (ma) can be used for topic marking. It basically allows the speaker to state the topic, then gather his thoughts before making a comment on it. In this pattern, the following comment may or may not be one the speaker feels is obvious.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

Topic + 嘛 ，Statement

Examples

大 熊猫嘛 ，大家 都 喜欢 。 Dà xióngmāo ma, dàjiā dōu xǐhuan. Pandas. Everybody likes them. 名牌 嘛 ，一定 不 便宜 。 Míngpái ma, yīdìng bù piányi. Brandname. It can't be cheap. 第 一 次 嘛 ，以后 就 会 了 。 Dì-yī cì ma, yǐhòu jiù huì le. First time. You'll learn soon. 孩子 嘛 ，不 懂 这些 很 正常 。 Háizi ma, bù dǒng zhèxiē hěn zhèngcháng. Kids. It's common that they don't understand these things . 老板 请客 嘛 ，当然 要 大方 。 Lǎobǎn qǐngkè ma, dāngrán yào dàfang. The boss is buying. Of course I need to be generous. See also

Expressing the self-evident with "ma" Sources and further reading

Books

Softening the tone of questions with "ne"

(Redirected from ASGW7YXP)

Level B2 Similar to Questions with "ne" (A1) Suggestions with "ba" (A1) Softening speech with "ba" (A2) Used for Expressing attitude Keywords 呢

We have seen before that 吧 can be used to soften the tone of statements, or make commands feel more like suggestions. 呢 works in same way, but it is used to make questions more indirect and uncertain in tone.

Contents

1 呢 used successively with 还是 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 呢 with questions involving interrogative pronouns (哪儿，谁，怎么，什么 etc.) 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 呢 with "verb 不 verb" questions 3.1 Structure 3.2 Examples 4 See also 5 Sources and further reading 呢 used successively with 还是

呢 can be used successively in questions using 还是.

Structure

Option 1 + 呢 + 还是 + Option 2 + 呢？

Examples

我 去 缅甸 呢，还是 泰国呢？我 得 想 一 想！ Should I go to Myanmar or Thailand? I have to think a bit! 咱们 打 游戏 呢 ，还是 泡吧 呢 ，我 都 可以！ Should we play computer games or go to the bar? I can do either! The example sentences above almost have a tone that the speaker is talking to him/herself, as the question is not directly asked at the listener. A second verb is only necessary if different to the first verb.

呢 with questions involving interrogative pronouns (哪儿，谁，怎么，什么 etc.)

Structure

⋯⋯Interrogative Pronoun⋯⋯ + 呢？

Examples

这 是 谁 的 笔呢? I wonder whose pen this is. 他 去 哪儿 了 呢？ I wonder where he's going? 怎么 会呢？ How could that be? In the previous example, the speaker has a tone of conjecture, a bit like saying "I wonder" in English. Again, as in the first example, the question is not directly asked at the listener. Adding 呢 to 怎么会 as in the last example sentence can sound a bit feminine; overusing 呢 can have this result.

呢 with "verb 不 verb" questions

If a "verb 不 verb" question is posed without 呢, it can appear as though the speaker is a bit impatient, or is ordering the listener to do something. This of course depends on the tone of voice used. Adding 呢 can give a tone of uncertainty, and is more polite.

Structure

Subj. + Verb 1 + 不 + Verb 1 + (Verb 2) + 呢？

Examples

你 去 不 去 逛街？Said as though demanding an answer, potentially in a hurry. Well are you going to go shopping or what? 你 去 不 去 逛街呢？Less intense, just asking a question. Are you going to go shopping? 牛奶 你 喝 不 喝？Said to a child, with the implication that if the milk isn't drunk, there will be consequences, with emphasis placed on 喝 Did you drink the milk or not? 牛奶你喝不喝呢？Perhaps said to a friend, with no implication of coercion. Perhaps you want to clear away their cup. Did you drink the milk? 你周末能不能加班？Perhaps a manager asking a subordinate. This is not too direct, as 能 has been added. Saying 你加不加班 would seem more like an order Can you come into work on the weekend? 你周末能不能加班呢？Much more indirect than the above example. Would you mind coming in on the weekend?") Again, the meaning of the above sentences depends on context, and the interpretations given are just examples.

See also

Interrogative pronouns Questions with "ne" Sentence-final interjection "a" Sources and further reading

A Practical Chinese Grammar For Foreigners (外国人实用汉语语法) (pp. 139-41) →buy

Taiwanese "you"

(Redirected from ASGY2D79)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing experiences with "guo" (A2) Expressing "once" with "cengjing" (B2) Used for Referring to the past, Referring to past experiences Keywords 有, 过 Translations have

Taiwanese Mandarin differs slightly from Mainland Mandarin. A characteristic of Taiwanese Mandarin is the usage of 有.

Contents

1 Basic Usage 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Adjectives after 有 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 Adj. not in the past tense using 有 3.1 Structure 3.2 Examples 4 过 after the verb 4.1 Structure 4.2 Examples 5 在 after 有 5.1 Structure 5.2 Examples 6 Sources and further reading 6.1 Books 6.2 Websites Basic Usage

Some verbs, especially when followed by certain complements, indicate completeness. When 有 is used with these verbs, it's a clear reference to the past.

Structure

Subj. + 有 + [Verb Phrase]

Examples

我们 有 听懂 你 的 话 。 We understood what you said. 我们 都 有 听到 宝宝 哭 。 We all heard the baby cry. 我 有 看到 他们 吵架 。 I saw them fighting. When 有 is put in front of action verbs in Taiwanese Mandarin, it can indicate that the verb is still continuing.

他 有 学 ，而且 很 喜欢 。 He's studying it and he likes it very mych. 我 有 吃 ，但是 不太 饿 。 I have eaten, but I didn't eat much. Adjectives after 有

Adjectives can also follow 有. This pattern is used in the past tense, and a 到 must follow the adjectives.

Structure

Subj. + 有 + Adj. + 到

Examples

昨天 搬家 ，真的 有 累 到 。 I was moving yesterday and I was so tired. 他 突然 要 分手 ，我 真的 有 伤 到 。 He asked to break up out of nowhere. I was so hurt. 你们 突然 大叫 着 跑 出来 ，我 真的 有 吓 到 ！ You guys suddenly came running out screaming loudly. I was so scared! Adj. not in the past tense using 有

Some adjectives can follow 有 and are not used as the past tense.

Structure

Subj. + 有 + Adj.

Examples

大家 都 有 激动 。 Everyone is excited. 我 有 紧张 吗 ？ Do I look like I'm nervous? 你 说话 有 不 礼貌 。 The way you speak is impolite. 过 after the verb

Structure

Subj. + 有 + Verb + 过 + Obj.

Examples

我 有 去 过 中国 。 I have been to China. 我 有 学 过 这 个 词 。 I have studied this word. 你 有 见 过 那 个 人 吗？ Have you seen that person before? 你 有 自己 做 过 饭 吗 ？ Have you ever cooked for yourself? 在 after 有

In Standard Mandarin, using 在 before a verb is the equivalent to the English –ing. When used with 有 in front of it, it is usually referring to habitual action, or an action that can be stopped. This is not in the past tense, but rather a continuing action.

Structure

Subj. + 有 + 在 + Verb

Examples

你 有 在 做 兼职 吗？ Are you doing a part time job? 我 有 在 考虑 跟 她 分手 。 I am considering breaking up with her. 我 妈妈 有 在 吃素 。 My mom is now a vegetarian. Sources and further reading

Books

A Practical Chinese Grammar For Foreigners (外国人实用汉语语法) →buy Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 59-60) →buy Chinese Grammar Without Tears (简明汉语语法学习手册) (pp. 73-4) [ →buy] Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (pp. 83- 4) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 345-7) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 49-51) →buy Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 76-7, 230-2) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 2 (新实用汉语课本2) (pp. 175-6) →buy 40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册） (pp. 188) →buy Websites

ChinesePod: Qing Wen - 过(guo) (free podcast content) [1]

Defining scope

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Level B2 Similar to Used for Defining scope Keywords 以上, 以, 上, 下, 内, 外 Translations above, below, within, beyond

Contents

1 以上 and 以下 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 以内 and 以外 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 以上 and 以下

两个都是方位词。 1）表示级别、次序、数目等在某一点之上或之下。 2）指代前面说过的或下面要说的话，偏书面语。

Structure

级别 / 次序 / 数目 + 以上 / 以下

Examples

我 老家 空气 还 不错，PM2.5 一般 在 五十 以下 。 Wǒ lǎojiā kōngqì hái bùcuò, PM2.5 yībān zài wǔshí yǐxià. The air in my hometown is good. PM 2.5 is generally under 50. 我们 需要 有 两 年 以上 工作 经验 的 人 。 Wǒmen xūyào yǒu liǎng nián yǐshàng gōngzuò jīngyàn de rén. We need people with two years of working experience or more. 十 岁 以下 的 孩子 不用 买 票 。 Shí suì yǐxià de háizi bùyòng mǎi piào. Children under the age of 10 do not need to buy tickets. 我们 出差 都 住 三 星级 以上 的 酒店。 Wǒmen chūchāi dōu zhù sān xīngjí yǐshàng de jiǔdiàn. When we go on business trips, we stay at hotels with at least a 3-star rating. 这里 的 冬天 气温 都 在 零度 以下 。 Zhèlǐ de dōngtiān qìwēn dōu zài língdù yǐxià. This winter, the temperature has been less than 0 degrees. 以下 就 谈谈 这个 问题 应该 怎么 解决。 Yǐxià jiù tántán zhège wèntí yīnggāi zěnme jiějué. In the following conversation, we will discuss how we should resolve this problem. 以上 只 是 我 个人 的 看法 。 Yǐshàng zhī shì wǒ gèrén de kànfǎ. The following is just my personal opinion. 以内 and 以外

以内：方位词。在一定的时间、处所、数量、范围的界限之内。 以外：方位词。在一定的时间、处所、数量、范围的界限之外。"以外"常常跟"除了"连用。

Structure

时间 / 处所 / 数量 / 范围 + 以内 / 以外

Examples

两 天 以内 必须 完成 。 Liǎng tiān yǐnèi bìxū wánchéng. Must be completed in two days or less. 半 小时 以内 能 送到 吗 ？ Bàn xiǎoshí yǐnèi néng sòngdào ma? Can you deliver in 30 minutes or less? 这个 大楼 50 米 以内 不 能 停车 。 Zhège dàlóu wǔshí mǐ yǐnèi bù néng tíng chē. You cannot park within 50 meters of this building. 请 你 站 在 两 米 以外 的 地方 。 Qǐng nǐ zhàn zài liǎng mǐ yǐwài de dìfang. Can you stop 2 meters outside of this place? 这个 区 以外 的 几 个 区 都 不 太 发达 。 Zhège qū yǐwài de jǐ gè qū dōu bù tài fādá. All of the areas outside this one are not very developed. 除了 三 四 年级 的 学生 以外 ，五 年级 的 学生 也 可以 参加 。 Chúle sān sì niánjí de xuéshēng yǐwài, wǔ niánjí de xuéshēng yě kěyǐ cānjiā. Aside from the students in Grade Three and Grade Four, students in Grade Five can also participate. See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Expressing "along with…" with "suizhe"

(Redirected from ASGHVFRA)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "more and more" with "yuelaiyue" (B1) Expressing "on the basis of" with "ping" (B2) Expressing simultaneous actions with "yimian" (B2) Used for Referring to simultaneous events, Indicating conditions Keywords 随着随着 (suízhe) means "along with," "in the wake of" or "following."

Contents

1 Simple form 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Common form 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Simple form

Structure

Subj. + 随着 + Noun + Verb Phrase

Examples

树枝 随着 风 不 停 地 摇动。 The branch swayed as the wind blew ceaselessly. 孩子们随着 音乐 跳 起 了 舞。 Children started dancing with the music. 污染 物 随着 人 的 呼吸 进入了 人体 内部 。 The pollutants entered the body through normal breathing. 这些 垃圾 随着 河水 流 到 了 大海。 These garbage flow into the sea along with the river. 我们 随着 他 的 琴声 唱 起 了 歌。 We started singing as he played the piano. Common form

Structure

随着 can also be used in the following structure to indicate that a change in A causes a respective change in B. In this case A is generally a trend, like development or rising prices.

随着 + [Noun Phrase] ，Subj. + Predicate

Examples

随着 经济 的 发展，人们 的 生活 越 来 越 好 了。 Along with economic development, people's lifestyles get progressively better. 随着 石油 价格 的 升高，粮食 的 价格 涨 了 好 几 倍。 With the rise in gas prices, the price of cereals has also gone up a bit. 随着 年龄 的 增加，他 变 得 更加 成熟 了。 As he got older, he became even more mature. 随着 中国 国际 地位 的 提高，中国人 也 变得 越来越 有自信了。 As the international status of China is rising,Chinese people are becoming more and more confident. 随着 人口 不断 增加，大城市 的 社会 问题 越来越 多 了。 With the increasing population, there are more and more social problems in big cities. See also

Simultaneous tasks with "yibian" Expressing simultaneous actions with "yimian" Expressing "more and more" with "yue… yue…" Sources and further reading

Books

Common Chinese Patterns 330 (汉语常用格式330例) (pp. 219) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 6 (新实用汉语课本6) (pp. 29) →buy Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 2 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 121-2) [ →buy] Short-term Spoken Chinese: Intermediate (汉语口语速成中级篇) (pp. 27) [ →buy] 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 18) [ →buy]

Expressing "ever since" with "zicong"

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Level B2 Similar to Comparing "li" and "cong" (B1) Expressing "before" and "after" with "zhiqian" and "zhihou" (B1) Expressing "ever since" with "yilai" (B1) Used for Sequencing events in time, Referring to the past Keywords 自从, 从, 起, 以后 Translations since

自从 means "ever since" in English, and is used to express the starting point of an action in the past. It can be followed by phrases using the markers 起 and 以后.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

自从 + [Starting Point]

Examples

自从 来 到 湖南，我 越 来 越 能 吃 辣 了。 Ever since arriving in Hunan, I've been more and more able to eat spicy food. 自从 金融 危机 爆发，就业 市场 变 得 越 来 越 不 景气 了。 Ever since the economic crisis, the job market has been growing less and less. 自从 他 跟 我 分手 后，他 就 没有 联系 过 我。 Ever since he broke up with me, he hasn't contacted me. In the above examples, 从 can be used interchangeably with 自从. The main difference is that 从 can also be used to state starting points in the future, a little like "from" in English. 自从 cannot be used in this way.

从 明天 开始，我 要 认真 看 书。 Starting from tomorrow, I'm going to study seriously. 自从 明天 开始，我 要 认真 看 书。 Note that 从 can be used to denote starting points in place and time, whereas 自从 can only be used to express starting points in time.

See also

Expressing "ever since" with "yilai" Before and after with "zhiqian" and "zhihou" Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 218) [ →buy]

Expressing "for…" with "eryan"

(Redirected from ASGD2A08)

Level B2 Similar to Using "dui" with verbs (B1) Expressing "with regards to" with "zhiyu" (B2) Limiting scope with "jiu" (B2) Indicating contrast with "ze" (C1) Used for Keywords 对, 而言

对⋯⋯而言 (duì...ér yán) means "from the point of view of" and is more formal than 对⋯⋯来说.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

对 + Party + 而言 ，⋯⋯

Examples

对 一个 民族 而言 ，团结 可以 战胜 一切 。 For a people group, staying together can defeat everything else. 对 消费者 而言 ，促销 活动 很 有 吸引力 。 For consumers, the sales promotion is very appealing. 对 80后 而言 ，网恋 很 正常 。 For people born in the eighties, Internet dating is totally normal. See also

Using "dui" with verbs Limiting scope with "jiu" "With regards to" as "zhiyu" Sources and further reading

Books

Expressing "on the basis of" with "ping"

(Redirected from ASGGB3IV)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "along with…" with "suizhe" (B2) Used for Adding more explanation Keywords 凭

凭 is a preposition that means "on the basis of" or "by virtue of." Usually the subject of a sentence with 凭 is a person.

Contents

1 Structure with 凭 1.1 凭 with a noun 1.1.1 Examples 1.2 凭 with a verb phrase 1.2.1 Examples 1.3 凭 with 什么 1.3.1 Examples 2 Structure with 凭着 2.1 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure with 凭

凭 with a noun

凭 can be followed up with a noun or noun phrase. The nouns can be something concrete like 银行卡, 身份证, etc., or they can be something abstract like 经验, 努力, 感觉 etc.

凭 + Noun / Noun Phrase

Examples

凭 护照， 外国 人 可以 买 火车 票。 With the help of a passport, foreigners can buy train tickets. 他 凭 自己 的 努力 学 了 三千 多 个 汉字。 He studied more than three thousand Chinese characters on his own volition. 我们 凭 学生证 在 电影院 享受 折扣 优待。 Since we have student ID cards, we enjoy a special discount at the movie theater. 凭 with a verb phrase

凭 can also be used with a verb phrase or subject-predicate phrase,as follows:

凭 + Verb Phrase / Subj.-Predicate

Examples

怪不得 那 个 孩子 的 数学 不 好，他 只 凭 计算器 算。 No wonder that kid's math is so bad. It's because he always uses a calculator. 学好 跳舞 不 能 只 凭 看 迈克尔·杰克逊 的 音乐 录像带， 还 得 凭 自己 的 努力。 Watching Michael Jackson music videos isn't enough to study how to dance. You also have to push yourself. 凭 老 李 在 这 一 行 做 了 二 十 年，他 就 有 资格 做 你 的 师傅。 On the basis of Old Li's twenty years of experience, he is qualified to be your teacher. 凭 我 学 中文 的 时间 比 你 短 但是 说 得 比 你 好，我 就 可以 说 我 比 你 聪明。 From the fact that I have studied Chinese for a shorter time, but speak better than you, I can say that I'm more intelligent than you are. 凭 with 什么

This is one of the most common grammatical phrases, heard many times. It often has a feeling of dissatisfaction or anger, perhaps said while people are arguing. It is like saying "On what basis do you ...!?!?" Usually it is paired with blame, scold, hit etc.

Subj. + 凭什么 + Verb Phrase

Examples

你 凭什么 怪 我！ On what grounds are you blaming me? 我 没有 做 错，他 凭什么 骂 我？ I haven't done anything wrong. How can you scold me? 她 一直 很忠诚， 你 凭什么 怀疑 她？ She's always been honest, how can you mistrust her? Structure with 凭着

You can also add 着 to 凭 to make it 凭着, however when you do so you can only use it if the action has already been completed. If the actions happens frequently or has not happened yet, you cannot use 凭着. The structure is the same as using 凭 by itself.

凭着 + Noun / Noun Phrase

Examples

小白 凭着 自己 的 努力 致富。 Off of his own hard work, Little Bai was able to become rich. 他 凭着 智慧 战胜 了 很多 的 困难。 Using his intellect, he was able to overcome many challenges. See also

Limiting Scope with "jiu" "Along with…" Using "suizhe" Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 227-228) [ →buy]

Expressing "with regards to" with "zhiyu"

(Redirected from ASGZRKTG)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "for…" with "eryan" (B2) Limiting scope with "jiu" (B2) Used for Adding more explanation, Connecting ideas Keywords 至于, 于

至于 (zhìyú) "with regards to" or "as to" is used when the speaker want to comment on a topic related to the previously discussed one.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

This structure is simple, used similarly to "with regards to" in English. Just put in before the further comment you want to say.

至于 + Topic， Comment

Examples

我 已经 尽力 了，至于 结果 只 能 看 运气 了。 I've already tried my best. With regards to the results, it's all a matter of luck. 她 跟 我 说 明天 回来，至于 具体 的 时间，我 就 不 知道 了。 She told me she was coming back tomorrow. In regards to a specific time, I don't know. 律师 只能 为他 的 客户 辩护，至于 最后 的 判决，那 就 取决于 法官 了。 A lawyer only defends his client. As for the verdict, that depends on the judge. See also

Limiting scope with "jiu" "For…" with "eryan" Marking a topic with "de hua" Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp. 28) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 154-5) →buy Short-term Spoken Chinese: Intermediate (汉语口语速成中级篇) (pp. 115) [ →buy]

Expressing passive voice with "gei"

(Redirected from ASGEZ2HN)

Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing passive voice Keywords 给, 被

"给" can be used in the passive voice. It can either directly replace "被" or be used with "被." Compared with "被," "给" is more colloquial.

Contents

1 Only using 给 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Using 给 with 被 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 4.2 Dictionaries Only using 给

Structure

"给" can directly replace "被."

Receiver + 给 + The Doer + Verb Phrase

Examples

我 给 他 骗 了。 I got scammed by him. 这么 好 的 机会 给 你 浪费 了。 You've wasted such a great opportunity. 菜 都 给 你们 吃 完了 吗？ You've eaten all the food? 孩子 都 给 你 宠 坏 了。 The kid is totally spoiled by you. 这里 的 水 都 给 污染 了。 The water here is all polluted. Using 给 with 被

When using "给” in the passive voice, you can also use it with "被." The structure would then be "被...给…." In this structure, you must explain "the doer." "给" here is used to give an emphasis of the passive voice. You can find more information on this page 被.

See also

Bei sentence Passive verbs with "shou" Ba sentence Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语虚词例释 (pp. 196) →buy Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版）(p. 464)→buy

Limiting scope with "jiu"

(Redirected from ASG8RW47)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing earliness with "jiu" (B1) Expressing "for…" with "eryan" (B2) Expressing "on the basis of" with "ping" (B2) Expressing "with regards to" with "zhiyu" (B2) Used for Keywords 就

"Limiting scope" means saying, "what I'm about to say applies to just this. You proceed the "this" with 就 (jiù) in this pattern.

Contents

1 Just "就" 1.1 Basic Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Pattern with "就" 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and Further Reading Just "就"

"就”可以放在句中以指出主语进行观察、讨论、分析、说明等活动的对象或者范围。

Basic Structure

Subj. + 就 + 活动的对象或者范围 + Verb + Obj.

Examples

大家 就 中国互联网的发展发表了各自的看法。中国主席 就 中国最近的经济改革做了发言。来自各国的教育学者们 就 什么是最好的教育方法进行了激烈的讨论。 Pattern with "就"

Structure

就 (jiù) can be used to limit the scope of a comment, used in the following structure:

就 + Topic + (来说 / 而言) + Comment

This emphasizes that the speaker is just commenting on that particular topic and nothing else, like "just with regards to" in English. In this sense it is similar to 至于, but is generally used to introduce a new idea, rather than to move on from a previous related topic.

Note that in the pattern above, 来说 is more informal, and 而言 is more formal.

Examples

就 中国 的 独生子女 政策 而言，专家 各 有 各 的 看法。 As for China's One Child Policy, every expert has their own opinion. 就 文化大革命 而言，大部分 的 人 都 认为 那 是 一 场 灾难。 As for the Cultural Revolution, a large part of the people think it was a disaster. 就 这些 事情 来说，他 没有 错。 In regards to these sorts of things, he didn't do anything wrong. When used in this sense, 就 is generally only used in written Chinese.

See also

"With Regards to" as "zhiyu" "For…" with "eryan" Marking a Topic with "de hua" Sources and Further Reading

现代汉语虚词例释 (pp. 306) →buy

Opportune timing with "chen"

(Redirected from ASGI9PNV)

Level B2 Similar to Used for Indicating conditions, Indicating cause and effect Keywords 趁趁 (chèn) is a preposition that means to 'take advantage of' an opportunity or favorable time to do something. It is normally followed by an adjective or a short phrase explaining the situation that the person is seeking to take advantage of.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 4.2 Dictionaries Structure

趁 + [Situation / Opportunity]

Examples

趁 年轻，多 去 玩玩 吧。 You guys should go have more fun while you're still young. 趁 天气 好，我 要 去 野餐。 While the weather is good, I'm going on a picnic. 趁 老板 不 在，我们 抽 一会 儿 烟 吧。 When the boss isn't here, we can smoke for a little while. 趁 孩子 睡着 的 时候，我 洗 了 很 多 衣服。 While the kids were asleep, I washed a lot of clothes. 小偷 一定 是 趁 我 不注意 的 时候 ，把 我 的 手机 偷走 的。 The thief must have stolen my cell phone when I wasn't paying attention. See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Short-term Spoken Chinese: Pre-Intermediate (汉语口语速成提高篇) [ →buy] 现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 116) [ →buy] Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 169) →buy

Emphasizing a negation with "bing"

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Level B2 Similar to Emphasizing negation with "you" (B1) Used for Emphasizing Negation Keywords 并

One of the many uses of 并 (bìng) is to add emphasis to a sentence that uses 不 or 没. Because you're emphasizing a negation, 并 is often used when expressing disagreement, or pointing out a flaw in someone's argument. While the word 并 is not inherently combative, it can certainly be used that way.

Contents

1 Structure 1.1 Examples 2 Sources and further reading 2.1 Books Structure

You can take pretty much any sentence with a negated verb,and give it a little extra kick with 并. Just put it before the 不 or 没. Note that when used with 不, you can negate an adjective as well.

Subj. + 并 + 不 + Verb / Adj.

Subj. + 并 + 没（有) + Verb

Examples

在 中国 创业 并 不 容易，有 很 多 的 挑战。 In China, starting a business really isn't easy. There are a lot of challenges. 我 在 大学 读 金融 专业，但是 当 金融 分析 人员 并 不是 我 的 梦想。 I'm majoring in finance at the university, but being a financial analyst really isn't my dream. 她 结婚 五年了，也 生了 一个 孩子，但 她 并 不 爱 她 丈夫。 She's been married for five years and she has a baby.But she doesn't even love her husband. 你 这样 做 其实 并 没有 解决 客户 的 问题。 The way you dealt with it actually didn't solve those problems of our clients. 我 弹 钢琴 十年 多 了，但 我 并 不 喜欢 这 种 乐器。 I've been playing the piano for more than ten years, but I didn't really like this musical instrument. Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 158) [ →buy] Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp. 11) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 304-5) →buy 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 19) [ →buy] 现代汉语虚词例释 (pp. 41) →buy 现代汉语虚词手册 (pp. 25) →buy

Expressing "if it were not for" with "yaobushi"

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Level B2 Similar to Used for Indicating conditions, Expressing possibility Keywords 要不是 This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. 要不是 (yàobushì) is almost the same as "如果不是⋯⋯ "， and it may followed by "的话," meaning "if it were not for" or "without."

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

要不是 ⋯⋯（的话），⋯⋯

Examples

要不是 她 帮忙，我们 不可能 这么 快 找到 这 个 地方。 We couldn't have found this place without her help. 要不是 你 说 你 想 吃，我 不 会 做 这 个 菜 的。 I wouldn't have made this dish if you hadn't said that you want to eat. 要不是 因为 他 是 你 朋友，我 是 不 会 帮 他 的。 I wouldn't have helped him if it were not for him being a friend with you. 要不是 你们 迟到 的话，我们 早 就 到 了。 We would have gotten here earlier if it were not for you being late. 要不是 你 刚才 说 错 话，他 是 不 会 生气 的。 He wouldn't be mad if it were not for something wrong you just said. See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Expressing "thanks to" with "duokui"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing good luck with "haihao" (B1) Used for Expressing attitude Keywords 多亏, 幸好, 幸亏, 才, 不然多亏(duōkuī) can be translated as "thanks to" and is used to express that, due to somebody's help, a negative result has been averted. 了 is often placed after it as it's about something in the past. Note that 多亏(duōkuī) can be placed in the beginning or the middle.

Contents

1 Basic Pattern 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Advanced Pattern 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 Difference between 多亏 and 幸亏 4 See also 5 Sources and further reading 5.1 Books 5.2 Dictionaries Basic Pattern

Structure

[Good Outcome] ，多亏 (了) + [Lucky Incident]

Examples

我 能 这么 快 做完 ，多亏了 你 帮 我 。 I can finish doing it so soon. Thanks to your help. 我 没 迟到 ，多亏了 你 开车 送 我 。 I'm not late. Thanks to your ride. When the good outcome comes before 多亏, there is no need to add in 才. But if the good outcome comes after 多亏, you need to add in 才 to indicate "as a result...(the good outcome happened)."

多亏 (了) + [Lucky Incident] ，Subj. 才 + [Good Outcome]

A few examples:

多亏了 你 开车 送 我 ，我 才 没 迟到 。 Thanks to your ride, I'm not late to get here. 多亏 你 的 伞 ，我 才 没 淋湿 。 It started to rain all of a sudden. Thank God I brought an umbrella. 多亏 你 帮 我，我 才 能 这么 快 做完 。 Thanks for your help, I can finish doing it so soon. Advanced Pattern

And if you want to add in 不然 for an "otherwise... (this really bad thing would have happened)" explanation, use this structure:

Structure

多亏 (了) + [Lucky Incident] ，不然 + Subj. + [Bad Outcome]

Examples

这 件 事情 多亏了 你 的 提醒 ，不然 我 肯定 忘 了 。 Thank you for your reminding me about this matter! Otherwise I would definitely forget. 多亏 你 送 她 去 医院 ，不然 情况 会 很 严重 。 Thanks to you taking her to the hospital, otherwise her condition can be really severe. 多亏了 你 的 建议 ，不然 我 真 不 知道 怎么 办 。 Thanks to your advice, otherwise I really don't know what to do about it. Difference between 多亏 and 幸亏

多亏 is similar to 幸亏 in meaning, the major similarity is both can be used with "不然" or "才." But there are a few big difference between them:

语义： 多亏(duōkuī) emphasizes a feeling of gratitude towards a specific person for the outcome, rather than attributing it purely to fortune.

搭配： 多亏＋noun phrase / sentence 幸亏 / 幸好＋sentence (不能加noun phrase)

位置： 多亏 can be placed in the beginning or the middle while 幸亏 can be only placed in the beginning.

See also

Expressing good luck with "haihao" Sources and further reading

Books

HSK Standard Course 5上 (pp. 109) →buy Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 350) →buy

Expressing "that's all" with "eryi"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "nothing but" with "wufei" (C1) Used for Emphasizing a point Keywords 而已 This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. 而已 expresses that something is merely what it is. It is like saying "it's only a test, that's all." 而已 is put at the end of the sentence to emphasis that something is just what it is.

Contents

1 Structure 1.1 Examples 2 See also 3 Sources and further reading 4 Sources and further reading Structure

Whenever you need to emphasize that something is just what it is and nothing more, you can stick 而已 at the end of the sentence. You can also use it in combination with 仅仅，只，就，才 and so on , which means "merely," though it is optional.

Subj. + Verb + Obj. + 而已

Examples

他 只 是 开 个 玩笑 而已，不 要 当 真。你 才 喝 了 一 瓶 啤酒 而已，怎么 会 喝 醉 了 呢？这 次 会议 没有 达成 具体 的 方案，仅仅 是 在 这 个 问题 上 达成 了 共识 而已。这 辆 车 没 什么 特别，它 就 是 辆 普通 的 汽车 而已。 See also

Expressing "nothing but" with "wufei" Sources and further reading

Sources and further reading

NEEDS SOURCES!!

Using "jiang" as a formal "ba"

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Level B2 Similar to Using "ba" sentences (B1) Expressing future with "jiang" (B2) Used for Expressing active voice Keywords 将 This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. The 将 (jiāng) sentence is a useful structure for focusing on the result or influence of an action. It's a formal way of saying 把 and generally used in formal contexts.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

Subj. + 将 + Obj. + [Verb Phrase]

Examples

Oscar 将 最佳 女主角 这个 奖 颁 给 了 一个 很 年轻 的 演员 。 The Oscar jury gave the award for Best Actress to a very young actress. 学校 将 那些 经常 逃学 的 学生 都 开除 了 。 The school expelled those students who skipped school very often. 老板 决定 将 公司 20% 的 股份 卖 给 一个 美国 公司 。 The boss decided to sell 20% share of the company to an American company. 政府 要求 这些 官员 将 赃款 归还 给 国家 。 The government asked these officials to return those dirty money. See also

Expressing future with "jiang" Using "ba" sentences Sources and further reading

Books

Challenging a verb with "shenme"

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Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing quality, Expressing attitude Keywords 什么

Adding 什么 (shénme) to the end of a verb can be used to change a sentence into a rhetorical question. This usage is often used with separable verbs.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading Structure

The most common structure you will see is:

Verb + 什么 + Obj.

Examples

This usage is best illustrated with examples:

离 什么 婚 ！你们 结婚才 三 个 月 。The speaker is implying that getting divorced right after being married for three months is a ridiculous notion. 道 什么 歉 啊 ，又 不 是 你 的 错 。The speaker is implying that apologizing is completely unnecessary. 开 什么 玩笑 啊 ，你 撞 了 我 ，我 还要 跟 你 说 “对不起” ？The speaker is implying that it's a joke that he was asked to apologize to the guy who hit him. 没有 钱 看 什么 电影 。The speaker is implying that there's no money to watch a movie. 还 吃 什么 早饭 啊 ，要 迟到 了 。The speaker is implying that there's no time for breakfast. Note that the questions above would likely be between friends, or at least two people who are quite familiar with each other. Tone of voice and context is key.

See also

Challenging an Adjective with "shenme" Sources and further reading

Comparing specifically with "xiang"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "compared with" using "gen" (B1) Expressing comparable degree with "you" (B1) Comparisons with "biqi" (B2) Comparisons with "buru" (B2) Used for Comparing Keywords 像 Translations like

像 (xiàng) is used to compare a specific characteristic of two things or people, and can be used in the following structure:

Contents

1 像 as "just like" 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 不像 as "not as ... as" 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 像 as "just like"

Structure

Noun 1 + 像 + Noun 2 + 一样 + Adj. / Verb

Examples

她 有时候 像 小孩 一样 天真 。 She's as naive as a young kid is sometimes. 这个 老外 的 汉语 像 中国人一样 地道 。 This foreigner can speak Chinese as well as native speakers do. 他 很 生气 ，像 疯子 一样 大 叫 起来 。 He was very angry and started to scream like a lunatic. 你 怎么 像 我 妈 一样 啰嗦 ！ Why do you sound as nagging as my mom does! 不像 as "not as ... as"

Structure

Noun 1 + 不像 + Noun 2 + (⋯⋯ ) 这么 / 那么 + Adj. / Verb

Examples

上海 的 冬天 不 像 北京 那么 干 。 The winter in Shanghai is not as dry as it is in Beijing. 这 个 男 老师 不 像 那 个 女 老师 那么 严格 。 This man teacher is not as strict as that woman teacher. 我 不像 我 父母 那么 喜欢 省钱 。 My parents like saving money but I'm not like them. 中 西部 不像 东部 发展 得 那么 快 。 The middle and west part hasn't developed as rapidly as the east part has. See also

Comparing Basic comparisons with "bi" Basic comparisons with "yiyang" Expressing comparable degree with "you" Basic comparisons with "meiyou" Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 2 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 80) [ →buy]

Comparisons with "biqi"

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Level B2 Similar to Used for Comparing Keywords 比起来, 比, 起, 来 Translations compare with

This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. Using the 比起...来 (bǐ qǐ... lái) structure, you are able to make comparisons between two things (A and B).

Contents

1 Basic Usage 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Usage of 相比 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Basic Usage

Structure

In these two structures, 比起... 来 is used to compare A and B, with emphasis on A. A can also be placed before 比起。

比起 + B (+ 来) ，A ~

Examples

比起上海 ，我 老家 的 物价 便宜 多 了。本科生 比起 博士生 来，学位 要 低 很 多 。 Usage of 相比

Structure

相比 + B ，A + ~

和 / 跟／与 + B + 相比 ，A + ~

Examples

相比 几十 年 前 ，中国 的 农村 发生 了 很 大 变化。与 几十 年 前 相比，中国 的 农村 发生 了 很 大 变化。相比 网络 广告 ，平面 广告 贵 很 多 。和 平面 广告 相比 ，网络 广告 没 那么 贵 。 See also

Comparing Sources and further reading

Books

汉语常用格式330例 (pp. 16) →buy

Comparisons with "buru"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing comparable degree with "you" (B1) Basic comparisons with "bu bi" (B2) Used for Denying and refusing, Comparing Keywords 不如, 不, 如 Translations less, not

不如 (bùrú) can be used to make comparisons in a similar way as the 比 structure. In its simplest form 不如 is used to convey that A is 'not as good as' B. Unlike the 比 structure, when used in this way, the adjective or verb can be omitted.

Contents

1 Simple Pattern 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Advanced Pattern 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 不如 as an Adverb 3.1 Examples 4 See also 5 Sources and further reading 5.1 Books Simple Pattern

Structure

A + 不如 + B

Examples

我 哥 的 成绩 不如 我 。 My elder brother's . 看 电影 不如 看 原著 。 Watching the movie isn't as good as reading the book. 他 总是 觉得 自己 不如 别人 。 He always thinks he's not as good as other people. Advanced Pattern

When an adjective or verb is added to the structure it can then be used to mean A is not as 'adjective' as B, or A does not 'verb' as well as B:

Structure

A + 不如 + B + Adj.

A + Verb + 得 + 不如 + B + Adj.

A + Verb-Obj. + 不如 + B+ (Verb + 得) + Adj.

Examples

这 件 裙子 不如 那 件 好看 。 This dress doesn't look as good as that one. 那个 说法 不如 这个 说法 实用 。 This saying isn't as practical as that one. 他 穿 得 不如 你 好看 。 He doesn't dress as well as you do. 我 担心 我 解释 得 不如 你 清楚 。 I'm afraid that I can't explain as clearly as you do. 他 说 中文 不如 他 老婆 说 得 地道 。 He doesn't speak Chinese as authentically as his wife does. 我 打字 不如 你 打 得 快 。 I don't type as fast as you do. 不如 as an Adverb

When facing a choice, 不如 can also be used to mean "might as well" to emphasize the choice is the better of two options. When used like this, it is similar in meaning to 不妨.

Examples

在 家 看 电视 多 无聊 ！不如 去 KTV 吧 。 , might as well . 我们 在 这里 等 也 是 浪费 时间 ，不如 先 去 吃 个 饭 吧 。 It's a waste of time for us to wait here.We might as well go out and eat something first. 与其 空想，不如 马上 行动 。 Rather than fantasizing, you might as well take action right away. 与其 天天 吵架 ，不如 离婚 。 Rather than fighting each and every day, you might as well break up. As in the last two example sentences, 不如 often occurs in the 与其...不如 structure, meaning "rather than X... might as well Y."

See also

Basic comparisons with "bu bi" Basic comparisons with "meiyou" Comparing Specifically with "xiang" Comparing Sources and further reading

Books

A Practical Chinese Grammar For Foreigners (外国人实用汉语语法) (pp. 543-7) →buy Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 38-9) [ →buy] Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 89) →buy Short-term Spoken Chinese: Elementary (汉语口语速成基础篇) (pp. 80-1) [ →buy]

Making "-ize" and "-ify" verbs with "hua"

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Level B2 Similar to Used for Describing actions Keywords 化

The suffix 化 (huà) can be added to the end of many Chinese words to make them into verbs, the equivalent of "-ize" or "-ify" in English.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 2.1 With a Noun 2.2 With an Adjective 3 Sources and further reading 3.1 Books Structure

You can take some Chinese nouns and adjectives and add a 化 to the end of them to make "-ize" or "-ify" them. Basically, 化 takes the noun or adjective and makes it into a verb. One example of how we do that in English is to take the word "modern" and turn it into "modernize." Most of the time, the Chinese words that 化 is added to are two-character words.

Noun / Adj. + 化

Examples

The following is a short list of examples 化 words and sentences. Note that while the suffix 化 most often corresponds to "-ize" or "-ify" in English, these are not the only options in English. (Ah, you gotta love the endless variety of the English language!)

With a Noun

现代化 modernize 中国化 sinicize, Chinese-ify 美国化 Americanize KFC 的 中国 本土化 经营 做 得 非常 成功。 KFC's Chinese localization has been implemented very successfully. 邓小平 提出了 四 个 现代化：工业现代化、农业现代化、国防现代化、科学技术现代化。 Deng Xiaoping set forth the Four Modernizations: industrial modernization, agricultural modernization, national defense modernization, and scientific technology modernization. 现在 我们 公司 的工作 流程 和 人事 管理 已经 初步 制度化 了。 These days our company's workflows and HR management have already started to be systematized. With an Adjective

美化 beautification 绿化 "greenify" 软化 soften 你 应该 让 黄油 软化，然后 跟 面包 一起 吃。 You should allow the butter to soften, then eat it with bread. 我们 保护 环境 是 为了 美化 我们 的 城市。 We protect the environment in order to beautify our city. 每年 我们 的 绿化 面积 都 在 扩大。 Every year our green[ified] area is expanding. Sources and further reading

Books

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 68) [ →buy] Contemporary Chinese 4 (当代中文4) (pp. 17) →buy Short-term Spoken Chinese: Intermediate (汉语口语速成中级篇) (pp. 90) [ →buy]

Using "nanguai" as a verb

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Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing attitude Keywords 难怪

难怪 (nánguài) when used as a verb can be translated as "hard to blame." This is usually directed at a person, and it is similar to how in English we may say "He's always sleepy, but you can't blame him because he works a night shift."

Contents

1 难怪 as a Verb 2 Structure 3 Examples 4 See also 5 Sources and further reading 5.1 Books 5.2 Dictionaries 难怪 as a Verb

Structure

难怪 + [Specific Person / People]

When used as a verb it expresses that the speaker assigns no blame in the situation he is describing i.e. that someone is not to be blamed. Often a person is placed after it, as in the latter two examples below.

Examples

A: 他 迟到 了 。 B: 这 也 难怪。 今天 地铁 坏 了 。 A: He's late. B: Don't blame him, the subway broke down today. 难怪 他，他 还 是 个 孩子 呢，什么 都 不 懂。 Don't blame him, he's just a child. He doesn't know any better. 这 也 难怪你，第 一 次 到 这 个 地方 还 不 了解 这里 的 风俗。 No one can blame you, the first time I came here, I didn't understand the customs. 这 也 难怪，他刚来嘛，算了算了。 Don't blame anyone, he just got here, forget it. See also

Expressing "no wonder" using "nanguai" Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 239, 408) [ →buy] Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 499, 981) →buy

Expressing future with "jiang"

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Level B2 Similar to Wanting to do something with "yao" (A1) Expressing "will" with "hui" (A2) In the future in general with "yihou" (A2) Using "ba" sentences (B1) The use of Taiwanese Mandarin "hui" (B2) Using "jiang" as a formal "ba" (B2) Used for Referring to the future, Sequencing events in time Keywords 将, 将要, 将会 Translations will 将 (jiāng) can be used to denote something is about to happen in the near future, a bit like "about to" in English. It is generally used in formal contexts.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

将 is often combined with other verbs like 会 and 要, and has a similar meaning.

Subj. + 将 / 将要 / 将会 + [Verb Phrase]

Examples

这 次 世界杯 将 在 莫斯科 举行 。 This World Cup will be held in Moscow. 比赛 结果 将 在 月底 公布 。 The result of this contest will be published by the end of this month. 他 将 会 成为 一 个 成功 的 企业家 。 He will become a successful entrepreneur. 如果 政府 不 批准 ，我们 将 会 举行 抗议 。 We're about to hold protest if the government disapprove. 这个 政策 将 会 大大 改善 农民 的 收入 。 This policy is about to improve farmers' income. 我们 公司 明年 将 要 推出 一 系列 新 产品 。 Our company is about to release a series of new products. 政府 将 制定 新 的 行业法规 ，管理 股票 市场 。 The government is about to make new industry regulations to supervise stock market. See also

Auxiliary verb "hui" for "will" Wanting to do something with yao Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 92) →buy 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 89-90) [ →buy]

The use of Taiwanese Mandarin "hui"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "will" with "hui" (A2) Used for Referring to the future, Expressing possibility Keywords 会 Translations to be, will be

In standard Mandarin, 会 (huì) is considered an auxiliary verb, but in Taiwan 会 has an additional usage associated with asking simple yes/no questions.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Websites Structure

Subj. + 会 + Predicate + 吗 ？

Examples

The following examples shows the differences between Taiwanese Mandarin and Standard Mandarin.

你 会 冷 吗 ？means 你 冷 不 冷 ？ Are you cold? 这个 会 辣 吗 ？means 这个 辣 不 辣 ？ Is this spicy? 会 in this context is equivalent to the English verb "to be." However, it’s the adjective to follow 会 is usually negative. So you would never say 这会好吃吗？because most people like to eat delicious food. If you do say this, the speaker is usually expressing doubt. This usage of 会 can confuse native Chinese speakers as well as Chinese learners. Some could think that the 会 is referring to things in the future or conditional.

See also

Sources and further reading

Websites

http://twtcsl.org/further/Tw+Mandarin_lexicon+and+syntax

Combining verbs with "bing"

(Redirected from ASG5C89R)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "and" with "he" (A1) Expressing "and" with "he" (advanced) (B2) Expressing "both… and…" with "ji...you" (B2) Expressing "even" with "shenzhi" (B2) Expressing "as well as" with "yiji" (C1) Used for Keywords 并, 并且 Translations and

并(且）(bìng(qiě)) meaning "moreover" can be used to connect verbs. In this structure the two verbs used are equal to each other with neither being primary or secondary.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

Verb / [Verb Phrase 1] + 并(且) + Verb / [Verb Phrase 2]

Notice that "并且" is used with verbs, unlike "和" which is used with nouns.

Examples

Here are some examples:

爸爸 批评 了 我 并且 告诉 我 以后 不 能 说谎。 My dad criticized me and and also told me that I cannot lie again. 我们 需要 的 是 有 丰富 的 工作 经验 并且 懂 得 团队 合作 的 员工。 What we need is an employee with rich work experience and also an understanding of teamwork. 你 要 按照 我 说 的 做 并且 要 做 好。 I need you to do as I say and also do it well. 我 通知 了 所有 的 人，并且 准备 了 所有 的 材料。 I informed everyone and also prepared all of the materials. 这种 现象 很 常见 并且 会 持续 很 长 时间。 This type of phenomenon is very common and will also continue for a very long period of time. 控制 饮食 并且 多 运动，会 让 你 的 身材 越来越 好。 Controlling your diet and also exercising more will give you a better and better figure. 我 会 帮 你 找到 问题 并且 解决 问题。 I can help you find the problem and also solve it. 我 同意 并且 支持 你 的 决定。 I agree with and support your decision. 我们 负责 安装 并且 维护 这个 系统。 We're in charge of installing and also maintaining this system. 你 要 编辑 并且 打印 这 个 文件。 You need to edit and also print out this document. Rarely will a bare verb (rather than a verb phrase) appear both before and after 并且. Where this is the case the sentence will normally take the tone of an imperative, instructing someone to do something.

See also

"Even" as "shenzhi" Expressing "and" with "he" Sources and further reading

Books

A Practical Chinese Grammar For Foreigners (外国人实用汉语语法) (pp. 130-1) →buy

Emphasizing the doer of an action with "you"

(Redirected from ASGGNXVR)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "due to…" with "youyu" (B2) Used for Emphasizing, Describing people, Indicating conditions Keywords 由由 (yóu) is used to emphasize who is the doer or initiator of an action, a bit like in English where we might say: "Andy is the one who...."

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

Topic + 由 + Person + Verb

Examples

这 件 事 由 我 负责。 I am responsible for this. 这 是 由 他 决定 的，你 就别 干涉 了。 This is for him to decide, don't meddle. 太 悲剧 了，会议 由 王总 主持，肯定 会 很 无聊！ Oh no. This meeting is being led by the head manager. It's definitely going to be boring. Note that 由 not a passive marker.

See also

"Due to…" with "youyu" Adding emphasis with "jiushi" Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 2 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 111) [ →buy] 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 245) [ →buy]

Expressing "hard to avoid" with "nanmian"

(Redirected from ASGYDKT3)

Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing quality Keywords 难免难免 (nánmiǎn) means "to be unavoidable" or "inevitable" and is most commonly placed before a verb, often an auxiliary verb such as 会 or 要. It can only be used to introduce an inevitable situation that is characterized by negative features. One cannot use 难免 to talk of a positive inevitability such as "you will inevitably have a good time."

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

(Subj.) + 难免 + Verb

Examples

刚 开始 说 外语 时 难免 会 有 一些 误会。 When you first start speaking a foreign language, there are inevitably going to be some misunderstandings. 年轻 人 难免 会 遇到 挫折，关键 是 学习 怎么样 克服。 Young people are always going to face problems, but the most important thing is to learn how to overcome them. 第 一 次 坐 飞机 出国 难免 会 有点 兴奋 。 There‘s no way not to feel excited about it the first time you go abroad by plane . 现在 是 高峰期，地铁 难免 会 拥挤。 It's rush hour right now. There's no way to avoid the congestion in the subway. 这家 公司 的 实习生 难免 要 做 一些 打杂 的 事。 There's no way for the interns at this firm to avoid doing odds and ends. Using a negative in the phrase after 难免 does not change the meaning of the sentence. So, for example, 难免不拥挤 and 难免拥挤 mean the same thing.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词 (pp. 408-409) →buy

Expressing "to be worth" doing with "zhide"

(Redirected from ASGGJA6A)

Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing quality Keywords 值得值得 (zhíde) means "to be worth" doing something, and is often placed before a verb or a verb phrase. Note that it is used to describe whether an action is worth it and cannot be used to state that something is worth a certain monetary value. For that 值 must be used on its own.

Contents

1 值得 as an Adverb 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 值得 as an Adjective 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and Further Reading 值得 as an Adverb

Structure

值得 + Verb / [Verb Phrase]

Examples

雷锋 助人为乐 的 精神 值得 我们 学习。 The spirit of altruism merits some study. 巴金 的 散文 很 值得 一看。 Ba Jin's prose deserves a look. 这 件 小事 不 值得 你 担心。 This little thing isn't worth your time. 值得 as an Adjective

值得 can also be used as an adjective - on its own, or following a verb phrase.

Structure

([Verb Phrase]) + 值得

Examples

值得吗？ 值得。 Is it worth it? Yes. It's worth it. 上大学(很)值得。 Attending college is worth it. 学汉语是值得的。 Studying Chinese is really worth it. When expressing that something is not worth doing one can say something is either 不值得 or 值不得.

See also

Sources and Further Reading

现代汉语八百词 (pp. 677-678) →buy

Facilitating an outcome with "yibian"

(Redirected from ASGXU2H4)

Level B2 Similar to Using "lai" to connect two verb phrases (B1) Used for Expressing purpose Keywords 以便 Translations to 以便 (yǐbiàn) is a formal way to say "in order to" or "to facilitate," and is generally used to show that an outcome is the result of a particular action.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

[Action] + 以便 + [Outcome]

Examples

我国 提倡 垃圾 分类，以便 回收 再利用。 My country advocates a garbage classification to help with reusing and recycling. 老李 买 了 一 辆 折叠 式 的 自行车，以便 携带。 Old Li bought a folding bike to make it easier to carry around. 老师 减慢 了 语速，以便 学生 能 听懂。 The teacher slowed down her talking speed so that the students could understand her. See also

Sources and further reading

Books

BRIDGE (桥梁 实用汉语中级教程下) (pp. 95) →buy 发展汉语 中级汉语上 (pp. 81-82) [ →buy]

Passive verbs with "shou"

(Redirected from ASG1DXUD)

Level B2 Similar to Using "bei" sentences (B1) Used for Expressing passive voice, Describing actions Keywords 受 One can explain 受 (shòu) in two ways, the first of which is as a passive marker, converting the verb placed after it into the passive. Here it plays a role very similar to 被. As in the first example, something or someone can be placed between 受 and the verb, 受学生的欢迎.

Contents

1 受 as a passive marker 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 受 as a verb 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 4.2 Dictionaries 受 as a passive marker

Structure

受 + ([Someone / Something]) + Verb

Examples

张老师的课 很 受 学生 的 欢迎。 Teacher Zhang's lessons are welcomed by the students. 一个人 不一定 要 变得 很 有钱 或者 很 成功 才 会 受 人 尊重。 People don't have to be rich or successful to receive respect from other people. 中国 政府 受老百姓的批评。 China's government is rarely criticized by common people. 受 冷 空气 的 影响，今天 上海 特别 冷。 Affected by the cold air, today Shanghai is especially cold. 你 的 手机 昨晚 一直 打不通，我 想 应该 是 受 信号 干扰。 I think your cell phone couldn't get through last night because of the signal interference. It must be noted that if 被 is explained as a passive marker, then in the above examples 欢迎， 尊重， 批评 and 尊重 must all be treated as verbs rather than nouns, despite many of them appearing immediately after 的.

An alternative way to explain 受, is as an active verb itself, meaning 'to obtain' or 'to receive' when dealing with positive aspects, or 'to suffer' when dealing with negative aspects. This explanation may be more accessible to native English speakers. However whichever grammatical explanation one uses, the meaning essentially remains the same.

受 as a verb

Structure

受 + (到/过) + ([Something / Someone]) + Noun / Verb

Examples

张老师的课 受到 了 很多 学生 的 欢迎。 Teacher Zhang's lessons "receive" many students' welcome. 一个人 不一定 要 变得 很 有钱 或者 很 成功 才 会 受 人 尊重。 People don't have to be rich or successful to receive respect from other people. 受 冷 空气 的 影响，今天 上海 特别 冷。 "Suffering" the cold air's effect, today Shanghai is especially cold. 我 父母 都 没 受过 很好 的 教育。 Neither of my parents has "received" any good education. 我 在 美国 的 第一年 ， 受到 了 很多 朋友 的 帮助。 The first year I was in the USA, I “received” a lot of help from many friends. 因为 期末 考试 没 考 好，他 受到 了 老师 的 批评。 He received the teacher's criticism because he didn't do well in the final exam. 拐卖 孩子 的 人 应该 受到 法律 的 严惩。 People who traffick kids should receive severe punishment in law. It must be noted that on the occasions when 受 is followed immediately by 到 or 过，it is preferable to consider 受 as a verb.

See also

Bei sentence Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 61-2) →buy 现代汉语八百词 (pp. 505) →buy 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 35) [ →buy] Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 1259) →buy

Using "zhe" when "verbing away"

(Redirected from ASG7AUNJ)

Level B2 Similar to Alternative existential sentences (B1) Aspect particle "zhe" (B1) Expressing actions in progress (full form) (B1) Using "lai" and "qu" when "verbing around" (B2) Used for Expressing duration, Indicating conditions, Describing actions, Expressing movement Keywords 着

A repeated verb followed by the particle 着 (zhe) is used to show that an action has be repeated for a period of time, and as a result a new situation has arisen which the speaker wishes to comment on.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

Verb + 着 + Verb + 着 + 就 + Comment + 了

Examples

说着 说着 我 就 发现 自己 也 糊涂 了。 I was talking and talking, and then I confused myself. 我 今天 一直 都 在 看 语法 的 书， 看着 看着，就 睡着 了。 Today, I was constantly studying the grammar books. As I was studying, I fell asleep. 我 在 北京 的 胡同 里 走 着 走 着 就 走丢 了。 As I was walking in one of Beijing's back roads, I got lost. See also

"Verbing around" with "lai" and "qu" Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 193-4) →buy 40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (pp. 385) →buy

Expressing "including" with "zainei"

(Redirected from ASG50341)

Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing quantity Keywords 在内, 包括 Translations including The word 在内 can be used as a preposition phrase, meaning including." In addition, the verb 包括 can often be used with 在内 at the beginning of a sentence, equivalent to the English "including".

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

(包括)⋯⋯ 在内 ，⋯⋯

or

⋯⋯ ，(包括)⋯⋯ 在内

Examples

包括 他 的 母语 在内 ，他 会 说 四 种 语言 。 Including his native language, he can speak 4 languages. 水 电 费 在内 ，我 每 个 月 的 房租 三千 五 。 My monthly rent does not include my water and electric bill. 这次 袭击 造成 了 三人 死亡 ，包括 两 名 警察 在内 。 This attack caused three death, including two policemen. 小米 会 在 下个月 发布 包括 小米 电视 在内 的 几 个 新产品 。 Xiaomi will launch several new products next month, including Xiaomi TV. See also

Sources and further reading

Books

HSK Standard Course 5上 (pp. 19) →buy

Combining verbs with "bing"

(Redirected from ASG5C89R)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "and" with "he" (A1) Expressing "and" with "he" (advanced) (B2) Expressing "both… and…" with "ji...you" (B2) Expressing "even" with "shenzhi" (B2) Expressing "as well as" with "yiji" (C1) Used for Keywords 并, 并且 Translations and

并(且）(bìng(qiě)) meaning "moreover" can be used to connect verbs. In this structure the two verbs used are equal to each other with neither being primary or secondary.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

Verb / [Verb Phrase 1] + 并(且) + Verb / [Verb Phrase 2]

Notice that "并且" is used with verbs, unlike "和" which is used with nouns.

Examples

Here are some examples:

爸爸 批评 了 我 并且 告诉 我 以后 不 能 说谎。 My dad criticized me and and also told me that I cannot lie again. 我们 需要 的 是 有 丰富 的 工作 经验 并且 懂 得 团队 合作 的 员工。 What we need is an employee with rich work experience and also an understanding of teamwork. 你 要 按照 我 说 的 做 并且 要 做 好。 I need you to do as I say and also do it well. 我 通知 了 所有 的 人，并且 准备 了 所有 的 材料。 I informed everyone and also prepared all of the materials. 这种 现象 很 常见 并且 会 持续 很 长 时间。 This type of phenomenon is very common and will also continue for a very long period of time. 控制 饮食 并且 多 运动，会 让 你 的 身材 越来越 好。 Controlling your diet and also exercising more will give you a better and better figure. 我 会 帮 你 找到 问题 并且 解决 问题。 I can help you find the problem and also solve it. 我 同意 并且 支持 你 的 决定。 I agree with and support your decision. 我们 负责 安装 并且 维护 这个 系统。 We're in charge of installing and also maintaining this system. 你 要 编辑 并且 打印 这 个 文件。 You need to edit and also print out this document. Rarely will a bare verb (rather than a verb phrase) appear both before and after 并且. Where this is the case the sentence will normally take the tone of an imperative, instructing someone to do something.

See also

"Even" as "shenzhi" Expressing "and" with "he" Sources and further reading

Books

A Practical Chinese Grammar For Foreigners (外国人实用汉语语法) (pp. 130-1) →buy

Emphasizing the doer of an action with "you"

(Redirected from ASGGNXVR)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "due to…" with "youyu" (B2) Used for Emphasizing, Describing people, Indicating conditions Keywords 由由 (yóu) is used to emphasize who is the doer or initiator of an action, a bit like in English where we might say: "Andy is the one who...."

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

Topic + 由 + Person + Verb

Examples

这 件 事 由 我 负责。 I am responsible for this. 这 是 由 他 决定 的，你 就别 干涉 了。 This is for him to decide, don't meddle. 太 悲剧 了，会议 由 王总 主持，肯定 会 很 无聊！ Oh no. This meeting is being led by the head manager. It's definitely going to be boring. Note that 由 not a passive marker.

See also

"Due to…" with "youyu" Adding emphasis with "jiushi" Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 2 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 111) [ →buy] 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 245) [ →buy]

Expressing "hard to avoid" with "nanmian"

(Redirected from ASGYDKT3)

Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing quality Keywords 难免难免 (nánmiǎn) means "to be unavoidable" or "inevitable" and is most commonly placed before a verb, often an auxiliary verb such as 会 or 要. It can only be used to introduce an inevitable situation that is characterized by negative features. One cannot use 难免 to talk of a positive inevitability such as "you will inevitably have a good time."

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

(Subj.) + 难免 + Verb

Examples

刚 开始 说 外语 时 难免 会 有 一些 误会。 When you first start speaking a foreign language, there are inevitably going to be some misunderstandings. 年轻 人 难免 会 遇到 挫折，关键 是 学习 怎么样 克服。 Young people are always going to face problems, but the most important thing is to learn how to overcome them. 第 一 次 坐 飞机 出国 难免 会 有点 兴奋 。 There‘s no way not to feel excited about it the first time you go abroad by plane . 现在 是 高峰期，地铁 难免 会 拥挤。 It's rush hour right now. There's no way to avoid the congestion in the subway. 这家 公司 的 实习生 难免 要 做 一些 打杂 的 事。 There's no way for the interns at this firm to avoid doing odds and ends. Using a negative in the phrase after 难免 does not change the meaning of the sentence. So, for example, 难免不拥挤 and 难免拥挤 mean the same thing.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词 (pp. 408-409) →buy

Expressing "to be worth" doing with "zhide"

(Redirected from ASGGJA6A)

Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing quality Keywords 值得值得 (zhíde) means "to be worth" doing something, and is often placed before a verb or a verb phrase. Note that it is used to describe whether an action is worth it and cannot be used to state that something is worth a certain monetary value. For that 值 must be used on its own.

Contents

1 值得 as an Adverb 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 值得 as an Adjective 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and Further Reading 值得 as an Adverb

Structure

值得 + Verb / [Verb Phrase]

Examples

雷锋 助人为乐 的 精神 值得 我们 学习。 The spirit of altruism merits some study. 巴金 的 散文 很 值得 一看。 Ba Jin's prose deserves a look. 这 件 小事 不 值得 你 担心。 This little thing isn't worth your time. 值得 as an Adjective

值得 can also be used as an adjective - on its own, or following a verb phrase.

Structure

([Verb Phrase]) + 值得

Examples

值得吗？ 值得。 Is it worth it? Yes. It's worth it. 上大学(很)值得。 Attending college is worth it. 学汉语是值得的。 Studying Chinese is really worth it. When expressing that something is not worth doing one can say something is either 不值得 or 值不得.

See also

Sources and Further Reading

现代汉语八百词 (pp. 677-678) →buy

Facilitating an outcome with "yibian"

(Redirected from ASGXU2H4)

Level B2 Similar to Using "lai" to connect two verb phrases (B1) Used for Expressing purpose Keywords 以便 Translations to 以便 (yǐbiàn) is a formal way to say "in order to" or "to facilitate," and is generally used to show that an outcome is the result of a particular action.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

[Action] + 以便 + [Outcome]

Examples

我国 提倡 垃圾 分类，以便 回收 再利用。 My country advocates a garbage classification to help with reusing and recycling. 老李 买 了 一 辆 折叠 式 的 自行车，以便 携带。 Old Li bought a folding bike to make it easier to carry around. 老师 减慢 了 语速，以便 学生 能 听懂。 The teacher slowed down her talking speed so that the students could understand her. See also

Sources and further reading

Books

BRIDGE (桥梁 实用汉语中级教程下) (pp. 95) →buy 发展汉语 中级汉语上 (pp. 81-82) [ →buy]

Passive verbs with "shou"

(Redirected from ASG1DXUD)

Level B2 Similar to Using "bei" sentences (B1) Used for Expressing passive voice, Describing actions Keywords 受 One can explain 受 (shòu) in two ways, the first of which is as a passive marker, converting the verb placed after it into the passive. Here it plays a role very similar to 被. As in the first example, something or someone can be placed between 受 and the verb, 受学生的欢迎.

Contents

1 受 as a passive marker 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 受 as a verb 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 4.2 Dictionaries 受 as a passive marker

Structure

受 + ([Someone / Something]) + Verb

Examples

张老师的课 很 受 学生 的 欢迎。 Teacher Zhang's lessons are welcomed by the students. 一个人 不一定 要 变得 很 有钱 或者 很 成功 才 会 受 人 尊重。 People don't have to be rich or successful to receive respect from other people. 中国 政府 受老百姓的批评。 China's government is rarely criticized by common people. 受 冷 空气 的 影响，今天 上海 特别 冷。 Affected by the cold air, today Shanghai is especially cold. 你 的 手机 昨晚 一直 打不通，我 想 应该 是 受 信号 干扰。 I think your cell phone couldn't get through last night because of the signal interference. It must be noted that if 被 is explained as a passive marker, then in the above examples 欢迎， 尊重， 批评 and 尊重 must all be treated as verbs rather than nouns, despite many of them appearing immediately after 的.

An alternative way to explain 受, is as an active verb itself, meaning 'to obtain' or 'to receive' when dealing with positive aspects, or 'to suffer' when dealing with negative aspects. This explanation may be more accessible to native English speakers. However whichever grammatical explanation one uses, the meaning essentially remains the same.

受 as a verb

Structure

受 + (到/过) + ([Something / Someone]) + Noun / Verb

Examples

张老师的课 受到 了 很多 学生 的 欢迎。 Teacher Zhang's lessons "receive" many students' welcome. 一个人 不一定 要 变得 很 有钱 或者 很 成功 才 会 受 人 尊重。 People don't have to be rich or successful to receive respect from other people. 受 冷 空气 的 影响，今天 上海 特别 冷。 "Suffering" the cold air's effect, today Shanghai is especially cold. 我 父母 都 没 受过 很好 的 教育。 Neither of my parents has "received" any good education. 我 在 美国 的 第一年 ， 受到 了 很多 朋友 的 帮助。 The first year I was in the USA, I “received” a lot of help from many friends. 因为 期末 考试 没 考 好，他 受到 了 老师 的 批评。 He received the teacher's criticism because he didn't do well in the final exam. 拐卖 孩子 的 人 应该 受到 法律 的 严惩。 People who traffick kids should receive severe punishment in law. It must be noted that on the occasions when 受 is followed immediately by 到 or 过，it is preferable to consider 受 as a verb.

See also

Bei sentence Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 61-2) →buy 现代汉语八百词 (pp. 505) →buy 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 35) [ →buy] Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 1259) →buy

Using "zhe" when "verbing away"

(Redirected from ASG7AUNJ)

Level B2 Similar to Alternative existential sentences (B1) Aspect particle "zhe" (B1) Expressing actions in progress (full form) (B1) Using "lai" and "qu" when "verbing around" (B2) Used for Expressing duration, Indicating conditions, Describing actions, Expressing movement Keywords 着

A repeated verb followed by the particle 着 (zhe) is used to show that an action has be repeated for a period of time, and as a result a new situation has arisen which the speaker wishes to comment on.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

Verb + 着 + Verb + 着 + 就 + Comment + 了

Examples

说着 说着 我 就 发现 自己 也 糊涂 了。 I was talking and talking, and then I confused myself. 我 今天 一直 都 在 看 语法 的 书， 看着 看着，就 睡着 了。 Today, I was constantly studying the grammar books. As I was studying, I fell asleep. 我 在 北京 的 胡同 里 走 着 走 着 就 走丢 了。 As I was walking in one of Beijing's back roads, I got lost. See also

"Verbing around" with "lai" and "qu" Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 193-4) →buy 40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (pp. 385) →buy

Expressing "including" with "zainei"

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Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing quantity Keywords 在内, 包括 Translations including The word 在内 can be used as a preposition phrase, meaning including." In addition, the verb 包括 can often be used with 在内 at the beginning of a sentence, equivalent to the English "including".

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

(包括)⋯⋯ 在内 ，⋯⋯

or

⋯⋯ ，(包括)⋯⋯ 在内

Examples

包括 他 的 母语 在内 ，他 会 说 四 种 语言 。 Including his native language, he can speak 4 languages. 水 电 费 在内 ，我 每 个 月 的 房租 三千 五 。 My monthly rent does not include my water and electric bill. 这次 袭击 造成 了 三人 死亡 ，包括 两 名 警察 在内 。 This attack caused three death, including two policemen. 小米 会 在 下个月 发布 包括 小米 电视 在内 的 几 个 新产品 。 Xiaomi will launch several new products next month, including Xiaomi TV. See also

Sources and further reading

Books

HSK Standard Course 5上 (pp. 19) →buy

Expressing "although" with "jinguan"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "although" with "suiran" and "danshi" (B1) Used for Connecting ideas, Contrasting Keywords 尽管, 但是, 还是 Translations although, despite

尽管 (jǐnguǎn) means "although," and is a little stronger than 虽然, perhaps more like "even though."

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

尽管⋯⋯ ，但是 + Subj. + 还是⋯⋯

Examples

尽管 老板 最近 不在 ，我们 还是 不 能 偷懒 。 Despite the fact that the boss hasn't been around lately, we still can't be lazy. 尽管 我 很 生气 ，但是 我 没 发脾气 。 Even though I was angry, I didn't lose my temper. 尽管 警察 已经 找到 了 一些 证据 ，但是 他们 还是 不能 抓 那个 嫌疑人 。 Even though the police found some proof, they still couldn’t arrest the suspect. 尽管 他 的 书 很 有 争议 ，但 它 还是 出版 了 。 Even though his book is very controversial, it's still published. 尽管 困难 很多 ，但是 我们 不能 放弃 。 Even though there're many difficulties, we can't just give up on it. 尽管 很多人 批评 他 ，他 还是 坚持 这么 做 。 Despite the fact that many people criticize him, he still insists on doing it. 尽管 当时 很 危险 ，消防员 还是 勇敢 地 冲 了 进去 。 Even though it was very dangerous, the firefighters are still bravely running in. 可 or 但是 can be added before 还是 or 仍然 to further emphasize the shift in meaning in the second phrase.

See also

"Although" with "suiran" and "danshi" "Not… But Rather…" with "er shi" Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 206) →buy

Expressing "on the contrary" with "fan'er"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "however" with "ran'er" (B1) Expressing "not… but…" with "er shi" (B1) Expressing contrariness with "dao" (B2) The "however" adverb "que" (B2) Used for Contrasting, Denying and refusing Keywords 反而, 不但

反而 (fǎn'ér) is used to express "on the contrary" or "in contrast," with 反而 going in the second part of the sentence. Note that the meaning of 反而 goes beyond just "but" and is usually used to explain that something is totally the opposite of what one was expecting.

Contents

1 Simple Pattern 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Fuller Pattern 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 4.2 Websites Simple Pattern

Structure

Normally the first clause above makes a statement, and then the second clause introduces the part that is totally opposite of one's expectations.

The overall structure of sentences that use 反而 is something like this:

⋯⋯ ，Subj. + 反而 + [Unexpected Outcome]

It's also important to point out that 反而 is not a conjunction; it's an adverb. Practically speaking, this means that rather than joining two statements, it goes inside a statement (within the second clause). Specifically, it needs to come after the subject and before the verb. (Note that when you use a conjunction like 但是 it comes before the subject! 反而 is different in this respect. Also, rather than replacing 但是, it can work with it to add emphasis.

Also, sometimes the subject of the second clause will be omitted. If there is a subject, however, 反而 definitely need to come after it.

我 帮 了 她 ， 反而 她 生气 了 。我 帮 了 她 ， 她 反而 生气 了 。 Examples

他 没有 放弃 ，反而 更 努力 了 ！ He didn't give up; on the contrary, he worked even harder. 改革 反而 让 老百姓 更 不 满意 了 。 The reform didn't work very well; on the contrary, people are getting more unsatisfied. 吃 了 这个 药 ，病 反而 更 严重 了。 After taking medicine, the illness didn't get better. On the contrary, it got even worse. 你 的 参与 反而 给 我们 带来 了 麻烦 。 Your involvement wasn't really helpful; on the contrary, it gave us trouble. 这个 新 系统 反而 降低 了 我们 的 工作 效率 。 This new system didn't improve our working efficiency. On the contrary, it reduced it. Fuller Pattern

Structure

⋯⋯ ，Subj. 不但 + 不 / 没 ⋯⋯，反而 + [Unexpected Outcome]

不仅 can also be used instead of 不但。

Examples

吃 了 药 ，病 不但 没 好，反而 更 严重 了。 After taking medicine, the illness didn't get better. On the contrary, it got even worse. 失败 了 这么 多 次 ，他 不但 没 放弃 ，反而 更 努力 了。 Having failed so many times, he didn't give up. On the contrary, he worked even harder. 他 不但 不 帮 我 ，反而 给 我 找 麻烦 。 He didn't help me. On the contrary, he brought me trouble. 你 妈妈 那么 爱 你 ，不但 不 感激 ，反而 说 她 不 关心 你 ？ Your mother loves you so much. You are not thankful to her at all. On the contrary, you said she doesn't care about you? 我 吃 了 减肥 药 ，不但 没 瘦 ，反而 长胖 了 ！ I took the weight-loss pill. She didn't lose weight at all. On the contrary, I gained weight! See also

The "However" Adverb "que" Expressing Contrariness with "dao" Sources and further reading

Books

Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 259) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 84) →buy 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 83, 151-2) [ →buy] Websites

汉语教学: [反而]

Expressing contrariness with "dao"

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Level B2 Similar to Conceding with "ba" (A2) Conceding a point with "shi" (B1) Expressing "especially" with "gewai" (B2) Expressing "on the contrary" with "fan'er" (B2) Expressing contrariness with "dao" (B2) The "however" adverb "que" (B2) Used for Contrasting Keywords 倒 Translations however

倒 (dào) can be used to express something is contrary to expectations, acting as a turning point in the sentence. It is generally followed by a positive comment.

Contents

1 Using 倒 as "However" 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Using 倒 as "Despite" 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Using 倒 as "However"

倒 can be used to express an unexpected situation. Note that 倒 is often followed by 也 or 又 to add further emphasis.

Structure

⋯⋯ ，Subj. + 倒 + (也 / 又) ⋯⋯

Examples

他 不 是 很 努力 ，成绩 倒 也 不错 。 He's not vey hard-working, but his score isn't bad. 已经 是 春天 了，倒 又 冷 起来 了。 It's already spring, but it's getting cold. 不 吃 药 ，病 倒 慢慢 好 了。 I didn't take any medicine, but I'm getting better. 英语 不 是 他 的 母语 ，他 说 得 倒 挺 地道 的 。 English is not his mother language, but he speaks quite like a native speaker. Using 倒 as "Despite"

Structure

倒 can also be used to express a concession, mostly emphasizing the positive side. 就是、但是、可是、不过 is often used to emphasize undesirable things.

Subj. + 倒 ⋯⋯ ，不过 / 但是 / 就是 ⋯⋯

Examples

这 篇 文章 的 内容 倒 不错 ，就是 太 长 了 。 The content of this article is great, but it's a little too long. 这 件 衣服 的 样式 和 大小 倒 都 合适 ，可是 我 不 喜欢 这 个 颜色 。 The style and size if this piece of clothes fit me well, but I don't like its color. 你们 的 服务 倒 不错 ，但是 对 我 来说 太 贵 了 。 Your service is great, but it's too expensive to me. 我 倒 想 陪 你 一起 去 ，不过 要 等 到 周末 。 I want to come with you, but you need to wait until this weekend. For more on 倒, be sure to check our C1 (advanced) grammar point on expressing contrariness with 倒.

See also

Expressing contrariness with "dao" The "However" Adverb "que" "On the Contrary" with "fan'er" Conceding a Point with "shi" Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 140-3) [ →buy] New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 52) →buy HSK Standard Course 5上 (pp. 64) →buy

The "however" adverb "que"

(Redirected from ASGEG2QB)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "however" with "ran'er" (B1) Expressing "on the contrary" with "fan'er" (B2) Expressing contrariness with "dao" (B2) Used for Contrasting, Differentiating Keywords 却 Translations but, however

却 (què) is used to indicate something was contrary to expectations, and is used in a similar way to 倒. However, it is generally followed by a negative comment:

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

The overall structure of sentences that use 却 is something like this:

Sentence ，(但是 +) Subj. + 却 ⋯⋯

Normally the first clause above makes a statement, and then the second clause introduces something contrary, generally in the form of a negative comment.

It's also important to point out that 却 is not a conjunction; it's an adverb. Practically speaking, this means that rather than joining two statements, it goes inside a statement (within the second clause). Specifically, it needs to come after the subject and before the verb. (Note that when you use a conjunction like 但是 it comes before the subject! 却 is different in this respect. Also, rather than replacing 但是, it can work with it to add emphasis.

Also, sometimes the subject of the second clause will be omitted. If there is a subject, however, 却 definitely needs to come after it.

A few examples to give you a better understanding of this:

我 是 你 最好 的 朋友 ，却 你 没 邀请 我 。我 是 你 最好 的 朋友 ，你 却 没 邀请 我 。我 是 你 最好 的 朋友 ，但是 你 却 没 邀请 我 。他 家 很 有钱 ，却 他 从来 不 炫耀 。他 家 很 有钱 ，他 却 从来 不 炫耀 。他 家 很 有钱 ，但是 他 却 从来 不 炫耀 。 Examples

In the following examples, take note that 却 comes after the subject in each case, and that it can be used together with 但是.

他 是 老板 ，却 没有 人 听 他 的 。 He's the boss, but nobody would listen to him. 他 的 学历 很 高 ，能力 却 很 一般 。 He's very well-educated, but his ability is average. 他们 一见钟情 ， 却 没有 在 一起 。 They fell in love at first sight, but they didn't end up with each other. 这 件 衣服 虽然 是 名牌 ，但是 质量 却 不 怎么样 。 This piece of clothing is brandname, but the quality is not so good. 有些 人 智商 很 高 ，情商 却 很 低 。 Some people have high IQ, but their EQ is, on the contrary, quite low. 他 只有 16 岁，却 比 同龄人 成熟 得多 。 He's only sixteen, but he's more mature than people at his age. See also

Expressing Contrariness with "dao" "On the Contrary" with "fan'er" A Softer "But" Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 140-2) [ →buy] New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 184) →buy

Expressing "even if…" with "jishi"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "even if…" with "jiushi" (B2) Expressing "even if…" with "jiusuan" (B2) Expressing "even if…" with "napa" (B2) Expressing "since" with "jiran" (B2) Expressing "unless" with "chufei" (B2) Used for Indicating conditions, Expressing determination Keywords 即使, 也 Translations even if

即使⋯⋯也⋯⋯ (jíshǐ... yě...) means "even if...still...." In this construction, the first clause (after 即使) is a supposition, which is then struck down as impossible by the second clause (after 也) of the statement.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

即使 ⋯⋯ ，也 ⋯⋯

Examples

即使 他 没钱 ，我 也 要 嫁给 他 。 Even if he doesn't have money, I'm still going to marry him. 即使 你 很 有钱 ，也 买不到 幸福 。 Even if you were very rich, you can't buy happiness. 即使 你 没胃口 ，也 要 吃 一点 。 Even if you don't have the appetite, you still need to eat something. 即使 你 对 这 门 课 不太 感兴趣 ，也 要 学 。 Even if you are not so interested in this subject, you still need to study it. 即使 她 整容 ，我 也 能 认出 她 。 Even if she had plastic surgery, I could still recognize her. 即使 他们 要 赔偿 我们 ，我们 也 要 把 事情 公开。 Even if they want to make compensation, we're still going to make this public. Note that the clause used after 即使 must be hypothetical, otherwise 虽然 should be used.

现在 虽然 很 忙 ，我们 也 抽时间 陪 孩子 。现在 即使 很 忙 ，我们 也 抽时间 陪 孩子 。 In the sentence above, it being rush hour is not a hypothetical statement, so it is incorrect to use 即使.

See also

Expressing "even if…" with "jiusuan" Expressing "even if…" with "napa" Expressing "even if…" with "jiushi" Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 261-3) [ →buy] New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 63) →buy 现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 289) [ →buy] 40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (pp. 445) →buy

Expressing "even if…" with "jiushi"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "even if…" with "jishi" (B2) Expressing "even if…" with "jiusuan" (B2) Expressing "even if…" with "napa" (B2) Used for Expressing determination, Indicating conditions Keywords 就是, 是, 就, 也 Translations even if

就是 (jiùshì) is one of the many "even ifs." Like 即使 , 就算 and 哪怕 it is used to introduce a hypothetical statement, which can then disregarded with 也.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

就是 + Hypothetical Statement + 也 + Action

Examples

就是 这 台 电脑 价格 上万，我 也 会 买。 Even if this computer's price is over 10,000 yuan, I'm still going to buy it. 就是 降温 了，我 也 要 穿 热裤，时尚 嘛! Even if it's starting to get cooler, I'm still going to wear short shorts. It's the fad! 就是 他 变成 一个 穷光蛋，我 也 愿意 跟 他 在 一起。 Even if he were penniless, I would still be willing to be with him. Note that the clause used after 就是 must be hypothetical, otherwise 虽然 should be used:

现在 虽然 是 高峰期，但 我 也 要 出去。现在 就是 是 高峰期，我 也 要 出去。 In the sentence above, it being rush hour is not a hypothetical statement, so it is incorrect to use 就是.

See also

Expressing "even if…" with "jishi" Expressing "even if…" with "jiusuan" Expressing "even if…" with "napa" Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 153) →buy

Expressing "even if…" with "jiusuan"

(Redirected from ASGLI513)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "even if…" with "jishi" (B2) Expressing "even if…" with "jiushi" (B2) Expressing "even if…" with "napa" (B2) Used for Expressing determination, Indicating conditions Keywords 就算, 就, 也 Translations even if

就算 (jiùsuàn) is an informal way of saying "even if," and is used to introduce a hypothetical statement. However, unlike 即使 , 哪怕 and 就是, 就算 has more of a feeling that the speaker doesn't believe that the hypothetical statement is reasonable or has much chance of being realized.

Contents

1 Basic Pattern 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Advanced Pattern 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 Colloquial Saying 4 See also 5 Sources and further reading Basic Pattern

Structure

就算 ⋯⋯ ，也 ⋯⋯

Examples

就算 你 不想 听 ，我 也 要 说 。 Even if you don't want to listen, I still need to say it. 就算 你 说 的 都 是 真的 ，我们 也 没 办法 证明。 Even if what you say is true, we still don't have any way to prove it. 就算 会 失败 ，我 也 不 后悔 。 Even if I fail, I won't regret. 就算 他 说 他 请客 ，我 也 要 买单 。 Even if he says it's his treat, I'm still going to pay. 就算 你 通过 了 面试 ，也 不一定 能 被 录用 。 Even if you pass the interview, it can't be certain that you are going to be hired. Advanced Pattern

Structure

就算 + 再 + Adj. ，也 ⋯⋯

Examples

就算 再 穷 ，她 也 不去 要饭 。 She never went on the street to beg for money no matter how poor she was. 我 已经 吃饱了 ，就算 再 好吃 ，我 也 不 想 吃 了 。 I'm full already. I don't want to eat anymore no matter how good the food taste. 就算 再 困难 ， 我们 也 要 坚持 。 We should carry on no matter how difficult it is. 就算 你 给 我 再 多 钱 ，我 也 不能 干 违法 的 事情 。 I can't do illegal things no matter how much you pay me. Colloquial Saying

就算⋯⋯又怎么样？Even if..., so what?

A few examples:

就算 他 来 了 ，又 怎么样 ？ Even if he came, so what? 就算 你 家 有钱 ，又 怎么样 ？ Even if your family is rich, so what? 就算 她 不高兴 ，又 怎么样 ？ Even if she is unhappy, so so what? See also

Expressing "even if…" with "jishi" Expressing "even if…" with "napa" Expressing "even if…" with "jiushi" Sources and further reading

Expressing "even if…" with "napa"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "even if…" with "jishi" (B2) Expressing "even if…" with "jiushi" (B2) Expressing "even if…" with "jiusuan" (B2) Used for Expressing determination, Indicating conditions Keywords 哪怕, 也, 再 Translations even if

哪怕 (nǎpà) means "even if," and has a slightly stronger tone than 即使 or 就算. It is therefore often used to disregard hypothetical statements of a more serious nature. It is normally used with 也. Some forms of the pattern also use 再.

Contents

1 Basic Pattern 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Advanced Pattern 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Basic Pattern

The basic "even if" form should be familiar if you know how to use 即使 or 就算.

Structure

哪怕 ⋯⋯ ，也 ⋯⋯

Examples

哪怕 他 不 说 ，我 也 会 知道 。 Even if he didn't told me, I'd still find out. 哪怕 你 什么 礼物 都 没 买 ，她 也 会 很 开心 的 。 It would make her really happy even if you didn't buy any present. 哪怕 他 爸爸 是 总统 ，我 也 不 要 嫁 给 他 ！ I wouldn't marry him even if his father is the president! 哪怕 你们 会 不 高兴 ，我 也 要 把 话 说 清楚 。 I would still say it clearly even if it made you guys unhappy. 哪怕 你 打扮 得 像 电影 明星 一样 ，他 也 不 会 看 你 一 眼 ！ Even if you dressed up like a movie star, he still wouldn't pay you the slightest attention! Advanced Pattern

Structure

哪怕 is often followed by 再 (in the first part of the sentence) to give further emphasis to what the speaker is saying won't make a difference. In this usage, it's very similar to "no matter," which can also be expressed by patterns like 不管.

哪怕 + Subj. 1 + 再 ⋯⋯ ，Subj. 2 + 也 ⋯⋯

Note: some verbs can also be used with this pattern in place of the adjective.

Examples

哪怕 再 忙 ，我 也 要 健身 。 Even if I‘m super busy, I will still find some time to work out. 哪怕 你 说 得 再 好听 ，我们 也 不 相信 。 Even if you can be exceptionally persuasive, we're not going to believe it. 哪怕 再 累 ，她 也 不 要 父母 帮忙 照顾 孩子 。 Even if it's really exhausting, she doesn't want her parents' help with the baby. 哪怕 孩子 再 淘气 ，父母 也 不 应该 打 他们 。 No matter how disobedient the children are, their parents shouldn't hit them. 哪怕 你 问 再 多 遍 ，她 也 不 会 说 一 个 字 。 No matter how many times you ask her, she will not say a single word. See also

Expressing "even if…" with "jishi" Expressing "even if…" with "jiushi" Expressing "even if…" with "jiusuan" Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 113) →buy 40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (pp. 556) →buy

Expressing "if… then…" with "jiaru"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "if… then…" with "jiashi" (B2) Expressing "if… then…" with "yaoshi" (B2) Used for Indicating cause and effect, Expressing possibility, Indicating conditions Keywords 假如, 就, 如 Translations then, if

"假如⋯⋯，就⋯⋯" (jiǎrú..., jiù...) is yet another way to express "If..., then..." in Chinese, but it is much more formal than 要是 or 如果 are (in both written and spoken Chinese).

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

假如 + Statement + 就 + Result

Examples

假如 你 的 成绩 再 好 一点儿，你 就 能 申请 北大 了。 If your grades come up a little more, then you can apply to Beijing University. 假如 我 是 你，我 就 戒烟。 If I were you, I would give up smoking. 假如 你 的 女朋友 不 爱 你，你们 就 分手 吧。 If your girlfriend doesn't love you, then you should break up. See also

"If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…" "If… Then…" with "yaoshi" "If… Then…" with "jiashi" Sources and further reading

Books

Common Chinese Patterns 330 (汉语常用格式330例) (pp. 124) →buy Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 279) →buy

Expressing "if… then…" with "jiashi"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "if… then…" with "jiaru" (B2) Expressing "if… then…" with "yaoshi" (B2) Used for Indicating cause and effect, Expressing possibility, Indicating conditions Keywords 假使, 就 Translations if, then

"假使⋯⋯，就⋯⋯" (jiáshǐ..., jiù...) is another way to phrase "If..., then..." in Chinese, with this pattern being one of the most formal.

An important note is that this pattern is usually only used in written formal Chinese.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

假使 + Statement + 就 + Result

Examples

假使 明天 下雨，我 就 不 去 上班 了。 If it rains tomorrow, then I'm not going to work. 假使 你 同意，我们 立马 签 合同。 If you agree, then we should sign the contract right away. 假使 我们 能 找到 更 多 的 赞助，我们 就 可以 帮助 更多 的 孩子。 If we find even more sponsors, then we can help even more children. See also

"If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…" "If… then…" with "yaoshi" "If… then…" with "jiaru"

Sources and further reading

Books

Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 279) →buy

Expressing "if… then…" with "yaoshi"

(Redirected from ASGN4S8O)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "if… then…" with "jiaru" (B2) Expressing "if… then…" with "jiashi" (B2) Expressing "what if" with "wanyi" (B2) Used for Indicating cause and effect, Indicating conditions, Expressing possibility Keywords 要是 Translations then, if 要是⋯⋯，就⋯⋯ (yàoshi..., jiù...) is one of several ways to convey "If... Then..." It is very similar to 如果..., 就... in usage and formality. However, it is important to note that 要是 is considered to be even more informal (and is usually left more to spoken Chinese) than the common 如果 and used more frequently in the northern areas of China.

Contents

1 Affirmative Form 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Negative Form 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 Colloquial Saying 要我说 4 See also 5 Sources and further reading 5.1 Books Affirmative Form

Structure

要是 + Subj. ⋯⋯ ， 就 ⋯⋯

Note that the subject can also be placed before 要是. In this case, 要是 can be shortened as 要.

Examples

你 要是 真 想 我 ，就 给 我 打 电话 。 If you do miss me, then give me a call. 要是 我妈 知道 这 件 事 ，我 就 死 定了 ! If my mother knew about this, I would be so dead! 要是 老板 不 同意，我们 就 不 能 跟 客户 签 合同 。 If the boss doesn't agree, we can't sign the contract with the client. 你 要 再 说 ，我 真 生气 了 。 If you keep talking this way, I'll get mad. Seriously. 他 要 不 听 ，我 也 没 办法 。 If he doesn't listen, there's nothing I can do about it. Negative Form

要不是 is pretty much the same as the English saying "if it weren't for."

Structure

要不是 ⋯⋯ ，⋯⋯

Examples

要 不 是 他 求 我 ， 我 才 不 帮 你 呢 。 If it weren't because he begged me, I wouldn't be helping you. 要 不 是 因为 孩子 ，我 早就 离婚 了 。 If it weren't for the sake of kids, I would have divorced him sooner. 要 不 是 堵车 ，我 早就 到 了 。 If it weren't for the traffic jam, I would have gotten here sooner. 要 不 是 亲眼 看到 ，我 也 不 相信 。 If I hadn't seen it for myself, I wouldn't believe it. 要 不 是 你 提醒 我 ，我 肯定 忘 了 。 If it weren't for your reminding me, I would have forgotten. Colloquial Saying 要我说

Literally 要我说 means "if you ask for my opinion."

A few examples:

要我说 ，你 先 别 告诉 她 。 I say don't tell her yet. 要我说 ，他 就是 太 懒 。 I say he's just too lazy. 要我说 ，我们 应该 早点 做 准备 。 In my opinion, we should get prepared sooner. 要我说 ，这个人 不能 信 。 In my opinion, this man isn't trustworthy. 要我说 ，什么 时候 开始 都 不 晚 。 I say it's never too late to start. See also

"If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…" "If… then…" with "jiaru" "If… then…" with "jiashi" Sources and further reading

Books

Common Chinese Patterns 330 (汉语常用格式330例) (pp. 246) →buy Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 278) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 41-2) →buy 40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (pp. 502) →buy

Expressing "what if" with "wanyi"

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Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing possibility Keywords 万一 Translations what if Literally meaning "ten thousand to one," 万一 (wànyī) is a word you can use to discuss unlikely possibilities in the sense of "what if," or "in case," or "in the unlikely event that." It's most often used to bring up undesirable situations.

Contents

1 Basic Pattern 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Fuller Pattern 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 以防万一(yǐ fáng wànyī) as "just in case!" 4 See also 4.1 Books Basic Pattern

万一 is used for a usually undesirable possibility which the speaker considers highly unlikely. It's often a rhetorical question. (In other words, the speaker is saying, "if this happens, you're screwed.")

Structure

There are two common ways to use it in a question:

万一 ⋯⋯ 怎么办 ？

万一 ⋯⋯ 呢 ？

Note that 万一 can go before or after the subject of a sentence.

Examples

万一 我 父母 不 同意 呢 ？ Wànyī wǒ fùmǔ bù tóngyì ne? What if my parents disapprove? 万一 被 发现 了 怎么办 ？ Wànyī bèi fāxiàn le zěnme bàn? What if we get caught? 带 着 伞 吧 ，万一 下雨 呢 ？ Dài zhe sǎn ba, wàn yī xiàyǔ ne? Take an umbrella. What if it rains? 你 先 打 电话 问问 。他 万一 不 在 呢 ？ Nǐ xiān dǎ diànhuà wènwen. Tā wànyī bù zài ne? You should call first. What if he's not there? 开 慢点 ！万一 撞到 人 怎么办 ？ Kāi màn diǎn! Wànyī zhuàngdào rén zěnme bàn? Drive slowly! What if you hit someone? Fuller Pattern

This use of 万一 has the same basic meaning as in a statement, but because it's a question, there's no solution offered.

After bringing up the possibility of "disaster," the rest of the sentence normally addresses what "we" should do about it.

Structure

万一 ⋯⋯ ，⋯⋯

Examples

万一 他 不 喜欢，你 可以 来 换 。 Wànyī tā bù xǐhuan, nǐ kěyǐ lái huàn. If he doesn't like it, you can come to make an exchange. 我 要 记 下来 ，万一 忘 了，可以 查 。 Wǒ yào jì xiàlái, wànyī wàng le, kěyǐ chá. I need to write it down. In case I forget, I can look it up. 万一 迷路 了，就 用 地图 导航 。 Wànyī mílù le, jiù yòng dìtú dǎoháng. In case you get lost, use the map's GPS navigation. 万一 发生 这种 情况 ，马上 报警 。 Wànyī fāshēng zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng, mǎshàng bàojǐng. In the unlikely event that this happens, call the police immediately. 以防万一(yǐ fáng wànyī) as "just in case!"

This usage is notably less common than the other two, but if you're looking to sophisticate your Chinese, this is a good leader phrase to know. (Later on you will learn more about what's going on with this 以.)

Note that 万一 (wànyī) is used as a noun here.

A few examples:

北京 现在 特别 冷 ，多 带 几 件 衣服 ，以防万一 。 Běijīng xiànzài tèbié lěng, duō dài jǐ jiàn yīfu, yǐ fáng wànyī. It's especially cold now in Beijing. You should bring a few more pieces of clothing, just in case. 多 带点 现金 吧 ，以防万一 。 Duō dài diǎn xiànjīn ba, yǐ fáng wànyī. Take more cash, just in case. 多 买 点 吧 ，以防万一 。 Duō mǎi diǎn ba, yǐ fáng wànyī. We should buy some more, just in case. See also

Books

Marking a topic with "de hua"

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Level B2 Similar to Topic-comment sentences (B1) Expressing "with regards to" with "zhiyu" (B2) Limiting scope with "jiu" (B2) Marking a topic with "ma" (B2) Used for Marking a topic Keywords 的话 You probably already know that 的话 (de huà) can be put at the end of a phrase to express the meaning of "if." It can be used independently, or with 如果, both meaning "if." But it can also be used to simply identify a topic, sort of like saying "when it comes to...."

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Websties Structure

的话 can also be used to introduce a topic which the speaker intends to say more about.

Topic + 的话 ，Comment

Examples

北京 的话，秋天 去 最好 。 As for Beijing, autumn is the best time to go. 晚上 的话，当然 方便 啦 。 The evening? Of course that's convenient. 这个 问题 的话，我 不 太 方便 说 。 As for this question, it's not convenient for me to talk about it. 我 肯定 能 去 。 他 的话 ，我 就 不知道 了。 I can definitely go. As for him though, I don't know. 我们 的 要求 比较 高 。具体 来说 的话 ，有 三 个 方面 。 Our requirement is quite high. Specifically, there are three aspects. See also

"If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…" Marking a topic with "ma" Topic-comment sentences Sources and further reading

Websties

Chinesegrammar.info: Chinese grammar de hua (的话): expressing “if” in Chinese with de hua

Expressing "no matter" with "buguan"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "anyway" as "fanzheng" (B2) Expressing "no matter" with "wulun" (B2) Used for Expressing attitude, Expressing determination, Indicating conditions Keywords 不管, 都, 也

不管 (bùguǎn) is more informal than 无论, but it is used in more or less the same way. As with other constructions, 都 and 也 can be used in the second part of the sentence to emphasize the action or decision will not change.

Contents

1 Used with Question Word 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Used with Two Different Options 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 Used with Adjectives 3.1 Structure 3.2 Examples 4 See also 5 Sources and further reading 5.1 Books Used with Question Word

Structure

不管 + Question Word ，(Subj. +) 都 ⋯⋯

Examples

不管 你 穿 什么 都 好看 。 No matter what you wear, it all look good on you. 不管 怎么样 ，我们 都 要 好好 准备 。 We must prepare well no matter what. 不管 你 在 哪儿 工作 ，都 要 交税 。 You need to pay the taxes wherever you work. 不管 别人 怎么 想 ，你 都 要 坚持 。 No matter how other people think, you need to keep going. 不管 你 是 什么 时候 买 的 ，我们 都 可以 免费 修 。 No matter when you bought it, we can repair it for you for free. Used with Two Different Options

Structure

不管 + 是 + Option A + 还是 + Option B ，Subj. + 都 ⋯⋯

不管 + Verb / Adj. + 不 + Verb / Adj. ，Subj. + 都 ⋯⋯

Examples

不管 是 国际 幼儿园 还是 本地 幼儿园 ，学费 都 很 贵 。 No matter it's an international kindergarten or a local one . 不管 你 是 中国人 还是 外国人 ，都 必须 遵守 中国 的 法律 。 Whether you're Chinese or foreigners, you must abide by the law. 不管 你 喜 不 喜欢 ，都 要 接受 。 No matter you like it or not, you need to accept it. 不管 你们 同 不 同意 ，我 都 要 去 。 No matter you agree or disagree, I'm going there. 不管 他们 承认 不 承认 ，这 都 是 事实 。 Whether you admit it or not, it's the truth. Used with Adjectives

Structure

不管 + 多 + Adj., Subj. + 都 ⋯⋯

Examples

不管 多 贵 ，我 都 要 买 。 No matter how expensive it is, I'm buying it. 不管 多 远 ，我 都 要 跟 你 一起 去 。 No matter how far it is, I'm going with you. 不管 多 难 ，都 不 能 放弃 。 No matter how difficult it is, you can't give up. 不管 我 穿 得 多 好看 ，他 都 不 看 我 一眼 。 No matter how well-dressed I am, he doesn't take a look at me. 不管 孩子 多 淘气 ，父母 都 不 应该 打 他们 。 No matter how their children misbehave, parents shouldn't hit them. See also

Expressing "anyway" as "fanzheng" "No matter" with "wulun" Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp. 115) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 63) →buy 40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (pp. 430) →buy

Expressing "no matter" with "wulun"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "anyway" as "fanzheng" (B2) Expressing "no matter" with "buguan" (B2) Used for Expressing attitude, Indicating conditions, Expressing determination Keywords 不论, 无论, 都, 也

无论 (wúlùn) means "no matter," and is generally used in the first part of the sentence. As with many other constructions, 都 and 也 can be used in the second part of the sentence to emphasize the action or decision will not change. It is more formal than 不管.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

无论 + Circumstances + 都 / 也 + Inevitable Result

Note that 不论 (bùlùn) is equivalent to 无论 for this pattern.

Because 无论 means "no matter," the clause that follows 无论 is going to include phrases such as "how hard you try" or "wherever you go," and thus will normally include interrogative pronouns such as 怎么, 多(么), 什么, 谁, etc.

Examples

无论 怎么样，他 都 会 放弃，别 高估 他。 No matter what it's like, he will give up. Don't overestimate him. 无论 多么 成功，他 总 觉得 自己 不够 好。 No matter how successful he is, he always thinks he isn't enough. 无论 你 到 哪儿 我 都 会 跟着 你。 Wherever you go, I will follow you. 无论 你 说 还是 不 说，结果 都 一样。 Whatever you say, the result will be the same. As we can see from the example sentences, 无论 is often used with 是 X 还是 Y, "Verb 不 Verb" and interrogative pronouns like 多少 and 什么.

无论如何 is a useful set phrase, meaning "no matter what."

See also

"No matter" with "buguan" Expressing "anyway" as "fanzheng" Sources and further reading

Books

Basic Patterns of Chinese Grammar (pp. 79-80) →buy Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp. 115) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 116-7) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 145) →buy 现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 560) [ →buy] 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 180) [ →buy] 40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (pp. 556) →buy

Expressing "especially" with "gewai"

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Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing especially, Expressing emphasis Keywords 格外, 格, 外格外 (géwài) is an adverb that has the same meaning as "especially" or "particularly" in English. You might be wondering what the difference between 格外 (géwài) and 特别 (tèbié) is. Keep in mind that 特别 (tèbié) can be either as an adjective that emphasizes something is "special" or as an adverb that expresses "especially." However, 格外 (géwài) can only be an adverb that emphasizes "especially" and cannot be used as an adjective like 特别 (tèbié) can.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 Sources and further reading 3.1 Books Structure

格外 + verb

Examples

下过雨的早晨格外舒服. Xiàguò yǔ de zǎochén géwài shūfú. It's especially comfortable on a rainy morning. 今天格外忙, 都来不及吃午饭. Jīntiān géwài máng Today is especially bus. 昨天登山累了, 晚上睡得格外香甜. Zuótiān dēngshān lèile, wǎnshàng shuì dé géwài xiāngtián I was tired from climbing yesterday, so sleep was especially sweet. Sources and further reading

Books

Anything Goes (无所不谈) (pp. 85) →buy

Expressing "due to…" with "youyu"

(Redirected from ASGL90MR)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "as a result" with "jieguo" (B1) Emphasizing the doer of an action with "you" (B2) Stating the effect before the cause (B2) Used for Indicating cause and effect Keywords 由于, 于

由于 (yóuyú) means "due to” or "owing to" and is formal in use.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and Further Reading 4.1 Website Structure

由于 + Cause，Effect

Examples

由于 温室效应 的 影响，全球 的 气候 变得 越 来 越 反常 了。 Due to the influence of the Greenhouse Effect, the whole Earth's climate is getting more and more unusual. 由于 意见 不一致，两位 老板 吵了起来。 Due to differing opinions, two bosses started to argue. 由于 公司 发展 的 需要，我们 打算 再 招聘 一些 新的 老师。 Due to the need of the development of our company, we plan to hire more new teachers. 由于 目标客户 的 变化，企业 的 营销 策略 需要 做出 一些 调整。 Due to the change of our target clients, the marketing strategies need some adjustments. 由于人口 的 快速 增加，大城市 的 社会问题 越来越 严重。 Due to the rapid growth of population, social problems in big cities are getting more and more serious. See also

Emphasizing the doer of an action with "you" Stating the effect before the cause Sources and Further Reading

Website

Yale Chinese Usage Dictionary: How to use 因为 and 由于

Expressing "since" with "jiran"

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Level B2 Similar to Cause and effect with "yinwei" and "suoyi" (A2) Using "because" with "er" to indicate effect (B2) Used for Indicating cause and effect Keywords 既然既然 (jìrán) means "since," and is often followed by 就 to mean "since...then...." It is used like this:

Contents

1 既然 followed by an affirmative sentence 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 既然 followed by a question 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 既然 followed by an affirmative sentence

This construction is not generally used to express a result, but more of a suggestion or inference deduced from the first fact. It can be placed before or after the subject. But if the subjects in the two clauses are the same, 既然 is more often put after the subject.

Structure

既然＋Fact, 那 / 就 / 那就＋Suggestion / Inference

Examples

你 既然 不 想 说，那就 别 说 了。 Since you don't want to speak, just don't say it. a suggestion) 既然 你 那么 喜欢，那就 买 吧。 Since you like it so much, buy it then. a suggestion) 她 既然 刚刚 分手，那 现在 应该 是 单身 吧。 Since she just had a breakup, she should be single now. an inference) 既然 你们 是 好 朋友，那 他 肯定 会 帮 你 吧。 Since you guys are good friends, he will definitely help you. an inference) 既然 大家 都 不 感 兴趣，就 换 个 话题 吧。 Since nobody is interested, let's change the topic. a suggestion) 既然 followed by a question

The suggestion or inference deduced from the first fact can come in the form of rhetorical question. In this case, “那” can be omitted.

Structure

既然 + Fact, （那 +）rhetorical question

Examples

你 既然 不 喜欢 他，为什么 还 想 跟 他 出去？ Since you don't like him, why do you want to go out with him? a suggestion) 既然 你 已经 决定 了，为什么 现在 后悔？ Since you've made your decision, don't regret it then. a suggestion) 既然 他 那么 忙，你 为什么 还 去 打扰 他？ Since he's so busy, why would you bother him? a suggestion) 既然 已经 分手 了，为什么 还 要 见面？ Since we broke up, why would we still see each other? a suggestion) 既然 你 男朋友 那么 有 钱，那 他 为什么 不 能 大方 一点？ Since your boyfriend is so rich, why can't he be more generous? a suggestion) See also

Cause and Effect with "yinwei" and "suoyi" Because" with "er" Indicating Effect Expressing "Even if…" with "jishi" Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 267-9) [ →buy] Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 289-90) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 179) →buy 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 245) [ →buy]

Expressing "therefore" with "yinci"

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Level B2 Similar to Cause and effect with "yinwei" and "suoyi" (A2) Expressing "and then" with "yushi" (B2) Expressing "in short" with "zongzhi" (C1) Used for Indicating cause and effect Keywords 因此 Translations therefore 因此 (yīncǐ, literally "because of this"), is a conjunction meaning "therefore," and is used in formal writing.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

Cause + 因此 + Effect

Examples

她 在 农村 长大， 因此 很 了解 农民 的 生活。 She grew up in the country, so she understands the country people's way of life. 工厂 已经 停产 很 久 了， 因此 无法 给 工人 发 工资。 The factory has been shut down for a long time, so it is unable to give its workers their wages. 韩寒 的 文笔 好， 因此 他 写 的 小说 很 受 欢迎。 Hanhan's writing is very good, therefore the novels that he writes are always welcomed. See also

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 29) →buy 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 67) [ →buy] 40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (pp. 430) →buy

Stating the effect before the cause

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Level B2 Similar to Cause and effect with "yinwei" and "suoyi" (A2) Expressing "as a result" with "jieguo" (B1) Expressing purpose with "weile" (B1) Expressing "due to…" with "youyu" (B2) Used for Indicating cause and effect, Sequencing events in time Keywords 之所以, 所以, 因为, 由于, 于, 是 Translations because

之所以⋯⋯是因为⋯⋯ (zhī suǒyǐ... shì yīnwèi...) can be translated as “the reason why... is because” and can be used if the speaker wishes to state the effect before the cause. It's normally used in somewhat formal speech.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

之所以 ⋯⋯ ，是 + 因为 / 为了 / 想 ⋯⋯

Examples

她 之 所以 问 这么 多 是 因为 她 关心 你们 。 The reason she asked this much was because she cares about you guys. 我 之 所以 没 告诉 你 是 不 想 让 你 担心 。 The reason why I didn't tell you is that I didn't want you to worry about it. 他 之 所以 放弃 了 那份 工作 是 因为 他 找到 了 更好 的 机会 。 The reason why he gave up that job was that he found himself a better opportunity. 我们 之 所以 保密 是 想 给 她 一 个 惊喜 。 The reason why we kept it a secret is that we wanted to give her a surprise. 公司 之 所以 花钱 培训 你们 是 想 让 你们 越来越 专业 。 The reason why the company spends money on your training is to help you become more and more professional. See also

Expressing purpose with "weile" "Due to…" with "youyu" "Because" with "er" indicating effect Explaining results with "suoyi" Cause and effect with "yinwei" and "suoyi" Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 93) →buy

Using "because" with "er" to indicate effect

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Level B2 Similar to Cause and effect with "yinwei" and "suoyi" (A2) Expressing "as a result" with "jieguo" (B1) Expressing "since" with "jiran" (B2) Used for Indicating cause and effect, Indicating conditions, Sequencing events in time Keywords 因为, 而 Translations because

因为⋯⋯，而⋯⋯(yīnwèi...ér...) is another structure that can express cause and effect. It is used like this:

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 4.2 Websites Structure

Subj. + 因(为) + Cause + 而 + Result

Sometimes, 因为 can be shortened to just 因. This is used more in sentences that shorter and more succinct.

Examples

我 因为 生病 而 请假。 Because I got sick, I asked for time off. 欧洲 的 经济 因为 债务 危机 而 陷入 衰退。 Because Europe is suffering a debt crisis, it is falling into decline. 首相 因为 受贿 丑闻 而 下 了 台。 Because the prime minister accepted bribes, he fell from power. 伦敦 地铁 因 罢工 而 处于 瘫痪 状态。 Because of the London Metro strike, everything shut down. See also

Cause and effect with "yinwei" and "suoyi" Explaining results with "suoyi" Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 92) →buy Websites

Yale Chinese Usage Dictionary: Usage of 而

Advanced degree complements

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Level B2 Similar to Adjectives with "-ji le" (B1) Degree complement (B1) Used for Expressing degree Keywords 得, 很, 不得了, 要命, 不行 Translations very, really

This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. The expression of "degree" following a verb is quite broad. A vast array of adjectives can appear in the degree complement following verbs, indicating degree and quality. When it comes to adjectives, however, expression of degree is often much more limited. The following are some of the more common degree complements which follow adjectives.

Contents

1 Common Patterns 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Common Patterns

Adj. + 得 + 很 Adj. + 得 + 不得了 Adj. + 得 + 要命 Adj. + 得 + 不行 Examples

这个 孩子 自私 得很 。 This child is super selfish. 我 老婆 的 工作 轻松 得很 。 My wife's job is extremely easy and relaxed. 我 爸爸 固执 得 不得了 。 My father is awfully stubborn. 赢 了 比赛 以后 ，他 骄傲 得 不得了 。 He was terribly proud after he won the competition. 听说 儿子 又 跟 同学 打架 了 ，爸爸 气 得 不得了 。 Having heard his son was fighting with his classmate again, the father was incensed. 我 儿子 淘气 得 要命 。 My son is incredibly naughty. 今天 路上 堵 得 要命 ！ The traffic is terrible! 地铁 挤 得 要命 ！ The metro is so crowded! 我 的 牙 痛 得 不 行 ！ My teeth hurt so badly! 外面 热 得 不 行 。 It's awfully hot outside. See also

Degree complement Adjectives with "-ji le" Complement "-huai le" Sources and further reading

Books

Advanced potential complements

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Level B2 Similar to Potential complement (B1) Used for Expressing possibility, Describing actions Keywords 不了, 不下, 下, 不起, 起, 不动, 动, 不着, 着

You may have a handle on the typical potential complements, but there are a few other fairly common ones that you still need to master. Each is addressed separately here.

Contents

1 Verbs with -不了 and -得了 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Verbs with -不下 and -得下 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 Verbs with -不起 and -得起 3.1 Structure 3.2 Examples 4 Verbs with -不动 and -得动 4.1 Structure 4.2 Examples 5 Verbs with -不着 and -得着 5.1 Structure 5.2 Examples 6 See also 7 Sources and further reading 7.1 Books Verbs with -不了 and -得了

Structure

This pattern is used to talk about whether or not you are able to do something. It is subtly different from using 不能 because -不了 usually suggests some external factor out of one's control.

Verb + 得 / 不 + 了

Examples

他 那么 老 ，走 得 了 那么 多 路 吗 ？ He's so old. Will he be able to walk that far? 今晚 我 有 事 ，去 不 了 。 I have things to do tonight. I won't be able to go. 这 件 衣服 太 小 了 ，我 穿 不 了 。 This piece of clothing is too small. I won't be able to wear it. 这 件 事情 只 有 你 帮 得 了 我 。 You're the only one who is able to help me with this. 他 没 什么 经验 ，处理 不 了 这样 的 问题 。 He doesn't have much experience. He is not able deal with this kind of problem. Verbs with -不下 and -得下

Structure

This is used to talk about whether or not something will fit or go somewhere. 常见的动词：放、坐、住、装、吃。

Verb + 得 / 不 + 下

Examples

我 吃 饱 了 ，真的 吃 不 下 了 。 I'm full. I don't feel like eating more. 你 包 里 放 得 下 那么 多 东西 吗 ？ Can your bag hold that many things? 我 的 车 太 小 ，坐 不 下 五 个 人 。 My car is too small. Five people will not fit in it. 我 的 箱子 这么 大 ，肯定 装 得 下 这些 衣服 。 I'm sure my suitcase is big enough for these clothes. 你 一个人 拿 得 下 这么 多 东西 吗 ？ Can you carry all these thing? Verbs with -不起 and -得起

Structure

Verb + 得 / 不 + 起 + Obj.

Examples

那 件 衣服 是 你 两 个 月 的 工资 ，买 得 起 吗？ That piece of clothing is worth two months of your salary. Can you afford to buy it? 这 家 餐厅 太 贵 了 ，我们 吃 不 起 。 This restaurant is too expensive. We can't afford to eat here. 这些 化妆品 很 贵 ，我 用 不 起 。 This makeup is very expensive. I can't afford it. 这里 房子 的 租金 最少 也 要 一 万 块 ，你 租 得 起 吗 ？ This apartment's rent is at least 10,000 RMB. Can you afford to rent it? 很 多 人 不 生 二胎 不是 因为 不 想 要 ，是 因为 成本 太 高 ，养 不 起 。 Many people don't get pregnant twice not because they don't want to. It's because the cost is too high, they can't afford to raise more kids. Verbs with -不动 and -得动

Structure

The potential complement -不动 is used to express lack of physical ability to do something. This can be used not only with actions like walking, running or climbing, but even actions like eating and chewing.

Verb + 得 / 不 + 动

Examples

我 走 不 动 了，我们 休息 一下 吧 ！ I can't keep going. I need to rest a bit. 等等 我，我 跑 不 动 了！ Wait for me. I can't keep running. 你 才 一百 斤 ，我 背 得 动 你 。 You are only 50 kilograms. I can carry you. 孩子 真的 长大 了，妈妈 都 抱 不 动 了 。 The child is all grown up. His mother can't hold him anymore. 这么 重 ，他 一个人 搬 得 动 吗 ？ It's so heavy. Can he move it by himself? Verbs with -不着 and -得着

Structure

表示动作有能力做到某事。"着"读作zháo。

Verb + 得 / 不 + 着

Examples

太 高 了 ，我 够 不 着 。 It's too high. I can't reach it. 这么 吵 ，你 睡 得 着 吗 ？ It's so noisy. Can you sleep? 太 难 了 ，我 猜 不 着 。 It's too hard. I can't guess. See also

Potential complement Sources and further reading

Books

HSK Standard Course 5上 (pp. 118) →buy

Advanced result complements

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Level B2 Similar to Result complements (B1) Used for Expressing duration, Expressing result Keywords 住 This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. Contents

1 住 as Result Complement 2 开 as Result Complement 3 出(来) as Result Complement 4 上 as Result Complement 5 See also 6 Sources and further reading 6.1 Books 住 as Result Complement

住 can be used after a verb to express a "coming to a halt." These verbs are limited.

站住！ Stop! 抓住 那个 小偷 ！ Catch that thief! 不 好意思 ，你 挡住 了 我 的 路 。 Excuse me. You're standing in my way. 住 can also be used to express "undertaking an action firmly" or "tightly."

一定 要 记住 我 的 话 。 You must remember what I said. 你 必须 抓住 机会 。 You must seize the opportunity tightly. 忍住 ！马上 就 好了 。 . 坚持 住 ！别 放弃 ！ . 开 as Result Complement

开, literally, means "to open" or " to turn on."

张开 嘴 。 Open your mouth. 请 打开 书 。 Please open your book. 现在 请 你 睁开 眼睛 。 Please open your eyes now. 开 can be used to express an action that is occurring in a direction away from the speaker. When used in this sense, 开 is generally used with verbs involving releasing, unfolding or spreading out:

走开 ！ Go away! 放开 我 ！ Let go of me! 这个 好消息 很快 传开 了 。 This good news spread out very soon. 开 can be also used to express solving a problem or getting a weight off one's mind.

看开 一点 。想开 一点 。出(来) as Result Complement

出(来) It can be used figuratively to mean "nothing to coming into being" or "to come up with."

你 能 想 出 什么 好 办法 ？ What good ideas can you come up with? 这些 数学 题 有点 难 ，我 花 了 一个 小时 才 做 出来 。 These math problems are a little bit difficult. It took me an hour to work them out. 你 觉得 他 能 猜 出来 这件事 是 我 干 的 吗 ？ Do you think he can figure out I am the one who did this? 一万 字 的 文章 我 写 不 出来 。 I can't write a ten-thousand-word article. 跟感官动词搭配时，"出(来)"表示"to tell or to distinguish".

她 肯定 是 北方人，我 能 听 出来 。 She must be from the north. I can hear it. 你 能 看出 我 多大 吗 ？ Can you tell how old I am? 菜 里面 有 味精 ，我 能 吃 出来 。 Can you tell how old I am? 这 个 东西 是 用 什么 做 的 ？你 能 摸 出来 吗 ？ What's this thing made of? Can you feel it? 你 抽烟 了 吧 ？别 骗 我 ，我 都 闻 出来 了 。 Were you smoking? Don't lie to me because I can smell it. 上 as Result Complement

考上、住上、开上

See also

Result complements Potential complement Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 135) →buy

Advanced uses of direction complement "-qilai"

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Level B2 Similar to Direction complement (B1) Used for Expressing result Keywords 起来, 来

We saw in B1 that 起来 (qǐlái), among other things, can be used to express a literal upward movement. 起来 also has some more slightly less intuitive usages, which are figurative extensions of the "movement" idea.

起来 can be used to express collecting things together, where in English we might say "tidy up," or "add up."

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 4.2 Websites Structure

Verb + 起来

Note that you will often see this pattern used with 把 sentence.

Subj. + 把 + Obj. + Verb + 起来

Examples

13 和 15 加 起来 是 多少 ？ How much is 13 and 15 added up? 他 把 衣服 都 收 起来 了 。 He put away his clothes. 我 老婆 把 钱 都 存 起来 了 。 My wife saves up all our money. 把 你 的 玩具 都 收 起来 。 Put your toys away. 你 为什么 要 把 我 的 手机 藏 起来 ？ Why would you hide my cell phone? 起来 can also be used to express more abstract concepts of bringing things together.

如果 我们 团结 起来 ，一定 能 赢 。 We will absolutely win this if we unite. 如果 你 把 工作 和 兴趣 结合 起来，工作 就 会 很 快乐 。 If you combine your work with your interest, working would be fun. 我们 要 把 所有 的 资源 都 利用 起来。 We need to put all the resources together. See also

Result complement "-qilai" Figurative directional complements 下去 and 出来 Direction complement Result complements "dao" and "jian" Appearance with "kanqilai" Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Elementary Starter 2 (博雅汉语初经起步篇) (pp. 80) →buy Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 25-31) [ →buy] Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (pp. 141-2) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 342-3) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 20) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 169) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 134-5) →buy Websites

Yale: Extended meaning of some directional complements

Complement "-huai le"

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Level B2 Similar to Adjectives with "-ji le" (B1) Degree complement (B1) Advanced degree complements (B2) Used for Expressing result Keywords 坏 The degree complement -坏了 (-huài le) is a bit like the complement -死了, and can be used to mean "extremely" in both a a positive and a negative sense.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

Adj. + 坏了

Examples

Negative connotation：通常这类形容词都包含不喜欢、不满意的意思。

大家 都 累 坏了。 Everyone was exhausted. 我 早饭 和 中饭 都 没 吃 ，饿 坏了 。 I didn't eat anything for breakfast or lunch. I'm starved to death. 发现 爸爸 又 去 赌钱 了 ，妈妈 气 坏了 。 Discovering the father went gambling again, the mother was incensed. 孩子 不见 了 ，妈妈 急 坏了 。 The child is missing. The mother is worried to death. 一个 男人 突然 拿出 一把枪 ，乘客们 都 吓 坏了 。 A man took out a gun all of a sudden and the passengers were scared to death. Positive connotation：少数表示积极、愉快的形容词也可以。

听到 这个 好 消息 ，大家 都 高兴 坏了。 Everyone were thrilled to hear the good news. 这个 笑话 让 我们 都 乐 坏了 。 We really got a kick out of this joke. See also

Adjectives with "-ji le" Negative adjectives with "-si le" Advanced degree complements Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 104) →buy {{Similar|Advanced degree complements}

Tricky uses of "dao"

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Level B2 Similar to Result complements "-dao" and "-jian" (A2) Result complements (B1) Used for Expressing result Keywords 到

You probably learned the result complement 到 a long time ago, as part of words like 看到 ("to see") and 听到 ("to hear"). But other times it's less clear what the 到 really means. Like the difference between 买 and 买到 or 做 and 做到. What 到 adds is a clearer sense that something has really been achieved.

Contents

1 The difference 到 makes 2 Illustrative Examples 2.1 做 vs. 做到 2.2 买 vs. 买到 2.3 学 vs. 学到 2.4 拿 vs. 拿到 2.5 想 vs. 想到 2.6 看 vs. 看到 2.7 追 vs. 追到 2.8 了解 vs. 了解到 2.9 联系 vs. 联系到 The difference 到 makes

Adding 到 after a verb makes it very clear that the desired result was achieved. If you looked and you saw, then 到 indicates that. On the other hand, not adding 到 makes it unclear whether or not the desired result was achieved. It can have the effect of making a verb mean "try to verb." So 做 without 到 is kind of like "try to do," but when you want to make it very clear that results were achieved or must be achieved, that's when you want to add 到.

Let's look at another example. The difference between 找 and 找到 is that 找 means "to search" (in other words, "to try to find"), whereas 找到 means "to find," that the search was successful, and results were achieved. So if one were to say "你一定要找," it would mean "you must try to find it" and "你一定要找到" means "you must find it."

Illustrative Examples

做 vs. 做到

我 还 没有 做。 Wǒ hái méiyǒu zuò. I haven‘t done it. 我 下 个 星期 可以 做。 Wǒ xià gè xīngqī kěyǐ zuò. I can do it next week. 我 相信 你 一定 能 做到。 Wǒ xiāngxìn nǐ yīdìng néng zuòdào. I believe you will be able to do it. 买 vs. 买到

我 还 没有 买 。 Wǒ hái méiyǒu mǎi. I haven't bought it yet. 我 没 买到 。 Wǒ méi mǎidào. I didn't buy it. 这里 买 不 到 进口 食品 。 Zhèlǐ mǎi bu dào jìnkǒu shípǐn. You can't buy imported good here. 学 vs. 学到

我 想 学 中文 。 Wǒ xiǎng xué Zhōngwén. I want to study Chinese. 我们 今天 学 了 很 多 生词 。 Wǒmen jīntiān xué le hěn duō shēngcí. Today we learned many new words. 在 这个 公司 工作 ，我 学到 了 很 多 东西。 Zài zhège gōngsī gōngzuò, wǒ xuédào le hěn duō dōngxi. Working for this company, I learned a lot of things. 拿 vs. 拿到

你 拿 小包 ，我 拿 大包 。 Nǐ ná xiǎo bāo, wǒ ná dà bāo. You take the small bag, I'll take the big bag. 不 知道 什么 时候 能 拿到 我 的 工作 签证 。 Bù zhīdào shénme shíhou néng ná dào wǒ de gōngzuò qiānzhèng. I'm not sure when I'll be able to get my work visa. 如果 他 拿 不 到 绿卡 ，我 就 跟 他 分手 。 Rúguǒ tā ná bu dào lǜkǎ, wǒ jiù gēn tā fēnshǒu. If he can't get a green card, I will break up with him. 想 vs. 想到

一定 要 想 一 个办法 。 Yīdìng yào xiǎng yī gè bànfǎ. You have to think of a method. 你 想到 了 什么好办法 ？ Nǐ xiǎngdào le shénme hǎo bànfǎ? Have you thought of any good methods yet? 我们 都 没 想到 他 这么 生气 。 Wǒmen dōu méi xiǎngdào tā zhème shēngqì. None of us thought that he would be so mad. 看 vs. 看到

我 在 看 一些 老 照片 。 Wǒ zài kàn yīxiē lǎo zhàopiàn. I'm looking at some old photos. 看到 这 张 照片 ，我 想到 了 我 的 女儿 。 Kàndào zhè zhāng zhàopiàn, wǒ xiǎngdào le wǒ de nǚ'ér. After seeing this photo, I thought of my daughter. 我 看到 他 了，在 那里 ！ Wǒ kàndào tā le, zài nàlǐ! I see him, over there! 追 vs. 追到

怎么 追 女孩子 ？ Zěnme zhuī nǚ háizi? How do you chase girls? 那 个 女孩子 ，你 追到了吗 ？ Nàge nǚháizi, nǐ zhuīdào le ma? That girl, did you catch her yet? 如果 你 追到她了 ，我 就 请 你 喝酒 。 Rúguǒ nǐ zhuīdào tā le, wǒ jiù qǐng nǐ hējiǔ. If you can really catch her, I'll treat you to a drink. 了解 vs. 了解到

我 不 太 了解 这个 人 。 Wǒ bù tài liǎojiě zhège rén. I don't really understand this person. 我们 刚刚 了解到 一些 新 的 消息 。 Wǒmen gānggāng liǎojiědào yīxiē xīn de xī. We just understood the new information. 从 他 那里，我 了解 到 了 真相 。 Cóng tā nàlǐ, wǒ liǎojiědào le . I learned the truth from him. 联系 vs. 联系到

我们 怎么 联系 ？ Wǒmen zěnme liánxì? How do we get in contact? 你 知道 他 的 联系 方式 吗 ？ Nǐ zhīdào tā de liánxì fāngshì ma? Do you have his contact information? 我 想 跟 你 联系 ，但是 一直 联系 不 到 你 。 Wǒ xiǎng gēn nǐ liánxì, dànshì yīzhí liánxì bu dào nǐ. I always wanted to get in touch with you, but hasn't got a hold of you.

Using "lai" and "qu" when "verbing around"

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Level B2 Similar to Using "zhe" when "verbing away" (B2) Used for Expressing duration, Describing actions, Expressing movement Keywords 来, 去

This structure can be used if want to say you are "verbing without a clear direction." It's sort of like "verbing this way and that." The same verb is repeated before the 来(lái) and 去 (qù). So for example, 走来走去 is a bit like "walking here and there" or "walking this way and that."

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

Verb + 来 + Verb + 去

Examples

In a sentence, this structure looks like this:

学生们 都 很 紧张，在 考场 外面 走 来 走 去。 The students are all nervous, they are all pacing back and forth outside of the exam room. 他 说 来 说 去 还 不 承认 自己 错 了。 He's been yakking a lot, but he still hasn't admitted that he's wrong. 我 想 来 想 去 都 想 不 明白，他 怎么 能 那样 对 我？ I've thought and thought about it, but I can't understand, how could you treat me like that? 他 翻 来 翻 去， 终于 找到 了 那 双 破 袜子。 He searched everywhere and finally found the pair of worn-out socks. See also

"Verbing away" using "zhe" Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 191-2) →buy HSK Standard Course 5上 (pp. 66) →buy

Using "zhao" as complement

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Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing duration, Expressing result Keywords 着

When used as a resultative complement, 着 (zháo) expresses that the action has reached it's purpose or has had an outcome. It can also be used as a potential complement, meaning "able to."

Contents

1 Resultative Complement 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Potential Complement 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Resultative Complement

Structure

All you have to do is put 着 after the verb. Remember that it should be something that you can reach or achieve. It could be a purpose, or it can be producing an outcome or an influence.

Verb + 着

Examples

宝宝 刚 睡 着。 The baby just fell asleep. 你 的 手机 找 着 了 吗？ Did you find your cell phone? 超市 关门 了 ，你 要 的 东西 我 没 买 着 。 The supermarket is closed. I didn't buy things that you need. Potential Complement

Structure

Verb + 得 / 不 + 着

When used with 得 or 不, 着 functions as a potential complement, and denotes that one's one's ability is up (or not) to the task in question. This is like saying "(verb) able to reach" or “(verb) not able to reach."

Examples

晚上 我 睡 不 着 的 时候 就 看书。 Last night, when I wasn't able to get to sleep, I read a book. 我 的 手机 找 不 着 了。 I wasn't able to find my cell phone. 这么 晚 了，买 得 着 吗？ It's so late already, can you buy it? 我 在 国外 吃 不 着 地道 的 中国 菜 。 I can't eat authentic Chinese food. See also

Resultative Complement "zhu" Resultative Complement "huai" Resultative Complement "kai" Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 135) →buy

Expressing "as long as" with "zhiyao"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" (B2) Expressing "as long as" with "fanshi" (C1) Used for Indicating cause and effect, Indicating conditions Keywords 只要, 只, 就

只要⋯⋯就 (zhǐyào... jiù) means "as long as... then...." In other words, whenever A happens, B results.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

Use this structure to express that "as long as" [something happens], "then" [something else will happen]. In logic, this is referred to as a "sufficient condition," meaning that it may not be the only way to bring about the these specific consequences, but it is one way.

只要 + Condition ，就 + Result

Examples

只要 下雨， 她 就 会 心情 不 好 。 Zhǐyào xiàyǔ, tā jiù huì xīnqíng bù hǎo. As long as it's raining, she will be in a bad mood. 只要 有 你 在， 我 就 放心 了 。 Zhǐyào yǒu nǐ zài, wǒ jiù fàngxīn le. As long as you are here, I won't be worried. 只要 你 努力 学习， 就 会 有 进步 。 Zhǐyào nǐ nǔlì xuéxí, jiù huì yǒu jìnbù. As long as you study hard, you'll make progress. 只要 你 真的 喜欢， 我 就 给 你 买 。 Zhǐyào nǐ zhēnde xǐhuan, wǒ jiù gěi nǐ mǎi. As long as you really like it, I will buy it for you. 只要 不 堵车， 我们 就 能 准时 到 。 Zhǐyào bù dǔchē, wǒmen jiù néng zhǔnshí dào. As long as there won't be traffic jam, we can be there on time. 只要 你 不 生气 ， 我 就 告诉 你 。 Zhǐyào nǐ bù shēngqì, wǒ jiù gàosu nǐ. As long as you won't get mad, I'll tell you. 只要 你 的 要求 是 合理 的 ， 我们 就 可以 考虑 。 Zhǐyào nǐ de yāoqiú shì hélǐ de, wǒmen jiù kěyǐ kǎolǜ. As long as your requirements are reasonable, we will considerate then. See also

"Only if" with "zhiyou" "If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…" Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 83) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 124) →buy 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 112) [ →buy]

Expressing "once...then..." with "yidan...jiu..."

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Level B2 Similar to Events in quick succession with "yi... jiu..." (B1) Used for Indicating cause and effect, Indicating conditions Keywords 一旦, 就

一旦 (yīdàn) is used to express what would happen after a certain condition is met. Usually it is used with 就. This grammar pattern expresses that once one thing happens, something else will happen.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 Sources and further reading 3.1 Books Structure

This structure is similar to the English "once...then," as in "once the company goes bankrupt, your family will lose all its money."

一旦 + Condition，Subj. + 就 + Consequence

Examples

一旦 我 找 好 的 工作，我 就 会 安心。 Once I find a good job, then I'll be able to relax. 这 张 桌子 不 稳定，一旦 发生 什么 小 小 的 振动，就 会 倒塌。 This table isn't very steady. Once there's even a small vibration, it will fall over. 学习 计算机 科学 的 学生 很 自信，他们 一旦 毕业，就 会 找到 很 好 的 工作。 Computer science students are very confident. Once they graduate, they will be able to find good jobs. 千万 不 要 在 经济 泡沫 中 炒股，一旦 市场 崩溃，你 会 很 后悔 的！ You must absolutely not trade stocks in an economic bubble. Once the market collapses, you will regret it! Notice in the last example there is no 就. Sometimes you can leave out the 就 and the context that the result will happen is pretty clear.

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 83) →buy Common Chinese Patterns 330 (汉语常用格式330例) (pp. 262) →buy

Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "as long as" with "zhiyao" (B2) Expressing "once...then..." with "yidan...jiu..." (B2) Used for Indicating cause and effect, Indicating conditions Keywords 只有, 只, 才 Translations if

只有 (zhǐyǒu) means "only if," and is used with 才 (cái) to emphasize that only one course of action will bring about the desired outcome.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 4.2 Websites Structure

只有 + Essential Condition + 才 + Desired Outcome

Examples

只有 努力 才 能 做 好 工作。 Only with hard work is it possible to do a good job. 只有 经济 发展 才 会 有 更 好 的 明天。 Only if the economy develops will it be possible to have an even better tomorrow. 只有 多 吃饭 才 能 长高。 Only if you eat more will you be able to grow tall. See also

"As long as" with "zhiyao" "If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…" Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 42) →buy 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 113) [ →buy] 40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (pp. 516) →buy Websites

Yale Chinese Usage Dictionary 只 and 只有

Expressing "unless" with "chufei"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "even if…" with "jishi" (B2) Used for Indicating cause and effect Keywords 除非, 要不, 不然, 否则除非 (chúfēi) can be used as a conjunction, and means "unless." 否则 (fǒuzé) or 要不然 (yàobùrán) often appear in the following phrase, to form a construction meaning "unless x, otherwise y":

Contents

1 Patter with 除非 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Pattern with 要不然 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 Advanced Pattern 3.1 Structure 3.2 Examples 4 See also 5 Sources and Further Reading Patter with 除非

The simplified construction more directly maps to the basic English usage of "unless," as in, "I won't do it unless you pay me."

Structure

除非 means "unless" in the following "y , 除非 x" pattern. The sentences below place emphasis on the part after 除非.

Result / Fact ，除非 + Condition

Examples

我 不 去 ，除非 你 也 去 。 I won't go unless you go. 你 不能 进 ，除非 你 有 预约 。 You can't come in unless you have an appointment. 我 不 说 ，除非 你 答应 我 不会 生气 。 I won't tell you unless you promise me you won't be upset. 你 不 会 这么 快 升职 ，除非 你 表现 很 好 。 You won't get promoted so soon unless you perform very well. 我们 公司 一般 不 允许 员工 请假 ，除非 理由 很 充分 。 The company won't allow it's staff time off unless their reason is good enough. Pattern with 要不然

This simplified construction using 要不然 (or 不然) more directly maps to the basic English usage of "otherwise," as in: "Pay me. Otherwise, I won't do it."

Structure

要不然 (or 不然) means "otherwise" in the following "x , 要不然 y" pattern.

Condition, (要) 不然 + Result

Examples

你 也 去，要不然 我 不 去 。 I won't go unless you go. 马上 帮 我 叫车 ，要不然 我 赶不上 飞机 。 I won't catch up my flight unless you call a cab for me right now. 老师 ，您 要 给我们 一点 提示 ，要不然 谁 都 想不出 答案 。 Teacher, we need you to give us a little hint. Otherwise, none of us will figure out the answer. Advanced Pattern

In the full construction, 除非 comes first, and the meaning is "Unless x, otherwise y."

Structure

除非 + Condition ，否则 / 不然 + Result / Fact

Examples

除非 你 是 会员 ，否则 不能 进去 。 Unless you have the membership, yo can't come in. 除非 有 奇迹 ，不然 他 的 病 治 不好 。 Unless miracle happens, his disease can't be cured. 除非 你 听 我 的 ，否则 我 不 会 帮 你 。 Unless you listen to me, I won't help you. 除非 你 有 证据 ，不然 谁 会 相信 ？ Unless you have proof, who is going to believe it? 除非 你 是 名牌 大学 毕业 的 ，否则 老板 不会 考虑 你 的 。 The boss won't consider you unless you graduate from a brand-name university university. 除非 is also used in the patterns below. The meaning expressed is the same as the sentences above, but below the "Y" part expresses what won't happen unless the 除非 condition is met. It might be more helpful to think of 除非 here as meaning "only if." The structure is:

除非 x，才 y

So that's "Only if x, y."

A few examples:

除非 你们 买 很 多 ，才 能 便宜 点 。 Only if you buy a lot, I can make it less expensive. 除非 旧 的 坏了 ，我 才 会 买 新的 。 Only if the old one is broken, I will buy a new one. 除非 老板 给 我 加薪 ，我 才 会 留下来 。 Only if the boss gives me a pay raise, I will stay. See also

Expressing "even if…" with "jishi" Expressing "otherwise" with "yaobu" Sources and Further Reading

Common Chinese Patterns 330 (汉语常用格式330例) →buy

Advanced uses of "ba"

(Redirected from ASGQRS3P)

Level B2 Similar to Verbs followed by "gei" (B1) Expressing passive voice with "gei" (B2) Used for Expressing passive voice, Sentence Patterns Keywords 把

Also known as: 把字句 ("bǎ"zìjù), 把 construction, preposition 把, disposal construction and pre-transitive 把. Once you've gotten the hang of the basic 把 (bǎ) sentence pattern, you can start to use it in some more complex and abstract ways.

Contents

1 Using 把 with 给 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Using 当作 or 看作 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 Take something seriously with 当回事 3.1 Structure 4 Using 把 with a verb + 成 4.1 Structure 4.2 Concrete Verb Examples 4.3 Abstract Verb Examples 4.4 Mistaken Perception Examples 5 See also 6 Sources and further reading 6.1 Books 6.2 Websites Using 把 with 给

This 给 is used in oral Chinese to add emphasis to the verb. The 给 is actually fully optional, but it's good to be familiar with this pattern because it's so commonly used in spoken Chinese.

You'll notice a structural similarity to this 给 used with 把, and the 给 used with 被.

Structure

Subj. + 把 + Obj. + 给 + Verb Phrase

Examples

我 把 这 事儿 给 忘 了 。 I forgot about this thing. 周末 我 把 脏 衣服 给 洗 了 。 On weekends, I wash the dirty clothes. 你 能 把 这些 都 给 记住 吗？ Will you be able to remember all of this? 他 把 我的 手机 给 摔坏 了 。 He dropped my phone and broke it. 妈妈 把 没 用的 东西 都 给 扔了 。 Mom threw away all of the useless things.

Using 当作 or 看作

When you want to say that something is treated as something else, use this pattern.

Structure

把 + Obj.+ 当成 / 看成 / 当作 / 看作 +⋯⋯

So what's the difference between using 当成 / 看成 / 当作 / 看作? Good question. The differences are not huge, but there are a few:

The 成 versions are a bit less formal than the 作 versions. 看成 / 看作 is often followed by a person or specific thing, whereas 当成 / 当作 is more likely to be followed by something more abstract (like 爱). The 成 / 作 part of 当成 / 当作 can be dropped in spoken Chinese, whereas the 成 / 作 part of 看成 / 看作 can never be dropped. Examples

我 一直 把 他 看作 我 哥哥。 I always see him as my older brother. 他 把 我家 当作 了 他 自己 家 。 He treated my house like his own. 很 多 留学生 都 把 自己 的 中文 老师 当作 朋友。 Many study abroad students treat their Chinese teachers as their friends. 孩子 可以 把 家里 的 很多 小 东西 当作 玩具。 Kids treat small things in the house as toys. 有的 中国 女生 会 把 喜欢 当成 爱 。 Some Chinese girls would think about being liked as being in love. 很 多 子女 把 父母 的 理想 当作了 自己 的 理想。 Many kids make their parents' ideals their own ideals. Take something seriously with 当回事

当回事 is mostly used in colloquial Chinese. It means to take something seriously or to hold something in high regard. It is usually used with the negative 不.

Structure

(别 / 不）把 + Obj.1 + 当回事

他 从来 不 把 老板 的 话 当回事。 He never took what his boss said seriously. 你 这个 人 总是 太 把 自己 当回事 了。 You take yourself too seriously. 有的 父母 从 不 把 孩子 的 一些 小 问题 当回事! Some parents never take their kids' problems seriously. 我们 班 有 几 个 学生 从来 不把 老师 的 作业 当回事。 Our class has a few students who never take the teacher's homework seriously. Using 把 with a verb + 成

In this case, 成 can be translated as "into."

Structure

把 + Obj. 1 + Verb + 成 + Obj. 2

Concrete Verb Examples

In the first example, we are using concrete verbs such as 切, 做, 分, etc. Obj. 2 would also be concrete.

请 你 把 这个 蛋糕 切成六块。 Please cut the cake into six parts. 我 知道 怎么 把 图片 做成视频。 I know how to make this picture into a video. 老师 把 全班 同学 分成了 三个 小组。 The teacher broke the whole class' students up into three small groups. Abstract Verb Examples

In the example below, we are dealing with more abstract verbs. These verbs include 换, 变, 改, 看, 当, 转, etc.

我 每个 月 都 要 把 这些 美元 换成人民币。 Every month, I have to convert some USD into RMB. 他 把 自己 的 家 换成了 他的 工作室。 She converted her house into her workspace. 你 能 把 这个 文件 的 格式转成PDF吗？ Can you convert this file into a PDF. 韩国 政府 把 “汉城” 改成了 “首尔”。 The South Korean government changed the capital name from Hanseong to Seoul. 请 你 把这些 句子翻译成中文。 Please translate these sentences into Chinese. Mistaken Perception Examples

The example below is when somebody mistakes something for something else. This can be either mishearing, misspelling, seeing something as something else, etc. These verbs include 看, 听, 写, 记, etc.

把 + Obj. 1 + Perception Verbs

他 把 “太“ 看成了“大”。 He saw 太 as 大. 你 刚才 把 “政府” 读成了 “丈夫” 。 Just now you read 政府 as 丈夫. 我 常常 把 “自己” 的 “己” 写成“已经” 的 “已”。 Just now you read 政府 as 丈夫. 你 是不是 把 “派对” 听成了 “排队”？ Just now you read 派对 as 排队. 对不起，我 把 早上的面试 记成了下午。 Sorry, I wrote the morning interview down for this afternoon. See also

Result complement Direction complement Bei sentence Aspect particles Sources and further reading

Books

A Practical Chinese Grammar For Foreigners (外国人实用汉语语法) (pp. 469-70) →buy Basic Patterns of Chinese Grammar (pp. 53-4) →buy Chinese Grammar Without Tears (简明汉语语法学习手册) (pp. 167-81) [ →buy] Common Chinese Patterns 330 (汉语常用格式330例) (pp. 3-5) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (pp. 142-4) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 225-7, 321-3) →buy Mandarin Chinese: A Functional Reference Grammar (pp. 482) →buy Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 354-5) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 2 (新实用汉语课本2) (pp. 41-2, 88) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 15, 51, 101-2) →buy 40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (pp. 369-70, 384, 398-9) →buy Websites

Mandarin Essential Grammar (Yale): 把 Construction CTCFL (Oxford): The 把 Construction ChinesePod: Qing Wen - The Magic Word 把 (free podcast content) ChinesePod: Qing Wen - 把 Humbug (free podcast content) FluentU: The Definite Guide to the Chinese Ba Construction Mandarin Online: 把字句 Just Learn Chinese (blog): Lesson 10 How to understand and use Chinese sentence pattern “…把…”?

Advanced uses of "lian"

(Redirected from ASGF273F)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "even" with "lian" and "dou" (B1) Expressing "even" with "shenzhi" (B2) Expressing "let alone" with "bie shuo" (B2) Expressing "let alone" with "geng buyong shuo" (B2) Used for Expressing attitude, Adding more explanation Keywords 连, 都 Translations even

This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. 连⋯⋯都⋯⋯ (lián... dōu...) is a pattern that can be used to emphasize certain unexpected or surprising events or information. It is used the same way even is in English.

Contents

1 连 as "Not at All" 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 连 as "Not even One" 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 连 as "Not at All"

Structure

连 + Verb + 都 + 不 / 没 + Verb (，就 ⋯⋯)

Using this type of sentence structure emphasizes "not even at all..."

Examples

朋友 ？这个 人 我 连 见 都 没 见 过 。 Péngyou? Zhège rén wǒ lián jiàn dōu méi jiàn guo. Friends? I've never seen this person. 你 怎么 连 问 都 不 问 就 拿 别人 的 东西 ？ Nǐ zěnme lián wèn dōu bù wèn jiù ná biérén de dōngxi? Why are you taking other people's stuff without even asking? 他 连 说 都 不 说 就 走 了 。 Tā lián shuō dōu bù shuō jiù zǒu le. He just left without even telling. 你们 连 尝 都 没 尝 就 说 不 好吃 ？ Nǐmen lián cháng dōu méi cháng jiù shuō bù hǎochī? You guys didn't even taste it at all and you say it's not tasty? 连 as "Not even One"

"连"在这个句型中，是语气副词，加强语气。去掉不影响句子的完整性。详见Expressing "not even one"。

Structure

连 + 一 + Measure Word (+ Noun) + 都 + 不 / 没 + Verb

Examples

两 年 前，他 连 一 句 中文 都 不 会 说 。 Liǎng nián qián, tā lián yī jù Zhōngwén dōu bù huì shuō. He couldn't even say a sentence in Chinese two years ago. 他 连 一 套 西服 都 没有 ？ Tā lián yī tào xīfú dōu méiyǒu? He doesn't even have one suit? 我们 连 一 次 都 没 见 过 。 Wǒmen lián yī cì dōu méi jiàn guo. We haven't even met once. See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Basic comparisons with "bu bi"

(Redirected from ASG8DVSO)

Level B2 Similar to Basic comparisons with "bi" (A2) Expressing "even more" with "geng" or "hai" (B1) Expressing "much more" in comparisons (B1) Expressing comparable degree with "you" (B1) Comparisons with "biqi" (B2) Comparisons with "buru" (B2) Used for Comparing, Denying and refusing Keywords 不比, 没有, 比 Translations less, not

You might wonder why you have 不比 (bù bǐ) for negative comparisons when you already have 没有 (méiyǒu) for comparisons. The answer is that they're not exactly the same thing! 没有 should be your "go to word" for expressing "not as... as...," but there are cases where 不比 (in all of its subtle glory) is a better choice.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 The Difference between 不比 and 没有 4 See also 5 Sources and further reading 5.1 Books Structure

To say that something is not more adjective as another, you can use 不比 (bù bǐ). No snickering, please. This is similar to, but not exactly the same as comparing with 没有.

Noun 1 + 不比 + Noun 2 + Adj.

Examples

你 不 比 别人 笨 。 You're as smart as other people. 他 太太 的 工资 不 比 他 低 。 His wife's salary is as high as his salary. 上海不 比 纽约 便宜 。 It's as expensive to live in Shanghai as it is in New York . 有人 觉得 养宠物 不 比 养 小孩 容易 。 Some people think that it's not easier to have a pet than to have a baby. If it's about the degree of an action, use this pattern below:

A + 不比 + B + Verb + 得 + Adj.

Note that "Verb + 得" can also placed before 不比.

你 不 比 歌手 唱 得 差 。 You sing as well as a singer does. 他 算 得 不 比 计算机 慢 。 His calculation is as fast as the computer. The Difference between 不比 and 没有

不比 and 没有 are not exactly the same. 没有 means "not as... as," whereas 不比 is a direct negation of 比, meaning "not more... than." Compare the following two English sentences:

You're not as smart as me. (没有) You're not smarter than me. (不比) You'd probably be more upset to hear the former from a friend than the latter. The two above sentences in Chinese are:

你 没有 我 聪明 。I am definitely smarter than you; we're not equal in smarts. 你 不 比 我 聪明 。You're no smarter than I am, but we might be equal in smarts. See also

Basic comparisons with "bi" Basic comparisons with "meiyou" Expressing "much more" in comparisons Sources and further reading

Books

Basic Patterns of Chinese Grammar (pp. 64) →buy

Conditions with "yao" and "jiu"

(Redirected from ASGXGADL)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "as one likes" with "jiu" (B1) Used for Indicating conditions, Expressing attitude, Giving commands Keywords 要, 就 Translations if, then, just

This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. The 要⋯⋯就⋯⋯ grammar structure can be used to express the same meaning as "如果...就" However, 要⋯⋯就⋯⋯ is more intense and resolute, similar to imperative sentences (command sentences). Therefore, 要⋯⋯就⋯⋯ sentences typically do not have a subject, but they can have a topic. This grammar form is similar to the English "If you want to (verb) just (verb)..."

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

要 + Verb + 就 + Verb

Examples

要 走 就 走 ，我们 不 需要 你 。 If you want to leave, leave. We don't need you. 要 买 就 买 ，我们 快 关门 了 。 If you're going to buy it, buy it now. We are about to close the shop. 要 说 就 说 ，别 吞吞吐吐 。 If you're going to say, say it now. Don't mumble. 要 去 就 去 ，不用 等 我们 。 If you want to go, go now. You don't need to wait for us. 要 吃 就 吃 ，不要 客气 。 If you want to eat, go ahead and eat. You don't need to be so polite. 上面的例句中，"就"后面的谓语都是单音节动词的重复。"就"后面的谓语可以有所变化，但通常都是简短的表达，带有催促对方快点行动的含义。

要 去 就 快 点 去 。 If you want to go, go fast. 要 吃 就 自己 拿 。 If you want to eat, go ahead and grab some. 要 学 就 好好 学 。 If you want to study it, study it well. 要 问 就 问 清楚 。 If you want to ask, be certain about the answers. 要 订 就 早点 订 。 If you want to book it, book it soon. See also

"If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…" Expressing "as one likes" with "jiu" Expressing indifference with "jiu" Sources and further reading

Books

{Similar|"If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…"}}

Expressing "any" with "renhe"

(Redirected from ASGP8DXU)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "all" with "suoyou" (B1) Used for Expressing quantity Keywords 任何, 都, 也 Translations all, any

任何 (rènhé) is a modifier that means means "any," "whichever," or "whatsoever." It is also like the English phrases "any and all" or "no matter what."

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading Structure

This modifier usually does not use 的. It is often paired with 都 or 也.

任何 + Noun

Examples

这 是 我们 俩 的 秘密 ， 跟 任何 人 都 不要 说 。 Zhè shì wǒmen liǎ de mìmì, gēn rènhé rén dōu bùyào shuō. This is our secret. Don't tell it to anyone. 我 父母 不 让 我 参加 任何 校外 的 活动 。 Wǒ fùmǔ bù ràng wǒ cānjiā rènhé xiàowài de huódòng. My parents won't let me participate in any school activity. 这么 多 年 过去 了 ， 他 还是 没有 任何变化 。 Zhème duō nián guòqù le, tā háishì méiyǒu rènhé biànhuà. So many years have passed, and he hasn't changed a bit. 这 种 情况 在 任何 时候 都 不能 发生 。 Zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng zài rènhé shíhou dōu bù néng fāshēng. You can't let this kind of thing happen in any circumstance. 我们 老板 人 很 好 ， 你 有 任何 想法 都 可以 跟 他 说 。 Wǒmen lǎobǎn rén hěn hǎo, nǐ yǒu rènhé xiǎngfǎ dōu kěyǐ gēn tā shuō. Our boss is a very good person. Any thoughts you have you can discuss with him. 我 先 走 了 ，有 任何 需要 给 我 打 电话 吧 。 Wǒ xiān zǒu le, yǒu rènhé xūyào gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà bā. I'm leaving now. Call me if you need anything. See also

Referring to "all" using "suoyou" Expressing "all" with "shenme dou" Sources and further reading

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 173) [ →buy]

Expressing "both… and…" with "ji...you"

(Redirected from ASGZRPCK)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "both A and B" with "you" (A2) Expressing "not only… but also" with "bujin" (B2) Many types of "not only... but also..." (B2) Used for Giving alternatives, Describing things Keywords 既, 又, 也 Translations both, and

既 (jì) can be used in conjunction with either 又 (yòu) or 也 (yě) to express that something is "both A and B":

Contents

1 Used with 又 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Used with 也 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Used with 又

Structure

既 + A + 又 + B

A and B can be adjectives, verbs or short phrases. Most of the time A and B will take the same form i.e. if A is an adjective B will also be an adjective.

Examples

他 做 事情 既 快 又 好。 He does things both quickly and well. 这 家 银行 的 服务既 热情 又周到。 This bank's service is both enthusiastic and thorough. 这个 产品 的 设计 既 时尚 又 人性化。 This product's design is both stylish and humane. Used with 也

Structure

The structure can also be formed with 也, but here it is used primarily for verbs or verb phrases:

既 + [Verb Phrase] ，也 + [Verb Phrase]

Examples

她 既 是 我 妈妈 ，也 是 我 朋友。 She is both my mother and my friend. 要求 是 你 既 要 会 说 流利 的 中文 ，也 要 会 说 流利 的 英文 。 The requirement is that you need to speak both fluent Chinese and English. 爸爸 很 生 我 的 气 ，不过 他 既 没 打 我 ，也 没 骂 我 。 Dad was really mad at me, but he neither hit me nor yelled at me. See also

"Both A and B" with "you" Combining verbs with "bing" Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 120) →buy 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 11) [ →buy]

Expressing "in the name of" with "yi... de mingyi"

(Redirected from ASG9D48A) This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it.

Level B2 Similar to Additional way to express "in the name of" (C1) Used for Keywords 名义, 名 Translations in the name of 以 (yǐ) ... 名义 (míngyì) is used to represent someone or something. This grammar pattern expresses "in the name of..."

Contents

1 Structure 1.1 Examples 2 Sources and further reading 2.1 Books Structure

This structure is similar to the English "in the name of the..." as in "in the name of the people."

以 + Subj. + 名义

Examples

不要以我的名义给公司写信, 公司会找我麻烦的. Bùyào yǐ wǒ de míngyì gěi gōngsī xiě xìn, gōngsī huì zhǎo wǒ máfan de. Don't write to the company in my name, they will give me trouble. 这个人是个诈骗犯, 所以以政府的名义起诉了他. Zhège rén shìgè zhàpiàn fàn, suǒyǐ yǐ zhèngfǔ de míngyì qǐsùle tā. This person is a fraud and was sued in the name of the government. 以保护生命的名义去屠杀其他种族的人, 并不是道德的. Yǐ bǎohù shēngmìng de míngyì qù túshā qítā zhǒngzú de rén, bìng bùshì dàodé de. It is not moral to kill other people in the name of protecting life.

Sources and further reading

Books

Anything Goes (无所不谈) (pp. 223) →buy

Expressing "no" (noun) "to" (verb) with "wu... ke..."

(Redirected from ASGBA782) This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. This pattern is formal and has sort of a classical feel to it. It's a more condensed form of "没有 [Noun] 可以 [Verb]." 无 (wú) means "to not have" (same as 没有), and 可 can stand in for 可以. This pattern is useful when you want to express that a person is unable to perform the verb because the noun/object is not present.

Structure

无 +Noun + 可 + Verb

Sources and further reading

Books

Anything Goes (无所不谈) (pp. 107) →buy

Expressing "not even one"

(Redirected from ASGUQ861)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "even" with "lian" and "dou" (B1) Expressing "not at all" with "yidianr ye bu" (B1) Advanced uses of "lian" (B2) Used for Describing things Keywords 一, 也, 都

In English we might want to say something like "I have absolutely no money, not even one penny." That "not even one" is the focus of this article.

Contents

1 Basic Pattern 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Advanced Pattern 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 4.2 Dictionaries 4.3 Websites Basic Pattern

Structure

This structure is usually used for emphasizing how little of something you have. The measure word in the middle of the sentence and the noun should be compatible with the verb at the end.

一 + Measure Word + (Noun) + 也 / 都 + 不 / 没 + Verb

Examples

我 一 口 都 没 吃 。 Wǒ yī kǒu dōu méi chī. I didn't take a single bite. 他 一 句 中文 都 不 会 说 。 Tā yī jù Zhōngwén dōu bù huì shuō. He can't speak one sentence of Chinese. 为什么 这里 一 个 人 都 没有 ？ Wèishénme zhèlǐ yī gè rén dōu méiyǒu? Why aren't there any people here? 她 一 瓶 酒 也 没 喝 。 Tā yī píng jiǔ yě méi hē. She didn't drink a bottle of wine. 来 上海 以前 ， 他 一 个 外国 朋友 都 没有 。 Lái Shànghǎi yǐqián, tā yī gè wàiguó péngyou dōu méiyǒu. He didn't have a foreign friend before he came to Shanghai. Advanced Pattern

Structure

If you want to put the topic of your conversation at the beginning of the sentence, make sure it has a strong emphasis or some kind of exaggerated remark.

Topic + Subj. + 一 + Measure Word + (Noun) + 也 / 都 + Verb

Examples

这个 人 我 一 次 都 没 见 过 。 Zhège rén wǒ yī cì yě méi jiàn guo. I haven't seen this person once. 这样 的 菜 我 一 次 也 没 吃 过 。 Zhèyàng de cài wǒ yī cì yě méi chī guo. I've never eaten this kind of food before. 这 次 活动 我们 公司 一个 人 也 没 参加 。 Zhè cì huódòng wǒmen gōngsī yī gè rén yě méi cānjiā. Not one person in our company has participated in this activity. See also

Expressing "not at all" with "yidianr ye bu" Expressing "even" with "lian" and "dou" Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 153) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (pp. 37 - 9) →buy Dictionaries

Websites

Expressing "not only..., even..." using "budan……, shenzhi lian"

(Redirected from ASGF9320) This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. Think of the "不但……, 甚至连……也……" (bùdàn……shènzhì lián……yě……) structure as a cousin to the various "not only..., but also" structures. The only difference is that this structure uses 甚至连 (shènzhì lián) to express "not only..., but even."

Structure

Subj. + 不但 ⋯⋯ ，甚至连 + New Subject + 也 + Matching Situation

Sources and further reading

Books

Anything Goes (无所不谈) (pp. 268) →buy

Expressing "related to..." with "you guan de"

(Redirected from ASGD19DA) This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. It is important to express one thing in relation to another, and the "与……有关的" (yǔ……yǒuguān de) structure accomplishes this by linking the subject before 与 (yǔ) and the one after 与 (yǔ) together by using 有关 (yǒuguān)

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 Sources and further reading 3.1 Books Structure

与 + topic/subj. + 有关的 + noun.

Examples

我和他分手了, 与他有关的事情我都不想知道. We broke up, I don't want to know anything related to him. 他对中国很感兴趣, 与中国有关的故事他都很感兴趣. He is very interested in China, he is interested in anything related to Chinese history. 与这个项目有关的资料都需要保密. Any information related to this project needs to be kept confidential. Sources and further reading

Books

Anything Goes (无所不谈) (pp. 17) →buy

Expressing "the more... the more..." with "yue… yue…"

(Redirected from ASGB44F6)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "more and more" with "yuelaiyue" (B1) Used for Expressing degree Keywords 越 More than just throwing anything you want after two 越s, there are a number of specific patterns you will notice if you want to go beyond using the simpler 越来越.

Contents

1 Pattern with Single Subject 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Pattern with Two Different Subjects 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 The More... The Less.. 3.1 Structure 3.2 Examples 4 Colloquial Saying 4.1 Structure 4.2 Examples 5 See also 6 Sources and further reading 6.1 Books Pattern with Single Subject

Structure

Subj. + 越 ⋯⋯ 越 ⋯⋯

Examples

我们 越 想 越 生气 。 The more we think about it, the angrier we get. 我 越 看 越 喜欢 。 The more I look at it, the more I like it. Sometimes this pattern only means "more and more", which is similar to Expressing "more and more" with "yuelaiyue".

他 越 跑 越 快 。 He runs faster and faster. 雨 越 下 越 大 。 The rain gets heavier and heavier. Pattern with Two Different Subjects

Structure

The first 越... is mostly the reason why the second 越... happens.

Subj. 1 + 越 ⋯⋯ ，Subj. 2 + 越 ⋯⋯

Examples

她 越 说 ，我 越 生气 。 The more she talks, the angrier I get. 你们 越 看 我 ，我 越 紧张 。 The more you look at me, the more nervous I am. 我 越 走 ，腿 越 痛 。 The more I walk, the more my legs hurt. The More... The Less..

Structure

越 ⋯⋯ 越 + 不 ⋯⋯

Examples

你 越 逼 孩子 学 ，孩子 越 不 想 学 。 The more you push the kid to learn, the less he wants to learn. 他 越 问 ，我 越 不 想 说。 The more he asks, the less I want to tell. 你 越 这样 说 ，他 越 不 听 。 The more you talk this way, the less he would listen. Colloquial Saying

This pattern is limited to a small number of single-syllable verbs related to sensory perception, but you do hear it used.

Structure

Subj. + 越 + Verb + 越 + 想 + Verb

Examples

这本书 我 越 看 越 想 看 。 The more I read this book, the more I want to read. 这 种 零食 让 人 越 吃 越 想 吃 。 The more you eat it, the more you will want to eat. 我 吃 了 这 个 药 以后 总是 想 睡觉 ，而且 越 睡 越 想 睡 。 I'm always so sleepy after taking this medicine. And also, the more I sleep, the more l want to sleep. See also

Expressing "more and more" with "yuelaiyue" Sources and further reading

Books

Expressing "within" a period of time using "zai... nei"

(Redirected from ASG5A494) This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. "在 (a period of time) 内" may sound a bit redundant, since 在 means "in" and 内 means "within" or "inside," but it is a commonly used "sandwich pattern" which means "within (a period of time)."

Contents

1 Structure 2 See Also 3 Sources and further reading 3.1 Books Structure

在 + (a period of time) + 内

The period of time in this structure can be a clear-cut indicator of time (days, months, years) or it can be a more vague indicator of time (short amount of time, a lifetime).

See Also

Expressing existence in a place with "zai" Expressing location with "zai... shang / xia / li" Indicating location with "zai" before verbs Sources and further reading

Books

Anything Goes (无所不谈) (pp. 117) →buy

Expressing "would rather" with "ningke"

(Redirected from ASGF3F2Y)

Level B2 Similar to Used for Giving alternatives Keywords 宁可宁可 (nìngkě) is used where the speaker wants to compare two unfavorable options, and choose a "unfavorable option" over a "most unfavorable option."

Contents

1 Using 宁可 with 也不 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Using 宁可 with 也要 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 Using 宁可 with 与其 4 See Also 5 Sources and further reading 5.1 Books Using 宁可 with 也不

Structure

This construction puts 宁可 at the beginning of the sentence followed by 也不. 宁可 is followed by unfavorable option and 也不 is followed by most unfavorable option.

宁可⋯⋯ ，也不⋯⋯

Again, the speaker is choosing between two options, but this time places the preferable option first.

Examples

我 宁可 没有 男朋友 ，也不 要 随便 找 一 个 男朋友 。 I'd rather have no boyfriend than find a random one. 我们 宁可 早到 也不 要 迟到 。 We'd rather arrive early than late. 他 宁可 输 ，也不 放弃 。 He'd rather lose than give up. 我 宁可 这个月 少 花 一点 ，也不 找 父母 要 钱 。 I'd rather spend less money this month than ask my parents for money. 妈妈 宁可 把 这些 东西 送 给 陌生 人 ，也不 扔掉 。 Mother would rather give these old things to strange people than throw it away. Using 宁可 with 也要

In this construction 宁可 is used a little differently. 宁可 is followed by unfavorable actions while 也要 is followed by things that you desire or something that you intend to achieve.

Structure

宁可 ⋯⋯ ，也要 ⋯⋯

Here the speaker must pay a price in order to complete or gain something, a bit like "even though X, I'm still willing to do Y."

Examples

我 宁可 熬夜 也要 做完 。 I'd rather to stay up tonight just to finish it. 孩子们 宁可 不 吃饭 ，也要 多 玩 一会儿 。 The kids would rather not to eat just to play a little longer. 他 宁可 和 女朋友 分手 ，也要 留 在 国外 。 He would rather to break up with his girlfriend just to stay abroad. 她 宁可 花 一半 的 工资 租 房子 ，也要 一个人 住 。 She would rather spend half of her salary just to live alone. Using 宁可 with 与其

For more information, you can click 与其.

See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp. 196) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 180) →buy 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 84, 99) [ →buy] HSK Standard Course 5上 (pp. 145) →buy

Expressing indifference with "jiu"

(Redirected from ASGL4O5E)

Level B2 Similar to Conditions with "yao" and "jiu" (B2) Used for Expressing attitude Keywords 就

This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. One of the many uses of 就 (jiù) is to add emphasis to indifference. This is similar to when we say in English "if you want to do it, then just do it!" and swapping out the "do" in that sentence for some other verb.

Contents

1 Affirmative Form 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Negative Form 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading Affirmative Form

Structure

Verb + 就 + Verb

This structure will usually add emphasis to what are saying, and it often expresses that the speaker has an "I don't care" attitude.

Examples

坏了 就 坏了 ，再 买 新的 。 If it's broken, leave it there. We can buy a new one. 走 就 走 ，我 早就 不 想 干 了 ！ I will leave if they want me to leave. I wanted to quit long time ago! 反对 就 反对 ，我 不 在乎 。 If they disagree, let them disagree. I don't care. 赌 就 赌 ，谁 怕 谁 ？ If you want to take a bet, let's take a bet. You think you scare me? 离婚 就 离婚 ，我 早就 想 离 了 ！ If you want to get a divorce, let's do it. I wanted to do this long time ago! Negative Form

Structure

不 / 没 + Adj. / Verb + 就 + 不 / 没 + Adj. / Verb

Examples

他 没 来 就 没 来 ，我 一个人 可以 搞定 。 It's fine that he didn't show up. I can handle it by myself. 她 不 高兴 就 不 高兴 ，不 是 我 的 错 。 If she's unhappy, she's unhappy. It's not like it's my fault. 不 吃 就 不 吃 ，你 以为 我 很 想 吃 啊 ？ I will stop eating if you're asking me to. You think I really want to eat it? 不 帮 就 不 帮 ，我 又 不是 只有 你 一个 朋友 ！ Don't help if you don't want. You're not the only friend that I've got. 你们 不 懂 就 不 懂 ，我 说 那么 多 也 没 用 。 It's fine that you don't really understand. There's no point me telling you so much. See also

Comparing "cai" and "jiu" Events in quick succession with "yi... jiu" Expressing earliness with "jiu" Limiting scope with "jiu" "If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…" Sources and further reading

现代汉语八百词 (pp. 316-317) →buy {Similar|Conditions with "yao" and "jiu"}} {Similar|Expressing "as one likes" with "jiu"}}

Expressing purpose with "hao"

(Redirected from ASG18JOA)

Level B2 Similar to Using "hao" to mean "easy" (A2) Expressing "in this way" with "zheyang" (B1) Expressing purpose with "weile" (B1) Using "lai" to connect two verb phrases (B1) Used for Expressing purpose Keywords 好

好 (hǎo) means "in order to or for the sake of," and therefore expresses the purpose. It is used in the following way:

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and Further Reading 4.1 Books Structure

Action ，好 + Purpose

Examples

她 睡前 常常 喝 牛奶 ，好 入睡 。 She often drinks milk before bedtime to help her fall asleep. 老师 ，请 说 慢 点儿 ，我们 好 做 笔记 。 Teacher, you need to speak a little slower so that we can write them down. 请 把 车 停 到 里面 ，好 让 别人 走路 。 Please park the car inside so that other people can walk. See also

Easy to do something Result complement "-hao" "lai" used to connect two verb phrases Sources and Further Reading

Books

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册) (pp. 569 ) [ →buy]

Expressing simultaneous actions with "yimian"

(Redirected from ASG1QB4K)

Level B2 Similar to Simultaneous tasks with "yibian" (A2) Expressing various aspects with "yi fangmian" (B1) Expressing "along with…" with "suizhe" (B2) Used for Referring to simultaneous events Keywords 一面一面 (yìmiàn) is a more formal than 一边, but is used in the same way to express two simultaneous actions. It is used in the following way:

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

一面 + Verb + 一面 + Verb

Examples

他 喜欢 一面 吃 东西 ， 一面 看 电影 。 He likes to eat and watch movies at the same time. 我 告诉 你 多少 次 了，别 一面 躺 在 床上 一面 吃 零食！弄得 床上 都 是 碎屑! I told you so many times, don't eat while laying on the bed. The "clean" bed now has crumbs all over it! 他们 一 家人 一面 赏月 一面 吃 月饼。 They enjoy the moon and eat mooncakes together as a family. 你 会 一面 拍头 一面 揉 肚子 吗？ Can you pat your head and rub your belly at the same time? 一面 cannot be shortened in the way while 一边 can:

我 面 工作 面 学习。我 边 工作 边 学习。 I work and study at the same time. 一面 can also be used to express two aspects of a situation, which are not necessarily being enacted simultaneously. This is the same as the structure: "一方面...一方面..." or the English "on the one hand...one the other hand"

政府 一面 要 控制 通货膨胀， 一面 也 要 保证 一定 的 经济 增长 速度。 On one hand, the government is going to control inflation, but on the other hand, it's definitely going to protect economic growth. See also

Simultaneous tasks with "yibian" "Along with…" using "suizhe" Expressing various aspects with "yi fangmian" Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 323-5 ) [ →buy]

Expressing the only two possibilities

(Redirected from ASGEXR6R)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "either... or..." with "yaome" (B1) Providing two options with double "huozhe" (B2) Used for Giving alternatives, Differentiating Keywords 就是, 不是, 不, 就, 是 Translations either, or

To describe a situation as being one of only two possibilities, you can use the structure: "不是⋯⋯就是⋯⋯" (búshi...jiùshì...)

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

不是 + A，就是 + B

This is like saying "if it's not A, then it's B" in English. A and B can be verbs, adjectives or nouns.

Examples

他 整天 不 是 打游戏 就 是 睡觉。 All day, if he's not playing games, he's sleeping. 他们 约会 不是 去 咖啡馆 就是 去 电影院。 When they go on dates, if it's not to a coffee shop, then it's to the movie theater. 我 买 的 衣服 不是 大 就是 小，都 不 能 穿。 The clothes that I bought are either too big or too small, I can't wear any of them. 她 穿 的 衣服 不是 LV 就是 Gucci！ If the clothes that she wears aren't Louis Vuitton, then they're Gucci! See also

"Not… but rather…" with "er shi" Expressing "either ... or ..." with "yaome" Providing two options with double "huozhe" Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 84) →buy

Occurring together with "shaobuliao"

(Redirected from ASG3IR71)

Level B2 Similar to Used for Indicating conditions, Indicating cause and effect, Referring to simultaneous events Keywords 少不了, 少, 不了, 了 Sometimes in English, we have "you won't see one without the other." In Chinese, the same sort of idea can be achieved using "少不了" (shǎobuliǎo). It means that if there is one thing, then there is going to be another something along with it.

Contents

1 Structure 1.1 Examples 2 Relating Events 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 Sources and Further Reading 3.1 Books 3.2 Websites Structure

Subj. + 少不了 + 要 + [Verb Phrase]

Examples

学 中文 少不了 要 学 拼音 和 汉字 。 Studying Chinese always involves studying pinyin and Chinese characters. 回家 过年 少不了 要 带 点 礼物 给 家人 。 When you return home for CNY, you will definitely have to bring back some presents to give to your family. 过 生日 少不了 要 吃 生日 蛋糕 。 There are always birthday cakes when we spend birthdays. 大家 都 是 邻居 ，以后 少不了 要 麻烦 您 。 We're neighbors, so we'll definitely have to trouble you. Relating Events

Sometimes, the two things that "少不了" connects aren't objects. Instead they can be events, and the "少不了" is connecting them saying "It's like A because B happened." This construction is often based off of observations or experiences that the speaker has had, so that they can know (or assume) what situations relate to each other. It is often used together with "是."

Structure

Situation / Result ，少不了 + 是 + Reason

Note, however, that in this construction, the reason follows "少不了"

Examples

八点 多 了 还 没 回 来，少不了 是 在 加班。 It's past 8 o'clock he still hasn't come back. He must be working overtime. 看 他 的 样子，少不了 是 跟 女 朋友 吵架 了。 Look at how he looks. He must have argued with his girlfriend. 这么 闷热，少不了 是 要 下 暴雨 。 It's so stuffy. It must be about to storm. Sources and Further Reading

Books

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 83) [ →buy] Websites

Use "cong...zhong" to express "from"

(Redirected from ASGEB7F5)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "from… to…" with "cong… dao…" (A2) Used for Expressing from, Explaining Keywords 从……中, 从, 中 Translations from

This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. "从……中" (cóng……zhōng) is just another way to express "from." You might be wondering how it differs from the very similar "从……到" (cóng……dào) which expresses "from" in relation to time and place. "从……中" (cóng……zhōng) is more versatile because you can use it to talk about things in a more general sense than just about time and place.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 Sources and further reading 3.1 Books Structure

从 + thing + 中 + result

The result is added on the end to complete the idea, but actually expressing "from" comes from everything before the addition of the result.

Examples

我从书中学习了很多知识. I learned a lot from the book. 我们从聊天中知道小王不喜欢咖啡. We know from chatting that Xiao Wang doesn't like coffee. 从这件事中小王明白了诚实重要. Xiao Wang knows the importance of honesty from this matter. Sources and further reading

Books

Anything Goes (无所不谈) (pp. 8) →buy

Using "dengyu" to express "equal to"

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Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing to come from Keywords 等与, 等 Translations equal to, equivalent to

This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. The word 等于 (děngyú) a in "A 等于 B" expresses that A "is equal" to or "corresponds to" B. However, scenario B is most likely not a scenario or situation that a person intentionally wanted or created for scenario A.

Contents

1 Structure 1.1 Examples 2 Sources and further reading 2.1 Books Structure

A, 等于 B

Examples

今天吃了炸鸡，等于白跑步了. I ate fried chicken today is like running for no reason. 你告诉小王就等于把秘密告诉了大家. Telling Xiao Wang your secret is equivalent to telling everyone your secret. 浪费时间等于浪费生命. Wasting your time is wasting your life.

Sources and further reading

Books

Anything Goes (无所不谈) (pp. 149) →buy

Using "suowei" to express "so-called"

(Redirected from ASGC4C1F) This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. 所谓 (suǒwèi) is the Chinese way of expressing "so-called." It can also be used in scenarios you would use sarcastic air quotation marks. Just keep in mind that "so-called" often comes with a negative connotation in English, but this is not always so in Chinese.

Structure

所谓 + "so-called name"

Sources and further reading

Books

Anything Goes (无所不谈) (pp. 266) →buy

Providing two options with double "huozhe"

(Redirected from ASGYXI5X)

Level B2 Similar to Offering choices with "haishi" (A1) Expressing "or" in statements (A2) Expressing "either... or..." with "yaome" (B1) Reviewing options with "ba" (B1) Expressing the only two possibilities (B2) Used for Giving alternatives Keywords 或者 Translations either, or

One easy way to give two options is to precede each one with 或者 (huòzhě).

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 4.2 Dictionaries Structure

或者 A ，或者 B

You can use almost anything as the options A and B.

Examples

只 有 一 块 蛋糕，或者 你 吃 或者 我 吃。 There's only one piece of cake. Either you eat it, or I eat it. 你 或者 学 汉语 ， 或者 学 法律，别的就别学了。 Either study Chinese or law. Don't study anything else. 咱们 或者 去 爬山 或者 泡温泉。 Let's either go hiking or go to the hot springs. See also

Expressing "either ... or ..." with "yaome" Expressing the only two possibilities "Or" in statements Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 238) [ →buy] Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 623) →buy

Expressing "let alone" with "bie shuo"

(Redirected from ASGR6Q2J)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "even" with "lian" and "dou" (B1) Advanced uses of "lian" (B2) Expressing "let alone" with "geng buyong shuo" (B2) Expressing "let alone" with "hekuang" (B2) Used for Expressing determination Keywords 别说, 就是

别说 (bié shuō) means something like "leaving aside" or "don't think about," and is used in the following way:

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

别说 + A ， 连 / 就是+ B + 也 / 都 + Verb

This is similar to English where we might say: "don't think about preparing a banquet, you can't even make instant noodles." Note that this sentence structure is the reverse to the 更不用说 pattern.

Examples

别说 一百， 就是 一 块 钱 我 也 不 给 你 。 Don't think about one hundred, I won't even give you one kuai. 别说 白酒，连 啤酒 的 味道 我 都 受 不了。 Don't even mention baijiu, I can't even stand the taste of beer. 这么 难 的 问题，别说 你，就是 老师 也 不 知道 答案。 Don't even mention you, the teacher can't even know the answer to such a difficult question. 别说 做 菜 了，他 连 怎么 煮 方便面 都 不 知道。 Don't even think about cooking. He doesn't even know how to boil instant noodles. 且不说 is more formal than 别说, but is used in the same way.

See also

"Let Alone" with "hekuang" Advanced uses of "lian" "Let Alone" with "geng buyong shuo" Expressing "Even" with "lian" and "dou" Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 85) [ →buy]

Expressing "let alone" with "geng buyong shuo"

(Redirected from ASGHOI8S)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "even" with "lian" and "dou" (B1) Advanced uses of "lian" (B2) Expressing "let alone" with "bie shuo" (B2) Expressing "let alone" with "hekuang" (B2) Used for Expressing determination Keywords 更, 别说

更不用说 means "let alone," and is used in the same way as the English, where we might say: "he can't even boil an egg, let alone prepare a banquet"

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and Further Reading Structure

连 + A + 都 / 也 + Verb， 更不用说 + B + 了

Notice that the order used in this pattern is the opposite to the 别说 structure.

Examples

他 都 不 会 煮 鸡蛋， 更不用说 做 一 大 桌子 的 菜 了。 He can't boil an egg, let alone prepare a banquet. 他 连 自己 国家 的 国旗 都 不 认识， 更不用说 其他 国家 的 了。 He can't even recognize his own country's flag, not to mention any other countries' flags. 他 从来 没有 出 过 远门， 更不用说 出国 了。 He's never traveled very far, let alone out of the country. Unless the first action is negated with 没有, using 更不用说 generally requires using 了 to emphasize that the speaker is adding his/her own comment.

See also

"Let alone" with "bie shuo" "Let Alone" with "hekuang" Advanced uses of "lian" Expressing "Even" with "lian" and "dou" Sources and Further Reading

Expressing "let alone" with "hekuang"

(Redirected from ASG3ZS9G)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "let alone" with "bie shuo" (B2) Expressing "let alone" with "geng buyong shuo" (B2) Used for Expressing determination, Expressing attitude Keywords 连, 何况

何况 (hékuàng) can mean "let alone" or "all the more." It can be used in the following structure:

Contents

1 何况 within a rhetorical question 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 何况 in a statement 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 何况 within a rhetorical question

Structure

Subj. + 连 ⋯⋯ 都 + Verb ，何况 ⋯⋯ 呢 ？

呢 often appears at the end of this structure, to form a rhetorical question. 更 or 又 can be added to 何况 to add further emphasis.

何况 can be used in two ways, the first of which where 何况 is used to emphasize that A is easier than B.

Examples

这 句 话 连 孩子 都 懂 ，何况 大人 呢？ Children can understand what this sentence means, let alone the adults. 他 连 那么 难 的 题 都 会，何况 一个 这么 简单 的 题 呢？ He can answer a question that hard, let alone answer one that easy. In the above sentences, as A is so easy, then B must be even easier. However if one adds a 不 or 没 before the verb then the meaning is reversed: now A is so hard, B would almost be impossible.

Subj. + 连 ⋯⋯ 都 + 不 / 没 + Verb ，何况 ⋯⋯ 呢 ？

我 奶奶 连 高铁 都 没 坐 过 ，何况 飞机 呢 ？ My grandmother hasn't even taken the high-speed train, let alone the airplane. 宝宝 连 走 都 不 会，更 何况 跑 呢？ The baby can't even walk, let alone run. 我 连 他 叫 什么 都 不 知道 ，又 何况 他 的 电话 号码 呢？ I don't even know what his name is, let alone his phone number. 何况 doesn't necessarily have to be used with the 连⋯⋯ 都⋯⋯ structure, and can be used as a simple statement instead of a rhetorical question.

何况 in a statement

Structure

Subj. (+ 尚且) + 都 / 就 ⋯⋯ ，（更）何况 ⋯⋯

Examples

他 在家 就 不 爱 说话 ，何况 是 在 外面 ？ He don't talk much at home, let alone on public occasion. 这个 东西 两 个 男人 都 搬 不 动 ，何况 一 个 女人 ？ Two men can't move this this, let alone a single woman. 这个 地方 本来 就 不 好 找 ，更何况 你 是 第一 次 来 ？ This place has always been hard to find, especially on your first time. 大人 尚且 做 不 到 ，更何况 孩子 ？ Adults can't even do this, let alone children. 中国 人 尚且 不 了解 ，更何况 外国 人 ？ Chinese people don't even know much about it, let alone foreigners. 何况 is often used with 尚且, a formal way of saying 还. 更 can be added to 何况 to add further emphasis.

See also

"Let alone" with "bie shuo" "Let Alone" with "geng buyong shuo" Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 278-9) [ →buy] New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 136) →buy HSK Standard Course 5上 (pp. 108) →buy

Expressing "not only… but also" with "bujin"

(Redirected from ASGEM2VR)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "not only... but also" (B1) Using "er" to explain contrasting ideas (B2) Used for Giving alternatives, Adding more explanation Keywords 不仅, 而且 Translations not, also There are a few ways to express "not only ... but also" in Chinese. One of them is:

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

Noun + 不仅 + A，而且 + B

A and B could be adjectives, verbs or phrases.

Examples

他 不仅 很 帅，而且 很 聪明。 He is not only handsome, but also intelligent. 我们 不仅 完成 了 任务 而且 比 规定 日期 提前 了 十天。 We not only completed the task, but we did so ten days ahead of schedule. 这 道 菜不仅 好吃 而且 很 有 营养。 This dish is not only tasty, but also nutritious. See also

Expressing "not only… but also" Many types of "not only… but also…" "Both… and…" with "ji" Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 94) [ →buy]

Many types of "not only... but also..."

(Redirected from ASGJ1VZQ)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "not only... but also" (B1) Using "budan... geng" to express "not only... but also" (B1) Expressing "not only… but also" with "bujin" (B2) Using "er" to explain contrasting ideas (B2) Used for Differentiating, Giving alternatives, Adding more explanation Keywords 不但, 不只, 不仅, 而且, 还, 也 Translations not, also We've seen 不但⋯⋯而且 in B1, but other than that there are a number of other structures which can be used to express "not only...but also." 不但 can be substituted with 不仅(bù jǐn) and 不只 (bù zhǐ), all meaning "not only," and can be followed by 而且 (ér qiě) , 还 (hái), or 也 (yě) Other than 不但⋯⋯而且 being more common than the others, they are all pretty similar in usage and meaning.

Contents

1 Structure 2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Structure

Subj. + 不仅 / 不但 / 不只 + ⋯⋯，而且 / 还 / 也 + ⋯⋯

Examples

这 篇 文章 不仅 结构 清楚，而且 思想 先进。 This essay is not only written clearly, but is also well-developed. 他 不仅 喜欢 吃 中国 菜，而且 也 会 做 几 个 中国 菜！ He not only likes to eat Chinese food, but he can make some as well! 这 个 外国人 不只 会 唱 民歌，还 会 说 方言，真 是 了不起！ Not only can this foreigner sing folk songs, but he can also speak the dialect. That's really amazing! 他 不但 聪明 还 很 善良。难怪 他 这么 受 大家 的 喜爱！ He's not only smart, but also kind. No wonder everyone loves him. 而且 can be used in conjunction with 还, 也 , as in the last three examples.

See also

Expressing "not only… but also" "Both… and…" with "ji" Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 94) [ →buy]

Comparing "benlai" and "yuanlai"

(Redirected from ASG56QKW)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "all along" with "yuanlai" (B1) Expressing "originally" with "benlai" (B2) Used for Explaining, Justifying Keywords 本来, 原来 If something was originally a certain way, or "should be" a certain way, the Chinese words used are often 本来 (běnlái) and 原来 (yuánlái). 本来 (běnlái) is usually an adverb while 原来 (yuánlái) could be either and adjective or an adverb. However, they are used in different ways and different circumstances, so this article will help you distinguish when and where to use them.

Contents

1 Situations only using 本来 1.1 本来 as an adverb often requires 就 for emphasis 1.1.1 Structure 1.1.2 Examples 1.2 Using 本来是 expresses a change of plans 1.2.1 Structure 1.2.2 Examples 1.3 Using 本来就 to stress the tone 1.3.1 Structure 1.3.2 Examples 2 Situations only using 原来 2.1 Using 原来 expresses “It turned out” 2.1.1 Structure 2.1.2 Examples 2.2 Use 原来 as an Adjective to Mean "Previous" or "Former" 2.2.1 Structure 2.2.2 Examples 3 Sources and further reading 3.1 Books Situations only using 本来

本来 as an adverb often requires 就 for emphasis

本来 is used when something is common sense. There are certain expectations for the speaker and listener. Since there is no real English equivalent, it is best translated as "it goes without saying." It can also be translated to "supposed to," following it with a certain expectation.

Structure

Subj. + 本来 + 就 + 很 / 不 + Adj.

Subj. + 本来 + 就 + 会 / 要 / 得 / 应该 + Verb

Examples

生活本来 就 很 不 容易。 Life isn't supposed to be very easy. 搬家 本来就 很 麻烦。 Moving is supposed to be very troublesome. 照顾 孩子本来 就 是 父母 的 责任。 Taking care of children is supposed to be the responsibility of parents. 老师本来就 应该 好好 备课。 Teachers are supposed to prepare their lessons well. 美国 人 本来就 会 说 流利 的 英文。 Americans are supposed to speak fluent English. Using 本来是 expresses a change of plans

If something happened unexpectedly later, 本来 is preferred rather than 原来 considering there is a change of the original situation. 本来 means "originally." Since the action has already happened, the pattern 是⋯⋯的 is suggested here. 是 is optional.

Structure

Subj. + 本来 + 是 +（不）要 / 会 / 应该 + Verb + 的，但是 / 可是⋯⋯

Examples

我本来 是 要 去 参加 你的 生日 派对 的，可是 周末 突然 要 加班。 I was originally going to go to your birthday party, but I had to work some extra time this weekend. 他本来是 应该 考 得 更 好 的，可是 那天 他 生病 了。 He would have done better on the test, but he was sick that day. 我们本来 不 打算 去 的，后来 因为 他们 打 了 好 几次 电话 就 去 了。 We didn't plan to go, but we went in the end because they called us several times. 这些 工作本来 可以 明天 做 的，不过 如果 你 想 今天 做 完 也 可以。 This work doesn't need to be done by today. But if you want to finish it sooner, you can. 我本来是 要 跟 他 结婚 的，可是 后来 发现 了 我们 真的 不 合适。 I was originally going to marry him, but then I found that we are just not meant for each other. Using 本来就 to stress the tone

If you've got an opinion to express after stating how it "should be" or "should not be," then 本来就 will help you sound more convincing. The end of the sentence usually has an imperative or rhetorical question that leads to an opinion or suggestion, emphasizing the tone.

Structure

Subj. + 本来 + 就 ＋ ⋯⋯

Examples

你本来 就 够 瘦 了 ，还要 减肥 吗？ You are already thin enough and you still want to lose weight? 他 讲 得本来就 不 对，为什么 还 要 我 听 他 的？ What he said was wrong all along, so why do you still want me to listen to what he says? 他本来就 不 是 个 好 人，你 怎么 还要 帮他？ He was never a good person. Why do you still want to help him? 她本来就 不 喜欢你，你 别 再 追 她 了。 She never liked you in the first place, so stop going after her. 他说话的方式本来就 很 容易 让人 不 舒服，你 别 介意。 The way he tends to speak can easily make people uncomfortable, so don't take it personally. Situations only using 原来

Using 原来 expresses “It turned out”

原来 is more used to emphasize what you accidentally find out or realize in a situation. 原来 means that the unexpected happened. It's similar to "as it turns out⋯⋯" For this usage, "原来" is normally located at the beginning of the sentence.

The most two useful patterns are as follows:

Structure

原来 + 是 + [Fact / Truth / Reason / Purpose]

怪不得 + [Observation / Situation]，原来 + 原来 + 是（因为 / 为了 / 想⋯⋯）

Examples

原来 是 你 啊！我 刚才 真 没 看 出来。 It is you! I didn't recognize you until just now. 原来 是 这 样 啊，那 是 我 做错 了。 Oh, that's it. I was doing it wrong all along. 怪不得 你 中文 说 得 这么 好，原来你 在 中国 住 了 三十 多 年。 No wonder your Chinese is so good. You lived in China for more than 30 years. 原来 他们 住 在 一起，怪不得 他们 常常 一起 上 下班。 They are living with each other. No wonder they often come to work and leave work together. 怪不得 总是 对 他 那么 好，原来 你 一直 都 喜欢 他. No wonder you treat him so well. You've had feelings for him the whole time. Use 原来 as an Adjective to Mean "Previous" or "Former"

Structure

原来的 + Noun

Examples

这是 我 原来 的 家。 This is my old house. 他 原来 的 公司 关门 了。 His former company closed down. 你们 原来 的 看法 不 是 这 样 的。 This is not how you previously thought about it. 我 现在 的 男朋友 比 原来 的 男朋友 帅 多了。 My current boyfriend is a lot cuter than my ex. 你 原来 的 头发 那么 黑，现在 白 了 很 多。 Your hair was so black before, but now it's become a lot whiter. Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 94-6) [ →buy] Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 195-6) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 29) →buy Short-term Spoken Chinese: Elementary (汉语口语速成基础篇) (pp. 22-23) [ →buy]

Comparing "buduan" and "buting"

(Redirected from ASGIKHUH) This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it.

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "all along" with "yizhi" (A2) Using "always" as a complaint with "laoshi" (B1) Used for Expressing time and date, Expressing attitude, Expressing duration Keywords 不断, 不停 If something keeps happening and won't stop happening, we say that it is "continuous" or "incessant." In Chinese, the words are "不断" (bùduàn) and "不停" (bùtíng). Instead of usually being adjectives, these two words are usually adverbs (but they can sometimes be adjectives too!). However, they are used in different ways and different places, so this article will help you distinguish when and where to use them.

Contents

1 不断 1.1 Examples 2 不停 2.1 Examples 2.2 Examples 3 Sources and Further Reading 不断

"不断" is usually placed before the verb it modifies, and it often requires the particle "地" to show that it is an adverb.

Subj. + 不断 + 地 + Verb

Examples

客户 不断地 改变 主意，怎么 办？ The client won't stop changing his ideas. What should I do? 过去 的 两 年 里，我们 不断地 在 努力，也 不断地 在 进步。 For two years, we continuously pushed ourselves and continuously improved. 他们 之间 的 矛盾 一直 不断，关系 不断 恶化。 The argument between them is ongoing. The relationship is consistently worsening. 不停

"不停" is a little more versatile and can be placed both before the verb as an adverb, or after the verb as something that is somewhat like a complement. Either way, it means the same thing.

Subj. + 不停 + 地 + Verb

Examples

我今天很困，不停地打哈欠。 I'm so tired today. I can't stop yawning. 感冒了，喉咙痛，还不停地留鼻水。 I got a cold. My throat hurts and my nose keeps running. 吃饭的时候他一句话也不说，不停地吃。 When he's eating, he doesn't say anything. He doesn't stop eating. When "不停" comes after the verb, it behaves somewhat strangely and takes "个" before it in order to become grammatical, like so:

Subj. + Verb + 个 + 不停

Examples

孩子 哭 个不停，是 不 是 发烧 了？ The child is crying constantly. Does he have a fever? 今天 电话 响个不停，烦 死 了。 The phone is ringing incessantly today, it's so annoying. 一天到晚 老婆 唠叨 个不停，你 受 得 了 吗？ In the evening, the wife doesn't stop chatting. Can you stand it? Sources and Further Reading

Comparing "cai" and "jiu"

(Redirected from ASGLOS9C)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing earliness with "jiu" (B1) Expressing lateness with "cai" (B1) Used for Expressing time and date, Expressing attitude, Sequencing events in time Keywords 才, 就

Both 才 (cái) and 就 (jiù) are adverbs that have to do with expressing time, and they are both placed in front of the verb. However, they have opposite effects on the tone of the sentence, with 才 (cái) implying a=the speaker's sense of lateness, and 就 (jiù) imparting a sense of earliness.

Contents

1 Emphasis with 才 1.1 Expressing Lateness with "cai" 1.1.1 Structure 1.1.2 Examples 1.2 Expressing Small Quantity with "cai" 1.2.1 Structure 1.2.2 Examples 1.3 Expressing earliness with "cai" 1.3.1 Structure 1.3.2 Examples 2 Emphasis with 就 2.1 Used to Express Earliness 2.1.1 Structure 2.1.2 Examples 2.2 Used to Express Small Quantity 2.2.1 Structure 2.2.2 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books Emphasis with 才

Expressing Lateness with "cai"

才 indicates that the speaker feels that the events discussed happened later than expected. Sometimes it also expresses anxiety, impatience, anger, or other related emotions.

Structure

Subj. + Time Word + 才 + Verb

Examples

我 等 了 两 个 小时 才 买到 票。 I had waited two hours before buying the ticket. 老板 十一 点 才 到 办公室。 The boss didn't come to the office until 11 o'clock. 这个 项目 最少 要 花 两 个 月 才 能 做完。 It's going to take at least two months to complete this project. Expressing Small Quantity with "cai"

才 can also mean "only" in the sense of a small quantity.

Structure

才 ( + Verb) + Measure Word + Noun

Examples

我们 有 这么 多 人，你 才 点 了 三 个 菜。 We have so many people and you only ordered three dishes. 我 买 了 这么 多 东西，才 花 了 五百 块 。 I bought so many things， and it only cost me 500 RMB.

Expressing earliness with "cai"

"才"表示动作在说话前不久发生，有" 刚、刚刚"的意思。常常跟"就"连用，形容某事发生得很快。

Structure

Subj. + 才 + Verb

(现在) + 才 + Time

Examples

你 才 来 就 要 走 ？不 多 坐 一会儿 ？ You just came and you‘re not going to stay a little longer? 电影 才 开始 你 就 不 想 看 了 ？ The movie just started and you don't want to see it now? 他 才 毕业 就 找到 了 这么 好 的 工作 ？ How come he found such a good job while he just graduated from college? 现在 才 九点 ，再 玩 一会儿 。 It's only nine o'clock. Stay and hang out a little bit more. 才 六点 ，起 那么 早 干吗 ？ It's only six. Why did you get up so early? Emphasis with 就

Used to Express Earliness

就 indicates that something has occurred earlier than the speaker expected. There may be an accompanying feeling of surprise or amazement.

Structure

Subj. + Time + 就 + Verb + Obj.＋了

Examples

他 下午 四点 就 吃 晚饭 了。 He ate dinner at four in the afternoon. 她 十九 岁 就 结婚 了。 She got married when she was 19. 我 八点 就 出门 了，路 上 堵车，我 迟到 了 十 分钟。 I left at eight, but there was a traffic jam. I was ten minutes late. 你们 这么 早 就 下班 了？ You guys leaving work so early? 你 妹妹 十五岁就 上 大学 了？ Your younger sister started college when she was only fifteen? Used to Express Small Quantity

就 can be used to mean "only," in the sense of a small quantity.

Structure

Subj. + 就 + (＋Verb) ＋ Measure Word ＋ Noun

Examples

我们 有 这么 多 人，你 就 点 了 三 个 菜？ . 你们 每天 就 睡 四 个 小时？ Do you only sleep four hours every day? 那时候 中国人 都 生 四 五 个 孩子，他们 家 就 生 一 个？ She got married when she was 19. 你 这么 大 一个 男人，就 吃 这么 一 小 碗饭？！ . 每 个 人 都 写 了 五页 纸，你 就 写 了 一 页 纸！ . See also

Expressing lateness with "cai" Expressing earliness with "jiu" "cai" used for small numbers "Just" with "jiu" Emphasis with "jiu" Expressing "as one likes" with "jiu" Expressing indifference with "jiu" Limiting scope with "jiu" Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 107) [ →buy]

Comparing "turan" and "huran"

(Redirected from ASGHKZP4)

Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing time and date, Describing actions, Expressing attitude, Referring to changes of situation Keywords 突然, 忽然 Both 突然 (tūrán) and 忽然 (hūrán) express the something happens in a very short time or is unexpected. Both can be translated as "unexpectedly" or "surprisingly," however, 突然 is a bit harsher in tone while 忽然 is a bit softer. Also, their grammatical features are subtly different, as outlined in this article.

Contents

1 Both 突然 and 忽然 can be used as Adverbs 1.1 Before a Verb 1.2 Examples 1.3 Before an Adjective 1.4 Examples 1.5 At the Beginning of a Sentence 1.6 Structure 1.7 Examples 2 突然 can be used as an Adjective 2.1 Structure as an Adjective 2.2 Examples 3 突然 can be used as a complement 3.1 Structure for verb and complement 3.2 Examples 4 突然 can be used as the predicate 4.1 Structure with modifier + 突然 4.2 Examples 4.3 Structure with 突然 + modifier 4.4 Examples 5 Example of right and wrong sentences 6 Example Dialog 7 Sources and further reading 7.1 Books 7.2 Dictionaries Both 突然 and 忽然 can be used as Adverbs

突然 and 忽然 both can put in the sentence as adverbs or adjectives, just make sure to put them before the verb or the adjective!

Before a Verb

突然／忽然 + Verb

Examples

睡觉 的 时候，我 的 电话突然 响了。 While I was sleeping, my phone suddenly started to ring. 睡觉 的 时候，我 的 电话忽然 响了。 While I was sleeping, my phone suddenly started to ring. 他 说着说着突然 不 说 了。 He was talking and talking, and suddenly stopped. 他 说着说着忽然 不 说 了。 He was talking and talking, and suddenly stopped. Before an Adjective

突然／忽然 + Adj.

Examples

天 突然 暗 了。天 忽然 暗 了。 The sky suddenly got dark. 灯 突然 不 亮 了。灯 忽然 不 亮 了。 The lights suddenly went out At the Beginning of a Sentence

You can place 突然 and 忽然 at the beginning of a sentence, just make sure to add a comma after it!

Structure

突然／忽然，⋯⋯

Examples

突然，他 进来 了。忽然，他 进来 了。 Suddenly, he entered. 突然 can be used as an Adjective

突然 can be used as an adjective (directly modifying nouns), while 忽然 cannot.

Structure as an Adjective

突然 + (的) + Noun

Examples

这 是 一 场 突然 事故，我们 都 没 想到。 This was a sudden accident. None of us thought it could happen. 你 知道 怎么 处理 这 种 突然 的 情况 吗？ Do you know how to handle this kind of sudden situation? 突然 can be used as a complement

突然 as an adjective can also be used as a complement (called 补语 in Chinese). 忽然 cannot be used as a complement.

Structure for verb and complement

Subj. + Verb + 得 + 突然

Examples

事情 发生 得 太 突然，我们 不 知道 怎么 办。 Things happened so suddenly, we didn't know what to do. 这 场 雨 下 得 太 突然，都 淋湿 了。 This rain fell so suddenly, everything got soaked. 突然 can be used as the predicate

Just like other adjectives, 突然 can be used as the predicate of a sentence. It is usually added with a modifier like 很, 非常, 不 etc. It can also end with 得很, 得多, 极了, etc. complements.

Structure with modifier + 突然

Subj. + Modifier + 突然

Examples

这 个 决定 太 突然 了。 This decision was too sudden. 对 她 来说，这 次 升职 其实 不 突然。 To her, this promotion wasn't actually surprising. Structure with 突然 + modifier

Subj. + 突然 + Modifier

Examples

离开 上海 突然 得 很。 Leaving Shanghai is really surprising. 这 次 生病 比 上 次 突然 得 多。 Getting sick this time is much more surprising than the last time. Example of right and wrong sentences

这 个 决定 很 忽然。这 个 决定 很 突然。 突然 can be a predicate, while 忽然 cannot. 一切 发生 得 太 忽然。一切 发生 得 太 突然。 突然 can be a complement, but 忽然 cannot. Example Dialog

A: 我 正在 睡觉，忽然 电话响了，是 Amy 打 来 的。 I was sleeping, when suddenly the phone rang. It was Amy. B: 她 说 什么？ What did she say? A: 她 结婚 了。 She got married. B: 啊，这 个 消息 太突然 了。 Oh, this news is really sudden. Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 540) [ →buy] 现代汉语虚词例释 (pp. 247) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 231-2) →buy Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 113) [ →buy] HSK Standard Course 5上 (pp. 59) →buy Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (忽然p.574 突然p.1378) →buy

Comparing "yizhi" and "yixiang"

(Redirected from ASGVEP8S)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "all along" with "yizhi" (A2) Expressing "since the beginning" with "yixiang" (B2) Used for Expressing time and date, Expressing frequency, Describing actions, Referring to habitual actions Keywords 一直, 一向 Translations always, all along

Both 一直 (yīzhí) and 一向 (yīxiàng) mean something close to "all along," and deal with continuous actions. However, their uses are different, and they are a pair of words that are often confused (and tested on!). This article will try to clarify when you are supposed to use them.

Contents

1 一直 1.1 Examples 2 一向 2.1 Examples 3 See also 4 Sources and Further Reading 4.1 Books 一直

一直 means "straight" or "constantly" and it has the sense of doing something continuously "since a certain time." This means that something may have occurred, and then 一直 can be used with the action or habit since that point. It's important to note that this point in time doesn't necessarily have to be in the past, so 一直 can be used to say something "will happen repeatedly" in the future.

Examples

我 会 一直 陪着 你。 I will always be with you. 雨 一直 在下，我 没办法 出去。 It's constantly raining, I have no way to go out. 一直 往前 走，你 会 看到 地铁站 在你 右边。 Keep walking ahead, you will see the subway station on your right. 我看书的时候，他一直 在说话，很烦。 He kept talking while I was reading.It's so annoying. 他 毕业以后 一直 没有找到 真正 喜欢的 工作。 He hasn't found a job that he really enjoys since his graduation from his college. 一向

一向 does not have the time constraint that 一直 has. Instead, it means that things have always been like they are. In this way, it is more like a habit. Furthermore, it is often used to express a habit or event that you don't like, and can also be used in conjunction with 不.

Examples

他 一向 不 迟到 ，怎么 今天 还没 到 ？ He never comes late, how is it that he hasn't come yet today 你知道 妈妈一向 不爱 出门，所以 她 是 不会 跟 我们 去 旅行 的。 You know mom has never liked going out, so she is not going on the trip with us. 她 这 个 人 一向 喜欢 炫耀，很 讨厌。 She has always liked showing off, she's horrible. 我 这个 朋友一向都 很 大方，今天 肯定 是 他 请客 。 This friend of mine is always very generous,so today he's definitely paying. However, 一向 also can’t affect words that indicate change (as this wouldn’t be a habit), nor can it talk about constant future actions. For both of these cases, 一直 should be used instead.

See also

"All along" with "yizhi" "Since the beginning" with "yixiang" Sources and Further Reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 224-5) →buy

Comparing "zai" and "you"

(Redirected from ASGTBHBG)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "again" in the future with "zai" (B1) Expressing "again" in the past with "you" (B1) Sequencing with "xian" and "zai" (B1) Advanced use of "you" (B2) Used for Describing actions, Sequencing events in time Keywords 再, 又 Translations again

Both 再 (zài) and 又 (yòu) express the duplication of an action and can be roughly translated in English to "again." However, 再 is used to express actions that have not yet occurred (the "future again") and 又 is used for actions that have already occurred (the "past again"). They're not interchangeable.

Contents

1 再 is used to express repetition of an action in the future 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 再 can be used to say "another" 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 再 can be used to say "and then" 3.1 Structure 3.2 Examples 4 又 is used to express repetition of an action that has already occurred in the past 4.1 Structure 4.2 Example 5 又 adds emotional coloring to events recurring in the future 5.1 Structure 5.2 Example 6 Both 再 and 又 have other uses as well 7 See Also 8 Sources and further reading 8.1 Books 8.2 Websites 再 is used to express repetition of an action in the future

再 is used to express something that has already happened and will happen again.

Structure

Subj. + 再 + Verb

Examples

我们 下次 再 来 吧。 We will come here again next time. 我 想 再 看 一下 ，这些 不 够。 I want to take a look again. 请 再 说 一次。 Please say it one more time. 请 又 说 一次。Since it is asking about a future action, you can't use "又" 再 can be used to say "another"

Aside from expressing the repetition of an action, 再 can also be used to express the equivalent of the English word "another".

Structure

Subj. + 再 + Verb + Obj.

Note that the "Object" mentioned above is usually also going to have an 一 and a measure word in front of it. You'll see that in the examples below.

Examples

我 要 再 看 一部 电影。 I am going to watch another movie. 我 得 又 写 一篇 作文。Since it is about the future, you can't use "又" 你 可以 再 做 一碗 面条 吗。 You can make another bowl of noodles. 我 要 又 吃 一块 蛋糕。Since it is about the future, you can't use "又" 再 can be used to say "and then"

再 can be used with 先 to express sequential order. (ex. Do this....and then this....) In some cases, 再 can appear by itself to simply mean "and then." While this doesn't sound so easy to confuse with 又, it's actually quite common for intermediate learners to misunderstand this use of 再 as meaning "again," so it's definitely worth mentioning here.

Structure

Subj. + (先) + Action 1 + 再 + Action 2

Examples

我们 先 做 作业 再 去 酒吧。 First we'll do our work, then we'll go to the bar. 我 先 买 房子 再 结婚。 First I'll buy a house, then I'll get married. 我们 买完 饮料 以后 再 看 电影。 After we buy a drink, then we'll go to a movie. 我们 回家 再 讨论 好 吗？ We discuss it after we go home, OK? 我 要 看 完 书 又 睡觉。'"又"can not be used as the action"go to bed" haven't occured yet. 你 先 吃饭 又 打 电话 給 父母。"又" does not sequence events. 又 is used to express repetition of an action that has already occurred in the past

又 is used in declarative sentences and describes the simple repetition of actions. This repeated action has already occurred once in the past.

Structure

Subj. + 又 + Verb + 了

Example

你 怎么 又 给 我 打 电话，什么事？ You keep calling me, what's the matter? 这 个 老 男人 又 来 了。 This old man came again. 他 又 不 来 上课 了，老师 可能 罚 他。 He didn't come to class again. The teacher is probably going to punish him. 你 为什么 又 看 这本书？ 你 已经 看过 了。 Why are you reading that book again？ You already read it. 昨天 他 再 喝醉 了"再" is not used for past events. 昨天 我 再 看 电影 了"再" is not used for past events. 又 adds emotional coloring to events recurring in the future

又 is sometimes used to express that something that has happened before is going to happen in the immediate future. In this case, it usually appears with 要 (yào), 可以 (kěyǐ), 能 (néng), or 是 (shì). This usage often expresses exasperation or impatience with something happening yet again, but sometimes it's more neutral, or even happy.

Structure

Subj. + 又 + 助动词 / 谓语动词 + Obj.

Example

明天 又 要 开会，真 烦 人 。 We're having ANOTHER meeting tomorrow. So annoying! 你 又 要 辞职 了 ？ 为什么 ？ You're going to resign again? Why? 夏天 快 到 了，又 可以 吃 冰淇淋 了 ！ It's almost summer, and we can eat ice cream again! 明天 又 是 星期一 ！ Tomorrow is Monday again. 如果 我 能 瘦 一些，我 就 又 能 穿 我 最 喜欢 的 牛仔裤 啦 ！ If I can slim down a bit, I can wear my favorite jeans again! Both 再 and 又 have other uses as well

The comparisons above are the cases where 又 and 再 are most easily confused. This wiki also has other uses of both, however:

All uses of 又 All uses of 再 See Also

Sequencing with "xian" and "zai" Again in the future with "zai" Again in the past with "you" Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 157) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 202) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 157) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 288) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 202) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 258-9) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 19-20) →buy Websites

Yale Chinese Usage Dictionary: Using 再 and 又

Comparing "zongsuan" and “zhongyu"

(Redirected from ASGT8AUA)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "finally" with "zhongyu" (B1) Used for Describing actions Keywords 总算, 终于 One pair of confusing adverbs is 总算 (zǒngsuàn) and 终于 (zhōngyú). They both can be translated as "finally" or "in the end," but they subtly different in tone.

Contents

1 They have the same grammatical structure 1.1 Examples 2 总算 is more informal and impatient 2.1 Examples 3 终于 is more formal and objective 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 4.2 Dictionaries 4.3 Websites They have the same grammatical structure

Grammatically, 总算 and 终于 are basically used the same way. They are both adverbs, and they can be placed before the subject or after the subject. However, in comparison to 终于, 总算 is seldom used before the subject. But in these sentences given below, they can be replaced with each other.

Subj. + 总算 / 终于 + Verb

Examples

你 总算来了 ！ You finally came! 我 终于 懂 了 。 I finally understood it. 雨 总算 停 了 。 The rain finally stopped. 我 终于 找到 你 了 ！ I finally found you! 飞机 总算 起飞 了 ！ The plane is finally taking off! 总算 is more informal and impatient

Both 总算 and 终于 express that an action has finally happened after a long wait, however 总算 implies that the speaker had a bit of an agonizing wait, and it has a heavier tone better suited to complaints.

Examples

谢天谢地，你 总算 来 了。 Thank God, you finally came. 总算 没 迟到。 You finally didn't arrive late. 她 的 感冒 总算 好 了。 She finally got over her cold. 终于 is more formal and objective

终于 is more formal than 总算 (in other words, 总算 is more for spoken Chinese), and it also has a more objective feel (meaning that there was indeed a long wait for this thing that finally happened).

你 终于 决定 了！ You finally decided this! 终于 要 放假 了，开心 吧？ You finally have your holidays. You're happy about it, aren't you? 你们 合作 的 项目 终于 成功 了! This project you've been working on together finally succeed! Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 687) [ →buy] 现代汉语虚词例释 (pp. 653) →buy New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 18) →buy Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 1814, 1767) →buy Websites

Chinesegrammar.info: A blog with some information on 终于 by comparing it to 最后.

Comparing "gen" and "dui"

(Redirected from ASGC5Y86)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "with" with "gen" (A2) Using "dui" with verbs (B1) Used for Describing actions Keywords 跟, 对

跟 (gēn) and 对 (duì) sometimes seem like they mean the same thing, and at other times they seem to be different. You need to be aware which cases are which.

Contents

1 When they have the same form and same meaning when used with 说 1.1 Structure 1.1.1 Examples 2 When they have a similar grammar structure but different meanings 2.1 Structure 2.1.1 Examples for 跟 2.1.2 Examples for 对 3 When to use 跟 and not 对 3.1 Structure 1 3.1.1 Examples 3.2 Structure 2 3.2.1 Examples 3.3 Structure 3 3.3.1 Examples 4 Examples when to use 对 and not 跟 4.1 Structure 4.1.1 Examples 5 Example Dialog 6 See Also 7 Sources and further reading 7.1 Books 7.2 Dictionaries When they have the same form and same meaning when used with 说

When using the verb 说, 跟 and 对 can both be used in a similar sentence pattern. 跟 and 对 are both prepositions, and they both express one person speaking to another.

Structure

Person A + 跟 / 对 + Person B 说

Examples

我 跟 她 说 了，但是 她 不 信。 I told her, but she didn't believe me. 我 对 她 说 了，但是 她 不 信。 I told her, but she didn't believe me. 他 对 我 说 他 爱 我。 He told me he loved me. 他 跟 我 说 他 爱 我。 He told me he loved me. 刚才 你 对 他 说 什么 了？ What did you just tell him? 刚才 你 跟 他 说 什么 了？ What did you just tell him? When they have a similar grammar structure but different meanings

跟 and 对 can be verbs, and they often are used with a 着, however their meanings are different.

Structure

Subj. + 跟 / 对 + Obj.

Examples for 跟

跟 is a verb, and it's simplest meaning is "follow." Often it is used as a verb phrase, such as 跟着, 跟上, 跟不上, 跟得上, 跟somebody + Verb.

这 只 小 猫 总是 跟着 我。 This little cat always follows me. 你 走 得 太 快 ，我 跟不上。 You walk too fast, I can't keep up. 你 想 跟 我 去 吗？ Do you want to go with me? Examples for 对

对 is also a verb, put it has the meaning of "towards" or "point to." Often it is used as: 对着, 对上, 对不上.

枪口 不 要 对着 人。 Don't point that at people. 我 喜欢 对着 镜子 笑。 I like to laugh at myself in the mirror. 这 两 本 账 对不上。 These two accounts don't match up. When to use 跟 and not 对

跟 is a proposition, and it can be used in comparison. It will often have a supplementary explanation, similar to how 和 can be used (as in 我和你一样高). 对 cannot be used this way.

Structure 1

This structure is used to explain that two things are (or aren't) similar.

A + 跟 + B + （不）一样

Examples

我 跟 你们 不一样，我 还 有 孩子 呢。 I am not like you guys. I still have kids. 上海 跟 纽约 一样，都 是 国际 大 都市。 Shanghai and New York are alike; they are both international cities. Structure 2

This structure shows that two nouns are the same in some some aspect, which is the word that follows "一样."

A + 跟 + B + （不）一样 + Adj.

Examples

我 现在 跟 我 爸 一样 高。 Now I'm as tall as my dad. 你 跟 你 妈 一样 喜欢 买 衣服。 You like to buy clothes just like your mother. Structure 3

"跟" functions as a conjunction in this structure, joining two things together. Generally, these are nouns or pronouns (as with "和"). "对" cannot function like this.

Subj. 1 跟 Subj. 2 + Verb-Obj.

Examples

你 要 跟 我 一起 去 吗？ Are you going to go with me? 鲜花 跟巧克力 是 最 好 的 礼物。 Flowers and chocolate are the best gifts. Examples when to use 对 and not 跟

Structure

When 对 as a proposition, it points to a certain target,since it can mean "point to" or "toward to." 跟 can only be used this way with 说.

Subj. 1 对 Subj. 2 + Verb

Examples

那 个 美女 正 对 我 笑 呢。 That pretty girl is laughing at me. 不 要 对 老板 发脾气， 不然 后果 很 严重。 Don't lose your temper with the boss, otherwise there will be serious consequences. Example Dialog

A: 那 个 帅哥 在 对 我 招手！ That handsome guy is motioning for me to go to him! B: 那 你 要 跟 他 去 吗？ Well, are you going to go with him? See Also

Expressing "with" with "gen" Using "dui" Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 201) [ →buy] Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 465, 343) →buy

Comparing "chao" "xiang" and "wang"

(Redirected from ASGIHS2L)

Level B2 Similar to Expressing "toward" with "wang" (B1) Used for Describing things, Describing actions Keywords 朝, 向, 往

All three of these, 朝 (cháo), 向 (xiàng), and 往 (wǎng) can be used to indicate direction or position. When these preposition phrases are used in before the verb, the three have the same structure and their meaning is the same. You can swap them in and out. At other times, however, they are used differently, and this article will help you differentiate when you are supposed to use which one.

Contents

1 When using "朝," "向," and "往" is appropriate 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 When to use "向" and "往" 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 When to use "向" and "朝" 3.1 Structure 3.2 Examples 4 When to use just "向" 4.1 Structure 4.2 Examples 5 Examples of right and wrong sentences 6 Example dialog 7 See Also 8 Sources and further reading 8.1 Books When using "朝," "向," and "往" is appropriate

Structure

Just put one of the three before the direction and the verb!

向 / 朝 / 往 + 具体方向 + Verb

Examples

从 这里 向 / 朝 / 往 北 走 两 百 米 就 到 了。 From here, go one hundred meters north, and you'll get there. 这 个 小 女孩 向 左 看看 又 向 右 看看 才 过 马路。 This little girl looked left and then looked right before crossing the street. 我 看见 他 朝 你们 家 去 了。 I saw him going towards your house. 往 前 走 十 分 钟。 Walk forward for ten minutes. When to use "向" and "往"

向 and 往 can be placed after the verb, however it has to be used with an appropriate verb, Often used verbs are 开, 飞, 发, 运, 送, 寄, 带, 驶 etc. As you can see, these are words that at least imply some sort of motion. In addition, compared to 向, 往 is used more often with those verbs, because 往 expresses the destination while 向 merely expresses a direction, 朝 cannot be used this way.

Structure

Verb + 向 / 往 + 具体方向

Examples

这 趟 火车 开 往 沈阳。 This train is heading towards Shenyang. 这 趟 航班 飞 往 纽约。 This plane is flying to New York. 一 辆 黑 色 的 小 轿车 慢慢地 从 东 驶 向 西。 The black limo slowly went from East to West. 像 鸟儿 一样 飞 向 蓝天。 The little birds flew towards the sky. When to use "向" and "朝"

When the action that takes place is specified to a specific target, use 向 or 朝. 往 cannot be used this way. Also, when the verb is a concrete action, the use of 向 and 朝 are the same, and they can be interchanged.

Structure

向 / 朝 + 动作的对象 + 具体意义的动词

Examples

他 向 / 朝 我 笑 了 笑。 He laughed at me. 我 朝 他 开 了 一 枪。 I shot a gun at him. 他 已经 向 全体 员工 解释 过 了。 He has already explained it to the employees. When to use just "向"

When the verb has an abstract meaning, you can only use 向, and you cannot use 朝.

Structure

向 + Direction + Abstract Verb

Examples

他 是 优秀 员工，我们 都 要 向 他 学习。 He is an exemplary employee, we should all study him. 我们 要 向 环保 部门 要求 严查 工厂 排污。 We are going to make the Environmental Safety Department closely examine the factory sewage. Examples of right and wrong sentences

这 个 地铁 是 开 往 浦东 机场 的 吗 ？你 要 多 向 他 学习 学习 。帅哥 朝 我 笑 了 一下 。你 现在 是 开 朝 市 中心 吗？朝 雷锋 同志 学习！往 雷锋 同志 学习！帅哥 往 我 笑 了。 Example dialog

A: 他 往 南 走 了 。 He walked south. B: 你 怎么 让 他 往 南 走 呢 ？南 边 很 危险 。 Why did you make him go south? Going south is dangerous. A: 你 朝 我 发 什么 火？我 说 了 他 不 听 。 Why are you mad at me? I told him but he didn't listen B: 不好意思 ，我 应该 向 你 道歉 。 I'm sorry. I should apologize to you. See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 196) [ →buy] 现代汉语虚词例释 (pp. 79, 505) →buy

Comparing "dui" and "duiyu"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "about" with "guanyu" (B1) Using "dui" with verbs (B1) Comparing "duiyu" and "zhiyu" (B2) Used for Describing things, Describing people, Expressing attitude Keywords 对, 对于, 于

对 (duì) and 对于 (duìyú) maybe be confused by Chinese learners as they advance into more complex grammar. This article will help in distinguishing the the two!

Contents

1 Same as prep. 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 对 can be placed in more parts of the sentence 2.1 Examples 3 对 can be used as a verb 3.1 As a verb meaning "direction" 3.2 Examples 3.3 As a verb meaning "to treat" 3.4 Examples 4 Examples of right and wrong sentences 5 Example Dialog 6 Sources and further reading 6.1 Books 6.2 Dictionaries Same as prep.

When 对 and 对于 are used as prepositions, they are basically the same. As a matter of fact, when used this way 对 is just the simplification of 对于!

Structure

对／对于 + 动作对象 + Verb

Examples

The example sentence pairs below mean the same thing.

对于 这 种 事情，你 有 什么 看法？对 这 种 事情，你 有 什么 看法？ As for this kind of thing, what's your perspective? 我 对于 上海 从来 没 喜欢 过 也 没 讨厌 过。我 对 上海 从来 没 喜欢 过 也 没 讨厌 过。 I've never liked or disliked Shanghai. 对 can be placed in more parts of the sentence

对 can be placed before the subject, after the subject, or after the adverb. 对于 in the middle of a sentence can only be placed after the adverb.

Examples

对 这 个 问题，我们 都 很 感兴趣。对于 这 个 问题，我们 都 很 感兴趣。我们 对 这 个 问题 都 很 感兴趣。我们 对于 这 个 问题 都 很 感兴趣。我们 都 对 这 个 问题 很 感兴趣。我们 都 对于 这 个 问题 很 感兴趣。 All of the above examples mean "We are all interested in this problem."

对 can be used as a verb

As a verb meaning "direction"

When 对 is used as a verb, it expresses the meaning of direction or purpose. It is often used in a verb phrase, like 对着, 对上, 对不上.

Subj. + 对着／对上／对不上

Examples

枪口 不 要 对着 人。 Don't point the gun at people. 我 喜欢 对着 镜子 笑。 I like to laugh at the mirror. 这 两 本 账 对不上。 These two accounts don't match up. As a verb meaning "to treat"

对 as a verb can also mean to 对待, meaning "to treat." When the verb is like this, 对 can be used for people or abstract things.

A + 对 + B + Adj.

Examples

我 的 男 朋友 对 我 很 好。 My boyfriend treats me very well. 他 对 工作 很 认真。 He treats his work very seriously. Examples of right and wrong sentences

我们都对于这个问题很感兴趣。我们都对这个问题很感兴趣。他 对于 工作 很 认真。他 对 工作 很 认真。 Example Dialog

A: 对于 这 件 事，你 怎么 看？ What do you think about this? B: 我 对 她 很 了解，她 不 会 这么 做 的。 I understand her completely. She can't do it like this. Sources and further reading

Books

对外汉语教学语法释疑201例 (pp. 81) [ →buy] 现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 463) [ →buy] Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 343, 344) →buy

Comparing "duiyu" and "zhiyu"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "about" with "guanyu" (B1) Comparing "guanyu" and "duiyu" (B2) Used for Adding more explanation, Connecting ideas Keywords 关于, 对于, 至于, 于, 对 Translations to, about, for The differences between 对于 (duìyú), and 至于 (zhìyú) can be confusing. They both have similar meanings like "concerning," "regarding" or "as for." Learn what they are in this article!

Contents

1 对于 emphasizes the object referred to 1.1 Structure 1.1.1 Examples 1.2 Special conditions 1.2.1 Examples 2 至于 can change the topic 2.1 Structure 2.1.1 Examples 3 至于 can also emphasize degree 3.1 Structure 3.1.1 Examples 4 Examples of right and wrong sentences 5 Example Dialog 6 See Also 7 Sources and further reading 7.1 Books 7.2 Dictionaries 对于 emphasizes the object referred to

对于 usually emphasizes the thing that it is pointing to. Usually where you use 对 you can use 对于.

Structure

As an adverb or adverbial clause, you can place if before or after the subject. It cannot be an attributive modifier.

Subj. + 对于 + Modifier + Predicate

对于 + Modifier， Subj. + Predicate

Examples

对于 这 种 人，就 不 该 跟 他们 讲 道理。 As for this kind of person, you are not supposed to reason with them. 对于 电脑，我 什么 都 不 懂。 I don't understand anything about computers. 我 对于 电脑 什么 都 不 懂。 I don't understand anything about computers. Special conditions

Sometimes, 关于 and 对于 don't have any differences at all, however those instances are few. For example:

Examples

对于 这个问题 ， 我没有意见 。 Duìyú zhège wèntí, wǒ méiyǒu yìjiàn. As for this problem, I don't have any ideas. 关于 这个问题 ， 我没有意见 。 Guānyú zhège wèntí, wǒ méiyǒu yìjiàn. As for this problem, I don't have any ideas. 对于 这个 话题，我 觉得 没什么 可 讨论 的。 For this topic, I don't think there is anything to be discussed. 关于 这个话题，我觉得没什么可 讨论 的。 For this topic, I don't think there is anything to be discussed. 至于 can change the topic

Structure

As a preposition, it points to another topic, and emphasizes changing the subject of conversation.

至于 + Topic，Subj. + Verb Phrase

Examples

我们 要 开始 这 个 项目 了，至于 什么 时候 开始，还 没 定。 We're going to start this project, but we still haven't decided when. 至于 这 个 问题，我们 还 需要 进一步 讨论。 For this problem, we need a further discussion. 至于 can also emphasize degree

Structure

As an adverb, it expresses "having reached a certain degree or step." After it you can link it to words or phrases that describe degree. You can also say 至于 by itself or use 不至于.

（不）至于 + Degree

Examples

这 点 小 事情，至于 这么 生气 吗？ With such a small thing, why are you so angry? 我 是 不 高兴，但 不至于 不 跟 你 说话。 I'm not happy, but not to the point that I won't talk with you. Examples of right and wrong sentences

你 关于 这 个 问题 怎么 看？关于 这 个 问题， 你 怎么 看？关于 他 的 无礼，你 是不是 不 太 高兴？对于 他 的 无礼，你 是不是 不 太 高兴？ Example Dialog

A: 我们 今天 的 会议 内容 是 讨论 一下 关于 开发 中国 市场 的 问题。 The content of today's meeting is a discussion about the problems in developing China's markets. B: 我 的 意见 是 对于 中国 市场 我们 还 不 了解，最好 是 再 等等。 My opinion towards the Chinese markets is that we still don't understand. The best thing is to wait some more. A: 对于 是 不 是 开发 中国 市场 我们 已经 决定 了，现在 的 问题 是 什么 时候 开发。 We've already decided about developing the markets, the problem now is when to start. B：那么，关于 这 个 议题，我 没有 什么 可 说 的 了。 Then, as for this topic, I have nothing more to say. See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

对外汉语教学语法释疑201例 (pp. 203, 207) [ →buy] 现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 240, 683) [ →buy] 现代汉语虚词例释 (pp. 211,651) →buy 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 98) [ →buy] Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 501, 346, 1755) →buy

Comparing "guanyu" and "duiyu"

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Level B2 Similar to Expressing "about" with "guanyu" (B1) Comparing "dui" and "duiyu" (B2) Comparing "duiyu" and "zhiyu" (B2) Expressing "related to..." with "you guan de" (B2) Used for Adding more explanation, Connecting ideas Keywords 关于, 对于, 至于, 对, 于 Translations to, about This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. 关于 (guānyú) and 对于 (duìyú) seem similar, since both of these prepositions are used to point to specific people or things. However, when taking a closer look, the things they discuss and the angles they take are different.

Contents

1 Different Points of Emphasis 1.1 Examples with 对于 1.2 Examples with 关于 2 Using 关于 in a Formal way 2.1 Examples 3 Situations where they are the same 3.1 Examples 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 4.2 Dictionaries Different Points of Emphasis

对于 looks towards the object referred to, and usually the person or object referred to has adopted a certain attitude or has come into some kind of situation.

Examples with 对于

对于 那 个 人 我 并 不 了解。 I just don't understand that person. 对于 我们 的 工作 表现，老板 很 满意。 The boss is very satisfied with our performance. 对于 这 件 事情 他 没什么 看法。 He doesn't really have any opinion about this matter. 关于 emphasizes a range, and it introduces all things that are related to it.

Examples with 关于

他 昨天 发表 了 一个 关于 中国 经济 的 演讲。 He made a speech about Chinese economy yesterday. 我 需要 写 一 篇 关于 中 美 文化 差异 的 文章。 I need to write an article about the difference between China and America. 关于 你 辞职 的 申请，公司 还 在 考虑。 About your resignation, the company is still considering. 关于 孩子 的 教育，她 跟 丈夫 的 看法 很 不 一样。 About children's education, her opinion is very different from her husband's. Notice that in the second example, if you were just to say "老师说有很多毛病" without first pointing out what it's referring to 学习方法, it would cause some confusion.

Using 关于 in a Formal way

关于 (guānyú) can also be used in the title of an article.

Examples

关于 部门 调整 和 人事 安排 "Regarding Department Adjustments and Human Affairs" 关于 新年 放假 的通知 A Notification regarding New Year vacations. Situations where they are the same

When the point emphasized is pretty clear (whether it be a range or a specific thing), then you can use either.

Examples

关于/对于这份决议，大家还有什么补充吗？ Is there anything that anyone wants to add to this decision? 关于/对于这个问题，你们还有什么意见？ As for this problem, do you guys still have some thoughts? Sources and further reading

Books

对外汉语教学语法释疑201例 (pp. 202) [ →buy] New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 61) →buy Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 501, 346) →buy

Comparing "fan'er" and “xiangfan"

(Redirected from ASGFNS52)

Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing attitude Keywords 反而, 相反

The differences between 反而 (fǎn'ér) and 相反 (xiāngfǎn) are pretty clear. 反而 is an adverb, while 相反 is an adjective and also a conjunction, and this determines how they are used grammatically.

Contents

1 Position in a Sentence 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Differences in Meaning 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 相反 can act as an attribute 3.1 Structure 3.2 Examples 4 相反 can be the predicate 4.1 Structure 4.2 Examples 5 See Also 6 Sources and further reading 6.1 Books 6.2 Dictionaries Position in a Sentence

Structure

相反 normally starts a sentence, and when used should be followed with a comma. As an adverb, 反而 is not so set apart from the rest of the sentence, and should not be followed by a comma.

A，相反，B

A，反而 B

Examples

这样 做 帮 不了 他 ，相反，还 会 害 了 他。 . 这样 做 不但 帮 不了 他，反而 会 害 了 他。 . Differences in Meaning

反而 is used in the context of the speaker expecting some kind of turning point. 相反 is for similar things that have a different aspect. 反而 conveys that the difference between what was expected and what actually happened was quite large. 相反 isn't as strong.

Structure

Situation，相反，The Opposite of the Situation

Expectation，反而 + The Opposite of Expectation

Examples

好好 工作 就 会 升职，相反，不 好好 工作 是 不 会 升职 的。 . 老板 没有 生气，反而 表扬 了 我。 . 老板 没有 生气，相反，他 还 表扬 了 我。 . 相反 can act as an attribute

相反 is an adjective, and of course it can also be an attribute. Just make sure to add a 的 after it. 反而 cannot be used this way.

Structure

相反 + 的 + Noun

Examples

这 是 两 个 完全 相反 的 结果。 These are two completely opposite results. 你 应该 朝 相反的 方向 走。 You should go down a different path. 相反 can be the predicate

相反, like all other adjectives, can be placed after the subject as the predicate of the sentence.

Structure

Subj. + 相反

A 和 / 跟 B ＋ 是 ＋ 相反的

Examples

这 两 种 艺术 的 表现 形式 相反。 These two art pieces have completely different forms. 我们 的 看法 是 相反 的。 Our perspectives are not the same. 老板 的 想法 跟 我 的 相反。 The boss's way of thinking and mine don't match up. 现在 的 观念 和 以前 的 相反。 The views of today are different from what they were in the past. See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

对外汉语教学语法释疑201例 (pp. 184) [ →buy] 现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 199, 574) [ →buy] 现代汉语虚词例释 (pp. 172, 504) →buy 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 19-20) [ →buy] Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 1484, 377) →buy

Comparing "kending" "queding" and “yiding"

(Redirected from ASGDPS0J)

Level B2 Similar to Used for Describing things, Describing actions, Expressing attitude, Expressing determination Keywords 肯定, 确定, 一定 Translations certain If you look up 肯定 (kěndìng), 确定 (quèdìng) and 一定 (yīdìng) in the dictionary, they all have similar meanings, like "certain" or "surely." However, using them correctly in a sentence is a bit more complicated.

Contents

1 Overview 概述 2 "肯定" and "确定" as a Verb 2.1 Structure with 肯定 2.2 Examples with 肯定 2.3 Structure with 确定 2.4 Examples with 确定 2.5 Examples of right or wrong sentences 3 "肯定" "一定" as an Adverb 3.1 Structure with 肯定 3.2 Examples with 肯定 3.3 Structure with 一定 3.4 Examples with 一定 3.5 Right or Wrong 4 "肯定" "确定" "一定" as as Adjectives 4.1 Structures 4.2 Examples 5 See Also 6 Sources and further reading 6.1 Books 6.2 Dictionaries Overview 概述

So how are these three words words different? We can answer this question from two points of view:

1. From a "parts of speech" point of view:

肯定 can be a verb, an adjective and an adverb. 确定 can be a verb or an adjective. 一定 can be an adjective or an adverb. 2. From a "significance or meaning" point of view:

肯定 often has a subjective, energetic feel to it。 It carries meanings like 认可 (approval), 同意 (agreement), and 保证 (guarantee). 确定 carries a feeling of objectively describing a situation. It carries the meaning of 决定 (to decide, to resolve). 一定 as an adjective has really broad uses, so you need to pay attention to the specific times it's used in. As an adverb, it is often used to give a reinforcing tone. 肯定 and 确定 can both be verbs, but their use and meanings are different. 一定 cannot be used as a verb. "肯定" and "确定" as a Verb

Structure with 肯定

肯定 can express that something is satisfactory (对…满意), often used when a superior evaluates subordinates. When used this way, it should be followed directly by a noun or a phrase that is acting as a noun (noun phrase).

肯定 + Noun / Noun Phrase

I can also be used to express "I am sure." When used this way it is usually a clause at the end of a sentence.

Subj. + (敢)肯定 + Sentences

Examples with 肯定

老板 肯定 了 我们 团队 的 工作。 The boss approved our team's work. 如果 想 让 别人 肯定 你，你 就 要 好好 做。 If you want to make other people like you, you have to do good work. 我 敢 肯定 这 就 是 他 的 声音。 I'm sure that this is his voice. Structure with 确定

You can also add a verb phrase a preposition phrase after 确定, which makes it mean that that something is already set, often used in describing a progressing condition.

确定 + Phrase / Sentence

Examples with 确定

我们 还 没有 确定 什么 时候 开始。 We still haven't decided when to start. 已经 确定了 三 个 人，还 差 一 个。 Three people have already been decided, one more is needed. 你 确定 他 是 我们 要 找 的 人 吗？ Have you decided if he's the person we'll look for? Examples of right or wrong sentences

我们 要 先 肯定 一 个 形式 才 能 开始 做。In this sentence, "肯定" needs to be followed by a noun or a noun phrase. 我们 要 先 确定 一 个 形式 才 能 开始 做。 We'll have to decide on a design before we can start working. 老板 肯定 了 最近 我 工作 很 努力。In this sentence, "肯定" needs to be followed by a noun or noun phrase. 老板 肯定 了 最近 我 的 努力 工作。By changing the word order, we get a noun phrase instead of a verb phrase. The boss approved my recent hard work. "肯定" "一定" as an Adverb

肯定 and 一定 can both be adverbs, and the grammar structure for both are similar. 肯定 emphasized more of a subjective judgement or promise. 一定 sometimes carries an air of forcing something or issuing a command.

Structure with 肯定

肯定 + Adj. / Verb

Examples with 肯定

他 肯定 还 没 起床，因为 他 的 手机 现在 还 没 开 机。 He definitely hasn't gotten out of bed yet， because his phone is still off. 这 次 我 肯定 不 骗 你，骗 你 是 小 狗，好 吧？The idiom "骗你是小狗" literally means "To deceive you is to be a small dog." It doesn't have a good English equivalent. I'm not lying this time. Cross my heart. Structure with 一定

一定 + Adj. / Verb

Examples with 一定

明天 你们 一定 要 来。 You guys are definitely going to come tomorrow. 一定 要 小心。 You've definitely got to be careful. Right or Wrong

你们 肯定 要 去 听 我 的 演唱会。 Since it's a command, "肯定" is not appropriate. 你们 一定 要 去 听 我 的 演唱会。 You guys have to go listen to my music recital. "肯定" "确定" "一定" as as Adjectives

All three of these can be placed before a noun as adjectives. But in this grammar structure, 肯定 and 确定 use their verb meanings, and 一定 as an adjective means "something particular

Structures

肯定 + （的 +） Noun

确定 + （的 +） Noun

一定 + （的 +） Noun

Examples

如果 你 问 我 是不是 知道 这 件 事情，我 的 回答 是 肯定 的。 If you ask me if I know about this, my answer will be sure. 请 给 我 一 个 确定 的 回答，不 要 总是 这么 模糊。 Please give me a definite response. Don't always be so vague. 我们 之间 要 保持 一定 距离。 We need to keep a certain distance between us. 这 件 事 和 他 有 一定 的 关系，不 能 都 怪 你。 He has a certain connection with this, it can't completely surprise you. See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

对外汉语教学语法释疑201例 (pp. 180) [ →buy] 现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 603) [ →buy] 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 5) [ →buy] Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 776, 1594, 1136) →buy

Comparing "shihe" and "heshi"

(Redirected from ASGVDOXL)

Level B2 Similar to Used for Describing places, Describing things, Describing people, Expressing attitude Keywords 适合, 合适 Mixing up the order of the two syllables in a word is something most learners do. This makes the pair 适合 (shìhé) and 合适 (héshì) annoying, to say the least. They mean more or less the same thing, but the former is a verb, while the latter is an adjective.

Contents

1 The Verb 适合 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 The Adjective 合适 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 Don't Confuse the Two 4 Example Dialog 5 See Also 6 Sources and further reading 6.1 Books The Verb 适合

适合 is a verb meaning "to suit," and must take an object.

Structure

Subj. + 适合 + Obj.

Examples

这 个 工作 很 适合 我。 This job really suits me. 你 的 中文 名字 真 适合 你！ Your Chinese name suits you well. 这 部 电影 不 适合 儿童 看。This translation is a little awkward in English, but we're trying to avoid using the word "suitable," which is an adjective. This movie does not suit children (to watch). The Adjective 合适

合适 is an adjective meaning "suitable or appropriate," and is used in the same way as other adjectives.

Structure

Subj. + Adv. + 合适

Examples

iPad 虽然 好 用，但是 对 我 来 说 价格 不 太 合适！ Although iPads are fun to use, I think the price is not suitable. 在 办公室 里 抽烟 有 点 不 合适 吧。 Inside the office, smoking is not suitable. 他 就是 最 合适 的，他 完全 符合 我们 的 招聘 要求。 He is very suitable. He completely matches the advertised demands. Don't Confuse the Two

We cannot say:

这 个 合适 我 。This would be treating 合适 like a verb, when it's an adjective) 这 个 鞋 码 很 适合 。This would be treating 适合 like an adjective, when it's a verb) We can say:

这 个 适合 我 。It's a verb!) 这 个 鞋 码 很 合适 。It's an adjective!) Example Dialog

A:你 知道 穿 什么 衣服 最 适合 参加 这 个 聚会 吗？ Do you know what kind of clothes would suit this party? B:我 不 知道。但是 穿 牛仔裤 一定 不 合适。 I don't know, but wearing jeans is definitely not suitable. See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 273-4) →buy

Comparing "pingshi" and "pingchang"

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Level B2 Similar to Comparing "changchang" and "jingchang" (B1) Used for Expressing frequency, Describing things, Referring to habitual actions Keywords 平时, 平常平时 (píngshí) and 平常 (píngcháng) look very similar (after all, they do start with 平!), and they have similar meanings of "often," but they have different grammatical uses.

Contents

1 Used as an Adverb 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 平常 as an Adjective 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 Sources and further reading 3.1 Books Used as an Adverb

Both 平时 and 平常 can be used as an adverb. They are interchangeable in this case.

Structure

Subj. + 平常 + Verb

Examples

你 平常 会 健身 吗 ？ Do you usually work out? 我 平常 不 吃 零食 。 I usually don't eat snacks. 你 平时 看 新闻 吗 ？ Do you watch the news often? 她 平时 不 买 奢侈 品 。 She usually doesn't buy luxuries. 平常 as an Adjective

When 平常 is used as an adjective, it expresses the meaning of "common." 平时 cannot be used this way.

Structure

Subj. + 很 + 平常

平常 + 的 + Noun

Examples

清洁工 的 工作 很 平常 ，但是 也 很 重要 。 The street cleaners are ordinary, but they are also very important. 这 种 事 很 平常 。 This kinda things are common. 对 中国 来说 ，2008 年 是 很 不 平常 的 一 年 。 To China, the year 2008 is not an ordinary year. 在 中国 ，去 酒吧 是 不 是 很 平常 的 娱乐活动 ？ Is it a common entertainment to go to bar in China? An example dialog:

A: 你 平时 / 平常 做饭 吗 ？ Do you often cook? B: 对的 。 Correct. A: 你 会 做 什么 菜 ？ What can you cook? B: 都是 很 平常 的 菜 。 Just those ordinary ones. Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 1051) [ →buy] 现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 1053) [ →buy] HSK Standard Course 5上 (pp. 145) →buy

Comparing "yihou" "ranhou" "houlai"

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Level B2 Similar to Used for Expressing time and date, Sequencing events in time, Expressing order Keywords 以后, 然后, 后来 Translations later, after

以后 (yǐhòu) and 然后 (ránhòu) can both mean "and then," but their usage is fairly different. While both 以后 (yǐhòu) and 后来 (hòulái) can mean "later," they have distinct uses.

Contents

1 然后 as "and then" 1.1 Common Errors 1.2 然后 without 先 2 Usage of 以后 2.1 以后 as "In the Future" 2.2 以后 as "After" 3 后来 as "Afterwards" 3.1 Structure 3.2 Examples 4 Example Dialog 5 See also 6 Sources and further reading 6.1 Books 6.2 Dictionaries 然后 as "and then"

然后 is a conjunction, which is always used in a sequence. It is often used with 先 (xiān, meaning "first"). 以后 or 后来 can't be used this way.

我们 先 复习 一下 ，然后 上 新 课 。 Wǒmen xiān fùxí yīxià, ránhòu shàng xīn kè. Let's do some reviewing first and then learn a new lesson. Common Errors

我们 先 复习 一下 ，以后 上 新 课 。 Wǒmen xiān fùxí yīxià, yǐhòu shàng xīn kè. Let's do some reviewing first and then learn a new lesson. 我 打算 先 住 朋友家 ，以后 找 房子 。 Wǒ dǎsuàn xiān zhù péngyou jiā, yǐhòu zhǎo fángzi. My plan is to stay at my friend's friend, and then find a place to live. 我们 下周 去 北京 出差 ，以后 去 欧洲 度假 。 Wǒmen xiàzhōu qù Běijīng chūchāi, yǐhòu qù Ōuzhōu dùjià. We're going to Beijing on a business trip and then we go to Europe on vacation. 然后 without 先

我们 在 楼下 见 ，然后 一起 走 。 Wǒmen zài lóu xià jiàn, ránhòu yīqǐ zǒu. We'll meet downstairs and then we go together. 宝宝 醒了 ，哭 了 一会儿 ，然后 又 睡着 了 。 Bǎobao xǐng le, kū le yīhuìr, ránhòu yòu shuìzháo le. The baby woke up. He cried for a little while and then fell asleep again. 中国 是 人口 最多 的 发展中 国家 ，然后 是 印度 。 Zhōngguó shì rénkǒu zuì duō de fāzhǎn zhōng guójiā, ránhòu shì Yìndù. China is the biggest developing country and then it's India. Usage of 以后

以后 as "In the Future"

以后 is a time noun, which can be used to talk about things that happen at some unspecified point in the future while 然后 and 后来 can't be used this way.

A few examples:

我 以后 想 开 公司 。 Wǒ yǐhòu xiǎng kāi gōngsī. I want to start up my own business in the future. 请 你 以后 别 来 了 。 Qǐng nǐ yǐhòu bié lái le. Please stop coming in the future. 以后 as "After"

Note that the time can be specific (like a date or time) or broad (like an event, action, or occurrence).

A few examples:

我 一 个 小时 以后 回来 。 Wǒ yī gè xiǎoshí yǐhòu huílái. I will come back in an hour. 毕业 以后 他 出国 了 。 Bìyè yǐhòu tā chūguó le. He went abroad after he graduated. 后来 as "Afterwards"

后来 is used to sequence two events that have already occurred. It is the Chinese equivalent of the English word "afterward."

Also note that 后来 is a time noun, and it can only be used on its own.

Structure

[Past Event 1] ，后来 + [Past Event 2]

Examples

他 在 我们 公司 干 过 两年 ，后来 跳槽 了 。 Tā zài wǒmen gōngsī gàn guo liǎng nián, hòulái tiàocáo le. He worked for our company for two years. And then he jumped ship. 后来 他 去 了 美国 ，然后 他 的 父母 也 搬 过去 了 。 Hòulái tā qù le Měiguó. Ránhòu tā de fùmǔ yě bān guòqù le. He moved to the US later. And then his parents also moved over there. 他们 大学 的时候 在一起 过 ，以后 分手了 。 Tāmen dàxué de shíhou zài yīqǐ guo, yǐhòu fēnshǒu le. They were together in college. They broke up later on. Example Dialog

A: 我 先 去 你 家 ，然后 我们 一起 去 见 她 。 Wǒ xiān qù nǐ jiā, ránhòu wǒmen yīqǐ qù jiàn tā. I'll go to your house first, then we can go together to see her. B: 好的 。她 出国 以后 你们 见过面 吗 ？ Hǎo de. Tā chūguó yǐhòu nǐmen jiàn guo miàn ma? Sure. Have you seen each other since she went abroad? A: 见 过 一次 ，后来 再也 没见过 。 Jiàn guo yī cì, hòulái zài yě méi jiàn guo. She left the country two years ago. I haven't seen her since then. See also

In the future in general Sequencing past events with "houlai" After a specific time Comparing "houlai" and "ranhou" Sources and further reading

Books

对外汉语教学语法释疑201例 (pp. 5) [ →buy] 对外汉语教学语法释疑201例 (pp. 7) [ →buy] 现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 461) [ →buy] 现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 614) [ →buy] Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 268) →buy Basic Patterns of Chinese Grammar (pp. 26 - 27) →buy Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (pp. 294) →buy Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 267) →buy Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 570) →buy

Comparing "yihou" and "zhihou"

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Level B2 Similar to After a specific time with "yihou" (A2) In the future in general with "yihou" (A2) Expressing "before" and "after" with "zhiqian" and "zhihou" (B1) Used for Expressing time and date, Sequencing events in time, Referring to the past Keywords 以后, 之后 Translations later, after, afterwards This article is a stub. Editors can help the Chinese Grammar Wiki by expanding it. If you are trying to explain what you did after a certain event, you might want to use "以后" (yǐhòu) or "之后" (zhīhòu). After all, they do both mean "after," right? Well, it turns out that there are a few rules that you need to be aware of before you use them.

Contents

1 Similarity 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 Differences 2.1 以后 2.1.1 Structure 2.1.2 Examples 2.2 之后 2.2.1 Structure 2.2.2 Examples 3 Right or Wrong 3.1 Examples 4 See Also 5 Sources and Further Reading 5.1 Books Similarity

Both indicates another event happened after a special time. these two words share a structure, so it is easy to see how they would be easily confused. Here's the structure:

Structure

Subj. + Special Time + 以后／之后 + Verb

In situations where you have already done something and then after that you did something else, you can use "以后." The stipulation with this is that the time has to be explicitly said. That is, there has to be a time for "以后" to modify. Otherwise the sentence won't make sense.

Examples

下 过 雨 以后/ 之后 空气 会 好 很 多 。 Xià guo yǔ yǐhòu / zhīhòu kōngqì huì hǎo hěn duō. After it rains, the air will be a lot better. 结婚 以后/ 之后他们 有 了 两 个 宝宝 。 Jiéhūn yǐhòu / zhīhòu tāmen yǒu le liǎng gè bǎobǎo. After getting married, they had two babies. 等 我 涨 工资 以后/ 之后请 你 吃饭 。 Děng wǒ zhǎng gōngzī yǐhòu / zhīhòu qǐng nǐ chīfàn. After I get a raise, I will treat you to a meal. 听到 这 个 消息 以后/ 之后 ，我 高兴 得 一 晚 上 没 睡 。 Tīngdào zhè gè xiāoxi yǐhòu / zhīhòu, wǒ gāoxìng de yī wǎn shàng méi shuì. After I heard this news, I was so happy I couldn't sleep the whole night. Differences

Now you might be thinking, "But 以后 means afterwards, why doesn't that work?" In this case, "以后" is just used to talk about the future in general. The meaning that you're probably thinking of comes from the first structure above.

以后

Structure

以后 ，⋯⋯

Examples

以后 再 也 不 来 这里 吃饭 了 ， 又 贵 又 难吃 。 Yǐhòu zài yě bù lái zhèlǐ chīfàn le, yòu guì yòu nánchī. In the future I will never come to this place to eat again. It's expensive and the food is not good. 以后 我 可能 会 去 国外 上 大学 。 Yǐhòu wǒ kěnéng huì qù guówài shàng dàxué. In the future I might go to college abroad. 以后 的 事情 以后 再 说 吧 。 Yǐhòu de shìqing yǐhòu zài shuō bā. We'll talk about future things some time later. 之后

Compared to 以后, 之后 is a little more free. Not only can it happen in the same place, modifying the time, but it can also appear just on its own, meaning something along the lines of "then." While 以后 is dependent on the time, 之后 can stand by itself.

Structure

Event 1 ，之后 + Event 2

Examples

我 要 先 回家 把 东西 放 下 ，之后 去 咖啡店 找 你 。 Wǒ yào xiān huí jiā bǎ dōngxi fàng xià, zhīhòu qù kāfēidiàn zhǎo nǐ. I'm going to go home and drop my stuff off first, then go to the cafe to look for you. 去年 夏天 他 来 过 我 家 ，之后 再 也 没 见 过 他 。 Qùnián xiàtiān tā lái guò wǒ jiā, zhīhòu zài yě méi jiàn guo tā. Last summer, he came to my house. After that, I haven't seen him. Right or Wrong

Examples

我 六 点 下班，以后，我 去 跟 朋友 吃饭。Since there is nothing that "以后" modifies, this sentence doesn't work. 我 六 点 下班，之后，我 去 跟 朋友 吃饭。"之后" works in this sentence. Wǒ liù diǎn xiàbān, zhīhòu, wǒ qù gēn péngyou chīfàn. I will get off work at six o'clock, and after that I will meet with a friend to eat dinner. 昨天 我 跟 朋友 吃 完 饭以后去 了 酒吧。 Zuótiān wǒ gēn péngyou chī wán fàn yǐhòu qù le jiǔbā. Yesterday, when my friends and I were done eating, we went to the bar. 昨天 我 跟 朋友 去 吃饭 了，以后，我们 去 酒吧。Again, since there is nothing for "以后" to modify, it's a bad sentence. 昨天 我 跟 朋友 去 吃饭 了，之后，我们 去 了 酒吧。 Zuótiān wǒ gēn péngyou qù chīfàn le, zhīhòu, wǒmen qù le jiǔbā. "之后" works in this sentence. Yesterday I ate dinner with a friend, and afterward we went to a bar. See Also

After a specific time In the future in general Before and after with "zhiqian" and "zhihou" Comparing "yihou" and "houlai" Sources and Further Reading

Books

Comparing "xiande" and "kanqilai"

(Redirected from ASGKQEG9)

Level B2 Similar to Used for Describing things, Describing people, Expressing attitude Keywords 显得, 看起来 Both 显得 (xiǎnde) and 看起来 (kànqǐlái) have meanings in English like "to appear to be" or "seems like," but their connotations are pretty different.

Contents

1 显得 emphasizes objectivity 1.1 Structure 1.2 Examples 2 看起来 emphasize subjectivity 2.1 Structure 2.2 Examples 3 Example Dialog 4 Sources and further reading 4.1 Books 4.2 Dictionaries 显得 emphasizes objectivity

显得 is used for objective descriptions and comparisons. Therefore, if you want to say that something is not very good, you can use 显得 to emphasize your objectiveness. It can be a "tactical" way to talk.

Structure

A + 显得 + B + Predicate

Examples

这样 穿 显得 我 比较 成熟 。 Zhèyàng chuān xiǎnde wǒ bǐjiào chéngshú. Dressing like this makes me look more mature. 那样 吃 显得 你 很 没 礼貌 。 Nàyàng chī xiǎnde nǐ hěn méi lǐmào. Eating like that makes you look not very polite. 这么 做 会 显得 你 很 小气 。 Zhème zuò huì xiǎnde nǐ hěn xiǎoqì. Doing it like this makes you seem stingy. 那样 说 显得 她 很 笨 。 Nàyàng shuō xiǎnde tā hěn bèn. Talking like that makes her look stupid. 这 种 颜色 的 衣服 显得 你 的 脸色 不 好看 。 Zhè zhǒng yánsè de yīfu xiǎnde nǐ de liǎnsè bù hǎokàn. This color of clothing doesn't go well with your complexion. 看起来 emphasize subjectivity

看起来 is the opposite in that it emphasizes subjectivity, paying close attention to how the observer feels.

Structure

Subj. + 看起来 + Predicate

Examples

你 今天 看起来 很 高兴 。 Nǐ jīntiān kànqǐlái hěn gāoxìng. You seem very happy today. 这个 餐厅 看起来 不错，我们 可以 试试。 Zhège cāntīng kànqǐlái bùcuò, wǒmen kěyǐ shìshi. This restaurant doesn't seem too bad, let's try it out. 她 看起来 有 点 生气 。 Tā kànqǐlái yǒu diǎn shēngqì. She seems a little angry. 你 的 衣服 看起来 挺 贵 的 。 Nǐ de yīfu kànqǐlái tǐng guì de. Your clothes seems expensive to me. 你 女朋友 看起来 像 我 的 中文 老师 。 Nǐ nǚpéngyou kànqǐlái xiàng wǒ de Zhōngwén lǎoshī. Your girlfriend seems like my Chinese teacher. Example Dialog

A: 你 今天 看起来 很 苗条。 A- : Nǐ jīntiān kànqǐlái hěn miáotiáo. You seem very slim today. B: 可能 是 这 件 衣服 显得我 很 苗条 。 B: Kěnéng shì zhè jiàn yīfu xiǎnde wǒ hěn miáotiáo. It's probably these clothes that makes me seem that way. Sources and further reading

Books

HSK Standard Course 5上 (pp. 84) →buy Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 1477) →buy

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B2 grammar points

"B2" (Upper Intermediate) is the fourth level, as defined by the European Common Framework, which is used on this Chinese Grammar Wiki. It is roughly equivalent to HSK Level 4. For more information on the levels used here, see the Grammar Points by Level page.

There are 132 total grammar points in the list below. Contents

   1 Parts of Speech
       1.1 Adjectives
       1.2 Adverbs
       1.3 Auxiliary Words
       1.4 Conjunctions
       1.5 Nouns
       1.6 Particles
       1.7 Prepositional Phrase
       1.8 Prepositions
       1.9 Pronouns
       1.10 Sentence Patterns
       1.11 Verbs
           1.11.1 Auxiliary verbs
           1.11.2 Verb phrases
   2 Grammatical Structures
       2.1 "But" Statements
       2.2 "Even If" Statements
       2.3 "If" Statements
       2.4 "No Matter" Statements
       2.5 Cause/Effect Statements
       2.6 Complements
       2.7 Conditional Statements
       2.8 Sentence Patterns
           2.8.1 Either… or
           2.8.2 Let alone
           2.8.3 Not only… but also…
   3 Comparisons
       3.1 Adverbs
       3.2 Auxiliary Words
       3.3 Conjunctions
       3.4 Prepositions
       3.5 Separate Functions
       3.6 Time Words
       3.7 Verbs
   4 See Also

Parts of Speech Adjectives Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Adjectival complement "de budeliao" Adj. + 得不得了 爸爸 气 得 不得了，你 要 倒霉 啦。 Adjectival complement "de hen" Adj. + 得 很 这个 题目 简单 得 很 。 Challenging an adjective with "shenme" Adj. + 什么？ 你急 什么 急，还 早 着 呢。 Expressing "a bit too" Adj. + 了 + (一) 点儿 那个 地方 离 我家 远 了 点儿 。 Saying "a lot" with "youdeshi" Subj. + 有的是 + Noun 川菜 上海 有的是。 Adverbs Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Advanced use of "you" Subj. + Verb + 了 + 又 + Verb 他 找 了 又 找，还 是 没 找到 他 的 钱 包。 Advanced uses of "dou" Subj. + 都 + Predicate 我都能闻见面包的香味。 Advanced uses of "zong" 总 + Media + Verb 咱们 总 得 想 个 办法 啊。总 不 能 让 他 一个人 去 吧？ An additional step with "jin yi bu" Subj. + 进一步 + Verb 我们 准备 进一步 扩大 中国 市场。 Assessing situations with "kanlai" 看来 + Judgment to the Situation；在 + Person + 看来 看来他不来了，都这么晚了。 Declaring the only option with "zhihao" 只好 + Verb Phrase 上 个 周末 下雨 了，我们 只好 待 在 家。 Emphatic adverb "ke" 可 + Adj. (+ 了) 这 件 事情 对 他 造成 的 影响 可 大 了 。 Expressing "after all" with "bijing" 毕竟 别 怪 他 了 ， 毕竟 他 还 小 。 Expressing "almost" using "chadian mei" Subj. + 差点没 + Verb 路 这么 滑，我 差点没 摔倒。 Expressing "anyway" as "fanzheng" 反正 随便 你 信 不 信 ， 反正 我 不 信 。 Expressing "as much as possible" with "jinliang" 尽量 + Verb 我 会 尽量 想 办法 帮 你 的。 Expressing "even" with "shenzhi" 甚至 他们 贡献 出 所有 的 精力 ， 甚至 最 宝贵 的 生命 。 Expressing "feel free" with "jinguan" 尽管 + Verb Phrase 有 什么 事 ，尽管 找 我 。 Expressing "have to" with budebu Subj. + 不得不 + Verb 老板 很 讨厌 应酬，但是 她 不得不 去。 Expressing "in the end" with "daodi" 到底 事情 到底 是 办 成 了 。 Expressing "in the end" with "jiujing" 究竟 你 究竟 喜 不 喜欢 我？ Expressing "just" do it with "gancui" Subj. + 干脆 + Verb 家里什么都没有，干脆出去吃吧。 Expressing "nearly" with "jihu" Subj. + 几乎 + Verb 他 的 头发 几乎 全 白 了 。 Expressing "never again" with "zai ye bu" Subj. + 再也 + 不 + Verb-Obj. + 了 我 再也 不 想 跟 你 说话 了 。 Expressing "originally" with "benlai" 本来⋯⋯ 搬家 本来 就 很 麻烦。 Expressing "over and over again" with "zaisan" 再三 + Verb 妈妈 再三 叮嘱 我 ， 要 注意 安全 。 Expressing "simply" with "jianzhi" 简直⋯⋯ 她 感动 得 简直 要 哭 出来 了 。 Expressing "since the beginning" with "yixiang" 一向 + Verb 他 做 事情 一向 踏实 。 Expressing "while you're at it" with "shunbian" Subj. ＋Verb Phrase 1，顺便 + Verb Phrase 2 你 出去 的 时候顺便 帮 我 买 杯 咖啡。 Expressing concern with "kongpa" 恐怕 + Fact 恐怕 今天 做 不 完。 Expressing difficulty with "hao (bu) rongyi" 好(不)容易 我 好不容易 才 打通 了 银行 的 服务 热线。 Expressing indifference with "jiu" Verb + 就 + Verb 不吃就不吃，你以为我很想吃啊？ Expressing wasted efforts with "bai" 白 + Verb 白 花 了 一 百 块 钱，这 件 衣服 不 能 穿。 Rhetorical questions with "nandao" 难道⋯⋯？ 这 都 是 你 引起 的 ， 难道 你 就 不 内疚 ？ Auxiliary Words Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Listing things with "a" ⋯⋯啊，⋯⋯啊 我们 店里 有 水饺 啊，盖浇饭 啊 ⋯⋯ Conjunctions Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Expressing "and" with "he" (advanced) Verb 1 + 和 + Verb 2 政府 每年 都 会 维护 和 修理 这些 建筑 。 Using "er" to explain contrasting ideas Sentence 1， + 而 + Sentence 2 以后 后悔 的 人 不 是 我，而 是 你 自己。 Nouns Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Expressing "among" with "dangzhong" 当中 他们 当中 有 温州 人 ， 有 宁波 人 。 Expressing "within (it/them)" with "qizhong" 其中 有 五 个 人 报名 了 ， 其中 两 个 是 女生 。 Name-calling with "zhege" Noun + 这个 + Category 你 这个 坏蛋，就 没 做 过 一 件 好 事。 Particles Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Softening the tone of questions with "ne" ⋯⋯呢？ 他 人 在 哪 呢 ？ Taiwanese "you" 有 + Verb + 过 我 有 去 过 中国。 Prepositional Phrase Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Defining scope 级别 / 次序 / 数目 + 以上 / 以下 十 岁 以下 的 孩子 不用 买 票 。 Prepositions Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Expressing "along with…" with "suizhe" 随着 A + 的 + Verb， Subj. + Predicate 随着 经济 的 发展，人们 的 生活 越 来 越 好。 Expressing "ever since" with "zicong" (自)从⋯⋯ 自从 来 了 上海 ， 他 就 习惯 了 繁忙 的 生活 。 Expressing "on the basis of" with "ping" 凭⋯⋯ 他 凭 自己 的 努力 成功 。 Expressing "with regards to" with "zhiyu" 至于 你 先 看 产品 。 至于 价格 ， 我们 再 商量 。 Expressing passive voice with "gei" 受事主语 + 给 + 施事者 + Verb Phrase；受事主语 + 被 + 施事者 + 给 + Verb Phrase 事情 给 解决 了 吗？ Limiting scope with "jiu" 就⋯⋯ (来说 / 而言) 就 我 而言 ， 兴趣 最 重要 。 Opportune timing with "chen" 趁⋯⋯ 趁 老板 不 在，我们 出去 吃饭 吧。 Pronouns Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Comparing "bici" and “duifang" 彼此 + Verb 太 吵 了，我们 都 听不到 对方 在 说 什么。 Sentence Patterns Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Emphasizing a negation with "bing" Subj. + 并 + 不 + Verb / Adj. 当 金融 分析 人员 并 不是 我 的 梦想。 Expressing "if it were not for" with "yaobushi" 要不是 ⋯⋯ ( 的话 )，⋯⋯ 要不是 你们 迟到 的话，我们 早就 到 了。 Expressing "that's all" with "eryi" Subj. + (仅仅) + 是 + Obj. + 而已 他 只 是 开 个 玩笑 而已，不 要 当 真。 Verbs Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Basic comparisons with "bu bi" Noun 1 + 不比 + Noun 2 + Adj. 小明 不 比 小刚 聪明。 Challenging a verb with "shenme" Verb + 什么 + Obj. 没有 钱 看 什么 电影。 Comparing specifically with "xiang" Noun 1 + 像 + Noun 2 + (那么⋯⋯) 她 像 妈妈 那么 善良。 Comparisons with "biqi" 比起 + B (+ 来) ，A ~ 比起上海 ，我 老家 的 物价 便宜 多 了。 Comparisons with "buru" 不如⋯⋯ 我的 汉语 不如 他的。 Expressing "compared with" with "gen" 跟 + A + 比 ， B ~ 跟 上海 比 ，北京 的 冬天 比较 干 。 Making "-ize" and "-ify" verbs with "hua" Noun / Adj. + 化 KFC 的 中国 本土化 经营 做 得 非常 成功。 Using "nanguai" as a verb 难怪 + Person， Reason 难怪 他，他还是个孩子呢，什么都不懂。 Auxiliary verbs Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Expressing future with "jiang" 将 / 将要 / 将会 + Verb 他 将要 离开 上海 。 Verb phrases Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Combining verbs with "bing" Verb + 并 + Verb 我 同意 并且 支持 你 的 决定 。 Emphasizing the doer of an action with "you" 由 + Person + Verb 这个 项目 由 小李 来 完成 。 Expressing "hard to avoid" with "nanmian" 难免 + Verb 第 一 次 尝试 ， 难免 失败 。 Expressing "to be worth" doing with "zhide" 值得 + Verb 这个 想法 不错 ， 值得 考虑 。 Facilitating an outcome with "yibian" 以便 + Verb 用 普通话 说 ， 以便 我 能 听懂 。 Passive verbs with "shou" 受 + Verb 他 为 人 善良 ， 很 受 尊重 。 Using "zhe" when "verbing away" Verb + 着 + Verb + 着 走 着 走 着 ， 他们 到 家 了 。 Grammatical Structures

These following are grammatical structures that do not correspond to one particular part of speech. "But" Statements Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Expressing "although" with "jinguan" 尽管⋯⋯，但是⋯⋯ 尽管 我 很 生气 ，但是 还是 控制 住 了。 Expressing "not… but rather…" with "er shi" 不是⋯⋯，而是⋯⋯ 他 不 是 老师 ， 而 是 学生 。 Expressing "on the contrary" with "fan'er" ⋯⋯，反而⋯⋯ 他 没有 放弃 ， 反而 更加 努力 了 ！ Expressing contrariness with "dao" 倒⋯⋯ 雨 没有 停 ， 倒 大 起来 了 。 The "however" adverb "que" ⋯⋯，却⋯⋯ 他们 一见钟情 ， 却 没有 在 一起 。 "Even If" Statements Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Expressing "even if…" with "jishi" 即使⋯⋯，也⋯⋯ 即使 东西 不 好吃 ， 你 也 要 稍微 吃 点 。 Expressing "even if…" with "jiushi" 就是⋯⋯，也⋯⋯ 就是 天气 不 好 ， 我 也 要 出去 玩 。 Expressing "even if…" with "jiusuan" 就算⋯⋯，也⋯⋯ 就算 有 再 多 困难 ， 我们 也 要 坚持 到底 。 Expressing "even if…" with "napa" 哪怕⋯⋯，也⋯⋯ 哪怕 第 一 次 失败 了 ， 也 要 继续 研究 。 "If" Statements Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Expressing "if… then…" with "jiaru" 假如⋯⋯，就⋯⋯ 假如 下雨 了 ， 就 收 衣服 。 Expressing "if… then…" with "jiashi" 假使⋯⋯，就⋯⋯ 假使 你 遇到 坏人 ， 就 报警 。 Expressing "if… then…" with "yaoshi" 要是⋯⋯，就⋯⋯ 要是 他 不 来，我们 就 走 吧。 Marking a topic with "de hua" ⋯⋯的话 荤菜 的话 ， 我 喜欢 牛肉 。 "No Matter" Statements Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Expressing "no matter" with "buguan" 不管⋯⋯，都 / 也⋯⋯ 不管 身体 好 坏 ， 他 都 工作 到 深夜 。 Expressing "no matter" with "wulun" 无论 / 不论⋯⋯，都 / 也⋯⋯ 无论 天 多 热 ， 都 要 坚持 。 Cause/Effect Statements Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Expressing "due to…" with "youyu" 由于⋯⋯，⋯⋯ 由于 天气 原因， 我们 的 航班 取消了。 Expressing "since" with "jiran" 既然⋯⋯，就⋯⋯ 既然 来 了 ， 就 留 下来 吃饭 吧 。 Expressing "therefore" with "yinci" ⋯⋯，因此⋯⋯ 这 家 饭店 涨价 了 ， 因此 顾客 也 少 了 。 Stating the effect before the cause 之所以⋯⋯，是因为 / 是由于⋯⋯ 我 之所以 生气 ， 是 因为 他 迟到 了 。 Using "because" with "er" to indicate effect 因为⋯⋯，而⋯⋯ 饭店 因为 物价 上涨 而 涨价 。 Complements Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Advanced potential complements Verb + 得 / 不 + 了 今晚 我 有事 ，去 不 了 。 Advanced result complements Verb + 住 抓住 那个 小偷 ！ Complement "-huai le" Verb + 坏了 坏 了。 Using "lai" and "qu" when "verbing around" Verb + 来 + Verb + 去 他 考虑 来 考虑 去 ， 最后 还是 决定 回 学校 。 Using "zhao" as complement Verb + 着 宝宝 刚 睡 着。 Conditional Statements Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Expressing "as long as" with "zhiyao" 只要⋯⋯，就⋯⋯ 只要 你 过来 ， 我们 就 很 开心 。 Expressing "once...then..." with "yidan...jiu..." 一旦⋯⋯，就⋯⋯ 一旦 我 找 好 的 工作，我 就 会 安心。 Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou" 只有⋯⋯，才⋯⋯ 只有 你 帮忙 ， 我 才 能 完成 任务 。 Expressing "unless" with "chufei" 除非⋯⋯，才⋯⋯ 除非 你 求情 ， 他 才 肯 帮忙 。 Sentence Patterns Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Advanced uses of "ba" 把 + Noun + Verb⋯⋯ 我 没有 把 它 当回事。 Conditions with "yao" and "jiu" 要 Verb 就 Verb 要 学 就 学 好，不 要 马马虎虎。 Expressing "any" with "renhe" 任何 + Noun 我 的 弟弟 特别 顽固，任何 的 人 都 不 能 说服 他。 Expressing "both… and…" with "ji...you" 既⋯⋯也 / 又⋯⋯ 他 做 事情 既 快 又 好。 Expressing "the more... the more..." with "yue… yue…" Subj.＋越＋Verb＋越 + Adj. / Verb 她 越 想 越 生气。 Expressing "would rather" with "ningke" 宁可⋯⋯，也⋯⋯ 他 宁可 输，也 不 放弃。 Expressing purpose with "haorang" Subj. 1 + Action， 好让 + Purpose 你 要 说 慢 点儿，好 让 他们 明白。 Expressing simultaneous actions with "yimian" 一面⋯⋯，一面⋯⋯ 他 喜欢 一面 吃 东西 ， 一面 看 电影。 Expressing the only two possibilities 不是⋯⋯，就是⋯⋯ 不是 成功，就是 失败。 Occurring together with "shaobuliao" A 少不了 B 春节 少不了 吃 饺子。 Either… or Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Providing two options with double "huozhe" 或者⋯⋯，或者⋯⋯ 只 有 一 块 蛋糕，或者 你 吃 或者 我 吃。 Let alone Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Expressing "let alone" with "bie shuo" 别说⋯⋯，就是⋯⋯ 别说 一百 ， 就是 一 块 钱 我 也 不 给 你 。 Expressing "let alone" with "geng buyong shuo" ⋯⋯，更不用说⋯⋯ 她 会 说 法语 ， 更 不用 说 英语 了 。 Expressing "let alone" with "hekuang" 连⋯⋯都（也）⋯⋯，何况⋯⋯ 连 小李 都 同意 了 ， 何况 小张。 Not only… but also… Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Expressing "not only… but also" with "bujin" 不仅⋯⋯，而且⋯⋯ 她 不仅 聪明 ， 而且 漂亮 。 Many types of "not only... but also..." 不但 / 不只 / 不仅⋯⋯，而且 / 还 / 也 ⋯⋯ 他 不仅 喜欢 吃 中国 菜，而且 也 会 做 几 个 中国 菜！ Comparisons Adverbs Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Comparing "benlai" and "yuanlai" 本来 vs 原来 他原来的 公司 本来 要 派 他 去 上海，但是 因为 家 里 有事，去 不了 了。 Comparing "buduan" and "buting" 不断 vs 不停 她 不断 地 找 我，每次 都 说 个 不停。 Comparing "cai" and "jiu" 才 vs 就 我 花 了 两 天 才修 好，你 一下子 就 弄 坏 了。 Comparing "turan" and “huran" 突然 vs 忽然 我的 电话 忽然 响了。 事情 发生 得 太 突然。 Auxiliary Words Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Comparing "zongsuan" and “zhongyu" 总算 vs 终于 今天 的 会 终于 开 完 了！你 总算 来 了。 Conjunctions Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Comparing "fan'er" and “que" 反而 vs 却 她反而 有点不高兴。他 却 没 带 伞。 Comparing "gen" and "dui" 跟 vs 对 那 个 帅哥 在 对 我 招手！那 你 要 跟 他 去 吗？ Prepositions Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Comparing "chao" "xiang" and "wang" 朝 vs 向 vs 往 往 前 走 十 分 钟。向 雷锋 同志 学习！他 朝 我 笑 了 笑。 Comparing "duiyu" and "zhiyu" 关于 vs 对于 vs 至于 关于 放假， 对于 怎么解决，至于另外一份工作 。 Comparing "guanyu" and "duiyu" 关于 vs 对于 对于 那 个 人， 关于 我们 的 学习 方法 Separate Functions Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Comparing "fan'er" and “xiangfan" 反而 vs 相反 吃 水果 不但 对 他 没 好处，反而 有 坏处。 老板 的 想法 跟 我 的 相反。 Comparing "kending" "queding" and “yiding" 肯定 vs 确定 vs 一定 老板 肯定 了 我们 团队 的 工作。你 确定 他 是 我们 要 找 的 人？一定 要 小心。 Comparing "shihe" and "heshi" 适合 vs 合适 这 个 颜色 不 适合 他 ， 黑色 才 是 最 合适 的。 Time Words Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Comparing "changchang" and "jingchang" 常常 vs 经常 我 不 常常 运动 ， 我 以后 要经常 运动 。 Comparing "pingshi" and "pingchang" 平时 vs 平常 他平时就喜欢研究玉，他说你的这个不是很少见的玉，只是一种很平常的玉 。 Comparing "yizhi" and "yixiang" 一直 vs 一向 我 一直 在 现在 的 公司 工作。他 一向 不 迟到。 Verbs Grammar Point (English) Pattern Examples Comparing "xiande" and "kanqilai" 显得 vs 看起来 你 看起来 很 苗条 ，可能 是 这 件 衣服 显得 你 很 苗条 。 See Also

   Grammar Points by Level
   This list in French: Grammaire chinoise niveau B2

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得不得了 (de bùdéliǎo) can be used as a complement to suggest a situation is serious, or is likely to result in perhaps terrible consequences. It can be used in a positive sense, such as in English when we say "I'm terribly happy."

Structure

Adj. + 得不得了

Examples

升职 的 事情 让 他 高兴 得 不得了。  The fact that he got promoted made him extremely happy.

嗨，他 跟 老总 的 关系 好 得 不得了，你 一定 要 小心！  The relationship between him and the chief officer is really good, you need to be careful!

爸爸 气 得 不得了，你 要 倒霉 啦。  Dad is super angry. You're going to be unlucky.

她的妈妈刚去世， 她难过 得 不得了。  Her mom just passed away, she is extremely sad.

See also

Adjectival complement "de hen"

Descriptive complements

Negative adjectives with "-si le"

Positive adjectives with "-ji le"

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 2 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 134-5)

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 53)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (pp. 262)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (p. 159)

The complement 得很 (dehěn) is used after adjectives to add intensity. It is similar to adding 很 before the adjective, the main difference being that adjective + 得很 is more informal, and adds more emphasis than just 很 + adjective. Note that 在普通话里，能用在“得很”前的形容词、动词不多。

Structure

Adj. + 得很

Examples

你 觉得 不 好吃？我 觉得 好吃 得很。  You don't think it tastes good? I think it's quite good.

不 用 担心，这次 考试 简单 得很。  Don't worry. This test is very simple.

离 我 远 点儿 ！我 现在 烦 得很！  Stay away from me! I'm very upset now!

你 觉得 他 不 高兴？我看 他 今天 心情 好 得很！  You think he's unhappy? From what I see, he's in good mood today!

我 最近 忙 得很，每天 都 要 加班。  I've been quite busy lately. I need to work late every day.

高峰期 路上 堵 得很，我 建议 你 上班 坐 地铁。  The traffic is really heavy in rush hours. I suggest you take the metro to work.

他 这 个 人 自私 得 很，从来 不 为 别人 考虑。  He's really selfish. He never thought about other people.

See also

Adjectival complement "de budeliao"

Positive adjectives with "-ji le"

Negative adjectives with "-si le"

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 50-1)

Adding 什么(shénme) to the end of an adjective (or less frequently to a verb) can be used to form a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetorical_question| rhetorical question]. For example, in the phrase 你急什么？"what are you worried about?," the speaker is implying that there is no need to be worried.

Structure

Adj.／Verb + 什么 + (Adj.／Verb)？

Like in English, "what are you worried about" can be a rhetorical question, and can also be actually inquiring about what exactly the listener is worried about. The same is true in Chinese, so context and tone of voice is important in understanding what the speaker means.

Examples

紧张 什么 啊，你 不 是 上 过 好 几 次 舞台 了 吗？应该 早就 习惯 了 吧。 What are you nervous for? Haven't you been on stage a bunch of times? You should be used to it by now.

郁闷 什么 呀，看看 这 蓝蓝 的天空，绿绿 的 田园，生活 多 美好 啊！ Why so sad? Look at the blue sky, the green fields, life is so beautiful!

你急 什么 急，还 早 着 呢。 Why are you so anxious? It's still early.

你看 什么 看，没 见 过 美 女 啊？ What are you looking at? Haven't you seen a pretty girl before?

If the adjective or verb is repeated after the 什么 as in the 3rd and 4th example, it acts to give further emphasis. It almost has a tone of incredulity, a bit like "what on earth are you worried/anxious about?" Generally only single character adjectives can be used in this way.

你忙什么忙？

你紧张什么紧张？

See also

Challenging a Verb with ''shenme'"

Sources and Further Reading

了一点儿 (le yīdiǎnr), can be added after an adjective to mean "a little bit too." It is softer in tone than using 太, and so is often used when the speaker doesn't want to insult the listener by speaking too directly.

Structure

In this structure, the overall effect of the pattern depends on the preceding adjective. If the adjective in the structure has a negative meaning, then it is used to show the speaker’s dissatisfaction (a sort of complaint). If the adjective in the structure has a positive meaning, then it usually reflects a change.

Adj. + 了（一）点儿

Examples

这 条 牛仔裤 好像 短 了 点儿 。 This jeans seems a little short for me.

那个 地方 离 我 家 远 了 一点儿。 That place is a little too far away from my place.

这 件 衬衫 小 了 点儿 ，我 想 换 一 件。 This shirt is a little small. I need another one.

他 给 的 这个 红包 好像 少 了 点儿 。 The money he gave in the red packet seems too little.

你 管 得 是 不 是 多 了 点儿 ？ Don't you care too much?

现在 说 “对不起” 是 不 是 晚 了 点儿 ？ Isn't it a little too late to say sorry just now?

私立 学校 是 贵 了 点儿 ，不过 老师 很 优秀 。 Private schools are a little expensive, but their teachers are excellent.

你 这么 高 ，你 这个 男朋友 是 不 是 矮 了 点儿 ？ You are so tall. Isn't your boyfriend a little short for you?

这 道 菜 咸 了 点儿 ，可以 换 一 盘 吗？ This dish is a little too salty, could you have another one again?

对 五 岁 的 孩子 来说 ，这 个 问题复杂 了 一点儿 。 This question is a bit complicated for a five-year-old kid.

As in the first two examples, 稍微 is often added before the adjective to further soften the tone.

See also

Expressing "much more" in comparisons

Expressing "excessively" with tai

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (pp. 6- 8)

In Chinese, there are "a lot" of ways to say "a lot." “有的是” (yǒudeshì) is one of those ways. However, we need to be very clear: "有的是" is not the same as "有的+是". Unfortunately, these two phrases are extremely close, but their meanings are not the same at all! "有的是" indicates that the amount or quantity of something is very large, and it can sometimes indicate a mood of exaggeration.

Structure

Subj. + 有的是 + Noun

You can also put the noun at the beginning of the sentence, and put "有的是" at the end, like so:

Noun + Subj. + 有的是 。

Examples

他 爸 是 大 老板 ，有的是 钱 。 I have a lot of spare change, you don't need to give me change.

她 是 全职 妈妈 ，有的是 时间 。 She's a full time mother. She's got plenty of time.

我 一 个 大男人 ，有的是 力气 。 I'm a big man. I've got plenty of strength.

上海 这么 大 的 城市 ，工作 机会 有的是 。 Shanghai is such a big city. It's got plenty of job opportunities.

这样 的 笔 我 家 有的是 ，这些 都 送给 你 。 There are a lot of this kind of pens in my house. I'm going to give them to you.

这样 的 资源 网上 有的是。 There's a lot of this kind of resources on the Internet.

这 种 风格 的 咖啡店 上海 有的是 。 There are lots of cafes of this kind of style.

别 担心 。世界上 男人 有的是 ，分手 了 还 可以 再 找 。 Don't worry. There are a lot of men in the world. You can find someone else after breakup.

It's important to note that "有的是" can not be negated. If you want to say the negative statement, you'll have to say "没有很多."

我不有的是零钱。

我没有的是零钱。

我没有很多零钱。

See Also

Sources and Further Reading

NEEDS SOURCES

Here we repeat the verb used and place 又 in the middle. The repetition of the verb emphasizes how the action is being repeated again and again. This one is definitely the most advanced usage of 又 here, and you're not going to use it nearly as much as the others.

Structure

In the pattern below, 又, together with a repeating verb, indicates that the speaker did something repeatedly (not just twice) in the past. Note that verb used here must be a single-syllable verb, usually like 看, 想, 问, 找, 试, etc. 了 is placed right after the first 又.

Subj. ＋Verb + 了 + 又 + Verb，还是 / 就是 ……

Note that "还是" or "就是" is often used to emphasize that "nothing changed" after all.

Examples

这 个 人 我 看 了又 看，还是 觉得 我 不 认识 他。 Zhège rén wǒ kàn le yòu kàn, háishì juéde wǒ bù rènshi tā. I looked at him again and again, but I still think I don't know him.

我 想 了又 想，还是 觉得 不 能 这样 做 。 Wǒ xiǎng le yòu xiǎng, háishì juéde bù néng zhèyàng zuò. I thought it over again and again, I think I can't do it like this.

他 找了又 找，还是 没 找到 他 的 钱 包。 Tā zhǎo le yòu zhǎo, háishì méi zhǎodào tā de qiánbāo He searched again and again, and still couldn't find his wallet.

他 想了又 想，还是 不 同意。Tā xiǎng le yòu xiǎng, háishì bù tóngyì. He thought it over again and again, and he still disagree.

我们 问 了 又 问，她 就是 不 说。 Wǒmen wèn le yòu wèn, tā jiùshì bù shuō. We asked again and again, but she wouldn't say it.

他 试 了 又 试，就是 打 不 开 门。 Tā shì le yòu shì, jiùshì dǎ bù kāi mén. He tried again and again, but he still couldn't open the door.

我 尝 了 又 尝，还是 觉得 这些 菜 坏 了。 Wǒ cháng le yòu cháng, háishì juéde zhèxiē cài huài le. I tasted again and again, but I still think those food has gone bad.

他 闻 了 又 闻，还是 什么 都 没 闻到。 Tā wén le yòu wén, háishì shénme dōu méi wéndào. He smelled again and again, but he still didn't smell anything.

这 个 方案 改了又 改，终于 通过 了。 Zhège fāng'àn gǎi le yòu gǎi, zhōngyú tōngguò le. This plan was changed again and again, and finally it passed.

这 件 衣服 妈妈 洗了又 洗，终于 洗 干净 了。 Zhè jiàn yīfu māma xǐ le yòu xǐ, zhōngyú xǐ gānjìng le. Mother washed this clothing again and again, and it's finally clean.

See also

Expressing "both A and B" with "you"

Expressing "again" in the past with "you"

Comparing "zai" and "you"

Emphasizing negation with "you"

Sources and further reading

Books

In its simplest terms, 都 (dōu) means "all," but there are also many other advanced uses for it.

都 meaning "to the point that"

都 can also mean 甚至, meaning "even to the point that," and in this form it expresses emphasis.

Subj. + 都 + Predicate

Examples

我都能闻见面包的香味。  I can even smell the aroma of bread.

我对你太了解了，我都能知道你下一步要做什么。  I understand you completely. I can even know what your next move is.

我很想妈妈，有时候我都能看见她。  I really miss Mom. Sometimes I can even see her.

都 meaning "since..., then..."

都 can also mean "既然⋯⋯就", meaning "Since ..., in that case...“ A simple example would be 他都不说汉语，别跟他讲话, meaning "Since he does not speak Chinese, so don't talk with him."

都 + 小句，主句

Examples

他都这么说了，你还好意思再找他帮忙？  Even though he said that, you still have the guts to ask for his help?

来都来了，就先别急着走了。  Since everyone got here, we need to go now.

都 can also have have a tone of complaint

It often has a tone of grumbling or complaint, and it is often used with 怨 or 怪.

都 + 怨 / 是 / 怪 + Somebody

Examples

都 怪 你，出门 不 带 伞。  It's all your fault, leaving without bringing an umbrella.

都 是 你，害 我 跑 这么 远。  It's your fault for making me run so far.

都 怨 你，不 提前 订 好 座位。  I blame you for not making the reservation earlier in the day.

See also

"Even" as "shenzhi"

Expressing "Every" with "mei" and "dou"

Explaining results with "suoyi"

Expressing "all" with "shenme dou"

Emphasizing quantity with "dou"

Expressing "even" with "lian" and "dou"

"Already" with "dou…le"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 97-99)

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 178)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp.329 )

总 (zǒng) can often be simply translated as "always," but it has other advanced uses as well. It can express "no matter how long or under what circumstances, facts are facts." It can also express "no matter what." It is often paired with other words to form set phrases such as 总会, 总归, 总得, 总要, 总能, etc. It can also be structured together with other unconditional compound phrases like 无论 and 不管. You cannot place it directly after the verb.

Used with Auxiliary Verb

In this structure, 总, with its companion character (usually a modal/auxiliary verb), means "always will (fill in character/action here)" Once again, it gives the feeling of something very concrete and factual. One of the examples below says "No matter what happens, people have to eat."

Structure

总 + 会 / 得 / 要 / 能 + Verb

Examples

这里 是 他 家，他 总 会 回来 的。 This is his home. He will always come back.

咱们 总 得 想 个 办法 啊。 We always have to come up with something to do.

不管 发生 了 什么，人 总 要 吃饭 吧。 No matter what happens, people have to eat.

他 是 你 爸爸，你 总 要 礼貌 一点 吧。 He is your father, you should always a little more polite.

你 拿 了 人家 的 钱，总 得 帮 人家 做 事 吧。 You took their money, so you're always going to have to help them do stuff.

Used with 不 and 没

When 总 is used together with a negating word (like 不 or 没), it often has a tone of speculation, judgement or suggestion. The sentence often ends with a 吧.

Structure

总 + 不 / 没 + Verb

Examples

你们 之间 的 联系 这么 少，看 起来 总 不 像 是 一 家 人。 You talk to each other so little. It seems that you're barely family.

他 这么 大 年纪 了，我们 总 不 能 让 他 一个人 去 吧？ He's so old. We can't let him go there all alone. What do you think?

这么 晚 了，总 不 会 出 了 什么事 吧？ It's getting late. Do you think something bad happened?

这 件 事 总 不 会 是 内部 的 人 做 的 吧？ Do you think this is an inside job?

他 想 带 父母 去 旅行，可是 总 没 时间。 He wants to take her parents to travel, but he's always not able to find time.

See also

Comparing "zongsuan" and “zhongyu"

"Always" with "zongshi"

Expressing "After All" with "bijing"

Expressing "In the End" with "daodi"

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (总归p. 698)

现代汉语虚词例释(总 p.663）

进一步 (jìnyībù), is an adverb meaning "further" or to "go a step forward." Usually it is used in formally written Chinese, though it can be spoken as well.

Structure

It is simply placed before the verb of the sentence.

Subj. + 进一步 + Verb

Examples

我们 准备 进一步 扩大 中国 市场。 We are prepared to further expand the Chinese market.

这 件 事情 需要 进一步 调查。 This event requires further investigation.

这 次 开会 的 内容 是 进一步 研究 这 个 项目。 The purpose of this meeting is to further research on this project.

如果你要在中国工作你最好 进一步 学汉语。 If you are going to work in China, you had better study Chinese a little bit more.

我们在一起旅游后我们的友谊有了进一步 的发展。  After swimming together, our friendship developed further.

又, 再, 才能, 并 with 进一步

又, 再, 才能, and 并 also can also be added in front of 进一步.

Examples

这项设计完成以后，他们又进一步 致力于另一项工程的设计。 After this design was completed, they worked further on a different engineering project.

我们先在一所学校进行教学改革的试点，并 进一步 推广到全市的中学。 We first tested our education reform in one school, and then we further extended it to the rest of the city's middle schools.

先学好第一外语，再 进一步 学好第二外语。 Study your first foreign language well first, then you can take the next step and start a second foreign language.

弄懂这个问题之后，才能进一步 研究其他问题。 After you've figured out this problem, go a bit further and research the other problems as well.

See also

"In addition" with "zaishuo"

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（P309） [

看来 can be translated as "apparently" or "it seems" and is used by the speaker to introduce his understanding of a situation.

看来 as "it seems"

When speaking objectively about a situation, you can say 看来 and then state your perspective.

Structure

看来 + Perspective

Examples

看来他不来了，都这么晚了。 It seems he's not coming. It's already so late.

看来你玩得不高兴，怎么这么早就回来了？ I guess you didn't have a good time. Is that why you came back so early?

现在看来，事情没那么糟。 Now it looks like things aren't that bad.

看来 as "from x's perspective"

看来 can also be used to highlight a specific person(s) or type of person(s) point of view. This is like saying "the way he/she sees it..." You can also say 在我看来, which is the longer version, though it is used more often that way in formal speaking and writing, as it has more of a feeling like "in my opinion..."

Structure

在 + Person + 看来 + Perspective

Examples

在我看来，不 会 花 钱 的 人 就 不 会 享受 生活。 The way I see it, people who won't spend money aren't going to enjoy life.

在他看来，公司 大小 不重要，重要的是老板好不好。 According to him, the size of the company isn't important. What's important is whether or not the boss is good.

See also

"For…" with "eryan"

Limiting scope with "jiu"

Appearance with "kanqilai"

"It seems" with "haoxiang"

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (p. 60)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp.763)

“只好”，语气副词，表示没有其他选择，不太情愿做某事。跟“不得不”意思差不多，但语气没那么重。

Using 只好 before Verb

Structure

……，（Subj.）＋ 只好 + Verb Phrase

Examples

上 个 周末 下雨 了 ， 我们 只好 待 在 家 。 Shàng gè zhōumò xiàyǔ le, wǒmen zhǐhǎo dāi zài jiā. It rained last weekend. We didn't have a choice but stay at home.

太 晚 了 ， 我 只好 打车 回去 。 Tài wǎn le, wǒ zhǐhǎo dǎchē huíqù. It's too late. I had to take a taxi back home.

别的 餐厅 都 关门 了 ， 我们 只好 去 吃 KFC 。 Biéde cāntīng dōu guānmén le, wǒmen zhǐhǎo qù chī KFC. Other restaurants are all closed. We didn't have a choice but go to KFC to eat.

我们 今天 没 买到 票 ， 只好 明天 再 买 。 Wǒmen jīntiān méi mǎidào piào, zhǐhǎo míngtiān zài mǎi. We didn't get the tickets, so we had to buy it tomorrow.

他 中午 没 时间 去 吃饭 ， 只好 叫 外卖 。 Tā zhōngwǔ méi shíjiān qù chīfàn, zhǐhǎo jiào wàimài. He didn't have time for lunch, so he had to order food.

Using 只好 before Subject

Structure

……，只好 + Subj. ＋ Verb Phrase

Examples

他 没有 时间 去 ， 只好 我 去 了 。 Tā méiyǒu shíjiān qù, zhǐhǎo wǒ qù le. He doesn't have time to go. So I have to go.

爸爸 的 话 他 总是 不 听 ， 只好 妈妈 去 跟 他 说 。 Bàba de huà tā zǒngshì bù tīng, zhǐhǎo māma qù gēn tā shuō. He always doesn't listen to what his father said. It has to be his mother who'll talk to him.

我们 都 要 上班 ， 只好 女儿 自己 去 。 Wǒmen dōu yào shàngbān, zhǐhǎo nǚ’ér zìjǐ qù. We all need to go to work. Our daughter has to go by herself.

老板 不 在 ， 只好 你 来 见 这 个 新 客户 了 。 Lǎobǎn bù zài, zhǐhǎo nǐ lái jiàn zhège xīn kèhù le. The boss isn't here. It has to be you to meet this new client for him.

爸 妈 今天 不 在 家 ， 只好 我 来 照顾 妹妹 了 。 Bà mā jīntiān bù zài jiā, zhǐhǎo wǒ lái zhàogu mèimei le. My parents are not home today. It has to be me who looks after my little sister.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Expressing "have to" with budebu

可 (kě) can be used to intensify an adjective, or to add emphasis to a verb. It is stronger than other modifiers, as 可 compares the speaker's expectations with the actual situation. The meaning of 可 is very reliant on context.

可 is generally used by Northern speakers and is informal, generally only used in spoken Chinese.

可 used to intensify an adjective

Structure

可 + Adj.

Examples

In these examples, 可 is used a bit like 很, as it is used to intensify an adjective:

这 只 小 狗 可 淘气 了！  The speaker never expected dogs to be this naughty These dogs are so naughty!

哇，这 个 糖醋 里脊 可 好吃 了！  The speaker never dreamt that sweet and sour pork could taste this good Wow! This sweet and sour pork is delicious!

可 used to emphasize a verb

Structure

可 + Verb

Examples

In these examples 可 is used a bit like 真, and used to emphasize a verb:

你 可 来 了!  The speaker never expected it would take so long for you to get here)

你 可 别 喝 太 多 酒。 I'm not expecting you to drink a lot)

你 可 别 走！ I'm blocking your way, almost pleading with you, as I believe you are going to leave)

话 可 不 能 这 样 说。 What you said doesn't accord with my own beliefs)

In two of the sentences above, 可 is used with 别, and sounds a bit like "don't even think about..." in English.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 270-1)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 56)

毕竟 (bìjìng) can be used to emphasize a reason or characteristic, and is like "after all" where you might say, "he is after all, only a child." 毕竟 is used both in spoken and written Chinese.

Basic Form

In it's most basic form, you just need to add the "after all" stuff after the 毕竟, and it could be a reason or a characteristic.

Structure

毕竟 + Reason / Characteristic

Examples

他 毕竟 是 孩子，你 就 别 打 他 了。 After all, he's only a kid. Don't hit him.

毕竟 是 冬天，你 还是 多 穿 点 吧。 It's winter after all. You'd better wear more clothes.

他 不知道 也 很 正常，毕竟 他 不 是 本地 人。 It is normal that he doesn't know. After all, he is not a local.

有的 玩笑 不能 再 开 了，毕竟 他们 都 是 大孩子 了。  Some jokes shouldn't be said again. After all, they are all grown up.

对 我们 来说，搬家 是 个 很难 的 决定，毕竟 我们 已经 在 这儿 生活 了 好几 年。 For us, moving is a difficult decision, after all, we've lived here for a few years.

Complex Form

Structure

虽然 ⋯⋯ ， 但 + 毕竟 ⋯⋯ ， (As a Result)， ⋯⋯

In this structure, the parts after 虽然 and 毕竟 are reasons or characteristics, and the part after (as a result) is a result or conclusion. It's a bit more complex, so pay attention to the different parts in the example sentences below.

Examples

虽然 他 做 错 了，但 毕竟 他 还是 小，你 就 别 打 他 了。 Although he did something wrong, he is, after all, so young. So don't hit him.

虽然 我 穿 了 不 少 衣服，但 毕竟 是 北方 的 冬天，所以 我 还是 觉得 挺 冷 的。 Although I wear a lot of clothes , it is, after all, winter in the north. I still feel very cold.

虽然 我 跟 他 认识，但 毕竟 不 太 熟，还是 不要 去 麻烦 人家 了。 Although I know him, after all we are not close. I'd better not trouble him.

虽然 我 小时候 奶奶 对 我 不 好，但 毕竟 她 是 我 奶奶，所以 我 还是 会 照顾 她。 Although my grandma didn't treat me well, but after all, she is my grandma, so I still look after her.

虽然 你们 已经 离婚 了，但 毕竟 还有 一个 孩子，跟 孩子 在 一起 的 时候 别 吵架。 Although you are divorced, there is, after all, a child. So don't start fighting when you're with the child.

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp.155)

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp.127-30)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 151-2)

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp.92)

Logically, 差点没 is not that different from 差点. In fact, you shouldn't think of it as a single word; think of the 没 as belonging to what follows 差点 and it makes more sense. Still, it can be a little confusing, and is worth a closer look.

Logical Structure

Subj. + 差点 + 没 + Verb Phrase

Note that the "Verb Phrase" part is a desired result. So this structure is literally saying, "almost didn't [Verb Phrase]."

Also note that because you're using 没, you don't use 了 after the verb phrase.

Examples

我 差点儿 没 想 起来。 I did remember it. Wǒ chàdiǎnr méi xiǎng qǐlái. I almost forgot it.

我 差点 没 赶 上 火车。 I almost missed it, but I didn't. Wǒ chàdiǎn méi gǎnshàng huǒchē. I didn't miss the train.

他 差点 没 通过 考试。 He did pass it. Tā chàdiǎn méi tōngguò kǎoshì.He barely passed the examination.

排队 的 人 太 多 了，差点儿 没 买到。I did get it. Páiduì de rén tài duō le, chàdiǎnr méi mǎidào. The waiting line is too long. I almost didn't get it.

See also

Expressing "almost" using "chadian"

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 112)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 145)

Websites

http://wenku.baidu.com/view/129e1b0f7cd184254b35358f.html

Using 反正 (fǎnzhèng) can be a bit addictive as it is seemingly possible to throw in everywhere. It means "anyhow," or "regardless"， and is used to disregard a previous statement, particularly those involving options or choices.

Using 反正 to mean no matter what

Structure

Just put 反正 in the sentence after a comma or pause, similar to how we use "anyways" in English. It can be used with "不管."

Disregarded Situation， 反正⋯⋯

Examples

不管 他 去 不 去，反正 我 要 去。 No matter he's going or not, I'm going anyway.

不管 你 信 不 信，反正 我 信 了。 No matter you believe this or not, I believe it anyway.

你 想 去 哪儿 就 去 哪儿 吧， 反正 我 无所谓。 Go wherever you want. I don't really care anyway.

说 不 说 都 一样，反正 没有 人 会 听 我 的 意见。 Speaking or not is all the same. Nobody is going to listen to what my opinion anyway.

他们 怎么 想 都 不 重要，反正 我 已经 决定 了。 What they think doesn't matter. I made my decision anyway.

Using 反正 to giving an emphasis on the fact

Structure

反正, in this case, is used to convey a certainty or resolution. It‘s similar to 既然. It can be placed either at the beginning or the end while 既然 can only be placed at the beginning.

反正 ＋ condition, decision or resolution

Examples

反正 他们 不 来 了，咱们 自己 去 吧。 They are not coming anyway, so let's just go by ourselves.

反正 我 也 不 需要，就 送 给 你 吧。 I don't need it anyway. So I'll just give it to you.

反正 我 家 够 大，你们 今晚 都 住 这儿 吧。 My house is big enough, you can all stay here tonight.

反正 大家 都 知道 了，你 还 怕 什么？ Everybody knows about it now. So what are you still afraid of?

反正 我 已经 送 了 礼物，要 不 要 是 她 的 事。 I've already given her the present. It's her business to take it or not.

See Also

"No matter" with "wulun"

"No matter" with "buguan"

Expressing "since" with "jiran"

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 6 (新实用汉语课本6) (p.209)

Short-term Spoken Chinese: Elementary (汉语口语速成基础篇) (pp.139-140)

尽量 (jǐnliàng) is an adverb meaning "as much as possible" or "to the greatest extent." In this article, we will do our best to explain how to use it!

Structure

Using 尽量 is as simple as adding it before a verb.

尽量 + Verb / Adj.

Examples

我 会 尽量 想 办法 帮 你 的。 Wǒ huì jǐnliàng xiǎng bànfǎ bāng nǐ de. I will try my best to figure out something to help you.

你 看 书 吧，我 尽量 不 打扰 你。 Nǐ kànshū ba, wǒ jǐnliàng bù dǎrǎo nǐ. Go ahead and study, I'll do my best to not disturb you.

父母 应该 尽量 多 陪 陪 孩子。 Fùmǔ yīnggāi jǐnliàng duō péi péi háizi. Parents should do as much as possible to be with the children.

你 是 哥哥，要 尽量 照顾 好 妹妹。 Nǐ shì gēge, yào jǐnliàng zhàogù hǎo mèimei . You are the big brother and you should try your best to take good care of you little sister.

我们 要 尽量 避免 问 这 种 问题，有的 客户 会 感觉 很不舒服。Wǒmen yào jǐnliàng bìmiǎn wèn zhè zhǒng wèntí, yǒude kèhù huì hěn bù shūfu de.We should avoid asking this kind of questions, which could make some clients very uncomfortable.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇)(p.212)

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 308)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 709)

Websites

ChinesePod Jinliang

甚至 (shènzhì) is similar to "even" in English and is used for emphasis. Like "even," it can be used quite directly or in a more subtle manner. When used more subtly it acts to supplement the speaker's initial thought, creating the impression that the speaker has realized half way through his statement that he hasn't gone far enough, and wants to take the idea one step further.

甚至 used to connect words or phrases

Structure

Note the word or phrase following 甚至 often uses 也 or 都 to add further emphasis.

A，B，甚至 C + 都 / 也 ⋯⋯

Examples

每 个 观众 甚至 裁判 都 站 起来 给 他 鼓掌。 Each and every audience, even the judge, stood up and applauded for him.

我 去 过 很 多 中国 的 城市，北京、上海、杭州、昆明、桂林，甚至 拉萨 我 也 去 过。 I've been to many cities in China, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Kunming, Guilin. I even went to Lasa once.

他 很 喜欢 玩 手机，吃饭 的时候，坐 地铁 的时候，甚至 上 厕所 的时候 也 在 玩。 He likes playing with his cell phone when he's eating, taking the metro, even when he goes to the bathroom.

甚至 used to connect sentences

Structure

Note the sentence following 甚至 often uses 也 or 都 to add further emphasis.

⋯⋯，甚至 ⋯⋯

Examples

他 太 忙 了，甚至 连 吃 中饭 的 时间 都 没有。 He's too busy. He doesn't even have time to eat lunch.

他 从来 不 聊 工作 的 事，甚至 跟 他 老婆 也 不 说。 He never talks about work, not even to his wife.

这 个 问题 很 简单，甚至 连 孩子 都 知道。 This question is simple, even kids know the answer.

我 男朋友 很 喜欢 游泳，甚至 连 冬天 也 游。 My boyfriend likes swimming a lot. He goes swimming even when it's winter.

几 年 不 见，他 变 胖 了 很 多，甚至 连 我 这 个 老 朋友 都 认 不 出来 了。 I haven't seen him for a few years and he's gotten much fatter. I, as an old friend, couldn't even recognize him.

See also

Expressing "even" with "lian" and "dou"

Combining verbs with "bing"

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 228)

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 72)

Short-term Spoken Chinese: Pre-Intermediate (汉语口语速成提高篇) (pp. 133)

NOT A REAL PAGE!!!

不得不 (bùdébù) has a stronger tone than "必须 (bìxū)" meaning "someone cannot help but do something."

Structure

Subj. + 不得不 + Verb

Examples

我 感冒 的时候 一般 不 吃药 ， 但是 这 次 很 严重 ， 我 不得不 吃 药 。 Wǒ gǎnmào de shíhou yībān bù chīyào, dànshì zhè cì hěn yánzhòng, wǒ bùdébù chī yào. I usually don't take medicine when I have cold. But it's very bad this time, and I have to take some pills.

你 真的 太 厉害 了 ， 我 不得不 承认 。  Nǐ zhēnde tài lìhai le, wǒ bùdébù chéngrèn. You are so good. I have to admit it.

老板 很 讨厌 应酬 ， 可是 她 不得不 去 。  Lǎobǎn hěn tǎoyàn yìngchou, kěshì tā bùdébù qù. The boss doesn't like to business socializing, but she has to go.

不好意思 ， 时间 有限 ， 我 不得不 打断 你 。  Bù hǎoyìsi, shíjiān yǒuxiàn, wǒ bùdébù dǎduàn nǐ. I'm sorry. We have very limited time. I have to interrupt you.

这些 情况 很 重要 ， 我们 不得不 重视 。  Zhèxiē qíngkuàng hěn zhòngyào wǒmen bùdébù zhòngshì. The situation is very important. We have to take it very seriously.

See also

到底 (dàodǐ) literally means "to the bottom," and often is used where the speaker wants to get to the bottom of a problem or issue, emphasizing or questioning what the real reason for something is.

到底 as 毕竟 or "in the end"

It is often used like 毕竟, to mean "after all" or "in the end." When used in this way, 到底 is used to emphasize a reason or characteristic the speaker considers to be most important.

Structure 1

到底 + Reason / Characteristic

Examples

到底 是 个 大 老板，出手 就是 大方 。  "He is a high-level boss, after all...")

到底 是 个 高手，这么 快 就 把 问题 解决 了！ "He is a master, after all...")

到底 还 是 孩子，有些 事情 他 不 懂 是 很 正常 的。 "He is a kid, after all...")

Structure 2

虽然 + A， 但是 + 到底 + B， C

In this structure, A and B are reasons or characteristics, and C is a result or conclusion. For this one, although it's possible to use 到底, 毕竟 is definitely the more common choice, so for examples of this usage, see expressing "after all" with "bijing". 毕竟 can be placed before and after the Subject in this case, but 到底 is usually placed after the Subject.

到底 as 究竟 or "on earth"

到底 can be used to mean "on earth," where it is used to emphasize a question. In this sense, 到底 is similar to 究竟.

Structure

到底 + Question Word

到底 + Verb ＋ 不 / 没 ＋ Verb

Examples

你 到底 怎么 了？ What on earth is up with you?

到底 怎么 走？ How on earth do we get there?

快 说 啊！你 男友 到底 是 谁？ Come on! Who on earth is your boyfriend?

你 到底 说 不 说？ Are you going to say it or not?

你 到底 喜 不 喜欢 我？ Do you like me or not?

他们 到底 离 没 离婚？ Did they get divorced or not?

Note that 到底 can't appear in an answer to a question. Also, 吗 can't appear in a question formed with 到底 but 没有 can be used instead:

你 到底 吃 了 没有 ？

你 到底 吃 了 吗 ？

到底 as 终于 or "finally"

到底 can be used to mean "finally." In this sense, 到底 is similar to 终于.

Structure

到底 ＋ Verb ＋ 了

Examples

天气 到底 暖和 起来 了。 It‘s finally getting warm.

他 到底 想 明白 了。 He finally understood.

经过 两 年 多 的 努力，我们 的 项目到底 成功 了。 Our program finally succeed after we worked on this for over two years.

See also

Expressing "After All" with "bijing"

Expressing "In the End" with "jiujing"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 127-33)

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 2 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp.183-5)

When someone asks you "what on earth are you doing?," "究竟 (jiūjìng)" is used by the speaker to intensify the question. In this case, 究竟 is similar to 到底.

Note that 究竟 is more formal than 到底.

Using 究竟 in a question

Using 究竟 in a special question

Structure

究竟 + Question Word

Examples

这 个 人 究竟 是 谁？ Who on earth is this guy?

你 究竟 是 做 什么 的？ What exactly do you do?

他们 究竟 什么 时候 到？ When exactly are they arriving?

我们 究竟 还 要 等 多久？ How much longer do we still need to wait?

你们 究竟 想 让 我 怎么 做？ What on earth do you want me to do?

Using 究竟 in a yes / no question

Structure

究竟 ＋ Verb ＋ 没 / 不 ＋ Verb

Examples

你 究竟 来 不 来？ Are you coming or not?

你们 究竟 能 不 能 帮 我？ Can you guys help me or not?

她 究竟 是 不 是 你 女朋友？ So, is she your girlfriend or not?

你 究竟 喜 不 喜欢 我？ So, do you like me or not?

经理 究竟 同 不 同意？ Does the manager agree or not?

Using 究竟 in an affirmative sentence

究竟 can be used with 是 for an emphasis on a fact, which is similar to 毕竟, meaning "after all."

Structure

A ＋ 究竟 + 是 ＋ A，……

Examples

孩子 究竟 是 孩子，总是 想 着 怎么 玩。 Kids are kids after all. They always think about how to have fun.

上海 究竟 是 上海，生活 成本 就 是 高。 Shanghai is Shanghai after all. The living expense here is high.

年轻 人 究竟 是 年轻 人，精力 真 好。 Young people are young people after all. Their are so energetic.

生意 人 究竟 是 生意 人，对 他们 来说，赚钱 是 最 重要 的 。 Businessman is businessman after all. The most important thing to them is making money.

家人 究竟 是 家人，也许 你 不 喜欢 他们，但 你 还是 会 爱 他们。 Family are family after all. You may not like them, but you will still love them.

See Also

Expressing "After All" with "bijing"

Expressing "In the End" with "daodi"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp.130-3)

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp.19-20)

干脆 is an adverb meaning "you might as well" or "just," and is normally used by the speaker to propose a straightforward course of action within a difficult situation.

Structure

Subj. + 干脆 + Verb

Examples

家里什么都没有，干脆出去吃吧。 There is nothing in the house, let's just go out to eat.

既然学不好，干脆别学了。 Since you aren't going to study well, might as well not study at all.

这台破电脑又坏了，干脆别修了，买台新的吧。 This ratty computer broke again. Might as well not fix it and just buy a new one.

苹果很贵，我干脆没买，只买了点香蕉。 Apples are too expensive. I'd better not buy them, just some bananas.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp.439)

几乎 (jīhū) means 'nearly', 'almost' or 'practically', and is used to emphasize that someone or something 'almost' meets a certain standard or is close to doing something.

Used before the Subject

主语经常受"每、所有、全"等指示代词修饰。

Structure

几乎 + Subj. + 都 + Verb / Adj.

Examples

几乎 每 个 人 都 有 手机。 Jīhū měi gè rén dōu yǒu shǒujī. Almost everyone has a cell phone.

在 我们 公司，几乎 每 个 人 都 会 说 英文。 Zài wǒmen gōngsī, jīhū měi gè rén dōu huì shuō Yīngwén. n our company, almost everyone can speak English.

在 中国，几乎 所有 老外 都 会 说 “你好”。 Zài Zhōngguó, jīhū suǒyǒu lǎowài dōu huì shuō "nǐhǎo."  In China, almost all of the foreigners can say "hello" in Chinese.

几乎 所有 人 都 相信 他 。 Jīhū suǒyǒu rén dōu xiāngxìn tā. Almost everyone believes what he said.

几乎 全 世界 的 观众 都 喜欢 这 部 电影 。 Jīhū quán shìjiè de guānzhòng dōu xǐhuan zhè bù diànyǐng. Almost all the audience in the world like this movie.

Used before the Predicate

Structure

Subj. + 几乎 + Predicate

Subj. + 几乎 + 不 / 没 + Predicate

Examples

爸爸 的 头发 几乎 白 了 。 Bàba de tóufa jīhū bái le. Dad's hair is almost all white.

这 次 旅行 ，他们 几乎 花 了 所有 的 钱。 Zhè cì lǚxíng tāmen jīhū huā le suǒyǒu de qián. They spent almost all the money on this trip.

他 一个人 几乎 吃 了 一整个 蛋糕 。 Tā yī gèrén jīhū chī le yī zhěng gè dàngāo. He almost ate this whole cake by himself.

我 老板 几乎 不 喝酒 。 Wǒmen jiā rén jīhū dōu bù hējiǔ.  Almost all our family doesn't drink.

老板 这 几 个 月 几乎 没 好好 休息 过。  Lǎobǎn zhè jǐ gè yuè jīhū méi hǎohǎo xiūxi guò.  The boss barely has taken any good rest for the recent few months.

See also

Expressing "almost" using "chadian"

Approximations with "chabuduo"

Sources and further reading

Books

>Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 134-6)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (p. 241)

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (p. 40)

Sometimes you may do something or experience something that you never ever want to do again. How do we express that in Chinese? One of the ways is to use 再也不 (zàiyěbù)!

Using 再也 with 不

Structure

To express that something will never be done again, or never happen again, you can use this structure:

Subj. + 再也 + 不 + Verb-Obj. + 了

Notice that 了 is used - in this case it's sentence 了. This is because it is now the case that the action will not be done. It usually indicates some kind of determination or decision.

Examples

我 再也不 想 看到 你 了 ！ Wǒ zài yě bù xiǎng kàndào nǐ le! I never want to see you again!

我 再也不 想 跟 你 说话 了 。 Wǒ zài yě bù xiǎng gēn nǐ shuōhuà le. I don't want to talk with you ever again.

我们 再也不 会 相信 你 了 ！ Wǒmen zài yě bù huì xiāngxìn tā le! We're not going to believe you ever again!

医生 说 她再也不 能 跳舞 了 。 Yīshēng shuō tā zài yě bù néng tiàowǔ le. The doctor said she can never be able to dance again.

我 再也不 要 离开 你 了 。 Wǒ zàiyě bù yào líkāi nǐ le.  'm not going to leave you ever again.

Using 再也 with 没

Structure

Subj. + 再也 + 没 + Verb + 过 + Obj.

Notice that 过 is used. And it means during a certain period of time in the past or from a certain time point up to now, something hasn't been done again.

Examples

从 那 以后 ，我 再也没 去 过 酒吧 。 Cóng nà yǐhòu, wǒ zài yě méi qù guo jiǔbā. I've never been to the bar again since then.

出国 以后 ，我 再也没 吃 过 地道 的 中国 菜 。 Chūguó yǐhòu, wǒ zài yě méi chī guo dìdào de Zhōngguó cài. I've never eaten any authentic Chinese food ever since I left the country.

分手 以后 ，他们 再也没 见 过 。 Fēnshǒu yǐhòu, tāmen zài yě méi jiàn guo. They haven't seen each other ever since they broke up.

毕业 以后，她 再也没 花 过 父母 的 钱 。 Bìyè yǐhòu, tā zài yě méi huā guo fùmǔ de qián. She has never spent her parents' money after she graduated.

考 完 试 以后，我 再也没 碰 过 那些 书 。 Kǎo wán shì yǐhòu, wǒ zàiyě méi pèng guo nàxiē shū. I haven't touched those books after I took the exam.

See Also

Sequencing with "xian" and "zai"

Again in the future with "zai"

Sources and further reading

Books

Common Chinese Patterns 330 (汉语常用格式330例) (pp. 299)

Boya Chinese Elementary Starter 2 (博雅汉语初经起步篇) (pp. 174)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (p. 265)

There are a number of ways to express "originally" in Chinese, and 本来 (běnlái) is one of the ones first learned, partly because its two characters are so simple.

Using 本来是 (běnlái shì) Expresses a Change of Plans

If something happened unexpectedly later, 本来 is preferred rather than 原来 considering there is a change of the original situation. 本来 means "originally." Since the action has already happened, the pattern 是... 的 is suggested here. 是 is optional.

Structure

Subj. + 本来 + 是 +（不）要 / 会 / 应该 + Verb + 的，但是 / 可是 ...

Examples

我 本来 是 要 去 的，不过 后来 不 太 舒服 ，就 没 去 。 I was originally going, but I didn't go because I didn't feel very well.

他 本来 是 应该 考 得 更 好 的 ，可是 那天 他 生病 了 。 He would have done better on the test, but he was sick that day.

我们 本来 想 去 找 他 帮忙 的，可是 他 那么 忙 ，就 没 去 。 We were going to ask him for help, but we didn't because he was so busy.

这些 工作 本来 是 要 今天 做完 的 ，不过 明天 做 也 可以 。 This work needs to be done by today. But it's OK to leave it to tomorrow.

我 本来 要 跟 他 结婚 的 ，可是 后来 发现 了 我们 真的 不 合适。 I was originally going to marry him, but then I found that we are just not meant for each other.

Using 本来就 (běnlái jiù) Used for Emphasis of a Viewpoint

If you've got an opinion to express after stating how it "should be" or "should not be," then 本来就 will help you sound more convincing. The end of the sentence usually has an imperative or rhetorical question that leads to an opinion or suggestion, emphasizing the tone.

Structure

Subj. + 本来 + 就...

Examples

你 本来 就 够 瘦 了 ，还要 减肥 吗？ You are already so thin and you still want to lose weight?

他 讲 得 本来就 不 对 ，为什么 还 要 我 听 他 的？ What he says has always been wrong, so why do you still want me to listen to him?

她 本来 就 很 有钱，当然 买得起 了。 She is rich. Of course she can afford it.

她 本来 就 不 喜欢 你，你 别 再 追 她 了。 She never liked you in the first place, so stop pursuing her.

他 本来 就 很 喜欢 开玩笑，你 别 介意 。 He has always liked joking around, so don't take it personally.

本来 (běnlái) with 就 (jiù) to Express "Duh!"

本来 (běnlái) is used when the speaker believes something is common sense. There are certain expectations for the speaker and listener. "Duh" is probably an overly saracastic and informal English equivalent, so another translation could be "it goes without saying." It could also be translated to "supposed to," following it with a certain expectation.

Structure

Subj. + 本来 + 就 + 很 / 不 + Adj.

Subj. + 本来 + 就 + 会 / 要 / 得 / 应该 + Verb

Examples

照顾 孩子 本来 就 是 父母 的 责任。 Taking care of children is supposed to be the responsibility of parents.

老师 本来 就 应该 好好 备课。 Teachers are supposed to prepare their lessons well.

美国 人 本来 就 会 说 流利 的 英文。 Literally, "Americans are supposed to speak fluent English." Well, of course Americans speak fluent English.

搬家 本来 就 很 麻烦。 Literally, "Moving is supposed to be troublesome." Moving is always a pain.

生活 本来 就 很 不 容易。 Literally, "Life was never supposed to be easy." No one ever said life was easy.

See also

再三 (zàisān) or means "repeatedly" or "time and again" in a formal way, and is usually placed before a two-syllable verb.

Structure

再三 + Verb

Examples

老师 再三 强调 这 次 考试 对 我们 很 重要。 The teacher has stressed over and over that this exam is really important for us.

中国 政府 再三 警告 美国 不要 干涉 中国 的 内政。 China's government warns the USA repeatedly not to interfere in China's affairs.

她 再三 犹豫 之后，选择 了 放弃 比赛。 After hesitating again and again, she chose to give up the competition.

我们 再三 考虑 过后，决定 满足 你 的 这 个 要求。 After back and forth considering, we decided to satisfy your requirements.

我 再三 提醒 你 出国 旅游 一定 要 小心 你 的 钱包。 I reminded you, again and again, that you need to be careful with your wallet when you travel abroad.

See also

Again in the future with "zai"

Again in the past with "you"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp.195-7)

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp.157)

简直 (jiǎnzhí) is similar to "simply" or "completely" in English, and can be used to modify adjectives or verbs, adding a tone of amazement on the part of the speaker.

Using 简直 to modify verbs

Basic structure

Subj. + 简直 + Verb

Examples

你 简直 不 是 人。 You simply aren't a person.

你 的 房间 简直 像 一 个 战场，快点 收拾 收拾! Your room looks like a complete war zone. Hurry up and clean it!

我 简直 不敢 相信！ I simply can't bring myself to believe it.

我 简直 不 知道 该 怎么 说服 你。 I just don't know how I should persuade you.

简直 is often used with "就是在 + verb" or "是在 + verb" structure. In English we might say: "He's simply lying to you."

三星 的 智能 手机 简直 就是 在 模仿 iPhone。 The Samsung smartphones are just a copy of the iPhone.

他 简直 是 在 骗 你。 He's just lying to you.

Complex structure

Subj. + (Obj.) + Verb + 得 + 简直 + Adj.

Examples

他 普通话 说 得 简直 比 中国人 还 标准！ He simply speaks Mandarin more correctly than Chinese people!

中国 的 高速 铁路 修建 得 简直 太 快 了! China's elevated railroad was simply built really fast!

Using 简直 to modify adjectives

Structure

Subj. + 简直 + Adj.

Examples

你 的 男 朋友 简直（是）太 帅 了! Your boyfriend is just so handsome!

他 的 考试 成绩 简直 好极 了！ His test grades are simply fantastic!

However, although it is possible in English to say something is "simply beautiful," in Chinese, 简直 cannot be followed directly by an unmodified adjective. Modifiers like 太, 很 and 极了 can be used, as in the following examples:

她 简直 漂亮！

她 很 漂亮！

她 简直 太 漂亮 了！

她 简直 漂亮 极 了!

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp. 115)

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 134-6)

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 225)

一向 (yī xiàng) is generally used to express a habit, attitude, or ‘set way of things' has continued for a long period of time until the present.

Structure

Subj. + 一向 + Habit / Attitude / etc.

Examples

他 一向 是 个 好 学生，怎么 可能 会 作弊 呢？ He's always been a good student, why would he possibly cheat?

中国人 一向 把 红色 视为 吉祥 喜庆 的 颜色。 Chinese people have always considered red to be a lucky and joyous color.

云南 的 雨季 一向 来 得 很 突然。 Yunnan's rainy season always comes suddenly.

他 的 态度 一向 很 认真。 His attitude has always been very serious.

一向 cannot be used with verbs involving changes or actions. In this case, 一直 should be used:

So we cannot say:

中国 的经济 一向都在快速发展.

他 一向 都 在 学 汉语.

一向 indicates that a certain state has continued until the present. It cannot be used to express actions in the future. Again, 一直 can be used instead:

你打算一向在上海工作吗？

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 224-5)

Websites

‘一向’与‘一直’的多角度分析

‘一直’和‘一向’

Although sometimes translated as "in passing" or even "conveniently," the most common way that the idea of adverb 顺便 (shùnbiàn) is expressed in English is "while you're at it" (or "while I'm at it," etc.). It's the idea of doing something at a convenient and logical time to save effort. Now you just have to get used to expressing this concept as an adverb.

General use of 顺便

Structure

Subj. ＋Verb Phrase 1，顺便 + Verb Phrase 2

Example

你 去 买 早饭 的 时候 顺便 帮 我 带 杯 咖啡 吧。 Nǐ chūqù de shíhou shùnbiàn bāng wǒ dài bēi kāfēi ba. Bring me a cup of coffee when you go to buy breakfast.

你 去 超市 能 不 能 顺便 帮 我 买 一 瓶 牛奶？ Nǐ qù chāoshì néng bu néng shùnbiàn bāng wǒ mǎi yī píng niúnǎi? Could you please buy me a bottle of milk when you go to the supermarket?

老板 去 见 客户，顺便 吃 了 午饭。 Lǎobǎn qù jiàn kèhù, shùnbiàn chī le wǔfàn. The boss went to see the client and also eat lunch with him.

我 下周 去 北京 出差，顺便 去 看 一 个 朋友。 Wǒ xià zhōu qù Běijīng chūchāi, shùnbiàn qù kàn yīgè péngyou. I'm going to Beijing on a business trip next week. I'll go to visit a friend while I'm there.

我 出门 的 时候 都 会 顺便 扔 垃圾。 Wǒ chūmén de shíhou dōu huì shùnbiàn rēng lājī.I take out the trash every time I leave the house.

你 见 他 的 时候 顺便 问 一下 他 周末 来 不 来。 Nǐ jiàn tā de shíhou shùnbiàn wèn yīxià tā zhōumò lái bu lái. Ask him if he's coming this weekend when you meet him.

Colloquial usage of 顺便

Here 顺便 means by the way.

Common phrases

顺便说一下

顺便问一下

Example

顺便 说 一下，我 最近 搬 家 了。 Shùnbiàn huō yīxià, wǒ zuìjìn bān jiā le. By the way, I moved lately.

顺便 问 一下，你 下周 什么 时候 回来？ Shùnbiàn wèn yīxià, nǐ xià zhōu shénme shíhou huílái? By the way, when are you coming back next weekend?

顺便 说 一下，电脑 已经 修 好 了。 Shùnbiàn huō yīxià, diànnǎo yǐjīng xiū hǎo le. By the way, the computer's been fixed.

See aslo

Sources and further reading

Books

Dictionaries

恐怕 (kǒngpà) can be used to express "I'm afraid that," or "I'm concerned that," or even "I'm worried that," followed by some sort of reason. It doesn't need to be something you're literally afraid of; it may be that you're just trying to soften the blow of some bad news, as in, "I'm afraid that I'm too busy washing my hair tomorrow night to come over and see the 2000 pictures of your trip to ComicCon."

Structure

"恐怕" comes at the beginning of the sentence. The meaning is similar to "perhaps" or "probably."

(Reason / Situation, ) 恐怕 + Fact / Conclusion

Examples

明天 我 很 忙，恐怕 没有 时间。 Míngtiān wǒ hěn máng, kǒngpà méiyǒu shíjiān. I'm busy tomorrow, I'm afraid I don't have time.

已经 很 晚 了，恐怕 他 不 会 来 了。 Yǐjīng hěn wǎn le, kǒngpà tā bù huì lái le. It's already very late. I'm afraid he's not coming.

这样 做 恐怕 不行。 Zhèyàng zuò kǒngpà bù xíng. I'm afraid it doesn't work this way.

工作 太 多 了，恐怕 今天 做 不 完。  Gōngzuò tài duō le, kǒngpà jīntiān zuò bù wán. There's too much work. I'm afraid I can't finish it all today.

饭 太 多 了，恐怕 我 吃 不 完。 Fàn tài duō le, kǒngpà wǒ chī bù wán. Rice is too much. I'm afraid I can't eat it all.

我 with 恐怕

A common mistake many people make when learning "恐怕“ is putting a pronoun, such as "我," before ”恐怕.“ It's a reasonable assumption, as "恐怕“ translates to, "I'm afraid" but the pronoun is more or less implied and grammatically incorrect when preceded by 我:

我 恐怕今天没有时间做作业。 Never put 我 before 恐怕! Wǒ kǒngpà jīntiān méiyóǔ shíjiān zuò zuòyè.

恐怕 我 今天 没有 时间 做 作业 。 Always use 恐怕 before 我. Kǒngpà wǒ jīntiān méiyóu shíjiān zuò zuòyè. I'm afraid today I don't have time to do homework.

See also

"Would like to" with xiang

Wanting to do something with yao

Auxiliary verb

Auxiliary verb "hui" for "will"

Sources and further reading

Videos

Yoyo Chinese: "Have to and Don't have to"

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 164-5)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (p. 301)

好不容易 (hǎo bù róngyì) means "very difficult" or "really not easy." It is often used where the speaker wants to comment on the result of their hard work, something like "It was really hard for me do to do x, but then I realized y."

Adverbial Structure with 才

Structure

Sentences using 好不容易 are often followed by 才, emphasizing the action has been completed later than expected. Strange as it might seem, 好容易 has the same meaning as 好不容易, and can be used interchangeably.

Subj. + 好容易 / 好不容易 + 才 + Verb，[Result Sentence]

Examples

我们 好不容易 才做完这个项目，结果 合同 取消 了。 With great difficulty, we finally finished this project. As a result, the contract is up.

我 好不容易 才 到 市 中心， 却 发现 没 带 手机，只好 回去 拿。 It took me a long time to reach the city center, then I realized I had forgotten my cell phone and had to go back and get it.

金融 危机 之后 他 好不容易 才 找到 工作，现在 又 辞职 了。 After the financial crisis, he had a hard time finding a job. Now he's resigning.

我 好不容易 才 打通 了 银行 的 服务 热线。  With great difficulty, they finally climbed to the top of the mountain.As a result,it started raining heavily.

他们 好不容易 才 爬 到 了 山顶，结果 下起 了 大雨。 They.

Adjectival Structure (without 才)

Structure

Verb / [Verb Phrase] + 好容易 / 好不容易

In this structure one can only use “好(不)容易” to express “with great difficulty”. At the end of the sentence particles such as “啊” or “哦” will also often be used to emphasize emotion.

Examples

要 完成 这 个 大 项目好不容易 啊。 Finishing this big project will not be an easy task.

养 大 一 个 孩子 好不容易。 Raising a child is not an easy thing to do.

创办 一 个 公司 好不容易 啊。 Starting a company isn't easy.

See also

Easy to do something

Difficult to do something

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 2 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 100，110-11)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 77-8)

One of the many uses of 就 (jiù) is to add emphasis to indifference. This is similar to when we say in English "if you want to do it, then just do it!" and swapping out the "do" in that sentence for some other verb.

Structure with Verbs

Verb + 就 + Verb

This structure will usually add emphasis to what are saying, and it often expresses that the speaker has an "I don't care" attitude.

Examples

不吃就不吃，你以为我很想吃啊？ Just don't eat, then. You thought I wanted to eat?

去就去，反正在家也没事。 If you want to go, just go. There's nothing happening at home anyway.

Structure with Negative Adj.

Negative Adj. + 就 + Negative Adj.

You can also add in an adjective with a negative connotation. The use is the same here.

Examples

不满意就不满意，我也没办法。 Be dissatisfied if you want, but there's nothing I can do.

她不高兴就不高兴，又不是我的错。 If she's unhappy, she's unhappy. It's not like it's my fault.

生气就生气，谁怕谁！ Get angry if you want. You think you scare me?

See also

Comparing "cai" and "jiu"

Events in quick succession with "yi... jiu"

Expressing earliness with "jiu"

Limiting scope with "jiu"

"If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…"

Sources and further reading

现代汉语八百词 （p.316-317)

白 (bái) doesn't only mean "white." When added before a verb it means to do that verb "in vain" or "with no effect." In a certain way, you can think of 白 as not being just "white" but also "blank," like when you do something for a long time without thinking, and you're just going through the motions. It's like doing something with a "blank" mind.

Structure with just 白

All you have to do is but 白 before the verb.One important thing to note is that 白 is usually used with mono-syllabic words, like 帮, 做, 学 etc. You cannot put a 地 after 白.

白 + Verb + 了

Examples

白 花 了 一 百 块 钱，这 件 衣服 不 能 穿。 I just wasted a hundred kuai. I can't even wear these clothes.

他 不 回来 吃饭 了？！我 这些 菜 白 做了。 He's not coming back to eat？！I made all this food for nothing.

你 一 句 汉语 都 不 会 说，白 学 了 这么 长 时间。 You can't speak even one sentence in Chinese, wasting all of that time studying.

我 去 的 时候 他 不 在 家， 所以 我 白 跑 了 一 趟。 He wasn't home when I got there, so I wasted all of that time going over there.

不好意思， 让 你 白 忙 了 一 个 早上，我们 老板 今天 来 不了 了。 Sorry to make you work this whole morning for nothing. Our boss just said that he couldn't come today.

Structure with 白白

白 can also be replaced with 白白, and they are basically the same, though 白白 has a stronger emphasis on the "wasted effort." 白白 also is usually paired with a disyllabic word, like 帮助, 准备, 学习 etc. Unlike 白, 白白 can be used with a 地.

Examples

明天 不 考 中文， 小王 白白 准备 了 一 天。 There's not a Chinese test tomorrow. Little Wang studied the whole day in vain.

他 没有 来，我 在 飞机场 白白 等 了 他 四 个 小时。 He hasn't come. I wasted four hours at the airport waiting for him.

她 白白 学 了 十 年 的 英语， 她 看得懂 英文，但是 连 简单 的 对话 都 不 会 说！ She spent ten years fruitlessly studying English. She can read English, but she can't even speak a simple sentence.

Sources and further reading

现代汉语八百词 (p.58)

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (p.160-161)

Rhetorical questions use the form of a question to emphasize a point, and, as such, the question does not require an answer. A typical English rhetorical question might be: "you're not saying you actually believe him, are you?" or "just how stupid are you?" In Chinese, 难道 (nándào) is used as a marker to form this kind of question.

Structure

难道 + [Rhetorical Question]

Examples

难道 你 真的 相信 他 吗？  You're not telling me you actually believe him?

难道 你 是 我 妈 吗？  What are you, my mother or something?

今天 是 我 的 生日，难道 你 不 知道 吗？  Today's my birthday; you're telling me you didn't know?

你 父母 这么 关心 你， 难道 你 一点 都 感觉 不到 吗？ Your parents care so much about you;You are not telling me that you could't feel it at all?

他 这么 帅，又 这么 有钱，难道 你 不 想 嫁 给 他 吗？ He's so handsome and rich;you are not telling me that you don't want to marry him?

Note that 难道 can only be used for rhetorical questions which could be answered with yes or no, and generally end with 吗.

难道 我 应该 给 你 多少 钱？ Not a 吗 question How much money should I give you?

难道你 还 想 在 这 种 公司 工作 多少 年？ Not a 吗 question How many more years do you want to work for this kind of company?

难道他们 还 要 再 生 几 个 孩子？ Not a 吗 question How many more kids do they want to have?

See Also

"Could it be that" with "qibushi"

Expressing "could it be possible that" with "mofei"

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Elementary Starter 2 (博雅汉语初经起步篇) (pp. 132-3)

Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp. 91-2)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 120)

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 83)

Websites

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetorical_question

When listing nouns belonging to a certain category, 啊 (a) can be added to the end of each noun to give an informal feeling a bit like saying "you know, that kind of thing" after a list of things.

Structure

A 啊， B 啊， C 啊⋯⋯

Examples

我们 什么 零食 都 有，花生 啊，瓜子 啊，薯片 啊，你 随便 吃 吧。 We have all sorts of snacks: peanuts, roasted seeds, chips, go ahead and eat whatever you want.

椅子 啊，桌子 啊，电脑 啊 什么的 都 买 好 了，现在 办公室 只 差 招 员工 了！ Chairs, tables, computers, and so one have all been bough. Now the office only needs to hire workers!

《发展 汉语》 啊， 《实用 汉语 课本》 啊，我 都 学 过，没 用！ "Developing Chinese" and "The Practical Chinese Reader," we've studied both of them, they won't help.

As in the first example, the list can be followed by 什么的, but is not generally followed by 等 as this feels too formal.

See also

Ending a Non-Exhaustive List with "shenme de"

Sentence-final interjection "a"

Sources and Further Reading

现代汉语八百词 (p.47)

You probably learned early on that 和 (hé) is used as an "and" word to connect nouns and noun phrases, but not sentences or clauses. This rule is fine for a while but eventually you will begin encountering what appears to be non-nouns linked by 和. This article addresses how you may see 和 used in other ways.

It's worth mentioning that none of these uses of 和 needs to be "learned." You could do just fine only using 和 to connect nouns and noun phrases, and native speakers may prefer not to use 和 in some of the examples sentences given below. Still, uses like these do exist.

Linking Verbs with 和

Verb 1 + 和 + Verb 2

Rather than give absolute rules, it's more helpful to give trends, because it's very difficult to provide a rule for using 和 with non-nouns which is never broken. There are just too many gray areas.

In most cases, the following trends apply when 和 is used to connect verbs:

The two verbs are very similar in nature. This could include characteristics such as level of formality, structure, and scope. Often you'll find that the verbs even overlap a little in meaning or are frequently used together. Thus "唱歌和跳舞" is natural (both are separable verbs, equally informal, frequently used together), whereas "玩游戏和跑" (the structure of the two is very different) is quite awkward.

Both verbs share the same object (e.g. "管理和运营着家公司") or are both modified by the same adverbial phrase (e.g. "进一步地了解和交流").

Normally (but not always) both verbs are disyllabic (two-syllable verbs), such as 维护, 修理.

政府 每年 都 会 维护 和 修理 这些 建筑 。

我们 需要 进一步 地 了解 和 交流。

他 十八岁 的 时候 就 管理 和 运营 着 一 家 公司。

这 种 材料 可以 无限 地 回收 和 利用。

预防 和 治理 污染 需要 所有 人 共同 的 努力。

Linking Adjectives with 和

Adj. 1 + 和 + Adj. 2

In most cases, at least one of the following trends apply when 和 is used to connect adjectives:

The two adjectives do not act as the predicate of the sentence, but instead act as an attributive (coming before a noun), object (coming after a verb), or other sentence element.

There will be some kind of modification before the adjectives; they won't just be used "bare"

我 就是 喜欢 她 任性 和 调皮，怎么了？ 做宾语)

她 那么 单纯 和 天真，你 怎么 可以 这样 对 她？ 有修饰成分)

她 安静 和 甜美 的笑容让我觉得温暖。 做定语)

这种 恐惧 和 担心 不 是 没有 道理。 有修饰成分，做主语)

你 什么时候 才 可以 像 他 那样 冷静 和 理性？ 有修饰成分)

Incorrect uses of 和

Don't forget that in addition to 和, there are all kinds of other ways to express the "and" meaning, such as the words 并, 并且, and 还有, or the patterns 又⋯⋯又⋯⋯ or 既⋯⋯又⋯⋯.

The following sentences don't follow the trends laid out above, and are thus not good sentences.

你自私和冷漠，怎么会有人喜欢你？！The adjectives are acting as the predicate, and have nothing modifying them.)

你这么自私和冷漠，怎么会有人喜欢你？！Adding a modifier to the adjectives sounds much better.)

我去了超市和买了水果。You could look at these actions as two separate clauses or verbs with separate objects. Either way, it's bad.)

我去了超市，并且买了水果。Here we treated the verbs as separate clauses and used 并且 to connect them.)

你需要买和装杀毒软件。Although the verbs share an object, they're both monosyllabic verbs. While perhaps not blatantly incorrect, this sentence just sounds weird to most Chinese.)

你需要购买和安装杀毒软件。They still share the same object, but now the monosyllabic verbs have been converted to disyllabic verbs. Problem solved!)

See also

Translations of "and"

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)

现代汉语虚词例释 (p. 236)

现代汉语八百词 (p.265)

实用现代汉语语法 (p.317)

Websites

Sinosplice: Syntactic Anguish of the Verb-Object-Modifier Variety

The conjunction 而 (ér) is used to connect two sentences that are related to each other, but talk about contrasting ideas or subjects. In this manner, it can be seen as a word meaning "but" or "rather." 而 is often used in a more formal or literary sense, but it is also common in everyday speech.

Structure

Sentence 1, + 而 + Sentence 2

Examples

我们 都 以为 这 是 他 干 的，而 事实 是，他 根本 不 知道 这 件 事情。 We all thought this was his task, but the fact is, he simply doesn't know about this topic.

以后 后悔 的 人 不 是 我，而 是 你 自己。 The regretful person isn't me. It's you.

现在 要 做 的 不 是 责怪 谁 错 了，而 是 怎么 解决。 Now is not the time to accuse who did it wrong, but to figure out how to resolve it.

我 喜欢 中国 菜，而 他 不 喜欢。 I like Chinese food, but he does not.

See Also

Expressing "not only… but also"

Two words for "but"

Because" with "er" Indicating Effect

Sources and Further Reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 343-4)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 128, 200)

Websites

Yale Chinese Usage Dictionary: Usage of 而

当中（dāngzhōng） means "among," or more literally "in the middle of." In English this is a bit like "of," where you would say, "of all of my friends, you are the most loyal." Also, 当中 can be used to express being in the middle of an activity or process that is fairly formal in nature e.g being in the middle of negotiating rather than being in the middle of talking on the phone.

Structure

Group + 当中

Process + 当中

Examples

你 是 我 所有 朋友 当中 最 聪明 的 一 个。 Of all of my friends, you are the smartest one.

在 这 一百 个 选手 当中 我 表现 得 最 出色。 Among these one hundred participants, my performance was the most outstanding.

这 个 工程 还在 计划 当中。 This engineering project is still in the planning stage.

When used to express "among" 当中 is a little like 其中. However, 其中 means something more like "among the aforementioned," where as 当中 simply means "among." Furthermore 其中 cannot be used in relation to processes.

See also

"Within (it/them)" as "qizhong"

"One of" with "…zhi yi"

Sources and Further Reading

In classical Chinese, 其 means 那个, 那, or 那些, and refers to people or things previously mentioned in the sentence. It stands to reason therefore, that 其中 (qízhōng）means "among the aforementioned" or 那里面, and denotes that something belongs to, is or is part of a bigger group. This is a little like "of which" in English, where you can say, "I have 3 ties, of which 2 are silk."

Structure

Category / Group / Context + 其中

Examples

我 有 四辆 汽车，其中 三 辆 都 是 宝马。 I have four cars. Of them, three are BMW's.

到处 都 有 孤独 的 人，我 只 是 其中 一 个。 There are solitary people all over the place. I am just one of them.

人类 21 世纪 面临 许多 问题，其中 最 严重 的 是 环境 问题。 Mankind faces many challenges in the 21st century. Among them, the most serious is the problem of protecting the environment.

工作 虽然 有时 枯燥，但是 我 乐在 其中。 Although work is sometimes boring, I am able to find joy in it.

In the last example sentence, 乐在其中 means "to find pleasure in" or maybe "there is joy involved with." This sounds awkward in English, but 其中 is often used in this abstract way.

See also

"Among" as "dangzhong"

"One of" with "…zhi yi"

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 2 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp.169)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp.353)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 259-60)

New Practical Chinese Reader 6 (新实用汉语课本6) (pp.29)

这个 (zhège) can be used by the speaker to emphasize how one regards something or someone. Using 这个 has a stronger effect than if one were to label something without using 这个 e.g "中国， 这个国家" has a stronger impact than merely saying "中国是一个国家."

这个

Structure

Subj. + 这个 + [Category]

Examples

你 这个 坏蛋，就 没 做 过 一 件 好 事。 You bad person, you. You haven't done a single good thing.

他 这个 马屁精，又 去 拍 老板 的 马屁 了。 That scum. He's flattering the boss again.

上海 这个 城市，夏天 太 热，冬天 太 冷。 Shanghai, this city. Its summers are too hot, and its winters are too cold.

As 个 is a measure word it can be replaced by other measure words in this structure. Often it is replaced with 种 or 类. which actually shifts the meaning slightly from e.g. "this city" to "this type of city."

这种/这类

Structure

Subj. + 这种 / 这类 + [Category]

Examples

猕猴桃 这种 水果，营养 价值 最 高。 Kiwis and that kind of fruit have a high nutritional value.

钱 这种 东西，可以 有 可以 没有。 Money and that kind of thing, you can have, but you don't need.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Exemplification of Common Sentence Patterns in Spoken Chinese 汉语口语常用句式例解0 (p.200-201)

We have seen before that 吧 can be used to soften the tone of statements, or make commands feel more like suggestions. 呢 works in same way, but it is used to make questions more indirect and uncertain in tone.

呢 used successively with 还是

呢 can be used successively in questions using 还是.

Structure

Option 1 + 呢 + 还是 + Option 2 + 呢？

Examples

我 去 缅甸 呢，还是 泰国呢？我 得 想 一 想！ Should I go to Myanmar or Thailand? I have to think a bit!

咱们 打 电脑 游戏 呢，还是 跟 朋友 去 泡 酒吧呢，我 都 可以！ Should we play computer games or go to the bar? I can do either!

The example sentences above almost have a tone that the speaker is talking to him/herself, as the question is not directly asked at the listener. A second verb is only necessary if different to the first verb.

呢 with questions involving interrogative pronouns (哪儿，谁，怎么，什么 etc.)

Structure

⋯⋯Interrogative Pronoun⋯⋯ + 呢？

Examples

这 是 谁 的 笔呢? I wonder whose pen this is.

他 去 哪儿 了 呢？ I wonder where he's going?

怎么 会呢？ How could that be?

In the previous example, the speaker has a tone of conjecture, a bit like saying "I wonder" in English. Again, as in the first example, the question is not directly asked at the listener. Adding 呢 to 怎么会 as in the last example sentence can sound a bit feminine; overusing 呢 can have this result.

呢 with "verb 不 verb" questions

If a "verb 不 verb" question is posed without 呢, it can appear as though the speaker is a bit impatient, or is ordering the listener to do something. This of course depends on the tone of voice used. Adding 呢 can give a tone of uncertainty, and is more polite.

Structure

Subj. + Verb 1 + 不 + Verb 1 + (Verb 2) + 呢？

Examples

你 去 不 去 逛街？  Said as though demanding an answer, potentially in a hurry.  Well are you going to go shopping or what?

你 去 不 去 逛街呢？  Less intense, just asking a question.  Are you going to go shopping?

牛奶 你 喝 不 喝？  Said to a child, with the implication that if the milk isn't drunk, there will be consequences, with emphasis placed on 喝  Did you drink the milk or not?

牛奶你喝不喝呢？ Perhaps said to a friend, with no implication of coercion. Perhaps you want to clear away their cup. id you drink the milk?

你周末能不能加班？  Perhaps a manager asking a subordinate. This is not too direct, as 能 has been added. Saying 你加不加班 would seem more like an order Can you come into work on the weekend?

你周末能不能加班呢？  Much more indirect than the above example. Would you mind coming in on the weekend?")

Again, the meaning of the above sentences depends on context, and the interpretations given are just examples.

See also

Interrogative pronouns

Questions with "ne"

Sentence-final interjection "a"

Sources and further reading

A Practical Chinese Grammar For Foreigners (外国人实用汉语语法) (pp.139-41)

Taiwanese Mandarin differs slightly from Mainland Mandarin. A characteristic of Taiwanese Mandarin is the usage of 有.

Completed Verbs

In the Chinese language, there are verbs called “completed verbs.” These verbs are usually followed by a compliment, as they are not verbs that are ongoing. This is referring to the past tense.

Structure

Subj. + 有 + Verb + Obj.

Examples

你 有 说 错 这 句 话 。 You said this sentence wrong.

老板 有 学 会 上海话 。 The boss studied the Shanghai dialect.

我们 有 听 懂 你的 话 。 I understood what you said.

我 有 看到 她 跟 你 前男友 在 一起。 I saw her and your ex-boyfriend together.

我们 都 有 听到 宝宝 哭。 We all heard the baby cry.

Action Verbs

There are also verbs categorized as “action verbs.” In Taiwanese Mandarin, when 有 is put in front of these verbs, it actually indicates that the verb is still continuing.

Structure

Subj. + 有 + Verb + Obj.

Examples

我 有 吃 药，可是 感冒 还是 美好 。 I have taken medicine, but my cold hasn’t gotten better.

他 有 告诉 我 你的 电话 号码 。 He has told me your phone number.

我 有 考虑 你 提的 建议。 I have considered the suggestion you proposed.

她 有 拿 你的 钱 吗？ Has she taken your money?

Adj. that follow 有 with 到

Adjectives can also follow 有. These adjectives are all in the past tense, with a 到 following the adjective.

Structure

Subj. + 有 + Adj. + 到

Examples

第一次 做 这么 多 运动，真的 有 累 到 。 The first time I exercised so much, I was so tired.

他 突然 提出 跟 我 分手，我 真的 有 伤 到 。 He asked to break up out of nowhere. I was so hurt.

你 买 了 那么 多 二手 家具，有 省 到 吗？ You bought so many second-hand furniture. Does it save you a lot of money?

你们 突然 大叫 着 跑 出来，我 真的有 吓 到 ！ You guys suddenly came running out screaming loudly. I was so scared!

这 家 店 今天 全场 打 一 折，我 买 了 好 多，有 赚 到！ Everything in this store is 90% off today. I bought a lot. It was so cheap!

Adj. not in the past tense using 有

Some adjectives can follow 有 and are not used as the past tense.

Structure

Subj. + 有 + Adj.

Examples

你 跟 你 妈妈 有 像 耶 ！ You and your mom look alike!

他 那天 有 生气。 He was angry the other day.

我 有 紧张 吗？ Was I nervous?

她 当然 有 失望，你 又 忘了 她 的 生日！ Of course she was disappointed. You forgot her birthday again!

你 那么 大声 说话，我们 都 有 害怕。 We were all scared when you shout at us.

了 after the verb

When adding a 了 after the verb, you’re stressing that the action is completed.

Structure

Subj. + 有 + Verb + 了

Examples

我 刚才 有上 厕所 了。 I just now finished using the restaurant.

他 有 吃 中饭 了 。 He finished eating lunch.

老板 早上有 喝 咖啡 了。 The boss drank coffee this morning.

我 有 发 微信 给 你 了。 I already sent you a WeChat.

我们 昨晚 有 吵架 了 。 We fought last night.

过 after the verb

Structure

Subj. + 有 + Verb + 过 + Obj.

Examples

我 有 去 过 中国。 I have been to China.

他 有 吃 过 小笼包。 He has eaten steamed dumplings.

你 有 见 过 那 个 人 吗？ Have you seen that person before?

我 有 做 过 这样 的 工作。 I have done work like this before.

你 有 自己 做 过 饭 吗？ Have you ever cooked for yourself?

你 有 学 过 中文？ Have you ever studied Chinese?

你 有 看 过 这 个 电影 吗？ Have you seen this movie?

我 有 学 过 这 个 词。 I have studied this word.

我 有 用 过 电脑，我 会 用。 I have used a computer before, I can use it.

我 有 买 过 这里 的 巧克力，不 好吃。 I have bought the chocolate here, it's not good.

在 after 有

In Standard Mandarin, using 在 before a verb is the equivalent to the English –ing. When used with 有 in front of it, it is usually referring to habitual action, or an action that can be stopped. This is not in the past tense, but rather a continuing action.

Structure

Subj. + 有 + 在 + Verb

Examples

那 时候 你 有 在 工作 吗？ At that time, were you working?

这家 店 有 在 卖 小孩子的 衣服 吗？ Is this store selling children’s clothes?

我 有 在 考虑 跟 她 分手 。 I am considering breaking up with her.

我 妈妈 有 在 吃素 。  My mom is a vegetarian.

你的 学生 有 在 写 日记 吗？  Do your students write diaries?

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 59-60)

Chinese Grammar Without Tears (简明汉语语法学习手册) (pp. 73-4)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (pp. 83- 4)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 345-7)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 49-51)

Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 76-7, 230-2)

New Practical Chinese Reader 2 (新实用汉语课本2) (pp. 175-6)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册） (p. 188)

Websites

ChinesePod: Qing Wen - 过(guo) (free podcast content)

1

以上 and 以下

两个都是方位词。 1）表示级别、次序、数目等在某一点之上或之下。 2）指代前面说过的或下面要说的话，偏书面语。

Structure

级别 / 次序 / 数目 + 以上 / 以下

Examples

我 老家 空气 还 不错，PM2.5 一般 在 五十 以下 。 Wǒ lǎojiā kōngqì hái bùcuò, PM2.5 yībān zài wǔshí yǐxià. The air in my hometown is good. PM 2.5 is generally under 50.

我们 需要 有 两 年 以上 工作 经验 的 人 。 Wǒmen xūyào yǒu liǎng nián yǐshàng gōngzuò jīngyàn de rén. We need people with two years of working experience or more.

十 岁 以下 的 孩子 不用 买 票 。 Shí suì yǐxià de háizi bùyòng mǎi piào. Children under the age of 10 do not need to buy tickets.

我们 出差 都 住 三 星级 以上 的 酒店。 Wǒmen chūchāi dōu zhù sān xīngjí yǐshàng de jiǔdiàn. When we go on business trips, we stay at hotels with at least a 3-star rating.>

这里 的 冬天 气温 都 在 零度 以下 。 Zhèlǐ de dōngtiān qìwēn dōu zài língdù yǐxià. This winter, the temperature has been less than 0 degrees.

以下 就 谈谈 这个 问题 应该 怎么 解决。 Yǐxià jiù tántán zhège wèntí yīnggāi zěnme jiějué. In the following conversation, we will discuss how we should resolve this problem.

以上 只 是 我 个人 的 看法 。 Yǐshàng zhī shì wǒ gèrén de kànfǎ. The following is just my personal opinion.

以内 and 以外

以内：方位词。在一定的时间、处所、数量、范围的界限之内。 以外：方位词。在一定的时间、处所、数量、范围的界限之外。"以外"常常跟"除了"连用。

Structure

时间 / 处所 / 数量 / 范围 + 以内 / 以外

Examples

两 天 以内 必须 完成 。 Liǎng tiān yǐnèi bìxū wánchéng. Must be completed in two days or less.

半 小时 以内 能 送到 吗 ？ Bàn xiǎoshí yǐnèi néng sòngdào ma? Can you deliver in 30 minutes or less?

这个 大楼 50 米 以内 不 能 停车 。 Zhège dàlóu wǔshí mǐ yǐnèi bù néng tíng chē. You cannot park within 50 meters of this building.

请 你 站 在 两 米 以外 的 地方 。 Qǐng nǐ zhàn zài liǎng mǐ yǐwài de dìfang. Can you stop 2 meters outside of this place?

这个 区 以外 的 几 个 区 都 不 太 发达 。 Zhège qū yǐwài de jǐ gè qū dōu bù tài fādá. All of the areas outside this one are not very developed.

除了 三 四 年级 的 学生 以外 ，五 年级 的 学生 也 可以 参加 。 Chúle sān sì niánjí de xuéshēng yǐwài, wǔ niánjí de xuéshēng yě kěyǐ cānjiā. Aside from the students in Grade Three and Grade Four, students in Grade Five can also participate.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

随着 (suízhe) means "along with," "in the wake of" or "following."

Simple form

Structure

Subj. + 随着 + Noun + Verb Phrase

Examples

树枝 随着 风 不 停 地 摇动。 The branch swayed as the wind blew ceaselessly.

孩子们随着 音乐 跳 起 了 舞。 Children started dancing with the music.

污染 物 随着 人 的 呼吸 进入了 人体 内部 。 The pollutants entered the body through normal breathing.

这些 垃圾 随着 河水 流 到 了 大海。 These garbage flow into the sea along with the river.

我们 随着 他 的 琴声 唱 起 了 歌。 We started singing as he played the piano.

Common form

Structure

随着 can also be used in the following structure to indicate that a change in A causes a respective change in B. In this case A is generally a trend, like development or rising prices.

随着 + Noun， Subj. + Predicate

Examples

随着 经济 的 发展，人们 的 生活 越 来 越 好 了。 Along with economic development, people's lifestyles get progressively better.

随着 石油 价格 的 升高，粮食 的 价格 涨 了 好 几 倍。  With the rise in gas prices, the price of cereals has also gone up a bit.

随着 年龄 的 增加，他 变 得 更加 成熟 了。 As he got older, he became even more mature.

随着 中国 国际 地位 的 提高，中国人 也 变得 越来越 有自信了。 As the international status of China is rising,Chinese people are becoming more and more confident.

随着 人口 不断 增加，大城市 的 社会 问题 越来越 多 了。 With the increasing population, there are more and more social problems in big cities.

See also

Simultaneous tasks with "yibian"

Expressing simultaneous actions with "yimian"

Expressing "more and more" with "yue… yue…"

Sources and further reading

Books

Common Chinese Patterns 330 (汉语常用格式330例) (pp. 219)

New Practical Chinese Reader 6 (新实用汉语课本6) (pp. 29)

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 2 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 121-2)

Short-term Spoken Chinese: Intermediate (汉语口语速成中级篇) (pp. 27)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 18)

自从 means "ever since" in English, and is used to express the starting point of an action in the past. It can be followed by phrases using the markers 起 and 以后

Structure

自从 + [Starting Point]

Examples

自从 来 到 湖南，我 越 来 越 能 吃 辣 了。 Ever since arriving in Hunan, I've been more and more able to eat spicy food.

自从 金融 危机 爆发，就业 市场 变 得 越 来 越 不 景气 了。 Ever since the economic crisis, the job market has been growing less and less.

自从 他 跟 我 分手 后，他 就 没有 联系 过 我。 Ever since he broke up with me, he hasn't contacted me.

In the above examples, 从 can be used interchangeably with 自从. The main difference is that 从 can also be used to state starting points in the future, a little like "from" in English. 自从 cannot be used in this way.

从 明天 开始，我 要 认真 看 书。 Starting from tomorrow, I'm going to study seriously.

自从 明天 开始，我 要 认真 看 书。

Note that 从 can be used to denote starting points in place and time, whereas 自从 can only be used to express starting points in time.

See also

From… to…

Saying "ever since" with "yilai"

Sources and further reading

Books

>Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 218)

凭 is a preposition that means "on the basis of" or "by virtue of." Usually the subject of a sentence with 凭 is a person.

Structure with 凭

凭 with a noun

凭 can be followed up with a noun or noun phrase. The nouns can be something concrete like 银行卡, 身份证, etc., or they can be something abstract like 经验, 努力, 感觉 etc.

凭 + Noun / Noun Phrase

Examples

凭 护照， 外国 人 可以 买 火车 票。 With the help of a passport, foreigners can buy train tickets.

他 凭 自己 的 努力 学 了 三千 多 个 汉字。 He studied more than three thousand Chinese characters on his own volition.

我们 凭 学生证 在 电影院 享受 折扣 优待。 Since we have student ID cards, we enjoy a special discount at the movie theater.

凭 with a verb phrase

凭 can also be used with a verb phrase or subject-predicate phrase,as follows:

凭 + Verb Phrase / Subj.-Predicate

Examples

怪不得 那 个 孩子 的 数学 不 好，他 只 凭 计算器 算。 No wonder that kid's math is so bad. It's because he always uses a calculator.

学好 跳舞 不 能 只 凭 看 迈克尔·杰克逊 的 音乐 录像带， 还 得 凭 自己 的 努力。 Watching Michael Jackson music videos isn't enough to study how to dance. You also have to push yourself.

凭 老 李 在 这 一 行 做 了 二 十 年，他 就 有 资格 做 你 的 师傅。 On the basis of Old Li's twenty years of experience, he is qualified to be your teacher.

凭 我 学 中文 的 时间 比 你 短 但是 说 得 比 你 好，我 就 可以 说 我 比 你 聪明。 From the fact that I have studied Chinese for a shorter time, but speak better than you, I can say that I'm more intelligent than you are.

凭 with 什么

This is one of the most common grammatical phrases, heard many times. It often has a feeling of dissatisfaction or anger, perhaps said while people are arguing. It is like saying "On what basis do you ...!?!?" Usually it is paired with blame, scold, hit etc.

Subj. + 凭什么 + Verb Phrase

Examples

你 凭什么 怪 我！ On what grounds are you blaming me?

我 没有 做 错，他 凭什么 骂 我？ I haven't done anything wrong. How can you scold me?

她 一直 很忠诚， 你 凭什么 怀疑 她？ She's always been honest, how can you mistrust her?

Structure with 凭着

You can also add 着 to 凭 to make it 凭着, however when you do so you can only use it if the action has already been completed. If the actions happens frequently or has not happened yet, you cannot use 凭着. The structure is the same as using 凭 by itself.

凭着 + Noun / Noun Phrase

Examples

小白 凭着 自己 的 努力 致富。 Off of his own hard work, Little Bai was able to become rich.

他 凭着 智慧 战胜 了 很多 的 困难。 Using his intellect, he was able to overcome many challenges.

See also

Limiting Scope with "jiu"

"Along with…" Using "suizhe"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (p. 227-228)

至于 (zhìyú) "with regards to" or "as to" is used when the speaker want to comment on a topic related to the previously discussed one.

Structure

This structure is simple, used similarly to "with regards to" in English. Just put in before the further comment you want to say.

至于 + Topic， Comment

Examples

我 已经 尽力 了，至于 结果 只 能 看 运气 了。 I've already tried my best. With regards to the results, it's all a matter of luck.

她 跟 我 说 明天 回来，至于 具体 的 时间，我 就 不 知道 了。 She told me she was coming back tomorrow. In regards to a specific time, I don't know.

律师 只能 为他 的 客户 辩护，至于 最后 的 判决，那 就 取决于 法官 了。 A lawyer only defends his client. As for the verdict, that depends on the judge.

See also

Limiting scope with "jiu"

"For…" with "eryan"

Marking a topic with "de hua"

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp. 28)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 154-5)

Short-term Spoken Chinese: Intermediate (汉语口语速成中级篇) (pp.115)

"给" can be used in the passive voice. It can either directly replace "被" or be used with "被." Compared with "被," "给" is more colloquial.

Only using 给

Structure

"给" can directly replace "被."

Receiver + 给 + The Doer + Verb Phrase

Examples

我 给 他 骗 了。 I got scammed by him.

这么 好 的 机会 给 你 浪费 了。 You've wasted such a great opportunity.

菜 都 给 你们 吃 完了 吗？ You've eaten all the food?

孩子 都 给 你 宠 坏 了。 The kid is totally spoiled by you.

这里 的 水 都 给 污染 了。 The water here is all polluted.

Using 给 with 被

When using "给” in the passive voice, you can also use it with "被." The structure would then be "被...给…." In this structure, you must explain "the doer." "给" here is used to give an emphasis of the passive voice. You can find more information on this page 被.

See also

Bei sentence

Passive verbs with "shou"

Ba sentence

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语虚词例释 (p.196)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版）(p. 464)

"Limiting scope" means saying, "what I'm about to say applies to just this. You proceed the "this" with 就 (jiù) in this pattern.

Just "就"

"就”可以放在句中以指出主语进行观察、讨论、分析、说明等活动的对象或者范围。

Basic Structure

Subj. + 就 + 活动的对象或者范围 + Verb + Obj.

Examples

大家 就 中国互联网的发展发表了各自的看法。

中国主席 就 中国最近的经济改革做了发言。

来自各国的教育学者们 就 什么是最好的教育方法进行了激烈的讨论。

Pattern with "就"

Structure

就 (jiù) can be used to limit the scope of a comment, used in the following structure:

就 + Topic + (来说 / 而言) + Comment

This emphasizes that the speaker is just commenting on that particular topic and nothing else, like "just with regards to" in English. In this sense it is similar to 至于, but is generally used to introduce a new idea, rather than to move on from a previous related topic.

Note that in the pattern above, 来说 is more informal, and 而言 is more formal.

Examples

就 中国 的 独生子女 政策 而言，专家 各 有 各 的 看法。 As for China's One Child Policy, every expert has their own opinion.

就 文化大革命 而言，大部分 的 人 都 认为 那 是 一 场 灾难。 As for the Cultural Revolution, a large part of the people think it was a disaster.

就 这些 事情 来说，他 没有 错。 In regards to these sorts of things, he didn't do anything wrong.

When used in this sense, 就 is generally only used in written Chinese.

See also

"With Regards to" as "zhiyu"

"For…" with "eryan"

Marking a Topic with "de hua"

Sources and Further Reading

现代汉语虚词例释(p.306)

趁 (chèn) is a preposition that means to 'take advantage of' an opportunity or favorable time to do something. It is normally followed by an adjective or a short phrase explaining the situation that the person is seeking to take advantage of.

Structure

趁 + [Situation / Opportunity]

Examples

趁 年轻，多 去 玩玩 吧。 You guys should go have more fun while you're still young.

趁 天气 好，我 要 去 野餐。 While the weather is good, I'm going on a picnic.

趁 老板 不 在，我们 抽 一会 儿 烟 吧。 When the boss isn't here, we can smoke for a little while.

趁 孩子 睡着 的 时候，我 洗 了 很 多 衣服。 While the kids were asleep, I washed a lot of clothes.

小偷 一定 是 趁 我 不注意 的 时候 ，把 我 的 手机 偷走 的。 The thief must have stolen my cell phone when I wasn't paying attention.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Short-term Spoken Chinese: Pre-Intermediate (汉语口语速成提高篇)

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 116)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版）(pp. 169)

词性相同：彼此(bǐcǐ)和对方(duìfāng)都是人称代词。彼(bǐ)是“那"，此(cǐ)是“这”，彼此(bǐcǐ)就是“那个和这个”或者“你和我”的意思。对方(duìfāng)的“方”是表示“side”。常见的还有“男方 / 女方、正方 / 反方、双方、哪一方”。

相同点

在动词后作宾语或者名词前作定语，二者都可以，意思差不多。

不同点

语义：彼此(bǐcǐ)强调的“双方”互相之间，对方(duìfāng)指的是跟说话人相对的“另一方”。

词性及用法：

1) 彼此(bǐcǐ)可以做副词来修饰动词，如"彼此帮助、彼此了解"。对方(duìfāng)不能这样用。

2) 彼此(bǐcǐ)可以放在人称代词“你们、我们、大家”后使用，对方(duìfāng)不能这样用。

彼此 used before a Verb

It's similar to 互相 used before a Verb. 不能用“对方”。

Structure

彼此 + Verb

Examples

你们 这样 做 其实 是 彼此 伤害。 You both did this to hurt each other.

结婚 以前 夫妻 应该 多 花 时间 彼此 了解。 Before they get married, the husband and wife should spend more time getting to know each other.

我们 是 一 个 部门 的，工作 上 要 彼此 配合。 We are from the same department. We should cooperate with each other at work.

如果 你们 不 能 彼此 信任，这 次 合作 不 太 可能 成功。 If you can trust each other, this cooperation probably won't succeed.

Both can be used after a Verb

多用于双音节动词后。 彼此偏书面色彩。

Structure

彼此 + 的 ＋ Noun

Examples

照顾 彼此。 To look after each other.

原谅 对方。 To forgive each other.

信任 彼此。 To trust each other.

尊重 对方。 To respect each other.

Both can be used before a Noun

Structure

彼此 + 的 ＋ Noun

Examples

你们 应该 多 关注 彼此 的 优点。 You both did this to hurt each other.

他 跟 人 说话 的时候 常常 忽视 对方 的 感受。 He usually ignores their feelings when he talks to people.

我们 已经 很 多 年 没 见面 了，对 彼此 的 生活 都 不 了解，也 很 惊讶 彼此 的 变化。 It's been a long time since we met last time. We don't really know each other's life and we are very surprised about each other's change.

对方 used to mean the other side

Structure

对方 + Verb Phrase

Examples

我 道歉 了，但是 对方 不 接受。 I apologized to him, but he didn't accepted it.

我 问 了 人家，但是 对方 不 同意。 I asked, but they didn't agree.

你 那样 说 会 让 对方 很 不 舒服 的。 It would make them very uncomfortable for you to speak like that.

跟 朋友 吵架 的时候，我们 都 希望 对方 能 先 道歉。 We all expect the other side to apologize first when we have a fight with friends.

Using 彼此 Idiomatically

在口语中，“彼此彼此”是一种客套话，意思是“大家都一样，我们差不多”。

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

One of the many uses of 并 (bìng) is to add emphasis to a sentence that uses 不 or 没. Because you're emphasizing a negation, 并 is often used when expressing disagreement, or pointing out a flaw in someone's argument. While the word 并 is not inherently combative, it can certainly be used that way.

Structure

You can take pretty much any sentence with a negated verb,and give it a little extra kick with 并. Just put it before the 不 or 没. Note that when used with 不, you can negate an adjective as well.

Subj. + 并 + 不 + Verb / Adj.

Subj. + 并 + 没（有) + Verb

Examples

在 中国 创业 并 不 容易，有 很 多 的 挑战。 In China, starting a business really isn't easy. There are a lot of challenges.

我 在 大学 读 金融 专业，但是 当 金融 分析 人员 并 不是 我 的 梦想。 I'm majoring in finance at the university, but being a financial analyst really isn't my dream.

她 结婚 五年了，也 生了 一个 孩子，但 她 并 不 爱 她 丈夫。 She's been married for five years and she has a baby.But she doesn't even love her husband.

你 这样 做 其实 并 没有 解决 客户 的 问题。 The way you dealt with it actually didn't solve those problems of our clients.

我 弹 钢琴 十年 多 了，但 我 并 不 喜欢 这 种 乐器。 I've been playing the piano for more than ten years, but I didn't really like this musical instrument.

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (p.158)

Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) （p.11)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 304-5)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 19)

现代汉语虚词例释(p.41)

现代汉语虚词手册(p.25)

要不是 (yàobushì) is almost the same as "如果不是⋯⋯ "， and it may followed by "的话," meaning "if it were not for" or "without."

Structure

要不是 ⋯⋯（的话），⋯⋯

Examples

要不是 她 帮忙，我们 不可能 这么 快 找到 这 个 地方。 We couldn't have found this place without her help.

要不是 你 说 你 想 吃，我 不 会 做 这 个 菜 的。 I wouldn't have made this dish if you hadn't said that you want to eat.

要不是 因为 他 是 你 朋友，我 是 不 会 帮 他 的。 I wouldn't have helped him if it were not for him being a friend with you.

要不是 你们 迟到 的话，我们 早 就 到 了。 We would have gotten here earlier if it were not for you being late.

要不是 你 刚才 说 错 话，他 是 不 会 生气 的。 He wouldn't be mad if it were not for something wrong you just said.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

而已 expresses that something is merely what it is. It is like saying "it's only a test, that's all." 而已 is put at the end of the sentence to emphasis that something is just what it is.

Structure

Whenever you need to emphasize that something is just what it is and nothing more, you can stick 而已 at the end of the sentence. You can also use it in combination with 仅仅，只，就，才 and so on , which means "merely," though it is optional.

Subj. + Verb + Obj. + 而已

Examples

他 只 是 开 个 玩笑 而已，不 要 当 真。

你 才 喝 了 一 瓶 啤酒 而已，怎么 会 喝 醉 了 呢？

这 次 会议 没有 达成 具体 的 方案，仅仅 是 在 这 个 问题 上 达成 了 共识 而已。

这 辆 车 没 什么 特别，它 就 是 辆 普通 的 汽车 而已。

See also

Expressing "nothing but" with "wufei"

Sources and further reading

Sources and further reading

NEEDS SOURCES!!

You might wonder why you have 不比 (bù bǐ) for negative comparisons when you already have 没有 (méiyǒu) for comparisons. The answer is that they're not exactly the same thing! 没有 should be your "go to word" for expressing "not as... as...," but there are cases where 不比 (in all of its subtle glory) is a better choice.

Structure

To say that something is not more adjective as another, you can use 不比 (bù bǐ). No snickering, please. 这些形容词经常是 undesirable 一类。

A + 不比 + B + Verb + 得 + Adj.

This is similar to, but not exactly the same as comparing with 没有. Note that "Verb + 得" can also placed before 不比.

Examples

你 不 比 别人 笨 。 You're not any more stupid than other people.

他 儿子 不 比 他 矮 。 His son is not shorter than he is.

大人 不 比 孩子 聪明 。 Adults are not smarter than children.

你 唱 得 不 比 歌手 差 。 You sing as well as a singer does.

这个 年轻 的 老师 教 得 不 比 那个 老 老师 差 。 This young teacher teaches as well as the old teacher does.

The Difference between 不比 and 没有

不比 and 没有 are not exactly the same. 没有 means "not as... as," whereas 不比 is a direct negation of 比, meaning "not more... than." Compare the following two English sentences:

You're not as smart as me. (没有)

You're not smarter than me. (不比)

You'd probably be more upset to hear the former from a friend than the latter. The two above sentences in Chinese are:

你 没有 我 聪明。  I am definitely smarter than you; we're not equal in smarts.

你 不 比 我 聪明。  You're no smarter than I am, but we might be equal in smarts.

See also

Basic comparisons with "bi"

Basic comparisons with "meiyou"

Expressing "much more" in comparisons

Sources and further reading

Books

Basic Patterns of Chinese Grammar (pp. 64)

Adding 什么 (shénme) to the end of a verb can be used to change a sentence into a rhetorical question. This usage is often used with separable verbs.

Structure

The most common structure you will see is:

Verb + 什么 + Obj.

Examples

This usage is best illustrated with examples:

这么 大 年纪 了，结 什么 婚啊！  The speaker is implying that getting married at this age is a ridiculous notion.

道 什么 歉，又 不是 你 的 错。 The speaker is implying that apologizing is completely unnecessary.

过 什么 年 啊，还 得 又 送 红包 又 送礼。  The speaker is implying that celebrating Chinese New Year isn't economically feasible.

没有 钱 看 什么 电影。  The speaker is implying that there's no money to watch a movie.

还 吃 什么 饭，要 迟到 了。  The speaker is implying that there's no time to eat.

Note that the questions above would likely be between friends, or at least two people who are quite familiar with each other. Tone of voice and context is key.

See also

Challenging an Adjective with "shenme"

Sources and further reading

像 (xiàng) is used to compare a specific characteristic of two things or people, and can be used in the following structure:

Expressing just like with "像"

Structure

Noun 1 + 像 + Noun 2 + 一样 + Adj. / Verb

Noun 1 + 像 + Noun 2 + 这么 / 那么 + Adj. / Verb

Examples

你 怎么 像 我 妈 一样 啰嗦! Why do you sound as nagging as my mom does!

他 生气 的 时候 会 像 疯子 一样 大 叫。 He would scream like a lunatic when he gets angry.

Expressing not as ... as with "不像" or "没有"

Structure

Noun 1 + 不像 + Noun 2 + 这么 / 那么 + Adj. / Verb

Noun 1 + 没有 + Noun 2 + 这么 / 那么 + Adj. / Verb

Examples

这 个 男 老师 不 像 那 个 女 老师 那么 严格。 This man teacher is not as strict as that woman teacher.

我们 没有 你 那么 喜欢 孩子。 We don't like kids as much as you do.

See also

Basic comparisons with "yiyang"

Comparing

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 2 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp.80)

不如 (bùrú) can be used to make comparisons in a similar way as the 比 structure. In its simplest form 不如 is used to convey that A is 'not as good as' B. Unlike the 比 structure, when used in this way, the adjective or verb can be omitted.

Simple Pattern

Structure

A + 不如 + B

Examples

我 哥 的 成绩 不如 我 。 My elder brother's .

看 电影 不如 看 原著 。 Watching the movie isn't as good as reading the book.

他 总是 觉得 自己 不如 别人 。 He always thinks he's not as good as other people.

Advanced Pattern

When an adjective or verb is added to the structure it can then be used to mean A is not as 'adjective' as B, or A does not 'verb' as well as B:

Structure

A + 不如 + B + Adj.

A + Verb + 得 + 不如 + B + Adj.

A + Verb-Obj. + 不如 + B + (Verb + 得) + Adj.

Examples

这 件 裙子 不如 那 件 好看 。 This dress doesn't look as good as that one.

那个 说法 不如 这个 说法 实用 。 This saying isn't as practical as that one.

他 穿 得 不如 你 好看 。 He doesn't dress as well as you do.

我 担心 我 解释 得 不如 你 清楚 。 I'm afraid that I can't explain as clearly as you do.

他 说 中文 不如 他 老婆 说 得 地道 。 He doesn't speak Chinese as authentically as his wife does.

我 打字 不如 你 打 得 快 。 I don't type as fast as you do.

不如 as an Adverb

When facing a choice, 不如 can also be used to mean "might as well" to emphasize the choice is the better of two options. When used like this, it is similar in meaning to 不妨.

Examples

在 家 看 电视 多 无聊 ！不如 去 KTV 吧 。  , might as well .

我们 在 这里 等 也 是 浪费 时间 ，不如 先 去 吃 个 饭 吧 。 It's a waste of time for us to wait here.We might as well go out and eat something first.

与其 空想，不如 马上 行动 。 Rather than fantasizing, you might as well take action right away.

与其 天天 吵架 ，不如 离婚 。 Rather than fighting each and every day, you might as well break up.

As in the last two example sentences, 不如 often occurs in the 与其...不如 structure, meaning "rather than X... might as well Y."

See also

Basic comparisons with "bu bi"

Basic comparisons with "meiyou"

Comparing Specifically with "xiang"

Comparing

Sources and further reading

Books

A Practical Chinese Grammar For Foreigners (外国人实用汉语语法) (pp. 543-7)

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 38-9)

>Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 89)

Short-term Spoken Chinese: Elementary (汉语口语速成基础篇) (pp. 80-1)

这个句型可以用于比较不同事物的同一个方面，也可以用于比较同一个事物在不同时期的差异。

Comparison with Two Different Subjects

Structure

跟 + A + 比 ， B ~

B也可以放在句首，"跟"的前面：

B + 跟 + A + 比 ， ~

Examples

跟 姐姐 比 ，妹妹 有点 害羞 。 Gēn jiějie bǐ, mèimei yǒudiǎn hàixiū. Compared to the older sister, the younger sister is a bit shy.

跟 上海 比 ，我 老家 的 物价 便宜 多了 。 Gēn Shànghǎi bǐ, wǒ lǎojiā de wùjià piányi duō le. Compared to Shanghai, prices in my hometown are a lot cheaper.

跟 纽约 比 ，北京 的 冬天 比较 干 。 Gēn Niǔyuē bǐ, Běijīng de dōngtiān bǐjiào gàn. Compared to New York, Beijing's winters are more dry.

那个 老外 的 中文 跟 John 比 ，马马虎虎 。  Nàge lǎowài de Zhōngwén gēn John bǐ, mǎmahūhū. Compared to John, that foreigner's Chinese is so-so.

WhatsApp 跟 微信 比 ，功能 没 那么 多 。 WhatsApp gēn Wēixìn bǐ, gōngnéng méi nàme duō. Compared to WeChat, WhatsApp is not as functional.

Comparison with the Same Subject

Structure

跟 + Time 1 + 比 ， Subj. + Time 2 + ~

Examples

跟 去年 比 ，你 的 中文 进步 了 很多 。 Gēn qùnián bǐ, nǐ de Zhōngwén jìnbù le hěn duō.Compared to last year, your Chinese has improved a lot.

跟 几十 年 前 比 ，农村 人 的 生活 好 多了 。 Gēn jǐshí nián qián bǐ, nóngcūn rén de shēnghuó hǎo duō le.Compared to about 10 years ago, the lives of rural people are much better.

跟 上 半 年 比 ，公司 下 半 年 的 利润 下降 了 。 Gēn shàng bàn nián bǐ, gōngsī xià bàn nián de lìrùn xiàjiàng le.Compared to the first half of the year, the company's profits have declined.

跟 前 几 周 比 ，这 周 的 天气 舒服 多了 。 Gēn qián jǐ zhōu bǐ, zhè zhōu de tiānqì shūfu duō le.Compared to past weeks, this week's weather has been much more comfortable.

跟 年轻 的 时候 比 ，爸爸 的 身体 没 那么 好 了 。 Gēn niánqīng de shíhou bǐ, bàba de shēntǐ méi nàme hǎo le.Compared to when he was younger, my Dad's health is not that good.

See also

Comparing

Sources and further reading

Books

汉语常用格式330例，pg. 16

The suffix 化 (huà) can be added to the end of many Chinese words to make them into verbs, the equivalent of "-ize" or "-ify" in English.

Structure

You can take some Chinese nouns and adjectives and add a 化 to the end of them to make "-ize" or "-ify" them. Basically, 化 takes the noun or adjective and makes it into a verb. One example of how we do that in English is to take the word "modern" and turn it into "modernize." Most of the time, the Chinese words that 化 is added to are two-character words.

Noun / Adj. + 化

Examples

The following is a short list of examples 化 words and sentences. Note that while the suffix 化 most often corresponds to "-ize" or "-ify" in English, these are not the only options in English. (Ah, you gotta love the endless variety of the English language!)

With a Noun

现代化 modernize

中国化 sinicize, Chinese-ify

美国化 Americanize

KFC 的 中国 本土化 经营 做 得 非常 成功。 KFC's Chinese localization has been implemented very successfully.

邓小平 提出了 四 个 现代化：工业现代化、农业现代化、国防现代化、科学技术现代化。 Deng Xiaoping set forth the Four Modernizations: industrial modernization, agricultural modernization, national defense modernization, and scientific technology modernization.

现在 我们 公司 的工作 流程 和 人事 管理 已经 初步 制度化 了。 These days our company's workflows and HR management have already started to be systematized.

With an Adjective

美化 beautification

绿化 "greenify"

软化 soften

你 应该 让 黄油 软化，然后 跟 面包 一起 吃。 You should allow the butter to soften, then eat it with bread.

我们 保护 环境 是 为了 美化 我们 的 城市。 We protect the environment in order to beautify our city.

每年 我们 的 绿化 面积 都 在 扩大。 Every year our green[ified] area is expanding.

Sources and further reading

Books

卓越汉语－公司实战篇(p.68)

Contemporary Chinese 4 (当代中文4)(p.17)

>Short-term Spoken Chinese: Intermediate (汉语口语速成中级篇)(p.90)

难怪 (nánguài) when used as a verb can be translated as "hard to blame." This is usually directed at a person, and it is similar to how in English we may say "He's always sleepy, but you can't blame him because he works a night shift."

难怪 as a Verb

Structure

难怪 + [Specific Person / People]

When used as a verb it expresses that the speaker assigns no blame in the situation he is describing i.e. that someone is not to be blamed. Often a person is placed after it, as in the latter two examples below.

Examples

A: 他 迟到 了 。A: He's late.
B: 这 也 难怪。 今天 地铁 坏 了 。  B: Don't blame him, the subway broke down today.

难怪 他，他 还 是 个 孩子 呢，什么 都 不 懂。 Don't blame him, he's just a child. He doesn't know any better.

这 也 难怪你，第 一 次 到 这 个 地方 还 不 了解 这里 的 风俗。 No one can blame you, the first time I came here, I didn't understand the customs.

这 也 难怪，他刚来嘛，算了算了。 Don't blame anyone, he just got here, forget it.

See also

Expressing "no wonder" using "nanguai"

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (p. 239) (p. 408)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (p. 499) (p. 981)

将 (jiāng) can be used to denote something is about to happen in the near future, a bit like "about to" in English. It is generally used in formal contexts.

Structure

将 + [Imminent Event]

Examples

我 相信 你 将 会 成为 一 个 成功 的 企业家。 I believe that you will soon become a successful entrepreneur.

他 将 去 中国 学习。 He is about to go to China to study.

我们 公司 将 要 推出 一 个 新 产品。 Our company is about to release a new product.

将 is often combined with other verbs like 会 and 要, and has a similar meaning.

See also

Auxiliary verb "hui" for "will"

Wanting to do something with yao

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 92)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 89-90)

并(且）(bìng(qiě)) meaning "moreover" can be used to connect verbs. In this structure the two verbs used are equal to each other with neither being primary or secondary.

Structure

Verb / [Verb Phrase 1] + 并(且) + Verb / [Verb Phrase 2]

Notice that "并且" is used with verbs, unlike "和" which is used with nouns.

Examples

Here are some examples:

爸爸 批评 了 我 并且 告诉 我 以后 不 能 说谎。 My dad criticized me and and also told me that I cannot lie again.

我们 需要 的 是 有 丰富 的 工作 经验 并且 懂 得 团队 合作 的 员工。 What we need is an employee with rich work experience and also an understanding of teamwork.

你 要 按照 我 说 的 做 并且 要 做 好。 I need you to do as I say and also do it well.

我 通知 了 所有 的 人，并且 准备 了 所有 的 材料。 I informed everyone and also prepared all of the materials.

这种 现象 很 常见 并且 会 持续 很 长 时间。 This type of phenomenon is very common and will also continue for a very long period of time.

控制 饮食 并且 多 运动，会 让 你 的 身材 越来越 好。 Controlling your diet and also exercising more will give you a better and better figure.

我 会 帮 你 找到 问题 并且 解决 问题。 I can help you find the problem and also solve it.

我 同意 并且 支持 你 的 决定。 I agree with and support your decision.

我们 负责 安装 并且 维护 这个 系统。 We're in charge of installing and also maintaining this system.

你 要 编辑 并且 打印 这 个 文件。 You need to edit and also print out this document.

Rarely will a bare verb (rather than a verb phrase) appear both before and after 并且. Where this is the case the sentence will normally take the tone of an imperative, instructing someone to do something.

See also

"Even" as "shenzhi"

Expressing "and" with "he"

Sources and further reading

Books

A Practical Chinese Grammar For Foreigners (外国人实用汉语语法) (pp. 130-1)

由 (yóu) is used to emphasize who is the doer or initiator of an action, a bit like in English where we might say: "Andy ''is the one who...."

Structure

Topic + 由 + Person + Verb

Examples

这 件 事 由 我 负责。 I am responsible for this.

这 是 由 他 决定 的，你 就别 干涉 了。 This is for him to decide, don't meddle.

太 悲剧 了，会议 由 王总 主持，肯定 会 很 无聊！ Oh no. This meeting is being led by the head manager. It's definitely going to be boring.

Note that 由 not a passive marker.

See also

"Due to…" with "youyu"

Adding emphasis with "jiushi"

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 2 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) (pp. 111)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 245)

难免 (nánmiǎn) means "to be unavoidable" or "inevitable" and is most commonly placed before a verb, often an auxillary verb such as 会 or 要. It can only be used to introduce an inevitable situation that is characterized by negative features. One cannot use 难免 to talk of a positive inevitability such as "you will inevitably have a good time."

Structure

(Subj.) + 难免 + Verb

Examples

刚 开始 说 外语 时 难免 会 有 一些 误会。 When you first start speaking a foreign language, there are inevitably going to be some misunderstandings.

年轻 人 难免 会 遇到 挫折，关键 是 学习 怎么样 克服。 Young people are always going to face problems, but the most important thing is to learn how to overcome them.

第 一 次 坐 飞机 出国 难免 会 有点 兴奋 。 There‘s no way not to feel excited about it the first time you go abroad by plane .

现在 是 高峰期，地铁 难免 会 拥挤。 It's rush hour right now. There's no way to avoid the congestion in the subway.

这家 公司 的 实习生 难免 要 做 一些 打杂 的 事。 There's no way for the interns at this firm to avoid doing odds and ends.

Using a negative in the phrase after 难免 does not change the meaning of the sentence. So, for example, 难免不拥挤 and 难免拥挤 mean the same thing.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词 pp.408-409

值得 (zhíde) means "to be worth" doing something, and is often placed before a verb or a verb phrase. Note that it is used to describe whether an action is worth it and cannot be used to state that something is worth a certain monetary value. For that 值 must be used on its own.

值得 as an Adverb

Structure

值得 + Verb / [Verb Phrase]

Examples

雷锋 助人为乐 的 精神 值得 我们 学习。 The spirit of altruism merits some study.

巴金 的 散文 很 值得 一看。  Ba Jin's prose deserves a look.

这 件 小事 不 值得 你 担心。 This little thing isn't worth your time.

值得 as an Adjective

值得 can also be used as an adjective - on its own, or following a verb phrase.

Structure

([Verb Phrase]) + 值得

Examples

值得吗？ 值得。 Is it worth it? Yes. It's worth it.

上大学(很)值得。 Attending college is worth it.

学汉语是值得的。 Studying Chinese is really worth it.

When expressing that something is not worth doing one can say something is either 不值得 or 值不得.

See also

Sources and Further Reading

现代汉语八百词 (pp.677-678)

以便 (yǐbiàn) is a formal way to say "in order to" or "to facilitate," and is generally used to show that an outcome is the result of a particular action.

Structure

[Action] + 以便 + [Outcome]

Examples

我国 提倡 垃圾 分类，以便 回收 再利用。 My country advocates a garbage classification to help with reusing and recycling.

老李 买 了 一 辆 折叠 式 的 自行车，以便 携带。 Old Li bought a folding bike to make it easier to carry around.

老师 减慢 了 语速，以便 学生 能 听懂。 The teacher slowed down her talking speed so that the students could understand her.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

BRIDGE (桥梁 实用汉语中级教程下) (p. 95)

发展汉语 中级汉语上 (pp. 81-82)

One can explain 受 (shòu) in two ways, the first of which is as a passive marker, converting the verb placed after it into the passive. Here it plays a role very similar to 被. As in the first example, something or someone can be placed between 受 and the verb, 受学生的欢迎.

受 as a passive marker

Structure

受 + ([Someone / Something]) + Verb

Examples

张老师的课 很 受 学生 的 欢迎。  Teacher Zhang's lessons are welcomed by the students.

一个人 不一定 要 变得 很 有钱 或者 很 成功 才 会 受 人 尊重。 People don't have to be rich or successful to receive respect from other people.

中国 政府 受老百姓的批评。 China's government is rarely criticized by common people.

受 冷 空气 的 影响，今天 上海 特别 冷。 Affected by the cold air, today Shanghai is especially cold.

你 的 手机 昨晚 一直 打不通，我 想 应该 是 受 信号 干扰。 I think your cell phone couldn't get through last night because of the signal interference.

It must be noted that if 被 is explained as a passive marker, then in the above examples 欢迎， 尊重， 批评 and 尊重 must all be treated as verbs rather than nouns, despite many of them appearing immediately after 的.

An alternative way to explain 受, is as an active verb itself, meaning 'to obtain' or 'to receive' when dealing with positive aspects, or 'to suffer' when dealing with negative aspects. This explanation may be more accessible to native English speakers. However whichever grammatical explanation one uses, the meaning essentially remains the same.

受 as a verb

Structure

受 + (到/过) + ([Something / Someone]) + Noun / Verb

Examples

张老师的课 受到 了 很多 学生 的 欢迎。 Teacher Zhang's lessons "receive" many students' welcome.

一个人 不一定 要 变得 很 有钱 或者 很 成功 才 会 受 人 尊重。 People don't have to be rich or successful to receive respect from other people.

受 冷 空气 的 影响，今天 上海 特别 冷。 "Suffering" the cold air's effect, today Shanghai is especially cold.

我 父母 都 没 受过 很好 的 教育。 Neither of my parents has "received" any good education.

我 在 美国 的 第一年 ， 受到 了 很多 朋友 的 帮助。 The first year I was in the USA, I “received” a lot of help from many friends.

因为 期末 考试 没 考 好，他 受到 了 老师 的 批评。 He received the teacher's criticism because he didn't do well in the final exam.

拐卖 孩子 的 人 应该 受到 法律 的 严惩。 People who traffick kids should receive severe punishment in law.

It must be noted that on the occasions when 受 is followed immediately by 到 or 过，it is preferable to consider 受 as a verb.

See also

Bei sentence

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 61-2)

现代汉语八百词 (p.505)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 35)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 1259）

A repeated verb followed by the particle 着 (zhe) is used to show that an action has be repeated for a period of time, and as a result a new situation has arisen which the speaker wishes to comment on.

Structure

Verb + 着 + Verb + 着 + 就 + Comment + 了

Examples

说着 说着 我 就 发现 自己 也 糊涂 了。 I was talking and talking, and then I confused myself.

我 今天 一直 都 在 看 语法 的 书， 看着 看着，就 睡着 了。 Today, I was constantly studying the grammar books. As I was studying, I fell asleep.

我 在 北京 的 胡同 里 走 着 走 着 就 走丢 了。 As I was walking in one of Beijing's back roads, I got lost.

See also

"Verbing around" with "lai" and "qu"

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 193-4)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (p. 385)

尽管 (jǐnguǎn) means "although," and is a little stronger than 虽然, perhaps more like "even though."

Structure

尽管 A，还是 / 仍然 B

Examples

尽管领导 今天 不 来，可 我们 还是 不 能 偷懒。 Even though the leaders aren't coming today, we still can't be lazy.

尽管 火 很大，很 危险，消防员 仍然 勇敢 地 冲了 进去。 Even though the fire was big and it was very dangerous, the firefighters are still bravely running in.

尽管 失败 了 好几次，可 他 仍然 想 创业。 Even though he's failed many times, he still wants to start a business.

尽管 实现 这个 目标 不 太 容易，但是 我们 不能 这么快 就 放弃 。 Even though it's not that easy to realize this goal, we can't just give up on it.

尽管 没 人 赞同 他的 观点，他 还是 坚持 自己 的 看法。 Even though nobody agreed with him,he still holds to his views.

可 or 但是 can be added before 还是 or 仍然 to further emphasize the shift in meaning in the second phrase.

See also

"Although" with "suiran" and "danshi"

"Not… But Rather…" with "er shi"

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (p. 206)

不是⋯⋯而是⋯⋯ (bù shì... ér shì) means "not A, but rather B." This is a useful phrase to use in arguments to overturn a point of view and state the opposite.

Structure

不是 + A + 而是 + B

A above is the undesirable option, and B is the desirable option. The same could be expressed as follows:

是 + B + 而不是 + A

Examples

For example:

我 不 是 不 想 帮忙 而 是 没有 能力 帮忙。 It's not that I don't want to help, it's that I can't help.

我 认为 有的人 做 慈善 活动 的 目的 不 是 为了 帮助 穷人 而 是 为了 提高 他们 的 名誉。 I think that some people do charitable things, not only to help poor people, but also to improve their reputation.

See also

Expressing "either ... or ..." with "yaome"

Expressing the only two possibilities

The pattern "it's not…, it's…"

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 306-7)

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 20)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (p. 516)

Websites

Yale Chinese Usage Dictionary: Usage of 而

反而 (fǎn'ér) is used to express "on the contrary" or "in contrast," with 反而 going in the second part of the sentence. Note that the meaning of 反而 goes beyond just "but" and is usually used to explain that something is totally the opposite of what one was expecting.

Standard Structure with 反而

Structure

Normally the first clause above makes a statement, and then the second clause introduces the part that is totally opposite of one's expectations.

The overall structure of sentences that use 反而 is something like this:

Sentence， Subj. + 反而 + ⋯⋯

It's also important to point out that 反而 is not a conjunction; it's an adverb. Practically speaking, this means that rather than joining two statements, it goes inside a statement (within the second clause). Specifically, it needs to come after the subject and before the verb. (Note that when you use a conjunction like 但是 it comes before the subject! 反而 is different in this respect. Also, rather than replacing 但是, it can work with it to add emphasis.

Also, sometimes the subject of the second clause will be omitted. If there is a subject, however, 反而 definitely need to come after it.

我 帮 了 她 ， 反而 她 生气 了 。

我 帮 了 她 ， 她 反而 生气 了 。

Examples

吃 了 这 个 药 ，病 反而 加重了。 After taking medicine, the illness didn't get better. On the contrary, it got even worse.

你 的 帮助 反而 给 我们 带来 了 麻烦。 Your help wasn't really helpful ; on the contrary, it gave us trouble.

这 个 新 系统 反而 降低 了 我们 的 工作 效率。 This new system didn't improve our working efficiency. On the contrary, it reduced it.

Fuller Structure

Structure

Sentence，Subj. 不但 + 不 / 没 ⋯⋯，反而 + ⋯⋯

Examples

吃 了 药 ，病 不但 没 好 ，反而 加重 了。 After taking medicine, the illness didn't get better. On the contrary, it got even worse.

我 帮 了 她 ， 她 不但 不 谢 我， 反而 生气 了。 I helped her and she didn't thank me. On the contrary, she got very mad.

你 这样 做，不但 没 帮到 我们，反而 给 我们 带来 了 麻烦。 You didn't help us by doing this. On the contrary, you brought us trouble.

See also

The "However" Adverb "que"

Expressing Contrariness with "dao"

Sources and further reading

Books

Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 259)

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (p. 84)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 83, 151-2)

Websites

汉语教学: http://www.pep.com.cn/xgjy/hyjx/hyxxzy/hyxx/cyxx/201009/t20100901_855691.htm 反而

倒 (dào) can be used to express something is contrary to expectations, acting as a turning point in the sentence. It is generally followed by a positive comment.

倒 Used to Express an Unexpected Situation

Note that 倒 is often followed by 也 or 又 to add further emphasis.

Structure

⋯⋯，Subj.＋ 倒 + （也 / 又）⋯⋯

Examples

他 不 是 很 努力 的学生，但 成绩 倒 也 不错。 He's not a vey hard-working student, but his score isn't too bad.

已经 是 春天 了，倒 又 冷 起来 了。 It's already spring, but it's getting cold.

不 吃 药，病 倒 慢慢 好 了。 I didn't take any medicine, but I'm getting better.

他 是 个 老外，普通话 倒 挺 流利。 He is a foreigner, but he speaks fluent Chinese.

Using 倒 to make a concession

Structure

倒 can also be used to express a concession, so it's often followed by 就是、但是、可是、不过.

Subj. 倒 + positive side，不过 / 但是 / 就是 ＋undesirable things

Examples

这 篇 文章 的 内容 倒 不错，就是 太 长 了。 The content of this article is great, but it's a little too long.

这 件 衣服 的 样式 和 大小 倒 都 合适，可是 我 不 喜欢 这 个 颜色。 The style and size if this piece of clothes fit me well, but I don't like its color.

你们 提供 的 服务 倒 不错，但是 对 我 来说 太 贵 了。 The service you provide is great, but it's too expensive to me.

我 倒 想 陪 你 一起 去，不过 要 等 到 周末。 I want to come with you, but you need to wait until this weekend.

For more on 倒, be sure to check our C1 (advanced) grammar point on expressing contrariness with 倒.

See also

Expressing contrariness with "dao"

The "However" Adverb "que"

"On the Contrary" with "fan'er"

Conceding a Point with "shi"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 140-3)

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 52)

却 (què) is used to indicate something was contrary to expectations, and is used in a similar way to 倒. However, it is generally followed by a negative comment:

Structure

The overall structure of sentences that use 却 is something like this:

Sentence， Subj. + 却 + ⋯⋯

Normally the first clause above makes a statement, and then the second clause introduces something contrary, generally in the form of a negative comment.

It's also important to point out that 却 is not a conjunction; it's an adverb. Practically speaking, this means that rather than joining two statements, it goes inside a statement (within the second clause). Specifically, it needs to come after the subject and before the verb. (Note that when you use a conjunction like 但是 it comes before the subject! 却 is different in this respect. Also, rather than replacing 但是, it can work with it to add emphasis.

Also, sometimes the subject of the second clause will be omitted. If there is a subject, however, 却 definitely needs to come after it.

我 等 了 她 很 长 时间 ，却 她 没 来 。

我 等 了 她 很 长 时间 ，她 却 没 来 。

有 些 人 博客里 的 文章 不 多 ， 却 内容 不 错 。

有 些 人 博客里 的 文章 不 多 ， 但是 内容 却 不 错 .

有 些 人 博客里 的 文章 不 多 ， 内容 却 不 错 。

有 些 人 博客里 的 文章 不 多 ， 但是 内容 不 错 。

Examples

In the following examples, take note that 却 comes after the subject in each case, and that it can be used together with 但是.

他 用 的 潜水 装备 都 很 专业，但是 他 的 水平 却 很 低。 His diving equipment is all specialized, but his level is quite low.

虽然 是 自己 种 的 菜，不过 味道 却 没有 超市 的 好。 Although it's home-grown veggies, it's flavor just isn't as good as the supermarket's.

他 只有 16 岁，想法 却 比 20 几 岁 的 人 还 成熟。 He's only sixteen, but his perspectives are more mature than people in their twenties.

See also

Expressing Contrariness with "dao"

"On the Contrary" with "fan'er"

A Softer "But"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp.140-2)

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (p. 184)

即使⋯⋯也 (jíshǐ... yě) means "even if...still...." In this construction, the first clause (after 即使) is a supposition, which is then struck down as impossible by the second clause (after 也) of the statement.

Structure

即使 + Hypothetical Statement + 也 + Action

Examples

即使 领导 不 来，我们 也 要 照样 开会。 Even if the boss doesn't come, we will still have the meeting as usual.

你 即使 不 想 听，也 应该 假装 感兴趣。 Even if you don't want to listen, you still have to pretend to be interested.

即使 明天 下雨，我 也 要 出去 爬山。 Even if it's raining tomorrow, we're still going to go out hiking.

Note that the clause used after 即使 must be hypothetical, otherwise 虽然 should be used.

现在 虽然 是 高峰 期，我 也 要 出去。

现在 即使 是 高峰 期， 我 也 要 出去。

In the sentence above, it being rush hour is not a hypothetical statement, so it is incorrect to use 即使.

See also

Expressing "even if…" with "jiusuan"

Expressing "even if…" with "napa"

Expressing "even if…" with "jiushi"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp.261-3)

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 63)

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 289)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (p. 445)

就是 (jiùshì) is one of the many "even ifs." Like 即使 , 就算 and 哪怕 it is used to introduce a hypothetical statement, which can then disregarded with 也.

Structure

就是 + Hypothetical Statement + 也 + Action

Examples

就是 这 台 电脑 价格 上万，我 也 会 买。 Even if this computer's price is over 10,000 yuan, I'm still going to buy it.

就是 降温 了，我 也 要 穿 热裤，时尚 嘛! Even if it's starting to get cooler, I'm still going to wear short shorts. It's the fad!

就是 他 变成 一个 穷光蛋，我 也 愿意 跟 他 在 一起。 Even if he were penniless, I would still be willing to be with him.

Note that the clause used after 就是 must be hypothetical, otherwise 虽然 should be used:

现在 虽然 是 高峰期，但 我 也 要 出去。

现在 就是 是 高峰期，我 也 要 出去。

In the sentence above, it being rush hour is not a hypothetical statement, so it is incorrect to use 就是.

See also

Expressing "even if…" with "jishi"

Expressing "even if…" with "jiusuan"

Expressing "even if…" with "napa"

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 153)

就算 (jiùsuàn) is an informal way of saying "even if," and is used to introduce a hypothetical statement. However, unlike 即使 , 哪怕 and 就是, 就算 has more of a feeling that the speaker doesn't believe that the hypothetical statement is reasonable or has much chance of being realized.

Structure

就算 + [Hypothetical Statement] + 也 + [Action]

Examples

就算你 给 我 一 百 万，我也 不能 帮 你 做 违法 的 事情。 I can't help you to do illegal things even if you gave me one million dollars.

就算你 顺利 通过 了 面试，也 不一定 能 被 录用。 Even if you pass the interview successfully, we can't say you are definitely going to be hired.

就算 你 说 的 都 是 真的，我们 也 没 办法 证明。 Even if what you say is true, we still don't have any way to prove it.

就算 员工 会 抱怨，公司也 要 实行 这个 新 政策。 Even if the staff would complaint about it, the company are still going to carry out the new policy.

就算你 的 汉语 水平 达到 了 高级，也 还是 会 有 发音 问题。 Even if your Chinese reached a very high level, you would still have trouble with pronunciation.

See also

Expressing "even if…" with "jishi"

Expressing "even if…" with "napa"

Expressing "even if…" with "jiushi"

Sources & further reading

哪怕 (nǎpà) means "even if," and has a slightly stronger tone than 即使 or 就算. It is therefore often used to disregard hypothetical statements of a more serious nature. It is normally used with 也. Some forms of the pattern also use 再.

Basic Form

The basic "even if" form should be familiar if you know how to use 即使 or 就算.

Structure

哪怕 + [Hypothetical Statement] + 也 + [Action]

Examples

哪怕 你 只 发 十 块 钱 的 红包，大家 也 会 很 开心 的。 Even if you only gave ten dollars in a red envelope, everyone would still be happy.

哪怕 你 就 陪 孩子 玩 一 小 会儿 ，她 也 会 很 开心 的。 It would make the child really happy even if you spend only a few minutes with her.

哪怕 他 爸爸 是 总统，我 也 不 要 嫁 给 他！ I wouldn't marry him even if his father is the president!

哪怕 你们 会 不 高兴，我 也 要 把 话 说 清楚。 I would still say it clearly even if it made you guys unhappy.

哪怕 你 打扮 得 像 电影 明星 一样，他 也 不 会 看 你 一 眼 ！ Even if you dressed up like a movie star, he still wouldn't pay you the slightest attention!

哪怕 with 再

Structure with 再

哪怕 is often followed by 再 (in the first part of the sentence) to give further emphasis to what the speaker is saying won't make a difference. In this usage, it's very similar to "no matter," which can also be expressed by patterns like 不管.

哪怕 + [Subj. 1] + 再 + Adj. [Subj. 2] + 也 + [Verb Phrase]

Note: some verbs can also be used with this pattern in place of the adjective.

Examples with 再

哪怕 你 说 得 再 好，我们 也 不 相信 。 Even if you can be exceptionally persuasive, we're not going to believe it.

哪怕 你 工作 再 努力，经理 也 不 可能 给 你 加薪 。 The manager is not going to give you a pay raise no matter how hard you work.

哪怕 你 问 再 多 遍，她 现在 也 不 会 说 一 个 字 。 No matter how many times you ask her, she will not say a single word.

哪怕 再 忙 ，我 也 要 抽 时间 回家 看 父母。 Even if I‘m super busy, I will still find some time to visit my parents back home.

哪怕 再 累 ，她 也 不 要 父母 帮忙 照顾 孩子 。 Even if it's really exhausting, she doesn't want her parents' help with the baby.

哪怕 学生 再 不 听话 ，老师 也 不 应该 打 他们 。 No matter how disobedient the students are, their teachers shouldn't hit them.

See also

Expressing "even if…" with "jishi"

Expressing "even if…" with "jiushi"

Expressing "even if…" with "jiusuan"

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5)(pp. 113)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (p. 556)

"假如⋯⋯，就⋯⋯" (jiǎrú..., jiù...) is yet another way to express "If..., then..." in Chinese, but it is much more formal than 要是 or 如果 are (in both written and spoken Chinese).

Structure

假如 + Statement + 就 + Result

Examples

假如 你 的 成绩 再 好 一点儿，你 就 能 申请 北大 了。 If your grades come up a little more, then you can apply to Beijing University.

假如 我 是 你，我 就 戒烟。 If I were you, I would give up smoking.

假如 你 的 女朋友 不 爱 你，你们 就 分手 吧。 If your girlfriend doesn't love you, then you should break up.

See also

"If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…"

"If… Then…" with "yaoshi"

"If… Then…" with "jiashi"

Sources and further reading

Books

Common Chinese Patterns 330 (汉语常用格式330例) (pp. 124)

Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 279)

"假使⋯⋯，就⋯⋯" (jiáshǐ..., jiù...) is another way to phrase "If..., then..." in Chinese, with this pattern being one of the most formal.

An important note is that this pattern is usually only used in written formal Chinese.

Structure

假使 + Statement + 就 + Result

Examples

假使 明天 下雨，我 就 不 去 上班 了。 If it rains tomorrow, then I'm not going to work.

假使 你 同意，我们 立马 签 合同。 If you agree, then we should sign the contract riht away.

假使 我们 能 找到 更 多 的 赞助，我们 就 可以 帮助 更多 的 孩子。 If we find even more sponsors, then we can help even more children.

See also

"If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…"

"If… then…" with "yaoshi"

"If… then…" with "jiaru"

Sources and further reading

Books

Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 279)

"要是⋯⋯，就⋯⋯" (yàoshi..., jiù...) is one of several ways to convey "If... Then..." It is very similar to 如果..., 就... in usage and formality. However, it is important to note that 要是 is considered to be even more informal (and is usually left more to spoken Chinese) than the common 如果 and used more frequently in the northern areas of China.

Structure

要是 ……， 就 ……

Examples

要是 他 不 来，我们 就 走 吧。 If he doesn't come, we'll have to go.

你 要是 真 想 我，就 给 我 打 电话 吧。 If you do miss me, then give me a call.

要是 我妈 知道 这 件 事，我 就 死 定了! If my mother knew about this, I would be so dead!

要是 老板 不 同意，我们 就 不 能 跟 客户 签 合同。 If the boss doesn't agree, we can't sign the contract with the client.

你 要是 再 这么 说， 我 就 真 生气 了。 If you keep talking this way, I'll get really mad.

See Also

"If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…"

"If… then…" with "jiaru"

"If… then…" with "jiashi"

Sources and further reading

Books

Common Chinese Patterns 330 (汉语常用格式330例) (pp. 246)

Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 278)

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 41-2)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (p. 502)

You probably already know that 的话 (de huà) can be put at the end of a phrase to express the meaning of "if." It can be used independently, or with 如果, both meaning "if." But it can also be used to simply identify a topic, sort of like saying "when it comes to...."

Structure

的话 can also be used to introduce a topic which the speaker intends to say more about.

Topic + 的话， Comment

Examples

云南 的话，春天 去 最好。 With Yunnan, spring is the best time to go.

晚上 的话，当然 方便 啦。 The evening? Of course that's convenient.

我 肯定 能 去 。 他的话，我 就 不知道 了。 I can definitely go. As for him though, I don't know.

See also

"If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…"

"For…" with "eryan"

Limiting scope with "jiu"

Sources & further reading

Websties

Chinesegrammar.info: Chinese grammar de hua (的话): expressing “if” in Chinese with de hua

不管 (bùguǎn) is more informal than 无论, but it is used in more or less the same way. As with other constructions, 都 and 也 can be used in the second part of the sentence to emphasize the action or decision will not change.

Used with Question Word

Structure

不管 + Question Word ，(Subj. +) 都 ⋯⋯

Examples

不管 你 穿 什么 都 好看 。 No matter what you wear, it all look good on you.

不管 怎么样 ，我们 都 要 好好 准备 。 We must prepare well no matter what.

不管 你 在 哪儿 工作 ，都 要 交税 。 You need to pay the taxes wherever you work.

不管 别人 怎么 想 ，你 都 要 坚持 。 No matter how other people think, you need to keep going.

不管 你 是 什么 时候 买 的 ，我们 都 可以 免费 修 。 No matter when you bought it, we can repair it for you for free.

Used with Two Different Options

Structure

不管 + 是 + Option A + 还是 + Option B ，Subj. + 都  ⋯

不管 + Verb / Adj. + 不 + Verb / Adj. ，Subj. + 都  ⋯

Examples

不管 是 国际 幼儿园 还是 本地 幼儿园 ，学费 都 很 贵 。 No matter it's an international kindergarten or a local one .

不管 你 是 中国人 还是 外国人 ，都 必须 遵守 中国 的 法律 。 Whether you're Chinese or foreigners, you must abide by the law.

不管 你 喜 不 喜欢 ，都 要 接受 。 No matter you like it or not, you need to accept it.

不管 你们 同 不 同意 ，我 都 要 去 。 No matter you agree or disagree, I'm going there.

不管 他们 承认 不 承认 ，这 都 是 事实 。 Whether you admit it or not, it's the truth.

Used with 多

Structure

不管 + 多 + Adj., Subj. + 都 ⋯⋯

Examples

不管 多 贵 ，我 都 要 买 。 No matter how expensive it is, I'm buying it.

不管 多 远 ，我 都 要 跟 你 一起 去 。 No matter how far it is, I'm going with you.

不管 多 难 ，都 不 能 放弃 。 No matter how difficult it is, you can't give up.

不管 我 穿 得 多 好看 ，他 都 不 看 我 一眼 。 No matter how well-dressed I am, he doesn't take a look at me.

不管 孩子 多 淘气 ，父母 都 不 应该 打 他们 。 No matter how their children misbehave, parents shouldn't hit them.

See also

Expressing "anyway" as "fanzheng"

"No matter" with "wulun"

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp. 115)

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 63)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (p. 430)

无论 (wúlùn) means "no matter," and is generally used in the first part of the sentence. As with many other constructions, 都 and 也 can be used in the second part of the sentence to emphasize the action or decision will not change. It is more formal than 不管.

Structure

无论 + Circumstances + 都 / 也 + Inevitable Result

Note that 不论 (bùlùn) is equivalent to 无论 for this pattern.

Because 无论 means "no matter," the clause that follows 无论 is going to include phrases such as "how hard you try" or "wherever you go," and thus will normally include interrogative pronouns such as 怎么, 多(么), 什么, 谁, etc.

Examples

无论 怎么样，他 都 会 放弃，别 高估 他。 No matter what it's like, he will give up. Don't overestimate him.

无论 多么 成功，他 总 觉得 自己 不够 好。 No matter how successful he is, he always thinks he isn't enough.

无论 你 到 哪儿 我 都 会 跟着 你。 Wherever you go, I will follow you.

无论 你 说 还是 不 说，结果 都 一样。 Whatever you say, the result will be the same.

As we can see from the example sentences, 无论 is often used with 是 X 还是 Y, "Verb 不 Verb" and interrogative pronouns like 多少 and 什么.

无论如何 is a useful set phrase, meaning "no matter what."

See also

"No matter" with "buguan"

Expressing "anyway" as "fanzheng"

Sources and further reading

Books

Basic Patterns of Chinese Grammar (pp. 79-80)

Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp. 115)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 116-7)

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 145)

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 560)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 180)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (p. 556)

由于 (yóuyú) means "due to” or "owing to" and is formal in use.

Structure

由于 + Cause，Effect

Examples

由于 温室效应 的 影响，全球 的 气候 变得 越 来 越 反常 了。 Due to the influence of the Greenhouse Effect, the whole Earth's climate is getting more and more unusual.

由于 意见 不一致，两位 老板 吵了起来。 Due to differing opinions, two bosses started to argue.

由于 公司 发展 的 需要，我们 打算 再 招聘 一些 新的 老师。 Due to the need of the development of our company, we plan to hire more new teachers.

由于 目标客户 的 变化，企业 的 营销 策略 需要 做出 一些 调整。 Due to the change of our target clients, the marketing strategies need some adjustments.

由于人口 的 快速 增加，大城市 的 社会问题 越来越 严重。 Due to the rapid growth of population, social problems in big cities are getting more and more serious.

See also

Emphasizing the doer of an action with "you"

Stating the effect before the cause

Sources and Further Reading

Website

Yale Chinese Usage Dictionary: How to use 因为 and 由于

既然 (jìrán) means "since," and is often followed by 就 to mean "since...then...." It is used like this:

既然 followed by an affirmative sentence

This construction is not generally used to express a result, but more of a suggestion or inference deduced from the first fact. It can be placed before or after the subject. But if the subjects in the two clauses are the same, 既然 is more often put after the subject.

Structure

既然 ＋ Fact, 那 / 就 / 那就 ＋ Suggestion / Inference

Examples

你 既然 不 想 说，那就 别 说 了。 Since you don't want to speak, just don't say it. (a suggestion)

既然 你 那么 喜欢，那就 买 吧。  Since you like it so much, buy it then. (a suggestion)

她 既然 刚刚 分手，那 现在 应该 是 单身 吧。  Since she just had a breakup, she should be single now. (an inference)

既然 你们 是 好 朋友，那 他 肯定 会 帮 你 吧。 Since you guys are good friends, he will definitely help you.(an inference)

既然 大家 都 不 感 兴趣，就 换 个 话题 吧。 Since nobody is interested, let's change the topic. (a suggestion)

既然 followed by a question

The suggestion or inference deduced from the first fact can come in the form of rhetorical question. In this case, “那” can be omitted.

Structure

既然 + Fact, （那 +）rhetorical question

Examples

你 既然 不 喜欢 他，为什么 还 想 跟 他 出去？ Since you don't like him, why do you want to go out with him? (a suggestion)

既然 你 已经 决定 了，为什么 现在 后悔？ Since you've made your decision, don't regret it then. (a suggestion)

既然 他 那么 忙，你 为什么 还 去 打扰 他？ Since he's so busy, why would you bother him? (a suggestion)

既然 已经 分手 了，为什么 还 要 见面？ Since we broke up, why would we still see each other? (a suggestion)

既然 你 男朋友 那么 有 钱，那 他 为什么 不 能 大方 一点？ Since your boyfriend is so rich, why can't he be more generous? (a suggestion)

See also

Cause and Effect with "yinwei" and "suoyi"

Because" with "er" Indicating Effect

Expressing "Even if…" with "jishi"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp.267-9)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 289-90)

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 179)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 245)

因此 (yīncǐ, literally "because of this"), is a conjunction meaning "therefore," and is used in formal writing.

Structure

Cause + 因此 + Effect

Examples

她 在 农村 长大， 因此 很 了解 农民 的 生活。 She grew up in the country, so she understands the country people's way of life.

工厂 已经 停产 很 久 了， 因此 无法 给 工人 发 工资。 The factory has been shut down for a long time, so it is unable to give its workers their wages.

韩寒 的 文笔 好， 因此 他 写 的 小说 很 受 欢迎。 Hanhan's writing is very good, therefore the novels that he writes are always welcomed.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 29)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 67)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (p. 430)

之所以⋯⋯是因为 (zhī suǒyǐ... shì yīnwèi) can be translated as “the reason why... is because” and can be used if the speaker wishes to state the effect before the cause. It's normally used in somewhat formal speech.

Structure

Subj. + 之所以 + Effect + 是因为 + Cause

Examples

他 之 所以 去 希腊 是 因为 想 进一步 了解 西方 文明。 The reason he went to Greece was because he wanted to further understand Western culture.

少数民族 之 所以 受到 人类学家 的 注意 是 因为 他们 至今 还 保留 着 许多 传统 文化。 The reason minorities receive a lot of attention from anthropologists is because they maintain most of their traditional culture up until today.

你 之所以 能够 追求 精神 上 的 快乐 是 因为 你 已经 有 了 稳定 的 物质 基础。 The reason you can pursue spiritual happiness is because you already have a stable material foundation.

See also

"Due to…" with "youyu"

"Because" with "er" indicating effect

Explaining results with "suoyi"

Cause and effect with "yinwei" and "suoyi"

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 93)

因为⋯⋯，而⋯⋯ (yīnwèi...ér...) is another structure that can express cause and effect. It is used like this:

Structure

Subj. + 因(为) + Cause + 而 + Result

Sometimes, 因为 can be shortened to just 因. This is used more in sentences that shorter and more succinct.

Examples

我 因为 生病 而 请假。 Because I got sick, I asked for time off.

欧洲 的 经济 因为 债务 危机 而 陷入 衰退。 Because Europe is suffering a debt crisis, it is falling into decline.

首相 因为 受贿 丑闻 而 下 了 台。 Because the prime minister accepted bribes, he fell from power.

伦敦 地铁 因 罢工 而 处于 瘫痪 状态。 Because of the London Metro strike, everything shut down.

See also

Cause and effect with "yinwei" and "suoyi"

Explaining results with "suoyi"

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 92)

Websites

Yale Chinese Usage Dictionary: Usage of 而

You may have a handle on the typical potential complements, but there are a few other fairly common ones that you still need to master. Each is addressed separately here.

Verbs with -不了 and -得了

Structure

This pattern is used to talk about whether or not you are able to do something. It is subtly different from using 不能 because -不了 usually suggests some external factor out of one's control.

Verb + 得 / 不 + 了

Examples

他 那么 老 ，走 得 了 那么 多 路 吗 ？ He's so old. Will he be able to walk that far?

今晚 我 有 事 ，去 不 了 。 I have things to do tonight. I won't be able to go.

这 件 衣服 太 小 了 ， 我 穿 不 了 。 This piece of clothing is too small. I won't be able to wear it.

这 件 事情 只 有 你 帮 得 了 我 。 You're the only one who is able to help me with this.

他 没 什么 经验 ，处理 不 了 这样 的 问题 。 He doesn't have much experience. He is not able deal with this kind of problem.

Verbs with -不下 and -得下

Structure

This is used to talk about whether or not something will fit or go somewhere. 常见的动词：放、坐、住、装、吃。

Verb + 得 / 不 + 下

Examples

你 包 里 放 得 下 那么 多 东西 吗 ？ Can your bag hold that many things?

我 的 车 太 小 ，坐 不 下 五 个 人 。  My car is too small. Five people will not fit in it.

我 的 箱子 这么 大 ，肯定 装 得 下 这些 衣服 。 I'm sure my suitcase is big enough for these clothes.

你 家 住 得 下 这么 多 人 吗 ？ Is there enough room in your house to accommodate that many people?

我 吃 饱 了 ，真的 吃 不 下 了 。 I'm full. I don't feel like eating more.

Verbs with -不起 and -得起

Structure

Verb + 得 / 不 + 起 + Obj.

Examples

那 件 衣服 是 你 两 个 月 的 工资 ，买 得 起 吗？ That piece of clothing is worth two months of your salary. Can you afford to buy it?

这 家 餐厅 太 贵 了 ，我们 吃 不 起 。 This restaurant is too expensive. We can't afford to eat here.

这些 化妆品 很 贵 ，我 用 不 起 。 This makeup is very expensive. I can't afford it.

这里 房子 的 租金 最少 也 要 一 万 块 ，你 租 得 起 吗 ？ This apartment's rent is at least 10,000 RMB. Can you afford to rent it?

很 多 人 不 生 二胎 不是 因为 不 想 要 ，是 因为 成本 太 高 ，养 不 起 。 Many people don't get pregnant twice not because they don't want to. It's because the cost is too high, they can't afford to raise more kids.

Verbs with -不动 and -得动

Structure

The potential complement -不动 is used to express lack of physical ability to do something. This can be used not only with actions like walking, running or climbing, but even actions like eating and chewing.

Verb + 得 / 不 + 动

Examples

我 走 不 动 了，我们 休息 一下 吧 ！ I can't keep going. I need to rest a bit.

等等 我，我 跑 不 动 了！Wait for me.  I can't keep running.

你 才 一百 斤 ，我 背 得 动 你 。 You are only 50 kilograms. I can carry you.

孩子 真的 长大 了，妈妈 都 抱 不 动 了 。 The child is all grown up. His mother can't hold him anymore.

这么 重 ，他 一个人 搬 得 动 吗 ？ It's so heavy. Can he move it by himself?

See also

Verb Followed by 住

住 can be used to express a "coming to a halt".

Examples

站住！你 不 能 走 ！ Stop! You can't go!

抓住 那个 小偷 ！ Catch that thief!

不 好意思，你 挡住 了 我 的 路 。 Excuse me. You're standing in my way.

前面 两 辆 大卡车 堵住 了 整 条 路 。 The two trucks ahead are blocking the entire road.

住 can be used to express "undertaking an action firmly" or "tightly".

大家 都 记 住 了 吗 ？ Has everyone kept that in mind yet?

你 必须 抓住 机会 。 You must seize the opportunity tightly.

看住 你 的 小狗，别 让 它 乱 跑。 Keep an eye on your dog. Don't let him just run around.

Verb Followed by 开

开 (kāi) means "to open," but when used as a complement can mean different things with different verbs.

Examples

开 can be used literally to mean "open up" or "turn on":

张开 嘴 。 Open your mouth.

请 打开 课本 。 Please open your textbook.

他 早上 一 睁开 眼 就 打开 手机 玩 游戏 。 He turned on his cell phone to play games as soon as he opened his eyes this morning.

开 can be used to express an action that is occurring in a direction away from the speaker. When used in this sense, 开 is generally used with verbs involving releasing, unfolding or spreading out:

走开 ！ Go away!

放开 我！ Let go of me!

这个 新闻 很快 就 传开 了 。 This news spread out very soon.

开 can be also used to express solving a problem or getting a weight off one's mind.

看开 一点，生活 还是 要 继续 的 。 You should look on the bright side. Life still goes on.

这 件 事 他 一直 想不开 。 He hasn't been able to get this off his mind.

我们 把 问题 都 说开 了。 We talked about all the problems openly.

Verb Followed by 出来

出(来) can be used figuratively to mean "nothing to coming into being" or "to come up with".

Examples

你 能 想 出 什么 好 办法 ？ What good ideas can you come up with?

别 猜 了，你们 肯定 猜 不 出 我 的 新 男朋友 是 谁 。 Stop guessing. There's no way for you to figure out who my new boy friend is.

这些 数学 题 有点 难 ，我 花 了 一个 小时 才 做 出来 。 These math problems are a little bit difficult. It took me an hour to work them out.

一万 字 的 文章 我 写 不 出来 。 I can't write a ten-thousand-word article.

跟感官动词搭配时，"出(来)"表示 "to tell or to distinguish".

她 肯定 是 北方人，我 能 听 出来 。 She must be from the north. I can hear it.

你 能 看 出来 我 多大 吗 ？ Can you tell how old I am?

菜 里面 有 味精 ，我 能 吃 出来 。 Can you tell how old I am?

这 个 东西 是 用 什么 做 的 ？你 能 摸 出来 吗 ？ What's this thing made of? Can you feel it?

你 抽烟 了 吧 ？别 骗 我 ，我 都 闻 出来 了 。 Were you smoking? Don't lie to me because I can smell it.

See also

Resultative Complement "kai"

Resultative Complement "huai"

Potential complement

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 135)

The degree complement -坏了 (-huài le) is a bit like the complement -死了, and can be used to mean "extremely" in both a a positive and a negative sense.

Structure

Verb + 坏了

Examples with a Negative Connotation

一天 没 吃饭 ，孩子 饿 坏了 。 The child didn't eat anything the whole day. He was starved to death.

孩子 不见 了，妈妈 急 坏了 。 The child is missing. The mother is worried to death.

今天 一天 都 在 开会，大家 都 累 坏了 了 。 We've been at the meeting whole day today. Everyone is exhausted.

那 部 鬼片 把 我 吓 坏了 。 That ghost film scared me to death.

这 件 事 把 老板 气 坏了 。 That matter made the boss angry to death.

Examples with a Positive Connotation

这类形容词非常有限。

听到 这个 好 消息 ，大家 都 高兴 坏了。 Everyone were thrilled to hear the good news.

这个 笑话 让 我们 都 乐 坏了 。 We really got a kick out of this joke.

收到 录取 通知书 ，他们 全家 都 高兴 坏了 。 His whole family were so thrilled when he received the admission letter.

See also

Adjectives with "-ji le"

Negative adjectives with "-si le"

Resultative Complement "kai"

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 104)

This structure can be used if want to say you are "verbing without a clear direction." It's sort of like "verbing this way and that." The same verb is repeated before the 来(lái) and 去 (qù). So for example, 走来走去 is a bit like "walking here and there" or "walking this way and that."

Structure

Verb + 来 + Verb + 去

Examples

In a sentence, this structure looks like this:

学生们 都 很 紧张，在 考场 外面 走 来 走 去。 The students are all nervous, they are all pacing back and forth outside of the exam room.

他 说 来 说 去 还 不 承认 自己 错 了。 He's been yakking a lot, but he still hasn't admitted that he's wrong.

我 想 来 想 去 都 想 不 明白，他 怎么 能 那样 对 我？ I've thought and thought about it, but I can't understand, how could you treat me like that?

他 翻 来 翻 去， 终于 找到 了 那 双 破 袜子。 He searched everywhere and finally found the pair of worn-out socks.

See also

"Verbing away" using "zhe"

Sources and further reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 191-2)

When used as a resultative complement, 着 (zháo) expresses that the action has reached it's purpose or has had an outcome. It can also be used as a potential complement, meaning "able to."

Resultative Complement

Structure

All you have to do is put 着 after the verb. Remember that it should be something that you can reach or achieve. It could be a purpose, or it can be producing an outcome or an influence.

Verb + 着

Examples

宝宝 刚 睡 着。 The baby just fell asleep.

你 的 手机 找 着 了 吗？ Did you find your cell phone?

超市 关门 了 ，你 要 的 东西 我 没 买 着 。 The supermarket is closed. I didn't buy things that you need.

Potential Complement

Structure

Verb + 得 / 不 + 着

When used with 得 or 不, 着 functions as a potential complement, and denotes that one's one's ability is up (or not) to the task in question. This is like saying "(verb) able to reach" or “(verb) not able to reach."

Examples

晚上 我 睡 不 着 的 时候 就 看书。 Last night, when I wasn't able to get to sleep, I read a book.

我 的 手机 找 不 着 了。 I wasn't able to find my cell phone.

这么 晚 了，买 得 着 吗？ It's so late already, can you buy it?

我 在 国外 吃 不 着 地道 的 中国 菜 。 I can't eat authentic Chinese food.

See also

Resultative Complement "zhu"

Resultative Complement "huai"

Resultative Complement "kai"

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 135)

只要⋯⋯就 (zhǐyào... jiù) means "as long as... then...." In other words, whenever A happens, B results.

Structure

Use this structure to express that "as long as" [something happens], "then" [something else will happen]. In logic, this is referred to as a "sufficient condition," meaning that it may not be the only way to bring about the these specific consequences, but it is one way.

只要 + Condition ， 就 + Result

Examples

只要 下雨， 她 就 会 心情 不 好 。  Zhǐyào xiàyǔ, tā jiù huì xīnqíng bù hǎo. As long as it's raining, she will be in a bad mood.

只要 有 你 在， 我 就 放心 了 。  Zhǐyào yǒu nǐ zài, wǒ jiù fàngxīn le. As long as you are here, I won't be worried.

只要 你 努力 学习， 就 会 有 进步 。  Zhǐyào nǐ nǔlì xuéxí, jiù huì yǒu jìnbù. As long as you study hard, you'll make progress.

只要 你 真的 喜欢， 我 就 给 你 买 。  Zhǐyào nǐ zhēnde xǐhuan, wǒ jiù gěi nǐ mǎi. As long as you really like it, I will buy it for you.

只要 不 堵车， 我们 就 能 准时 到 。  Zhǐyào bù dǔchē, wǒmen jiù néng zhǔnshí dào. As long as there won't be traffic jam, we can be there on time.

只要 你 不 生气 ， 我 就 告诉 你 。  Zhǐyào nǐ bù shēngqì, wǒ jiù gàosu nǐ. As long as you won't get mad, I'll tell you.

只要 你 的 要求 是 合理 的 ， 我们 就 可以 考虑 。  Zhǐyào nǐ de yāoqiú shì hélǐ de, wǒmen jiù kěyǐ kǎolǜ. As long as your requirements are reasonable, we will considerate then.

See also

"Only if" with "zhiyou"

"If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…"

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 83)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (p. 124)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 112)

一旦 (yīdàn) is used to express what would happen after a certain condition is met. Usually it is used with 就. This grammar pattern expresses that once one thing happens, something else will happen.

Structure

This structure is similar to the English "once...then," as in "once the company goes bankrupt, your family will lose all its money."

一旦 + Condition，Subj. + 就 + Consequence

Examples

一旦 我 找 好 的 工作，我 就 会 安心。 Once I find a good job, then I'll be able to relax.

这 张 桌子 不 稳定，一旦 发生 什么 小 小 的 振动，就 会 倒塌。 This table isn't very steady. Once there's even a small vibration, it will fall over.

学习 计算机 科学 的 学生 很 自信，他们 一旦 毕业，就 会 找到 很 好 的 工作。 Computer science students are very confident. Once they graduate, they will be able to find good jobs.

千万 不 要 在 经济 泡沫 中 炒股，一旦 市场 崩溃，你 会 很 后悔 的！ You must absolutely not trade stocks in an economic bubble. Once the market collapses, you will regret it!

Notice in the last example there is no 就. Sometimes you can leave out the 就 and the context that the result will happen is pretty clear.

Sources and further reading

Books

Common Chinese Patterns 330 (汉语常用格式330例) (p. 262)

只有 (zhǐyǒu) means "only if," and is used with 才 (cái) to emphasize that only one course of action will bring about the desired outcome.

Structure

只有 + Essential Condition + 才 + Desired Outcome

Examples

只有 努力 才 能 做 好 工作。 Only with hard work is it possible to do a good job.

只有 经济 发展 才 会 有 更 好 的 明天。 Only if the economy develops will it be possible to have an even better tomorrow.

只有 多 吃饭 才 能 长高。 Only if you eat more will you be able to grow tall.

See also

"As long as" with "zhiyao"

"If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…"

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 42)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 113)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (p. 516)

Websites

Yale Chinese Usage Dictionary 只 and 只有

除非 (chúfēi) can be used as a conjunction, and means "unless." 否则 (fǒuzé) or 不然 (bùrán) often appear in the following phrase, to form a construction meaning "unless x, otherwise y":

Simplified Construction

The simplified construction more directly maps to the basic English usage of "unless," as in, "I won't do it unless you pay me."

Structure

除非 means "unless" in the following "y , 除非 x" pattern. The sentences below place emphasis on the part after 除非.

Result / Fact ，除非 + Condition

Examples

我 不 去 ，除非 你 也 去 。 I won't go unless you go.

你 不能 进 ，除非 你 有 预约 。 You can't come in unless you have an appointment.

我 不 说 ，除非 你 答应 我 不会 生气 。 I won't tell you unless you promise me you won't be upset.

你 不 会 这么 快 升职 ，除非 你 表现 很 好 。 You won't get promoted so soon unless you perform very well.

我们 公司 一般 不 允许 员工 请假 ，除非 理由 很 充分 。 The company won't allow it's staff time off unless their reason is good enough.

Advanced Construction

In the full construction, 除非 comes first, and the meaning is "Unless x, otherwise y."

Structure

除非 + Condition ，否则 / 不然 + Result / Fact

Examples

除非 你 是 会员 ，否则 不能 进去 。 Unless you have the membership, yo can't come in.

除非 有 奇迹 ，不然 他 的 病 治 不好 。 Unless miracle happens, his disease can't be cured.

除非 你 听 我 的 ，否则 我 不 会 帮 你 。 Unless you listen to me, I won't help you.

除非 你 有 证据 ，不然 谁 会 相信 ？ Unless you have proof, who is going to believe it?

除非 你 是 名牌 大学 毕业 的 ，否则 老板 不会 考虑 你 的 。 The boss won't consider you unless you graduate from a brand-name university university.

Used with 才

除非 is also used in the patterns below. The meaning expressed is the same as the sentences above, but below the "Y" part expresses what won't happen unless the 除非 condition is met. It might be more helpful to think of 除非 here as meaning "only if."

Structure

除非 x，才 y

So that's "Only if x, y."

Examples

除非 我们 买 很 多 ，老板 才 能 给 我们 便宜 点 。 Only if we buy a lot, the shop owner can make it less expensive.

除非 旧 的 坏了 ，我 才 会 买 新的 。 Only if the old one is broken, I will buy a new one.

除非 有 很好 的 工作 机会 ，他 才 回 老家 。 Only if there is a very good job opportunity, he will go back to my hometown.

除非 老板 给 我 加薪 ，我 才 会 留下来 。 Only if the boss gives me a pay raise, I will stay.

除非 他 犯 了 很 大 的 错 ，老板 才 会 炒 他 的 鱿鱼 。 Only if he makes a very big mistake, his boss will fire him.

See also

"Except" and "in addition" with "chule… yiwai"

Expressing "even if…" with "jishi"

Expressing "otherwise" with "yaobu"

Sources and Further Reading

Common Chinese Patterns 330 (汉语常用格式330例)

Once you've gotten the hang of the basic 把 (bǎ) sentence pattern, you can start to use it in some more complex and abstract ways.

Using 把 with 给

This 给 is used in oral Chinese to add emphasis to the verb. The 给 is actually fully optional, but it's good to be familiar with this pattern because it's so commonly used in spoken Chinese.

You'll notice a structural similarity to this 给 used with 把, and the 给 used with 被.

Structure

Subj. + 把 + Obj. + 给 + Verb Phrase

Examples

我 把 这 事儿 给 忘 了 。 I forgot about this thing.

周末 我 把 脏 衣服 给 洗 了 。 On weekends, I wash the dirty clothes.

你 能 把 这些 都 给 记住 吗？ Will you be able to remember all of this?

他 把 我的 手机 给 摔坏 了 。 He dropped my phone and broke it.

妈妈 把 没 用的 东西 都 给 扔了 。 Mom threw away all of the useless things.

Using 当作 or 看作

When you want to say that something is treated as something else, use this pattern.

Structure

把 + Obj.+ 当成 / 看成 / 当作 / 看作 + ⋯⋯

So what's the difference between using 当成 / 看成 / 当作 / 看作 ? Good question. The differences are not huge, but there are a few:

The 成 versions are a bit less formal than the 作 versions.

看成 / 看作 is often followed by a person or specific thing, whereas 当成 / 当作 is more likely to be followed by something more abstract (like 爱).

The 成 / 作 part of 当成 / 当作 can be dropped in spoken Chinese, whereas the 成 / 作 part of 看成 / 看作 can never be dropped.

Examples

我 一直 把 他 看作 我 哥哥。 I always see him as my older brother.

他 把 我家 当作 了 他 自己 家 。 He treated my house like his own.

很 多 留学生 都 把 自己 的 中文 老师 当作 朋友。 Many study abroad students treat their Chinese teachers as their friends.

孩子 可以 把 家里 的 很多 小 东西 当作 玩具。 Kids treat small things in the house as toys.

有的 中国 女生 会 把 喜欢 当成 爱 。  Some Chinese girls would think about being liked as being in love.

很 多 子女 把 父母 的 理想 当作了 自己 的 理想。 Many kids make their parents' ideals their own ideals.

Take something seriously with 当回事

当回事 is mostly used in colloquial Chinese. It means to take something seriously or to hold something in high regard. It is usually used with the negative 不.

Structure

(别 / 不）把 + Obj.1 + 当回事

他 从来 不 把 老板 的 话 当回事。 He never took what his boss said seriously.

你 这个 人 总是 太 把 自己 当回事 了。 You take yourself too seriously.

有的 父母 从 不 把 孩子 的 一些 小 问题 当回事!  Some parents never take their kids' problems seriously.

我们 班 有 几 个 学生 从来 不把 老师 的 作业 当回事。  Our class has a few students who never take the teacher's homework seriously.

Using 把 with a verb + 成

In this case, 成 can be translated as "into."

Structure

把 + Obj. 1 + Verb + 成 + Obj. 2

Concrete Verb Examples

In the first example, we are using concrete verbs such as 切, 做, 分, etc. Obj. 2 would also be concrete.

请 你 把 这个 蛋糕 切成六块。 Please cut the cake into six parts.

我 知道 怎么 把 图片 做成视频。 I know how to make this picture into a video.

老师 把 全班 同学 分成了 三个 小组。 The teacher broke the whole class' students up into three small groups.

Abstract Verb Examples

In the example below, we are dealing with more abstract verbs. These verbs include 换, 变, 改, 看, 当, 转, etc.

我 每个 月 都 要 把 这些 美元 换成人民币。 Every month, I have to convert some USD into RMB.

他 把 自己 的 家 换成了 他的 工作室。 She converted her house into her workspace.

你 能 把 这个 文件 的 格式转成PDF吗？ Can you convert this file into a PDF.

韩国 政府 把 “汉城” 改成了 “首尔”。 The South Korean government changed the capital name from Hanseong to Seoul.

请 你 把这些 句子翻译成中文。 Please translate these sentences into Chinese.

Mistaken Perception Examples

The example below is when somebody mistakes something for something else. This can be either mishearing, misspelling, seeing something as something else, etc. These verbs include 看, 听, 写, 记, etc.

把 + Obj. 1 + Perception Verbs

他 把 “太“ 看成了“大”。 He saw 太 as 大.

你 刚才 把 “政府” 读成了 “丈夫” 。 Just now you read 政府 as 丈夫.

我 常常 把 “自己” 的 “己” 写成“已经” 的 “已”。 Just now you read 政府 as 丈夫.

你 是不是 把 “派对” 听成了 “排队”？ Just now you read 派对 as 排队.

对不起，我 把 早上的面试 记成了下午。 Sorry, I wrote the morning interview down for this afternoon.

See also

Result complement

Direction complement

Bei sentence

Aspect particles

Sources and further reading

Books

Basic Patterns of Chinese Grammar (pp. 53-4)

Chinese Grammar Without Tears (简明汉语语法学习手册) (pp. 167-81)

Common Chinese Patterns 330 (汉语常用格式330例) (pp. 3-5)

Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (pp. 142-4)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 225-7, 321-3)

>Mandarin Chinese: A Functional Reference Grammar (pp. 482)

Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 354-5)

New Practical Chinese Reader 2 (新实用汉语课本2) (pp. 41-2, 88)

New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 15, 51, 101-2)

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (pp. 369-70, 384, 398-9)

Websites

Mandarin Essential Grammar (Yale): 把 Construction

CTCFL (Oxford): The 把 Construction

ChinesePod: Qing Wen - The Magic Word 把 (free podcast content)

ChinesePod: Qing Wen - 把 Humbug (free podcast content)

FluentU: The Definite Guide to the Chinese Ba Construction

Mandarin Online: 把字句

Just Learn Chinese (blog): Lesson 10 How to understand and use Chinese sentence pattern “…把…”?

The "要⋯⋯就" grammar structure can be used to express the same meaning as "如果...就" However,"要⋯⋯就" is more intense and resolute, similar to imperative sentences (command sentences). Therefore, "要⋯⋯就" sentences typically do not have a subject, but they can have a topic. This grammar form is similar to the English "If you want to (verb) just (verb)..."

Structure

要 + Verb + 就 + Verb

Examples

要 学 就 好好 学 ，别 偷懒 。 If you want to study, study well. Don't be lazy.

要 买 就 快 买 ，我们 快 关门 了 。 If you're going to buy it, buy it now. We are about to close the shop.

要 说 就 快 说 ，别 吞吞吐吐 。 If your going to, say it now. Don't mumble.

要 去 就 快 去 ，不用 等 我们 。 If you want to go, go now. You don't need to wait for us.

要 吃 就 自己 拿 ，不要 客气 。 If you want to eat, go ahead and eat. You don't need to be so polite.

See also

"If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…"

Sources and further reading

NEEDS SOURCES!!

任何 (rènhé) is a modifier that means means "any," "whichever," or "whatsoever." It is also like the English phrases "any and all" or "no matter what."

Structure

This modifier usually does not use 的. It is often paired with 都 or 也.

任何 + Noun

Examples

这 是 我们 俩 的 秘密 ， 跟 任何 人 都 不要 说 。  Zhè shì wǒmen liǎ de mìmì, gēn rènhé rén dōu bùyào shuō.This is our secret. Don't tell it to anyone.

我 父母 不 让 我 参加 任何 校外 的 活动 。 Wǒ fùmǔ bù ràng wǒ cānjiā rènhé xiàowài de huódòng.My parents won't let me participate in any school activity.

这么 多 年 过去 了 ， 他 还是 没有 任何变化 。  Zhème duō nián guòqù le, tā háishì méiyǒu rènhé biànhuà.So many years have passed, and he hasn't changed a bit.

这 种 情况 在 任何 时候 都 不能 发生 。 Zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng zài rènhé shíhou dōu bù néng fāshēng.You can't let this kind of thing happen in any circumstance.

我们 老板 人 很 好 ， 你 有 任何 想法 都 可以 跟 他 说 。  Wǒmen lǎobǎn rén hěn hǎo, nǐ yǒu rènhé xiǎngfǎ dōu kěyǐ gēn tā shuō.Our boss is a very good person. Any thoughts you have you can discuss with him.

我 先 走 了 ，有 任何 需要 给 我 打 电话 吧 。  Wǒ xiān zǒu le, yǒu rènhé xūyào gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà bā.I'm leaving now. Call me if you need anything.

See also

Referring to "all" using "suoyou"

Expressing "all" with "shenme dou"

Sources and further reading

Boya Chinese Lower Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语准中级加速篇) （p.173)

既 (jì) can be used in conjunction with either 又 (yòu) or 也 (yě) to express that something is "both A and B":

Used with 又

Structure

既 + A + 又 + B

A and B can be adjectives, verbs or short phrases. Most of the time A and B will take the same form i.e. if A is an adjective B will also be an adjective.

Examples

他 做 事情 既 快 又 好。 He does things both quickly and well.

这 家 银行 的 服务既 热情 又周到。 This bank's service is both enthusiastic and thorough.

这个 产品 的 设计 既 时尚 又 人性化。 This product's design is both stylish and humane.

Used with 也

Structure

The structure can also be formed with 也, but here it is used primarily for verbs or verb phrases:

既 + [Verb Phrase] ，也 + [Verb Phrase]

Examples

她 既 是 我 妈妈 ，也 是 我 朋友。 She is both my mother and my friend.

要求 是 你 既 要 会 说 流利 的 中文 ，也 要 会 说 流利 的 英文 。 The requirement is that you need to speak both fluent Chinese and English.

爸爸 很 生 气 我 的 气 ，不过 他 既 没 打 我 ，也 没 骂 我 。 My father was really mad at me, but he neither hit me nor scold me.

See also

"Both A and B" with "you"

Combining verbs with "bing"

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 120)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 11)

More than just throwing anything you want after two 越s, there are a number of specific patterns you will notice if you want to go beyond using the simpler 越来越.

Used with Only One Subject

Structure

Subj. + 越 + Verb + 越 + Adj.

or

Subj. + 越 + Verb 1 + 越 + Verb 2

Examples

他 越 跑 越 快。 Tā yuè pǎo yuè kuài. The more he runs, the faster he gets.

雨 越 下 越 大。 Yǔ yuè xià yuè dà. The more it rains, the heavier the rain gets.

我们 越 说 越 高兴。 Wǒmen yuè shuō yuè gāoxìng. The more we talk, the happier we are.

她 越 想 越 生气。 Tā yuè xiǎng yuè shēngqì. The more she thinks about it, the angrier she gets.

我 越 看 越 喜欢。 Wǒ yuè kàn yuè xǐhuan. The more I look at it, the more I like it.

Used with Two Different Subjects

Structure

Subj. 1 + 越 + Verb，Subj. 2 + 越 + Adj.

or

Subj. 1 + 越 + Verb 1，Subj. 2 + 越 + Verb 2

Examples

她 越 说，我 越 生气。 Tā yuè shuō, wǒ yuè shēngqì. The more she talks, the angrier I get.

你们 越 看 我，我 越 紧张。 Nǐmen yuè kàn wǒ, wǒ yuè jǐnzhāng. The more you look at me, the more nervous I am.

我 越 走，腿 越 痛。 Wǒ yuè zǒu, tuǐ yuè tòng. The more I walk, the more my legs hurt.

他 越 问，我 越 不 想 说。 Tā yuè wèn, wǒ yuè bù xiǎng shuō. The more he asks, the less I want to talk.

你 越 逼 他，他 越 讨厌 你。 Nǐ yuè bī tā, tā yuè tǎoyàn nǐ . The more you push him, the more he hates you.

With the Same Verb twice

This pattern is limited to a small number of single-syllable verbs related to sensory perception, but you do hear it used.

Structure

Subj. + 越 + Verb + 越 + 想 + Verb

Examples

我 越 看 越 想 看。 Wǒ yuè kàn yuè xiǎng kàn. The more I watch it, the more I want to watch.

你 会 越 吃 越 想 吃。 Nǐ huì yuè chī yuè xiǎng chī. The more you eat it, the more you will want to eat.

这 种 花 的 味道 让 人 越 闻 越 想 闻。 Zhè zhǒng huā de wèidào ràng rén yuè wén yuè xiǎng wén. The more you smell this kind of flower, the more you want to smell it.

不要 给 孩子 喝 这 种 饮料，他们 会 越 喝 越 想 喝。 Bùyào gěi háizi hē zhè zhǒng yǐnliào tāmen huì yuè hē yuè xiǎng hē. Don't give this kind of drink to kids. The more they drink it, the more they want to drink it.

我 吃 了 这 个 药 以后 总是 想 睡觉，而且 越 睡 越 想 睡。 Chī le zhège yào yǐhòu, wǒ zǒngshì hěn xiǎng shuìjiào, érqiě yuè shuì yuè xiǎng shuì. I'm always so sleepy after taking this medicine. And also, the more I sleep, the more l want to sleep.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

宁可 (nìngkě) is used where the speaker wants to compare two unfavorable options, and choose a "unfavorable option" over a "most unfavorable option."

Using 宁可 with 也不

Structure

This construction puts 宁可 at the beginning of the sentence followed by 也不. 宁可 is followed by unfavorable option and 也不 is followed by most unfavorable option.

宁可……，也不……

Again, the speaker is choosing between two options, but this time places the preferable option first.

Examples

我 宁可 没有 男朋友，也不 要 随便 找 一 个 男朋友。 I'd rather have no boyfriend than find a random one.

他 宁可 输， 也不 想 放弃。 He'd rather lose than give up.

我 宁可 在 公司 加班，也不 想 把 工作 带 回家。 I'd rather work late in the office than take my work home.

他 宁可 每天 吃 方便面，也不 找 父母 要 钱。 He'd rather eat instant noodles every day than ask his parents for money.

我 宁可 把 这些 东西 送 给 陌生 人，也不 会 扔掉。 I'd rather give these old things to strange people than throw it away.

Using 宁可 with 也要

In this construction 宁可 is used a little differently. 宁可 is followed by unfavorable actions while 也要 is followed by things that you desire or something that you intend to achieve.

Structure

宁可 ……，也要 ……

Here the speaker must pay a price in order to complete or gain something, a bit like "even though X, I'm still willing to do Y."

Examples

我 宁可 几 天 不 睡觉，也要 完成 这 个 项目。 I would be willing not to sleep for a few days just to finish this project.

他们 宁可 花 光 所有 钱，也要 治 好 女儿 的 病。 They would spend all my money to cure their daughter's disease.

我们 宁可 多 花 点 钱，也要 解决 这 个 问题。 We'd rather spend some more money to solve this problem.

Using 宁可 with 与其

For more information, you can click 与其.

See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

Boya Chinese Upper Intermediate 1 (博雅汉语中级冲刺篇) (pp. 196)

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 180)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 84, 99)

好让 (hǎoràng) means "in order to," and therefore expresses purpose. It is used in the following way:

Structure

Subj. 1 + Action， 好让 + Purpose

Examples

妈妈 晚上 总是 让 她 喝 牛奶，好 让 她 容易 入睡。  Mother always makes her drink milk in the evening to help her fall asleep.

你 要 说 慢 点儿，好 让 他们 明白。  You need to speak a little slower so that they can understand.

我 已经 把 准备 工作 做 好 了，好 让 你们 尽快 开始。  I already prepared the work so that you guys can start it as soon as possible.

See also

Easy to do something

Result complement "-hao"

"lai" used to connect two verb phrases

Sources and Further Reading

Books

40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课下册） (p. 569)

一面 (yìmiàn) is a more formal than 一边, but is used in the same way to express two simultaneous actions. It is used in the following way:

Structure

一面 + Verb + 一面 + Verb

Examples

他 喜欢 一面 吃 东西 ， 一面 看 电影 。 He likes to eat and watch movies at the same time.

我 告诉 你 多少 次 了，别 一面 躺 在 床上 一面 吃 零食！弄得 床上 都 是 碎屑! I told you so many times, don't eat while laying on the bed. The "clean" bed now has crumbs all over it!

他们 一 家人 一面 赏月 一面 吃 月饼。 They enjoy the moon and eat mooncakes together as a family.

你 会 一面 拍头 一面 揉 肚子 吗？ Can you pat your head and rub your belly at the same time?

一面 cannot be shortened in the way while 一边 can:

我 面 工作 面 学习。

我 边 工作 边 学习。 I work and study at the same time.

一面 can also be used to express two aspects of a situation, which are not necessarily being enacted simultaneously. This is the same as the structure: "一方面...一方面..." or the English "on the one hand...one the other hand"

政府 一面 要 控制 通货膨胀， 一面 也 要 保证 一定 的 经济 增长 速度。 On one hand, the government is going to control inflation, but on the other hand, it's definitely going to protect economic growth.

See also

Simultaneous tasks with "yibian"

"Along with…" using "suizhe"

Expressing various aspects with "yi fangmian"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 323-5)

To describe a situation as being one of only two possibilities, you can use the structure: "不是⋯⋯就是⋯⋯" (búshi...jiùshì...)

Structure

不是 + A，就是 + B

This is like saying "if it's not A, then it's B" in English. A and B can be verbs, adjectives or nouns.

Examples

他 整天 不 是 打游戏 就 是 睡觉。 All day, if he's not playing games, he's sleeping.

他们 约会 不是 去 咖啡馆 就是 去 电影院。 When they go on dates, if it's not to a coffee shop, then it's to the movie theater.

我 买 的 衣服 不是 大 就是 小，都 不 能 穿。 The clothes that I bought are either too big or too small, I can't wear any of them.

她 穿 的 衣服 不是 LV 就是 Gucci！ If the clothes that she wears aren't Louis Vuitton, then they're Gucci!

See also

"Not… but rather…" with "er shi"

Expressing "either ... or ..." with "yaome"

Providing two options with double "huozhe"

Sources and further reading

Books

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 84) >

Sometimes in English, we have "you won't see one without the other." In Chinese, the same sort of idea can be achieved using "少不了" (shǎobuliǎo). It means that if there is one thing, then there is going to be another something along with it.

Structure

Subj. + 少不了 + 要 + [Verb Phrase]

Examples

学 中文 少不了 要 学 拼音 和 汉字 。 Studying Chinese always involves studying pinyin and Chinese characters.

回家 过年 少不了 要 带 点 礼物 给 家人 。 When you return home for CNY, you will definitely have to bring back some presents to give to your family.

过 生日 少不了 要 吃 生日 蛋糕 。 There are always birthday cakes when we spend birthdays.

大家 都 是 邻居 ，以后 少不了 要 麻烦 您 。 We're neighbors, so we'll definitely have to trouble you.

Relating Events

Sometimes, the two things that "少不了" connects aren't objects. Instead they can be events, and the "少不了" is connecting them saying "It's like A because B happened." This construction is often based off of observations or experiences that the speaker has had, so that they can know (or assume) what situations relate to each other. It is often used together with "是."

Structure

Situation / Result ，少不了 + 是 + Reason

Note, however, that in this construction, the reason follows "少不了"

Examples

八点 多 了 还 没 回 来，少不了 是 在 加班。 It's past 8 o'clock he still hasn't come back. He must be working overtime.

看 他 的 样子，少不了 是 跟 女 朋友 吵架 了。 Look at how he looks. He must have argued with his girlfriend.

这么 闷热，少不了 是 要 下 暴雨 。 It's so stuffy. It must be about to storm.

Sources and Further Reading

Books

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 83)

Websites

One easy way to give two options is to precede each one with 或者 (huòzhě).

Structure

或者 A，或者 B

You can use almost anything as the options A and B.

Examples

只 有 一 块 蛋糕，或者 你 吃 或者 我 吃。 There's only one piece of cake. Either you eat it, or I eat it.

你 或者 学 汉语 ， 或者 学 法律，别的就别学了。 Either study Chinese or law. Don't study anything else.

咱们 或者 去 爬山 或者 泡温泉。 Let's either go hiking or go to the hot springs.

See also

Expressing "either ... or ..." with "yaome"

Expressing the only two possibilities

"Or" in statements

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 238)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (pp. 623)

别说 (bié shuō) means something like "leaving aside" or "don't think about," and is used in the following way:

Structure

别说 + A ， 连 / 就是 + B + 也 / 都 + Verb

This is similar to English where we might say: "don't think about preparing a banquet, you can't even make instant noodles." Note that this sentence structure is the reverse to the 更不用说 pattern.

Examples

别说 一百， 就是 一 块 钱 我 也 不 给 你 。 Don't think about one hundred, I won't even give you one kuai.

别说 白酒，连 啤酒 的 味道 我 都 受 不了。 Don't even mention baijiu, I can't even stand the taste of beer.

这么 难 的 问题，别说 你，就是 老师 也 不 知道 答案。 Don't even mention you, the teacher can't even know the answer to such a difficult question.

别说 做 菜 了，他 连 怎么 煮 方便面 都 不 知道。 Don't even think about cooking. He doesn't even know how to boil instant noodles.

且不说 is more formal than 别说, but is used in the same way.

See also

"Let Alone" with "hekuang"

"Let Alone" with "geng buyong shuo"

Expressing "Even" with "lian" and "dou"

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 85)

更不用说 (gèng bùyòng shuō) means "let alone," and is used in the same way as the English, where we might say: "he can't even boil an egg, let alone prepare a banquet"

Structure

连 + A + 都 / 也 + Verb， 更不用说 + B + 了

Notice that the order used in this pattern is the opposite to the 别说 structure.

Examples

他 都 不 会 煮 鸡蛋， 更不用说 做 一 大 桌子 的 菜 了。 He can't boil an egg, let alone prepare a banquet.

他 连 自己 国家 的 国旗 都 不 认识， 更不用说 其他 国家 的 了。 He can't even recognize his own country's flag, not to mention any other countries' flags.

他 从来 没有 出 过 远门， 更不用说 出国 了。 He's never traveled very far, let alone out of the country.

Unless the first action is negated with 没有, using 更不用说 generally requires using 了 to emphasize that the speaker is adding his/her own comment.

See also

"Let alone" with "bie shuo"

"Let Alone" with "hekuang"

Uses of le

Expressing "Even" with "lian" and "dou"

Sources and Further Reading

何况 (hékuàng) can mean "let alone" or "all the more." It can be used in the following structure:

何况 within a rhetorical question

Structure

Subj. + 连 + A + 都 + (不 / 没) + Verb， 何况 + B + 呢？

呢 often appears at the end of this structure, to form a rhetorical question.

何况 can be used in two ways, the first of which where 何况 is used to emphasize that A is easier than B.

Examples

我 连 一万块钱都 有，何况 一千 呢？ I have 10000 yuan, and you're saying I don't even have 1000?

孩子 连 跑 都 会，何况 走路 呢？ The child can run, how could he not walk?

你 连 那么 难 的 试题 都 会，何况 这么 容易 的 呢？ You can answer questions that hard, something like this should be easy, right?

In the above sentences, as A is so easy, then B must be even easier. However if one adds a 不 or 没 before the verb then the meaning is reversed: now A is so hard, B would almost be impossible.

我 连 一千 块钱 都 没有，何况 一万 呢？ I don't even have 1000 yuan, let alone 10000.

孩子 连 走路 都 不 会，何况 跑 呢？ The baby can't even walk, let alone run.

你 连 这么 简单 的 试题 都 不 会，何况 那么 难 的 呢？  You couldn't answer a question that easy, and you're kidding yourself you could answer one that hard?

何况 doesn't necessarily have to be used with the 连⋯⋯都⋯⋯ structure, and can be used as a simple statement instead of a rhetorical question.

何况 in a statement

Structure

Subj. + (都) + A， 何况 + B！

Examples

本地人 都 经常 会 迷路 的，何况 外地人！ Natives get lost all the time, so imagine the foreigners!

这个 地方 本来 就 不好找，更何况 你 也 是 第一 次 来！ This place has always been hard to find, especially on your first time!

何况 is often used with 尚且, a formal way of saying 还. 更 can be added to 何况 to add further emphasis.

See also

"Let alone" with "bie shuo"

"Let Alone" with "geng buyong shuo"

Sources and further reading

Books

>Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 278-9)

New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 136)

There are a few ways to express "not only ... but also" in Chinese. One of them is:

Structure

Noun + 不仅 + A，而且 + B

A and B could be adjectives, verbs or phrases.

Examples

他 不仅 很 帅，而且 很 聪明。 He is not only handsome, but also intelligent.

我们 不仅 完成 了 任务 而且 比 规定 日期 提前 了 十天。 We not only completed the task, but we did so ten days ahead of schedule.

这 道 菜不仅 好吃 而且 很 有 营养。 This dish is not only tasty, but also nutritious.

See also

Expressing "not only… but also"

Many types of "not only… but also…"

"Both… and…" with "ji"

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 94)

We've seen 不但⋯⋯而且 in B1, but other than that there are a number of other structures which can be used to express "not only...but also." 不但 can be substituted with 不仅(bù jǐn) and 不只 (bù zhǐ), all meaning "not only," and can be followed by 而且 (ér qiě) , 还 (hái), or 也 (yě) Other than 不但⋯⋯而且 being more common than the others, they are all pretty similar in usage and meaning.

Structure

Subj. + 不仅 / 不但 / 不只 + ⋯⋯，而且 / 还 / 也 + ⋯⋯

Examples

这 篇 文章 不仅 结构 清楚，而且 思想 先进。 This essay is not only written clearly, but is also well-developed.

他 不仅 喜欢 吃 中国 菜，而且 也 会 做 几 个 中国 菜！ He not only likes to eat Chinese food, but he can make some as well!

这 个 外国人 不只 会 唱 民歌，还 会 说 方言，真 是 了不起！ Not only can this foreigner sing folk songs, but he can also speak the dialect. That's really amazing!

他 不但 聪明 还 很 善良。难怪 他 这么 受 大家 的 喜爱！ He's not only smart, but also kind. No wonder everyone loves him.

而且 can be used in conjunction with 还, 也 , as in the last three examples.

See also

Expressing "not only… but also"

"Both… and…" with "ji"

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (pp. 94)

If something was originally a certain way, or "should be" a certain way, the Chinese words used are often 本来 (běnlái) and 原来 (yuánlái). 本来 (běnlái) is usually an adverb while 原来 (yuánlái) could be either and adjective or an adverb. However, they are used in different ways and different circumstances, so this article will help you distinguish when and where to use them.

Situations only using 本来

本来 as an adverb often requires 就 for emphasis

本来 is used when something is common sense. There are certain expectations for the speaker and listener. Since there is no real English equivalent, it is best translated as "it goes without saying." It can also be translated to "supposed to," following it with a certain expectation.

Structure

Subj. + 本来 + 就 + 很 / 不 + Adj.

Subj. + 本来 + 就 + 会 / 要 / 得 / 应该 + Verb

Examples

生活本来 就 很 不 容易。 Life isn't supposed to be very easy.

搬家 本来就 很 麻烦。 Moving is supposed to be very troublesome.

照顾 孩子本来 就 是 父母 的 责任。 Taking care of children is supposed to be the responsibility of parents.

老师本来就 应该 好好 备课。 Teachers are supposed to prepare their lessons well.

美国 人 本来就 会 说 流利 的 英文。 Americans are supposed to speak fluent English.

Using 本来是 expresses a change of plans

If something happened unexpectedly later, 本来 is preferred rather than 原来 considering there is a change of the original situation. 本来 means "originally." Since the action has already happened, the pattern 是⋯⋯的 is suggested here. 是 is optional.

Structure

Subj. + 本来 + 是 +（不）要 / 会 / 应该 + Verb + 的，但是 / 可是⋯⋯

Examples

我本来 是 要 去 参加 你的 生日 派对 的，可是 周末 突然 要 加班。 I was originally going to go to your birthday party, but I had to work some extra time this weekend.

他本来是 应该 考 得 更 好 的，可是 那天 他 生病 了。 He would have done better on the test, but he was sick that day.

我们本来 不 打算 去 的，后来 因为 他们 打 了 好 几次 电话 就 去 了。 We didn't plan to go, but we went in the end because they called us several times.

这些 工作本来 可以 明天 做 的，不过 如果 你 想 今天 做 完 也 可以。 This work doesn't need to be done by today. But if you want to finish it sooner, you can.

我本来是 要 跟 他 结婚 的，可是 后来 发现 了 我们 真的 不 合适。 I was originally going to marry him, but then I found that we are just not meant for each other.

Using 本来就 to stress the tone

If you've got an opinion to express after stating how it "should be" or "should not be," then 本来就 will help you sound more convincing. The end of the sentence usually has an imperative or rhetorical question that leads to an opinion or suggestion, emphasizing the tone.

Structure

Subj. + 本来 + 就 ＋ ⋯⋯

Examples

你本来 就 够 瘦 了 ，还要 减肥 吗？ You are already thin enough and you still want to lose weight?

他 讲 得本来就 不 对，为什么 还 要 我 听 他 的？ What he said was wrong all along, so why do you still want me to listen to what he says?

他本来就 不 是 个 好 人，你 怎么 还要 帮他？ He was never a good person. Why do you still want to help him?

她本来就 不 喜欢你，你 别 再 追 她 了。 She never liked you in the first place, so stop going after her.

他说话的方式本来就 很 容易 让人 不 舒服，你 别 介意。 The way he tends to speak can easily make people uncomfortable, so don't take it personally.

Situations only using 原来

Using 原来 expresses “It turned out”

原来 is more used to emphasize what you accidentally find out or realize in a situation. 原来 means that the unexpected happened. It's similar to "as it turns out⋯⋯" For this usage, "原来" is normally located at the beginning of the sentence.

The most two useful patterns are as follows:

Structure

原来 + 是 + [Fact / Truth / Reason / Purpose]

怪不得 + [Observation / Situation]，原来 + 原来 + 是（因为 / 为了 / 想⋯⋯）

Examples

原来 是 你 啊！我 刚才 真 没 看 出来。 It is you! I didn't recognize you until just now.

原来 是 这 样 啊，那 是 我 做错 了。 Oh, that's it. I was doing it wrong all along.

怪不得 你 中文 说 得 这么 好，原来你 在 中国 住 了 三十 多 年。 No wonder your Chinese is so good. You lived in China for more than 30 years.

原来 他们 住 在 一起，怪不得 他们 常常 一起 上 下班。 They are living with each other. No wonder they often come to work and leave work together.

怪不得 总是 对 他 那么 好，原来 你 一直 都 喜欢 他。 No wonder you treat him so well. You've had feelings for him the whole time.

Use 原来 as an Adjective to Mean "Previous" or "Former"

Structure

原来的 + Noun

Examples

这是 我 原来 的 家。 This is my old house.

他 原来 的 公司 关门 了。 His former company closed down.

你们 原来 的 看法 不 是 这 样 的。 This is not how you previously thought about it.

我 现在 的 男朋友 比 原来 的 男朋友 帅 多了。 My current boyfriend is a lot cuter than my ex.

你 原来 的 头发 那么 黑，现在 白 了 很 多。 Your hair was so black before, but now it's become a lot whiter.

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp. 94-6)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 195-6)

New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 29)

Short-term Spoken Chinese: Elementary (汉语口语速成基础篇) (pp. 22-23)

If something keeps happening and won't stop happening, we say that it is "continuous" or "incessant." In Chinese, the words are "不断" (bùduàn) and "不停" (bùtíng). Instead of usually being adjectives, these two words are usually adverbs (but they can sometimes be adjectives too!). However, they are used in different ways and different places, so this article will help you distinguish when and where to use them.

不断

"不断" is usually placed before the verb it modifies, and it often requires the particle "地" to show that it is an adverb.

Subj. + 不断 + 地 + Verb

Examples

客户 不断地 改变 主意，怎么 办？ The client won't stop changing his ideas. What should I do?

过去 的 两 年 里，我们 不断地 在 努力，也 不断地 在 进步。 For two years, we continuously pushed ourselves and continuously improved.

他们 之间 的 矛盾 一直 不断，关系 不断 恶化。 The argument between them is ongoing. The relationship is consistently worsening.

不停

"不停" is a little more versatile and can be placed both before the verb as an adverb, or after the verb as something that is somewhat like a complement. Either way, it means the same thing.

Subj. + 不停 + 地 + Verb

Examples

我今天很困，不停地打哈欠。 I'm so tired today. I can't stop yawning.

感冒了，喉咙痛，还不停地留鼻水。 I got a cold. My throat hurts and my nose keeps running.

吃饭的时候他一句话也不说，不停地吃。 When he's eating, he doesn't say anything. He doesn't stop eating.

When "不停" comes after the verb, it behaves somewhat strangely and takes "个" before it in order to become grammatical, like so:

Subj. + Verb + 个 + 不停

Examples

孩子 哭 个不停，是 不 是 发烧 了？ The child is crying constantly. Does he have a fever?

今天 电话 响个不停，烦 死 了。 The phone is ringing incessantly today, it's so annoying.

一天到晚 老婆 唠叨 个不停，你 受 得 了 吗？ In the evening, the wife doesn't stop chatting. Can you stand it?

Sources and Further Reading

Both 才 (cái) and 就 (jiù) are adverbs that have to do with expressing time, and they are both placed in front of the verb. However, they have opposite effects on the tone of the sentence, with 才 (cái) implying a=the speaker's sense of lateness, and 就 (jiù) imparting a sense of earliness.

Emphasis with 才

Expressing Lateness with "cái"

才 indicates that the speaker feels that the events discussed happened later than expected. Sometimes it also expresses anxiety, impatience, anger, or other related emotions.

Structure

Subj. + Time Word + 才 + Verb

Examples

我 等 了 两 个 小时 才 买到 票。  I had waited two hours before buying the ticket.

老板 十一 点 才 到 办公室。 The boss didn't come to the office until 11 o'clock.

这个 项目 最少 要 花 两 个 月 才 能 做完。 It's going to take at least two months to complete this project.

Expressing Small Quantity with "cái"

才 can also mean "only" in the sense of a small quantity.

Structure

才 ( + Verb) + Measure Word + Noun

Examples

我们 有 这么 多 人，你 才 点 了 三 个 菜。 We have so many people and you only ordered three dishes.

我 买 了 这么 多 东西，才 花 了 五百 块 。 I bought so many things, and it only cost me 500 RMB.

Expressing earliness with "cai"

"才"表示动作在说话前不久发生，有" 刚、刚刚"的意思。常常跟"就"连用，形容某事发生得很快。

Structure

Subj. + 才 + Verb

(现在) + 才 + Time

Examples

你 才 来 就 要 走 ？也 不 多 坐 一会儿 ？ You just came and you're leaving now?

电影 才 开始 你 就 不 想 看 了 ？ The movie just started and you don't want to see it now?

他 才 毕业 就 找到 了 这么 好 的 工作 ？ How come he found such a good job while he just graduated from college?

现在 才 九点 ，再 玩 一会儿 。 It's only nine o'clock. Stay and hang out a little bit more.

才 六点 ，起 那么 早 干嘛 ？ It's only six. Why did you get up so early?

Emphasis with 就

Used to Express Earliness

就 indicates that something has occurred earlier than the speaker expected. There may be an accompanying feeling of surprise or amazement.

Structure

Subj. + Time + 就 + Verb + Obj.＋了

Examples

他 下午 四点 就 吃 晚饭 了。 He ate dinner at four in the afternoon.

她 十九 岁 就 结婚 了。 She got married when she was 19.

我 八点 就 出门 了，路 上 堵车，我 迟到 了 十 分钟。 I left at eight, but there was a traffic jam. I was ten minutes late.

你们 这么 早 就 下班 了？ You guys leaving work so early?

你 妹妹 十五岁就 上 大学 了？ Your younger sister started college when she was only fifteen?

Used to Express Small Quantity

就 can be used to mean "only," in the sense of a small quantity.

Structure

Subj. + 就 + (＋Verb) ＋ Measure Word ＋ Noun

Examples

我们 有 这么 多 人，你 就 点 了 三 个 菜？.

你们 每天 就 睡 四 个 小时？ Do you only sleep four hours every day?

那时候 中国人 都 生 四 五 个 孩子，他们 家 就 生 一 个？ She got married when she was 19.

你 这么 大 一个 男人，就 吃 这么 一 小 碗饭？！.

每 个 人 都 写 了 五页 纸，你 就 写 了 一 页 纸！.

See also

Expressing lateness with "cai"

Expressing earliness with "jiu"

"cai" used for small numbers

"Just" with "jiu"

Emphasis with "jiu"

Expressing "as one likes" with "jiu"

Expressing indifference with "jiu"

Limiting scope with "jiu"

Sources and further reading

Books

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (p. 107)

Both 突然 (tūrán) and 忽然 (hūrán) express the something happens in a very short time or is unexpected. Both can be translated as "unexpectedly" or "surprisingly," however, 突然 is a bit harsher in tone while 忽然 is a bit softer. Also, their grammatical features are subtly different, as outlined in this article.

Both 突然 and 忽然 can be used as Adverbs

突然 and 忽然 both can put in the sentence as adverbs or adjectives, just make sure to put them before the verb or the adjective!

Before a Verb

突然／忽然 + Verb

Examples

睡觉 的 时候，我 的 电话突然 响了。 While I was sleeping, my phone suddenly started to ring.

睡觉 的 时候，我 的 电话忽然 响了。 While I was sleeping, my phone suddenly started to ring.

他 说着说着突然 不 说 了。  He was talking and talking, and suddenly stopped.

他 说着说着忽然 不 说 了。  He was talking and talking, and suddenly stopped.

Before an Adjective

突然／忽然 + Adj.

Examples

天 突然 暗 了。

天 忽然 暗 了。 The sky suddenly got dark.

灯 突然 不 亮 了。

灯 忽然 不 亮 了。 The lights suddenly went out

At the Beginning of a Sentence

You can place 突然 and 忽然 at the beginning of a sentence, just make sure to add a comma after it!

Structure

突然／忽然，⋯⋯

Examples

突然，他 进来 了。

忽然，他 进来 了。 Suddenly, he entered.

突然 can be used as an Adjective

突然 can be used as an adjective (directly modifying nouns), while 忽然 cannot.

Structure as an Adjective

突然 + (的) + Noun

Examples

这 是 一 场 突然 事故，我们 都 没 想到。 This was a sudden accident. None of us thought it could happen.

你 知道 怎么 处理 这 种 突然 的 情况 吗？ Do you know how to handle this kind of sudden situation?

突然 can be used as a complement

突然 as an adjective can also be used as a complement (called 补语 in Chinese). 忽然 cannot be used as a complement.

Structure for verb and complement

Subj. + Verb + 得 + 突然

Examples

事情 发生 得 太 突然，我们 不 知道 怎么 办。 Things happened so suddenly, we didn't know what to do.

这 场 雨 下 得 太 突然，都 淋湿 了。 This rain fell so suddenly, everything got soaked.

突然 can be used as the predicate

Just like other adjectives, 突然 can be used as the predicate of a sentence. It is usually added with a modifier like 很, 非常, 不 etc. It can also end with 得很, 得多, 极了, etc. complements.

Structure with modifier + 突然

Subj. + Modifier + 突然

Examples

这 个 决定 太 突然 了。 This decision was too sudden.

对 她 来说，这 次 升职 其实 不 突然。 To her, this promotion wasn't actually surprising.

Structure with 突然 + modifier

Subj. + 突然 + Modifier

Examples

离开 上海 突然 得 很。 Leaving Shanghai is really surprising.

这 次 生病 比 上 次 突然 得 多。 Getting sick this time is much more surprising than the last time.

Example of right and wrong sentences

这 个 决定 很 忽然。

这 个 决定 很 突然。 突然 can be a predicate, while 忽然 cannot.

一切 发生 得 太 忽然。

一切 发生 得 太 突然。 突然 can be a complement, but 忽然 cannot.

Example Dialog

A: 我 正在 睡觉，忽然 电话响了，是 Amy 打 来 的。 I was sleeping, when suddenly the phone rang. It was Amy.

B: 她 说 什么？ What did she say?

A: 她 结婚 了。 She got married.

B: 啊，这 个 消息 太突然 了。 Oh, this news is really sudden.

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (突然 p.540)

现代汉语虚词例释 (忽然p.247)

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 231-2)

Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels ()(突然 忽然p.113)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (忽然p.574 突然p.1378)

One pair of confusing adverbs is 总算 (zǒngsuàn) and 终于 (zhōngyú). They both can be translated as "finally" or "in the end," but they subtly different in tone.

They have the same grammatical structure

Grammatically, 总算 and 终于 are basically used the same way. They are both adverbs, and they can be placed before the subject or after the subject. However, in comparison to 终于, 总算 is seldom used before the subject. But in these sentences given below, they can be replaced with each other.

Subj. + 总算 / 终于 + Verb

Examples

你 总算来了！ You finally came!

我 终于 懂 了。 I finally understood it.

雨 总算 停 了。 The rain finally stopped.

我 终于 找到 你 了！ I finally found you!

飞机 总算 起飞 了！ The plane is finally taking off!

总算 is more informal and impatient

Both 总算 and 终于 express that an action has finally happened after a long wait, however 总算 implies that the speaker had a bit of an agonizing wait, and it has a heavier tone better suited to complaints.

Examples

谢天谢地，你 总算 来 了。 Thank God, you finally came.

总算 没 迟到。 You finally didn't arrive late.

她 的 感冒 总算 好 了。 She finally got over her cold.

终于 is more formal and objective

终于 is more formal than 总算 (in other words, 总算 is more for spoken Chinese), and it also has a more objective feel (meaning that there was indeed a long wait for this thing that finally happened).

你 终于 决定 了！ You finally decided this!

终于 要 放假 了，开心 吧？ You finally have your holidays. You're happy about it, aren't you?

你们 合作 的 项目 终于 成功 了! This project you've been working on together finally succeed!

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (终于p. 687)

现代汉语虚词例释 (终于p. 653)

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (p. 18)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (总算1814 终于1767)

Websites

Chinesegrammar.info: A blog with some information on 终于 by comparing it to 最后.

Learning how to properly use 反而 (fǎn'ér) and 却 (què) may seem like a head ache, but it isn't! This article will help you out!

They are placed in different parts of the sentence

反而 can be placed before or after the subject. 却 can only be placed after the subject.

Structure for 反而

Subj. + 反而

反而 + Subj.

Examples

你 这么 做，效果 反而 不 好。 However you did it, the quality was no good.

你 这么 做，反而效果 不 好。 However you did it, the quality was no good.

Structure for 却

Subj. + 却

Examples

外面 下雨，他 却 没 带 伞。 It's raining outside, and I didn't bring an umbrella.

外面 下雨，却 他 没 带 伞。

Both have different coverage

反而 can point to any part of the sentence to make a turning point, and it often emphasizes the structure around 是. On the other hand, 却 can only make a turning point for the the whole sentence, in other words, it can only make a turning point for the predicate part of the sentence.

反而 can change any part of the sentence

反而 + Sentence

Examples

Chicago Bulls 没 赢 最后 一 场 比赛，反而 是 Knicks。 The Chicago Bulls didn't win their last game, but the Knicks did.

他们 都 觉得 Knicks 会 输 掉 最后 一 场 比赛，结果 他 反而 赢 了。 They all thought the Knicks were going to lose the last game, but they won.

我 以为 Knicks 会 赢 第 一 场 比赛，结果 反而 是 最后 一 场。 I thought the Knicks would win the first game, but they won the last one.

却 only changes the whole sentence

却 + Verb

Examples

Chicago Bulls 没 赢 最后 一 场 比赛，Knicks 却 赢 了。 The Chicago Bulls didn't win their last game, but the Knicks did.

他们 都 觉得 Knicks 会 输 掉 最后 一 场 比赛，他 却 赢 了。 They all thought the Knicks would lose the last game, but they won.

我 以为 Knicks 会 赢 第 一 场 比赛，他 却 输 了。 I though the Knicks would win the first game, but they lost.

反而 and 却 express different degrees

Sentences with 反而 express a strong and sudden turn, possibly exceeding expectations. Sentences with 却 are just common turning points. 反而 could be a 180°degree turn, while 却 could be just a 90°.

Examples

我 帮 了 他，他 却 不 高兴 了。 This is a normal turn of events. I helped him, but he wasn't happy.

我 帮 了 他，他 反而 不 高兴 了。 The speaker thought the other person would be happy. I helped him, but he wasn't happy.

Special structures

Both of these often appear in set structures, as seen below:

不但没⋯⋯，反而

不但没⋯⋯，反而⋯⋯

我 帮 了 他 那么 多，他 不但 没 谢谢 我，反而 有 点 不 高兴。

不但不⋯⋯，反而

不但不⋯⋯，反而⋯⋯

他 借 钱 不但 不 还，反而 还 不 承认。

反而却/却反而

⋯⋯，反而却/却反而⋯⋯

他 离 这里 最 远，反而 却 第 一 个 到。

他 离 这里 最 远，却 反而 第 一 个 到。

却偏（偏）

⋯⋯， 却偏（偏）⋯⋯

我 告诉 他 要 下雨，他 却 偏 不 带 伞。

我 告诉 他 要 下雨，他 却 偏 偏 不 带 伞。

虽然⋯⋯却

虽然⋯⋯却⋯⋯

虽然 我们 不 是 朋友，我 却 不 能 不 告诉 你。

但（是）却

⋯⋯， 但（是）却⋯⋯

她 喜欢 吃 甜食，但是 却 从 不 吃 巧克力。 She likes to eat sweet things, but she doesn't eat chocolate.

她 喜欢 吃 甜食，但 却 从 不 吃 巧克力。 She likes to eat sweet things, but she doesn't eat chocolate.

Example dialog

A: 他们都在提自己的建议，你却坐在那里不说话？ They are all trying to assert their opinions, but you're there not talking. Why?

B: 我以前经常提建议，你没表扬我，反而说我话多。我只好不说了。 I used to bring them up a lot, but you didn't commend me for it. Instead you said I spoke too much, so now I don't speak.

See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (反而p.199 却p.459)

现代汉语虚词例释 (反而p.172 却p.403)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (却p.1135 反而p.377)

跟 (gēn) and 对 (duì) sometimes seem like they mean the same thing, and at other times they seem to be different.After reading this article, you will know the difference!

When they have the same form and same meaning when used with 说

When using the verb 说, 跟 and 对 can both be used in a similar sentence pattern. 跟 and 对 are both prepositions, and they both express one person speaking to another.

Structure

Person A + 跟 / 对 + Person B 说

Examples

我 跟 她 说 了，但是 她 不 信。 I told her, but she didn't believe me.

我 对 她 说 了，但是 她 不 信。 I told her, but she didn't believe me.

他 对 我 说 他 爱 我。 He told me he loved me.

他 跟 我 说 他 爱 我。 He told me he loved me.

刚才 你 对 他 说 什么 了？ What did you just tell him?

刚才 你 跟 他 说 什么 了？ What did you just tell him?

When they have a similar grammar structure but different meanings

跟 and 对 can be verbs, and they often are used with a 着, however their meanings are different.

Structure

Subj. + 跟 / 对 + Obj.

Examples for 跟

跟 is a verb, and it's simplest meaning is "follow." Often it is used as a verb phrase, such as 跟着, 跟上, 跟不上, 跟得上, 跟 somebody + Verb.

这 只 小 猫 总是 跟着 我。 This little cat always follows me.

你 走 得 太 快 ，我 跟不上。 You walk too fast, I can't keep up.

你 想 跟 我 去 吗？ Do you want to go with me?

Examples for 对

对 is also a verb, put it has the meaning of "towards" or "point to." Often it is used as: 对着, 对上, 对不上.

枪口 不 要 对着 人。 Don't point that at people.

我 喜欢 对着 镜子 笑。 I like to laugh at myself in the mirror.

这 两 本 账 对不上。 These two accounts don't match up.

When to use 跟 and not 对

跟 is a proposition, and it can be used in comparison. It will often have a supplementary explanation, similar to how 和 can be used (as in 我和你一样高). 对 cannot be used this way.

Structure 1

This structure is used to explain that two things are (or aren't) similar.

A + 跟 + B + （不）一样

Examples

我 跟 你们 不一样，我 还 有 孩子 呢。 I am not like you guys. I still have kids.

上海 跟 纽约 一样，都 是 国际 大 都市。 Shanghai and New York are alike; they are both international cities.

Structure 2

This structure shows that two nouns are the same in some some aspect, which is the word that follows "一样."

A + 跟 + B + （不）一样 + Adj.

Examples

我 现在 跟 我 爸 一样 高。 Now I'm as tall as my dad.

你 跟 你 妈 一样 喜欢 买 衣服。 You like to buy clothes just like your mother.

Structure 3

"跟" functions as a conjunction in this structure, joining two things together. Generally, these are nouns or pronouns (as with "和"). "对" cannot function like this.

Subj. 1 跟 Subj. 2 + Verb-Obj.

Examples

你 要 跟 我 一起 去 吗？ Are you going to go with me?

鲜花 跟巧克力 是 最 好 的 礼物。 Flowers and chocolate are the best gifts.

Examples when to use 对 and not 跟

Structure

When 对 as a proposition, it points to a certain target,since it can mean "point to" or "toward to." 跟 can only be used this way with 说.

Subj. 1 对 Subj. 2 + Verb

Examples

那 个 美女 正 对 我 笑 呢。 That pretty girl is laughing at me.

不 要 对 老板 发脾气， 不然 后果 很 严重。 Don't lose your temper with the boss, otherwise there will be serious consequences.

Example Dialog

A: 那 个 帅哥 在 对 我 招手！ That handsome guy is motioning for me to go to him!

B: 那 你 要 跟 他 去 吗？ Well, are you going to go with him?

See Also

Expressing "with" with "gen"

Using "dui"

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (跟 p. 201)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (跟p.465 对p.343)

All three of these, 朝 (cháo), 向 (xiàng), and 往 (wǎng) can be used to indicate direction or position. When these preposition phrases are used in before the verb, the three have the same structure and their meaning is the same. You can swap them in and out. At other times, however, they are used differently, and this article will help you differentiate when you are supposed to use which one.

When using "朝," "向," and "往" is appropriate

Structure

Just put one of the three before the direction and the verb!

向 / 朝 / 往 + 具体方向 + Verb

Examples

从 这里 向 / 朝 / 往 北 走 两 百 米 就 到 了。 From here, go one hundred meters north, and you'll get there.

这 个 小 女孩 向 左 看看 又 向 右 看看 才 过 马路。 This little girl looked left and then looked right before crossing the street.

我 看见 他 朝 你们 家 去 了。 I saw him going towards your house.

往 前 走 十 分 钟。 Walk forward for ten minutes.

When to use "向" and "往"

向 and 往 can be placed after the verb, however it has to be used with an appropriate verb, Often used verbs are 开, 飞, 发, 运, 送, 寄, 带, 驶 etc. As you can see, these are words that at least imply some sort of motion. In addition, compared to 向, 往 is used more often with those verbs, because 往 expresses the destination while 向 merely expresses a direction, 朝 cannot be used this way.

Structure

Verb + 向 / 往 + 具体方向

Examples

这 趟 火车 开 往 沈阳。 This train is heading towards Shenyang.

这 趟 航班 飞 往 纽约。 This plane is flying to New York.

一 辆 黑 色 的 小 轿车 慢慢地 从 东 驶 向 西。 The black limo slowly went from East to West.

像 鸟儿 一样 飞 向 蓝天。 The little birds flew towards the sky.

When to use "向" and "朝"

When the action that takes place is specified to a specific target, use 向 or 朝. 往 cannot be used this way. Also, when the verb is a concrete action, the use of 向 and 朝 are the same, and they can be interchanged.

Structure

向 / 朝 + 动作的对象 + 具体意义的动词

Examples

他 向 / 朝 我 笑 了 笑。 He laughed at me.

我 朝 他 开 了 一 枪。 I shot a gun at him.

他 已经 向 全体 员工 解释 过 了。 He has already explained it to the employees.

When to use just "向"

When the verb has an abstract meaning, you can only use 向, and you cannot use 朝.

Structure

向 + Direction + Abstract Verb

Examples

他 是 优秀 员工，我们 都 要 向 他 学习。  He is an exemplary employee, we should all study him.

我们 要 向 环保 部门 要求 严查 工厂 排污。 We are going to make the Environmental Safety Department closely examine the factory sewage.

Examples of right and wrong sentences

这 个 地铁 是 开 往 浦东 机场 的 吗 ？

你 要 多 向 他 学习 学习 。

帅哥 朝 我 笑 了 一下 。

你 现在 是 开 朝 市 中心 吗？

朝 雷锋 同志 学习！

往 雷锋 同志 学习！

帅哥 往 我 笑 了。

Example dialog

A: 他 往 南 走 了 。 He walked south.

B: 你 怎么 让 他 往 南 走 呢 ？南 边 很 危险 。 Why did you make him go south? Going south is dangerous.

A: 你 朝 我 发 什么 火？我 说 了 他 不 听 。 Why are you mad at me? I told him but he didn't listen

B: 不好意思 ，我 应该 向 你 道歉 。 I'm sorry. I should apologize to you.

See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） ("向"，"朝"与"往"p.196)

现代汉语虚词例释 (朝p.79, 向 p.505)

The differences between 对于 (duìyú), and 至于 (zhìyú) can be confusing. They both have similar meanings like "concerning," "regarding" or "as for." Learn what they are in this article!

对于 emphasizes the object referred to

对于 usually emphasizes the thing that it is pointing to. Usually where you use 对 you can use 对于.

Structure

As an adverb or adverbial clause, you can place if before or after the subject. It cannot be an attributive modifier.

Subj. + 对于 + Modifier + Predicate

对于 + Modifier， Subj. + Predicate

Examples

对于 这 种 人，就 不 该 跟 他们 讲 道理。 As for this kind of person, you are not supposed to reason with them.

对于 电脑，我 什么 都 不 懂。 I don't understand anything about computers.

我 对于 电脑 什么 都 不 懂。 I don't understand anything about computers.

Special conditions

Sometimes, 关于 and 对于 don't have any differences at all, however those instances are few. For example:

Examples

对于 这个问题 ， 我没有意见 。  Duìyú zhège wèntí, wǒ méiyǒu yìjiàn. As for this problem, I don't have any ideas.

关于 这个问题 ， 我没有意见 。  Guānyú zhège wèntí, wǒ méiyǒu yìjiàn. As for this problem, I don't have any ideas.

对于 这个 话题，我 觉得 没什么 可 讨论 的 。 For this topic, I don't think there is anything to be discussed.

关于 这个话题，我觉得没什么可 讨论 的。 For this topic, I don't think there is anything to be discussed.

至于 can change the topic

Structure

As a preposition, it points to another topic, and emphasizes changing the subject of conversation.

至于 + Topic，Subj. + Verb Phrase

Examples

我们 要 开始 这 个 项目 了，至于 什么 时候 开始，还 没 定。 We're going to start this project, but we still haven't decided when.

至于 这 个 问题，我们 还 需要 进一步 讨论。 For this problem, we need a further discussion.

至于 can also emphasize degree

Structure

As an adverb, it expresses "having reached a certain degree or step." After it you can link it to words or phrases that describe degree. You can also say 至于 by itself or use 不至于.

（不）至于 + Degree

Examples

这 点 小 事情，至于 这么 生气 吗？ With such a small thing, why are you so angry?

我 是 不 高兴，但 不至于 不 跟 你 说话。 I'm not happy, but not to the point that I won't talk with you.

Examples of right and wrong sentences

你 关于 这 个 问题 怎么 看？

关于 这 个 问题， 你 怎么 看？

关于 他 的 无礼，你 是不是 不 太 高兴？

对于 他 的 无礼，你 是不是 不 太 高兴？

Example Dialog

A: 我们 今天 的 会议 内容 是 讨论 一下 关于 开发 中国 市场 的 问题。  The content of today's meeting is a discussion about the problems in developing China's markets.

B: 我 的 意见 是 对于 中国 市场 我们 还 不 了解，最好 是 再 等等。  My opinion towards the Chinese markets is that we still don't understand. The best thing is to wait some more.

A: 对于 是 不 是 开发 中国 市场 我们 已经 决定 了，现在 的 问题 是 什么 时候 开发。  We've already decided about developing the markets, the problem now is when to start.

B：那么，关于 这 个 议题，我 没有 什么 可 说 的 了。  Then, as for this topic, I have nothing more to say.

See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

对外汉语教学语法释疑201例 (对于 vs 关于 p.203, 关于vs 至于 p.207)

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (关于vs 对于 p.240, 至于 p.683)

现代汉语虚词例释 (关于 vs 对于 p.211, 至于p.651)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 98)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (关于p.501，对于 p.346，至于 p.1755)

关于 (guānyú) and 对于 (duìyú) seem similar, since both of these prepositions are used to point to specific people or things. However, when taking a closer look, the things they discuss and the angles they take are different.

Different Points of Emphasis

对于 looks towards the object referred to, and usually the person or object referred to has adopted a certain attitude or has come into some kind of situation.

Examples with 对于

对于 那 个 人 我 并 不 了解。 I just don't understand that person.

对于 我们 的 工作 表现，老板 很 满意。 The boss is very satisfied with our performance.

对于 这 件 事情 他 没什么 看法。 He doesn't really have any opinion about this matter.

关于 emphasizes a range, and it introduces all things that are related to it.

Examples with 关于

他 昨天 发表 了 一个 关于 中国 经济 的 演讲。 He made a speech about Chinese economy yesterday.

我 需要 写 一 篇 关于 中 美 文化 差异 的 文章。 I need to write an article about the difference between China and America.

关于 你 辞职 的 申请，公司 还 在 考虑。 About your resignation, the company is still considering.

关于 孩子 的 教育，她 跟 丈夫 的 看法 很 不 一样。 About children's education, her opinion is very different from her husband's.

Notice that in the second example, if you were just to say "老师说有很多毛病" without first pointing out what it's referring to 学习方法, it would cause some confusion.

Using 关于 in a Formal way

关于 (guānyú) can also be used in the title of an article.

Examples

关于 部门 调整 和 人事 安排  "Regarding Department Adjustments and Human Affairs"

关于 新年 放假 的通知  A Notification regarding New Year vacations.

Situations where they are the same

When the point emphasized is pretty clear (whether it be a range or a specific thing), then you can use either.

Examples

关于/对于这份决议，大家还有什么补充吗？ Is there anything that anyone wants to add to this decision?

关于/对于这个问题，你们还有什么意见？ As for this problem, do you guys still have some thoughts?

Sources and further reading

Books

对外汉语教学语法释疑201例 (对于 vs 关于 p.202)

New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (p. 61)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (关于p.501，对于 p.346)

The differences between 反而 (fǎn'ér) and 相反 (xiāngfǎn) are pretty clear. 反而 is an adverb, while 相反 is an adjective and also a conjunction, and this determines how they are used grammatically.

Position in a Sentence

Structure

相反 normally starts a sentence, and when used should be followed with a comma. As an adverb, 反而 is not so set apart from the rest of the sentence, and should not be followed by a comma.

A，相反，B

A，反而 B

Examples

这样 做 帮 不了 他 ，相反，还 会 害 了 他。.

这样 做 不但 帮 不了 他，反而 会 害 了 他。.

Differences in Meaning

反而 is used in the context of the speaker expecting some kind of turning point. 相反 is for similar things that have a different aspect. 反而 conveys that the difference between what was expected and what actually happened was quite large. 相反 isn't as strong.

Structure

Situation，相反，The Opposite of the Situation

Expectation，反而 + The Opposite of Expectation

Examples

好好 工作 就 会 升职，相反，不 好好 工作 是 不 会 升职 的。.

老板 没有 生气，反而 表扬 了 我。.

老板 没有 生气，相反，他 还 表扬 了 我。.

相反 can act as an attribute

相反 is an adjective, and of course it can also be an attribute. Just make sure to add a 的 after it. 反而 cannot be used this way.

Structure

相反 + 的 + Noun

Examples

这 是 两 个 完全 相反 的 结果。 These are two completely opposite results.

你 应该 朝 相反的 方向 走。 You should go down a different path.

相反 can be the predicate

相反, like all other adjectives, can be placed after the subject as the predicate of the sentence.

Structure

Subj. + 相反

A 和 / 跟 B ＋ 是 ＋ 相反的

Examples

这 两 种 艺术 的 表现 形式 相反。 These two art pieces have completely different forms.

我们 的 看法 是 相反 的。 Our perspectives are not the same.

老板 的 想法 跟 我 的 相反。 The boss's way of thinking and mine don't match up.

现在 的 观念 和 以前 的 相反。 The views of today are different from what they were in the past.

See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

对外汉语教学语法释疑201例 (相反 vs 反而 p.184)

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (反而p.199 相反p.574)

现代汉语虚词例释 (反而p.172 相反p.504)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (pp. 19-20)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (相反p.1484 反而p.377)

If you look up 肯定 (kěndìng), 确定 (quèdìng) and 一定 (yīdìng) in the dictionary, they all have similar meanings, like "certain" or "surely." However, using them correctly in a sentence is a bit more complicated.

Overview 概述

So how are these three words words different? We can answer this question from two points of view:

1. From a "parts of speech" point of view:

肯定 can be a verb, an adjective and an adverb.

确定 can be a verb or an adjective.

一定 can be an adjective or an adverb.

2. From a "significance or meaning" point of view:

肯定 often has a subjective, energetic feel to it. It carries meanings like 认可 (approval), 同意 (agreement), and 保证 (guarantee).

确定 carries a feeling of objectively describing a situation. It carries the meaning of 决定 (to decide, to resolve).

一定 as an adjective has really broad uses, so you need to pay attention to the specific times it's used in. As an adverb, it is often used to give a reinforcing tone.

肯定 and 确定 can both be verbs, but their use and meanings are different. 一定 cannot be used as a verb.

"肯定" and "确定" as a Verb

Structure with 肯定

肯定 can express that something is satisfactory (对…满意), often used when a superior evaluates subordinates. When used this way, it should be followed directly by a noun or a phrase that is acting as a noun (noun phrase).

肯定 + Noun / Noun Phrase

I can also be used to express "I am sure." When used this way it is usually a clause at the end of a sentence.

Subj. + (敢)肯定 + Sentences

Examples with 肯定

老板 肯定 了 我们 团队 的 工作。 The boss approved our team's work.

如果 想 让 别人 肯定 你，你 就 要 好好 做。 If you want to make other people like you, you have to do good work.

我 敢 肯定 这 就 是 他 的 声音。 I'm sure that this is his voice.

Structure with 确定

You can also add a verb phrase a preposition phrase after 确定, which makes it mean that that something is already set, often used in describing a progressing condition.

确定 + Phrase / Sentence

Examples with 确定

我们 还 没有 确定 什么 时候 开始。 We still haven't decided when to start.

已经 确定了 三 个 人，还 差 一 个。 Three people have already been decided, one more is needed.

你 确定 他 是 我们 要 找 的 人 吗？ Have you decided if he's the person we'll look for?

Examples of right or wrong sentences

我们 要 先 肯定 一 个 形式 才 能 开始 做。 In this sentence, "肯定" needs to be followed by a noun or a noun phrase.

我们 要 先 确定 一 个 形式 才 能 开始 做。 We'll have to decide on a design before we can start working.

老板 肯定 了 最近 我 工作 很 努力。 In this sentence, "肯定" needs to be followed by a noun or noun phrase.

老板 肯定 了 最近 我 的 努力 工作。 By changing the word order, we get a noun phrase instead of a verb phrase.The boss approved my recent hard work.

"肯定" "一定" as an Adverb

肯定 and 一定 can both be adverbs, and the grammar structure for both are similar. 肯定 emphasized more of a subjective judgement or promise. 一定 sometimes carries an air of forcing something or issuing a command.

Structure with 肯定

肯定 + Adj. / Verb

Examples with 肯定

他 肯定 还 没 起床，因为 他 的 手机 现在 还 没 开 机。 He definitely hasn't gotten out of bed yet， because his phone is still off.

这 次 我 肯定 不 骗 你，骗 你 是 小 狗，好 吧？ The idiom "骗你是小狗" literally means "To deceive you is to be a small dog." It doesn't have a good English equivalent. I'm not lying this time. Cross my heart.

Structure with 一定

一定 + Adj. / Verb

Examples with 一定

明天 你们 一定 要 来。 You guys are definitely going to come tomorrow.

一定 要 小心。 You've definitely got to be careful.

Right or Wrong

你们 肯定 要 去 听 我 的 演唱会。 Since it's a command, "肯定" is not appropriate.

你们 一定 要 去 听 我 的 演唱会。 You guys have to go listen to my music recital.

"肯定" "确定" "一定" as as Adjectives

All three of these can be placed before a noun as adjectives. But in this grammar structure, 肯定 and 确定 use their verb meanings, and 一定 as an adjective means "something particular

Structures

肯定 + （的 +） Noun

确定 + （的 +） Noun

一定 + （的 +） Noun

Examples

如果 你 问 我 是不是 知道 这 件 事情，我 的 回答 是 肯定 的。 If you ask me if I know about this, my answer will be sure.

请 给 我 一 个 确定 的 回答，不 要 总是 这么 模糊。 Please give me a definite response. Don't always be so vague.

我们 之间 要 保持 一定 距离。 We need to keep a certain distance between us.

这 件 事 和 他 有 一定 的 关系，不 能 都 怪 你。 He has a certain connection with this, it can't completely surprise you.

See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

对外汉语教学语法释疑201例 (肯定 vs 一定 p.180)

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (一定 p.603)

卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 5)

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (肯定p.776 一定 p.1594 确定p.1136)

Mixing up the order of the two syllables in a word is something most learners do. This makes the pair 适合 (shìhé) and 合适 (héshì) annoying, to say the least. They mean more or less the same thing, but the former is a verb, while the latter is an adjective.

The Verb 适合

适合 is a verb meaning "to suit," and must take an object.

Structure

Subj. + 适合 + Obj.

Examples

这 个 工作 很 适合 我。 This job really suits me.

你 的 中文 名字 真 适合 你！ Your Chinese name suits you well.

这 部 电影 不 适合 儿童 看。 This translation is a little awkward in English, but we're trying to avoid using the word "suitable," which is an adjective. This movie does not suit children (to watch).

The Adjective 合适

合适 is an adjective meaning "suitable or appropriate," and is used in the same way as other adjectives.

Structure

Subj. + Adv. + 合适

Examples

iPad 虽然 好 用，但是 对 我 来 说 价格 不 太 合适！ Although iPads are fun to use, I think the price is not suitable.

在 办公室 里 抽烟 有 点 不 合适 吧。 Inside the office, smoking is not suitable.

他 就是 最 合适 的，他 完全 符合 我们 的 招聘 要求。 He is very suitable. He completely matches the advertised demands.

Don't Confuse the Two

We cannot say:

这 个 合适 我 。 This would be treating 合适 like a verb, when it's an adjective)

这 个 鞋 码 很 适合 。 This would be treating 适合 like an adjective, when it's a verb)

We can say:

这 个 适合 我 。 It's a verb!)

这 个 鞋 码 很 合适 。 It's an adjective!)

Example Dialog

A: 你 知道 穿 什么 衣服 最 适合 参加 这 个 聚会 吗？ Do you know what kind of clothes would suit this party?

B: 我 不 知道。但是 穿 牛仔裤 一定 不 合适。 I don't know, but wearing jeans is definitely not suitable.

See Also

Sources and further reading

Books

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

Both 常常 (chángcháng) and 经常 (jīngcháng) express similar concepts, though using them properly requires attention to some small details.

Both are used as adverbs expressing frequency

常常 and 经常 both express that the action happened many times, and that the time between each time it happens is very short.

Structure

常常 / 经常 + Verb

Examples

奶奶 去世 以前，我 常常 去 看 她。 Before Grandma died, I often went to see her.

以前， 我 经常 不 吃 早 饭。 Before, I often didn't eat breakfast.

经常 can also be used to describe actions in the future

经常 can also be used in actions in the future. You cannot do this with 常常.

Structure

经常 + Verb

Examples

你 以后 要 经常 做 运动。 Later, you are going to exercise often.

这个项目 做完 以后， 我 会 经常 陪 你。 Once this project is done, then I can go with you more often.

经常 is also used as an adjective

经常 is not only a time adverb, it can also be an adjective. When using it as an adjective, place it before the noun or use it in combination with 性 to make it into 经常性. You cannot do thing with 常常.

Structure

经常 + Noun

Examples

她 忘记 带 钥匙 是 经常 的 事情。 Her forgetting to bring a key is a frequent occurrence.

接待 客户 对 我们 来 说 是经常 性 工作。 Greeting customers is a common job for us.

Negative form “不常”/“不经常”

The negative form of 经常 is 不经常. 常常 is usually 不常 in it's negative form.

Structure

不 + 经常

不 + 常

Examples

我 不 经常 看 电视。I don't watch television very often.

他 不 常 来 我 家。He doesn't come to my house very often.

我 不 常 在家 做饭。I don't cook very often at home.

Examples of right and wrong sentences

你 以后 要 常常 做 运动。"常常" can't be used in the future.

你 以后 要 经常 做 运动。Later, you are going to exercise often.

这 是 常常 的 事。"常常" can not be an adjective.

这 是 经常 的 事。This is a common event.

Example dialog

A: 你 以前经常 不 吃 早 饭 吗？You didn't often eat breakfast before?

B: 对，我 常常 睡 到 中午 十二点。Right, I often slept until noon.

A: 不 经常 吃 早 饭 不 是 个 好 习惯。Not eating breakfast often isn't a good habit.

B: 我 知道。我 决定 以后 经常 吃 早饭。I know. I decided I'm going to eat breakfast often from now on.

See Also

Sources and further reading

Websites

The two types of verbal plurality: the case of jingchang (經 常) ‘usually’ and changchang (常常) ‘often’

Category:grammar comparison

平时 (píngshí) and 平常 (píngcháng) look very similar (after all, they do start with 平!), and they have similar meanings of "often," but they have pretty different grammatical uses.

平常 is used as noun

平常 can be used as a noun. It means "in ordinary times:, as in "ordinary times I usually meet with my friends after school."

Structure

Subj. + 平常 + Verb

Examples

我 平常 不 和 朋友 见面。 I ordinarily don't meet friends.

你 平常 用 QQ 聊天 吗？ Do you usually use QQ to chat?

平时 is used as noun

When 平时 is used as a noun it is the same as 平常 when it is used as a noun.

Structure

Subj. + 平时 + Verb

Examples

我们 平时 都 不 在 家 吃饭，我们 在 外面 吃。 Most of the time, we don't eat in the house. We go out to eat.

你 平时 会 看 新闻 吗？ Will you watch the news often?

我 平时 不 买 这 种 很 便宜 但是 质量 很 差 的 东西。 I don't usually buy this kind of cheap, inferior stuff.

平常 as an Adjective

When 平常 is used as an adjective, it expresses the meaning of "common." 平时 cannot be used this way.

Structure

平常的 + Noun

Examples

他 有 一 份 很 平常 的 工作，过 着 很 平常 的 生活。 He has a common job and lives a common lifestyle.

这 是 一 种 很 平常 的 玻璃，不 是 什么 钻石。 This is just common glass. It's not a diamond.

Example dialog

A: 你 平时/平常 喜欢 研究 玉 对 吗？ You often like to study jade, right?

B: 对 啊。 Correct.

A: 你 帮 我 看 一下 这 块 玉 怎么 样？ Could you tell me about this piece of jade?

B: 是 一 块 很 平常 的 玉。 It's a common piece of jade.

Sources and further reading

Books

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (“平常”p. 1051)

现代汉语八百词（增订本） (“平时”p. 1053)

Both “一直” (yīzhí) and “一向” (yīxiàng) mean something close to “all along,” and deal with continuous actions. However, their uses are different, and they are a pair of words that are often confused (and tested on!). This article will try to clarify when you are supposed to use them.

一直

“一直” means “straight” or “constantly” and it has the sense of doing something continuously "since a certain time." This means that something may have occurred, and then “一直” can be used with the action or habit since that point. It’s important to note that this point in time doesn’t necessarily have to be in the past, so “一直” can be used to say something “will happen repeatedly” in the future.

Examples

我 会 一直 陪着 你。 I will always be with you.

雨 一直 在下，我 没办法 出去。 It's constantly raining, I have no way to go out.

一直 往前 走，你 会 看到 地铁站 在你 右边。 Keep walking ahead, you will see the subway station on your right.

我看书的时候，他一直 在说话，很烦。 He kept talking while I was reading.It's so annoying.

他 毕业以后 一直 没有找到 真正 喜欢的 工作。 He hasn't found a job that he really enjoys since his graduation from his college.

一向

“一向” does not have the time constraint that “一直” has. Instead, it means that things have always been like they are. In this way, it is more like a habit. Furthermore, it is often used to express a habit or event that you don't like, and can also be used in conjunction with "不."

Examples

他 一向 不 迟到，怎么今天还没到？ He never comes late, how is it that he hasn't come yet today

我 一向都 不 喜欢 吃 很 油腻 的 东西，你 怎么 会 不知道？ I've never liked really greasy things.How could you not know about this?

你知道 妈妈一向 不爱 出门，所以 她 是 不会 跟 我们 去 旅行 的。 You know mom has never liked going out, so she is not going on the trip with us.

她 这 个 人 一向 喜欢 炫耀，很 讨厌。 She has always liked showing off, she's horrible.

我这个朋友一向都 很 大方，今天 肯定 是 他 请客。 This friend of mine is always very generous,so today he's definitely paying.

However, “一向” also can't affect words that indicate change (as this wouldn't be a habit), nor can it talk about constant future actions. For both of these cases, “一直” should be used instead.

See also

"All along" with "yizhi"

"Since the beginning" with "yixiang"

Sources and Further Reading

Books

Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 224-5)

Both 显得 (xiǎnde) and 看起来 (kànqǐlái) have meanings in English like "to appear to be" or "seems like," but their connotations are pretty different.

显得 emphasizes objectivity

显得 is used for objective descriptions and comparisons. Therefore, if you want to say that something is not very good, you can use 显得 to emphasize your objectiveness. It can be a "tactical" way to talk.

Structure

A + 显得 + B + Predicate

Examples

这样 穿 显得 我 比较 成熟 。 Zhèyàng chuān xiǎnde wǒ bǐjiào chéngshú. Dressing like this makes me look more mature.

那样 吃 显得 你 很 没 礼貌 。 Nàyàng chī xiǎnde nǐ hěn méi lǐmào. Eating like that makes you look not very polite.

这么 做 会 显得 你 很 小气 。  Zhème zuò huì xiǎnde nǐ hěn xiǎoqì. Doing it like this makes you seem stingy.

那样 说 显得 她 很 笨 。  Nàyàng shuō xiǎnde tā hěn bèn. Talking like that makes her look stupid.

这 种 颜色 的 衣服 显得 你 的 脸色 不 好看 。  Zhè zhǒng yánsè de yīfu xiǎnde nǐ de liǎnsè bù hǎokàn. This color of clothing doesn't go well with your complexion.

看起来 emphasize subjectivity

看起来 is the opposite in that it emphasizes subjectivity, paying close attention to how the observer feels.

Structure

Subj. + 看起来 + Predicate

Examples

你 今天 看起来 很 高兴 。  Nǐ jīntiān kànqǐlái hěn gāoxìng. You seem very happy today.

这个 餐厅 看起来 不错，我们 可以 试试。  Zhège cāntīng kànqǐlái bùcuò, wǒmen kěyǐ shìshi. This restaurant doesn't seem too bad, let's try it out.

她 看起来 有 点 生气 。 Tā kànqǐlái yǒu diǎn shēngqì. She seems a little angry.

你 的 衣服 看起来 挺 贵 的 。  Nǐ de yīfu kànqǐlái tǐng guì de. Your clothes seems expensive to me.

你 女朋友 看起来 像 我 的 中文 老师 。  Nǐ nǚpéngyou kànqǐlái xiàng wǒ de Zhōngwén lǎoshī. Your girlfriend seems like my Chinese teacher.

Example Dialog

A: 你 今天 看起来 很 苗条。 A: Nǐ jīntiān kànqǐlái hěn miáotiáo. You seem very slim today.

B: 可能 是 这 件 衣服 显得我 很 苗条 。  B: Kěnéng shì zhè jiàn yīfu xiǎnde wǒ hěn miáotiáo. It's probably these clothes that makes me seem that way.

Sources and further reading

Dictionaries

现代汉语词典（第5版） (显得 p. 1477)

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Le niveau "B2" (indépendant/intermédiaire) est le troisième niveau défini par le Cadre Européen Commun de Référence pour les Langues. Il correspond grosso modo au niveau HSK4 en chinois. Sommaire Catégories grammaticales Structures grammaticales Comparaisons Catégories grammaticales Adjectifs Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples Complément adjectival "de budeliao" Adj + 得不得了 爸爸 气 得 不得了，你 要 倒霉 啦。 Complément adjectival "de hen" Adj + 得 很 这个 题目 简单 得 很 。 Contester un adjectif avec "shenme" Adj + 什么? 你急 什么 急，还 早 着 呢。 Exprimer "un peu trop" Adjectif +（一）点儿 这 把 椅子 稍微 硬 了 点儿，我 坐 得 有点 难受。 Dire "beaucoup" avec "youdeshi" Sujet + 有的是 + Nom 川菜 上海 有的是。 Adverbes Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples "En fait" avec "yuanlai" 原来…… 原来 昨天 那个 人 是 你 啊 。 "Même" avec "shenzhi" 甚至 他们 贡献 出 所有 的 精力 ， 甚至 最 宝贵 的 生命 。 "Autant (faire qch) "avec "gancui" Sujet + 干脆 + Verbe 家里什么都没有，干脆出去吃吧。 "Simplement" avec "jianzhi" 简直…… 她 感动 得 简直 要 哭 出来 了 。 "Depuis le début" avec "yixiang" 一向 + V 他 做 事情 一向 踏实 。 Accentuer avec "jiushi" 就是 刚刚 那个 人 就是 小李 ， 不 是 别人 。 Utilisations avancées de "dou" Sujet + 都 + Attribut 我都能闻见面包的香味。 Utilisations avancées de "zong" 总 + Moyen + Verbe 咱们 总 得 想 个 办法 啊。总 不 能 让 他 一 个 人 去 吧？ Un pas supplémentaire avec "jin yi bu" Sujet + 进一步 + V 我们 准备 进一步 扩大 中国 市场。 Evaluer les situations avec "kanlai" 看来 + jugement de la situation / 在+ qqn + 看来 看来他不来了，都这么晚了。 Faire et refaire qch avec "zaisan" 再三 + V 妈妈 再三 叮嘱 我 ， 要 注意 安全 。 Adverbe emphatique "ke" 可 + Adj (+ 了) 这 件 事情 对 他 造成 的 影响 可 大 了 。 Exprimer "après tout" avec "bijing" 毕竟 别 怪 他 了 ， 毕竟 他 还 小 。 Exprimer "presque" avec "chadian mei" Sujet + 差点没 + Verbe 路 这么 滑，我 差点没 摔倒。 Exprimer "de toute façon" avec "fanzheng" 反正 随便 你 信 不 信 ， 反正 我 不 信 。 Exprimer "en fin de compte" avec "daodi" 到底 事情 到底 是 办 成 了 。 Exprimer "finalement" avec "jiujing" 究竟 你 究竟 喜 不 喜欢 我？ Exprimer la difficulté avec "hao (bu) rongyi" 好(不)容易 我 好不容易 才 打通 了 银行 的 服务 热线。 Exprimer l'indifférence avec "jiu" V + 就 + V 不吃就不吃，你以为我很想吃啊？ Exprimer des efforts inutiles avec "bai" 白+V 白 花 了 一 百 块 钱，这 件 衣服 不 能 穿。 Questions rhétoriques avec "nandao" 难道……? 这 都 是 你 引起 的 ， 难道 你 就 不 内疚 ？ Mots auxiliaires Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples Finir une liste non exhaustive avec "shenme de" ……什么的 我 买 了 苹果 ，橘子 ，香蕉 什么的 。 Lister des choses avec "a" ……啊，……啊 我们 店里 有 水饺 啊，盖浇饭 啊 …… Conjonctions Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples "En outre" avec "lingwai" 另外 我 吃 了 包子 ， 另外 还 喝 了 豆浆 。 "er" pour exprimer des idées contrastées Phrase 1, + 而 + Phrase 2 以后 后悔 的 人 不 是 我，而 是 你 自己。 Exprimer "et" avec "he" (avancé) V1 + 和 + V2 政府 每年 都 会 维护 和 修理 这些 建筑 。 Noms Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples "Parmi" avec "dangzhong" 当中 他们 当中 有 温州 人 ， 有 宁波 人 。 "Parmi" avec "qizhong" 其中 有 五 个 人 报名 了 ， 其中 两 个 是 女生 。 Accuentuer avec "zhege" Nom + 这个 + …… 你 这个 坏蛋，就 没 做 过 一 件 好 事。 Particules Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples Adoucir le ton d'une question avec "ne" ……呢? 他 人 在 哪 呢 ？ Prépositions Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples "Au fur et à mesure que …" avec "suizhe" 随着 A + 的 + Verbe, Sujet + attribut 随着 经济 的 发展，人们 的 生活 越 来 越 好。 "Depuis lors" avec "zicong" (自)从…… 自从 来 了 上海 ， 他 就 习惯 了 繁忙 的 生活 。 "Pour …" avec "eryan" 对……而言 对 顾客 而言 ，促销 活动 很 有 吸引力 。 "Sur la base de" avec "ping" 凭…… 他 凭 自己 的 努力 成功 。 "En ce qui concerne" avec "zhiyu" 至于 你 先 看 产品 。 至于 价格 ， 我们 再 商量 。 Exprimer la forme passive avec "gei" 受事主语 + 给 + 施事者 + Phrase verbale / 受事主语 + 被 + 施事者 + 给 + Phrase verbale 事情 给 解决 了 吗？ Limiter la portée avec "jiu" 就…… (来说 / 而言) 就 我 而言 ， 兴趣 最 重要 。 Timing opportun avec "chen" 趁... 趁 老板 不 在，我们 出去 吃 饭 吧。 Structures de phrase Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples Accentuer une négation avec "bing" Sujet + 并 + 不 + Verbe/Adjectif 当 金融 分析 人员 并 不是 我 的 梦想。 Verbes Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples "Nanguai" en tant que verbe 难怪+ Qqn, Raison 难怪 他，他还是个孩子呢，什么都不懂。 Comparaison basique avec "bu bi" N1 + 不比 + N2 + Adj 小明 不 比 小刚 聪明。 Contester un verbe avec "shenme" V + 什么 + Obj. 没有 钱 看 什么 电影。 Comparer spécifiquement avec "xiang" N1 + 像 + N2 + (那么……) 她 像 妈妈 那么 善良。 Comparaisons avec "buru" 不如…… 我的 汉语 不如 他的。 Ajouter un suffixe "-iser" et "-ir" avec "hua" Nom/Adjectif + 化 KFC 的 中国 本土化 经营 做 得 非常 成功。 Verbes auxiliaires Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples Exprimer le futur avec "jiang" 将 / 将要 / 将会 + V 他 将要 离开 上海 。 Phrases verbales Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples "Difficle à éviter" avec "nanmian" 难免 + V 第 一 次 尝试 ， 难免 失败 。 "Valoir la peine (de faire)" avec "zhide" 值得 + V 这个 想法 不错 ， 值得 考虑 。 Locution avec répétition du verbe et "zhe" V + 着 + V + 着 走 着 走 着 ， 他们 到 家 了 。 Combiner des verbes avec "bing" V + 并 + V 我 同意 并且 支持 你 的 决定 。 Accentuer sur l'auteur d'une action avec "you" 由 + Person + V 这个 项目 由 小李 来 完成 。 Faciliter un résultat avec "yibian" 以便 + V 用 普通话 说 ， 以便 我 能 听懂 。 Verbes passifs avec "shou" 受 + V 他 为 人 善良 ， 很 受 尊重 。 Structures grammaticales

Ci-dessous les structures grammaticales qui ne correspondent pas à une catégorie grammaticale en particulier. Structures d'opposition Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples "Bien que" avec "jinguan" 尽管……，但是…… 尽管 我 很 生气 ，但是 还是 控制 住 了。 "Pas... mais plutôt…" avec "er shi" 不是……，而是…… 他 不 是 老师 ， 而 是 学生 。 "Au contraire" avec "fan'er" ……，反而…… 他 没有 放弃 ， 反而 更加 努力 了 ！ Exprimer la contradiction avec "dao" 倒…… 雨 没有 停 ， 倒 大 起来 了 。 "Cependant" avec l'adverbe "que" ……，却…… 他们 一见钟情 ， 却 没有 在 一起 。 Structures pour "même si" Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples Exprimer "même si…" avec "jishi" 即使……，也…… 即使 东西 不 好吃 ， 你 也 要 稍微 吃 点 。 Exprimer "même si…" avec "jiushi" 就是……，也…… 就是 天气 不 好 ， 我 也 要 出去 玩 。 Exprimer "même si…" avec "jiusuan" 就算……，也…… 就算 有 再 多 困难 ， 我们 也 要 坚持 到底 。 Exprimer "même si…" avec "napa" 哪怕……，也…… 哪怕 第 一 次 失败 了 ， 也 要 继续 研究 。 Structures hypothétiques Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples "Si... alors" avec "jiaru" 假如……，就…… 假如 下雨 了 ， 就 收 衣服 。 "Si... alors" avec "jiashi" 假使……，就…… 假使 你 遇到 坏人 ， 就 报警 。 "Si... alors" avec "yaoshi" 要是……，就…… 要是 累 了 ， 就 休息 一会 。 "Concernant" avec "de hua" ……的话 荤菜 的话 ， 我 喜欢 牛肉 。 Structures pour "peu importe" Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples "Peu importe" avec "buguan" 不管……，都/也…… 不管 身体 好 坏 ， 他 都 工作 到 深夜 。 "Peu importe" avec "wulun" 无论 / 不论……，都/也…… 无论 天 多 热 ， 都 要 坚持 。 Cause et conséquence Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples "Parce que" avec "er" indiquant un effet 因为……，而…… 饭店 因为 物价 上涨 而 涨价 。 "Grâce à …" avec "youyu" 由于……，…… 由于 天气 不 好 ， 我们 取消 了 行程 。 "Puisque" avec "jiran" 既然……，就…… 既然 来 了 ， 就 留 下来 吃 饭 吧 。 "Donc" avec "yinci" ……，因此…… 这 家 饭店 涨价 了 ， 因此 顾客 也 少 了 。 Commencer avec la conséquence avant la cause 之所以……，是因为 / 是由于…… 我 之所以 生气 ， 是 因为 他 迟到 了 。 Compléments Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples Locution avec répétition du verbe + "lai" et "qu" V + 来 + V + 去 他 考虑 来 考虑 去 ， 最后 还是 决定 回 学校 。 "zhao"en tant que complément V + 着 宝宝 刚 睡 着。 Autres utilisations du complément résultatif "qilai" V + 起来 宝宝，你 应该 把 你 的 玩具 收 起来 。 Complément résultatif "chu(lai)" V + 出(来) 我 终于 想 出 了 这个 问题 的 答案 。 Complément résultatif "huai" V + 坏了 你 这 次 话 说 得 太 重 了 ， 估计 把 他 气 坏 了。 Complément résultatif "kai" V + 开 如果 想 拆 开 这个 包裹 ， 你 要 准备 把 剪刀 。 Complément résultatif "zhu" V + 住 上 了 点 药 后 ， 血 止 住 了。 Structures conditionnelles Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples "Aussi longtemps que" avec "zhiyao" 只要……，就…… 只要 你 过来 ， 我们 就 很 开心 。 "Seulement si" avec "zhiyou" 只有……，才…… 只有 你 帮忙 ， 我 才 能 完成 任务 。 "Sauf si" avec "chufei" 除非……，才…… 除非 你 求情 ， 他 才 肯 帮忙 。 Exprimer "une fois (que) ... alors ..." avec "yidan...jiu..." 一旦……，就…… 一旦 我 找 好 的 工作，我 就 会 安心。 Structures de phrases Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples "A la fois … et …" avec "ji...you" 既……也/又…… 他 做 事情 既 快 又 好。 "Mieux vaut" avec "ningke" 宁可……，也…… 我 宁可 死 也 不 愿 放弃 ！ Conditions avec "yao" et "jiu" 要 Verb 就 Verb 要 学 就 学 好，不 要 马马虎虎。 Exprimer le but avec "haorang" Sujet 1 + action, 好让 + purpose 你 要 说 慢 点儿，好 让 他们 明白。 Exprimer des actions simultanées avec "yimian" 一面……，一面…… 他 喜欢 一面 吃 东西 ， 一面 看 电影。 Exprimer les deux seules possibilités 不是……，就是…… 不是 成功，就是 失败。 Exprimer plusieurs aspects avec "yi fangmian" 一方面……，一方面…… 一 方面 他 很 喜欢 这 份 工作 ， 一 方面 他 又 觉得 工资 太 低 。 Survenant simultanément avec "shaobuliao" A 少不了 B 春节 少不了 吃 饺子。 Soit … ou Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples Exprimer "soit ... ou" avec "yaome" 要么……，要么…… 你 要么 今天 过来 ， 要么 后天 过来 。 Proposer deux options avec deux fois "huozhe" 或者……，或者…… 只 有 一 块 蛋糕，或者 你 吃 或者 我 吃。 N'y pense même pas... Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples "Laisse tomber" avec "bie shuo" 别说……，就是…… 别说 一百 ， 就是 一 块 钱 我 也 不 给 你 。 "Encore moins" avec "geng buyong shuo" ……，更不用说…… 她 会 说 法语 ， 更 不用 说 英语 了 。 "Encore moins" avec "hekuang" 连……都（也）……，何况…… 连 小李 都 同意 了 ， 何况 小张。 Non seulement … mais aussi … Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples "Non seulement… mais aussi" avec "bujin" 不仅……，而且…… 她 不仅 聪明 ， 而且 漂亮 。 Plusieurs façon d'exprimer "non seulement … mais aussi" 不但 / 不只 / 不仅……，而且 / 还 / 也 …… 他 不仅 喜欢 吃 中国 菜，而且 也 会 做 几 个 中国 菜！ Comparaisons Adverbes Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples Comparaison entre "buduan" et "buting" 不断 vs 不停 她 不断 地 找 我，每次 都 说 个 不停 Conjonctions Règles de grammaire Structure Examples Comparaison entre "fan'er" et "que" 反而 vs 却 她反而 有点不高兴。他 却 没 带 伞。 Comparaison entre "gen" et "dui" 跟 vs 对 那 个 帅哥 在 对 我 招手！那 你 要 跟 他 去 吗？ Prépositions Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples Comparaison entre "chao", "xiang" et "wang" 朝 vs 向 vs 往 往 前 走 十 分 钟。向 雷锋 同志 学习！他 朝 我 笑 了 笑。 Comparaison entre "guanyu", "duiyu" et "zhiyu" 关于 vs 对于 vs 至于 关于 放假， 对于 怎么解决，至于另外一份工作 。 Comparaison entre "guanyu" et "duiyu" 关于 vs 对于 对于 那 个 人， 关于 我们 的 学习 方法 Fonctions séparées Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples Comparaison entre "fan'er" et "xiangfan" 反而 vs 相反 吃 水果 不但 对 他 没 好处，反而 有 坏处。 老板 的 想法 跟 我 的 相反。 Comparaison entre "kending", "queding" et "yiding" 肯定 vs 确定 vs 一定 老板 肯定 了 我们 团队 的 工作。你 确定 他 是 我们 要 找 的 人？一定 要 小心。 Comparaison entre "shihe" et "heshi" 适合 vs 合适 这 个 颜色 不 适合 他 ， 黑色 才 是 最 合适 的。 Mots temporels Règles de grammaire Structure Exemples Comparaison entre "changchang"et "jingchang" 常常 vs 经常 我 不 常常 运动 ， 我 以后 要经常 运动 。 Comparaison entre "pingshi" et "pingchang" 平时 vs 平常 他平时就喜欢研究玉，他说你的这个不是很少见的玉，只是一种很平常的玉 。 logo Chine Informations GRATUIT : Ton nom chinois »

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