Time Adverbs 才, 刚, and 一直
Learn Time Adverbs 才, 刚, and 一直 with practical HSK 3 examples, focus vocabulary, common pitfalls, and targeted cloze practice.
Pattern
time adverb + verb
Use this HSK 3 pattern to make sentence structure, scope, or emphasis explicit instead of relying on word-for-word English order.
他刚到学校。
When to use Time Adverbs 才, 刚, and 一直
Read time adverb + verb as a sentence tool, not just as vocabulary. First locate the main action or claim, then ask what 刚 adds to it.
这个句子里的刚让意思更清楚。
The 刚 in this sentence makes the meaning clearer.
如果不用刚，句子的重点会不一样。
Without 刚, the sentence focus would be different.
他说得很自然，因为他知道刚的位置。
He spoke naturally because he knew where 刚 belongs.
Common traps
- Do not translate time adverb + verb mechanically from English; check the Chinese word order first.
- Keep 刚 close to the part of the sentence it controls.
- Do not overuse the pattern in every sentence; use it when it adds a clear role.
Vocabulario de apoyo
Targeted drill
Practice this exact pattern before moving on.
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