HSK 1
6 min
Basic Chinese Sentence Order
Build reliable starter sentences by placing people, time, place, action, and object in a natural order.
Grammar
Chinese Grammar Guides & drills
Bite-sized grammar explainers mapped to HSK levels, each paired with fill-in-the-blank quizzes so you can grasp the patterns through practice.
HSK 1
6 min
是, 有, and 在
Use the three most important beginner verbs for identity, possession, and location.
HSK 1
6 min
吗 Question Particle
Turn statements into yes/no questions with 吗, plus a cloze drill.
HSK 1
6 min
Question Words
Ask who, what, where, how, and how much without adding extra question machinery.
HSK 1
6 min
A-not-A Questions
Make compact yes-or-no questions like 好不好 and 去不去 without 吗.
HSK 1
6 min
不 vs 没有
Choose the right beginner negation for habits, plans, possession, and completed actions.
HSK 1
6 min
的 for Possession
Show whose thing it is and attach simple descriptions with 的.
HSK 1
6 min
Measure Words with 个
Count people and things with the basic measure word pattern.
HSK 1
6 min
Time Before the Verb
Place time words like 今天, 明天, and 现在 before the verb phrase.
HSK 1
6 min
Location Words with 在
Describe locations with 在 plus places and position words like 左边 and 里面.
HSK 1
6 min
很 with Adjectives
Use 很 to make simple adjective sentences sound complete.
HSK 1
6 min
要, 想, and 可以
Make practical requests, wants, and permission sentences with three starter modal verbs.
HSK 1
6 min
了 for Change and Completion
Recognize two early uses of 了: completed actions and new situations.
HSK 1
6 min
都 and 也 Word Order
Place “all” and “also” naturally in short Chinese sentences.
HSK 1
6 min
和 and 跟 for “And/With”
Connect people and things, and say who you do something with.
HSK 1
6 min
Basic Topic-Comment Sentences
Use simple topic-fronting to sound more natural in beginner conversations.
HSK 2
6 min
比 Comparisons
Use 比 to compare with quick examples and a cloze drill.
HSK 2
6 min
过 for Experience
Talk about places visited, foods tried, and things done at least once.
HSK 1
6 min
正在 vs 在 vs 着
Use 正在, 在, and 着 for actions in progress with examples and a cloze drill.
HSK 2
6 min
或者 vs 还是
Pick the right “or” with fast examples plus an interactive cloze quiz.
HSK 3
6 min
以前 and 以后
Say before class, after work, before coming, and after eating with natural sequence words.
HSK 2
6 min
一下 for Light Actions
Soften requests and describe quick tries with 一下.
HSK 2
6 min
是...的 for Details
Highlight the detail of a known past event.
HSK 2
6 min
到, 离, and 从
Talk about routes, distance, and origin with three essential place words.
HSK 1
6 min
能, 会, and 可以
Choose the right “can” for skill, possibility, and permission.
HSK 1
6 min
Serial Verb Sentences
Say go buy food, come see me, sit down eat, and other action chains.
HSK 2
6 min
Chinese Result Complements: From Doing Something to Getting a Result
Learn 听懂, 看见, 做完 and 找到, with action-versus-result comparisons, negative sentences and original practice.
HSK 1
6 min
Duration and Frequency
Say how long something lasted and how many times it happened.
HSK 3
6 min
跟...一样
Compare equality instead of difference.
HSK 2
6 min
还是 vs 吗 Questions
Pick the right question shape for open yes-or-no questions and direct choices.
HSK 2
6 min
着 for Continuing State
Describe doors open, lights on, clothes worn, and people sitting or standing.
HSK 1
6 min
Chinese Sentence-Final Particles
Understand how 吗, 呢, 吧, 啊, 了, 哦, 呀, 嘛, 啦, 咯, 喽, and 呗 shape questions, suggestions, updates, and tone.
HSK 2
6 min
When to Use 的, 得, and 地
Learn the difference between 的, 得, and 地 with quick examples and a cloze drill.
HSK 3
6 min
被 vs 把
Learn when to use 被 and 把 with clear examples and a cloze drill.
HSK 2
6 min
因为...所以...
Build clear cause-and-effect sentences for explanations and excuses.
HSK 3
6 min
如果...就...
Make if-then sentences for plans, rules, and likely outcomes.
HSK 2
6 min
一...就...
Connect two events where the second happens immediately after the first.
HSK 3
6 min
越...越...
Describe “the more..., the more...” relationships.
HSK 3
6 min
Result Complements in Context
Extend result complements beyond the starter pairs.
HSK 3
6 min
Potential Complements
Say can understand, cannot finish, can see clearly, and cannot get in.
HSK 3
6 min
起来
Recognize the flexible complement 起来 in practical sentences.
HSK 2
6 min
了 vs 过
Contrast two aspect markers that both look backward but mean different things.
HSK 3
6 min
先, 然后, 最后
Explain routines, instructions, and plans with clear sequencing.
HSK 3
6 min
除了 for “Except”
Handle basic exception sentences before the HSK 4 expanded pattern.
HSK 3
6 min
一边...一边...
Say someone listens while writing, eats while chatting, or walks while talking.
HSK 2
6 min
让 and 叫
Talk about permission, requests, and caused actions.
HSK 3
6 min
Negative Comparisons
Avoid the common trap of making every negative comparison with 不.
HSK 3
6 min
Discourse Connectors
Move beyond single sentences with actually, in addition, and for example.
HSK 2
6 min
虽然...但是...
Make “although...but...” sentences that connect opposing ideas.
HSK 3
6 min
只要...就... and 只有...才...
Separate “as long as” from “only if.”
HSK 3
6 min
除了...以外
Handle inclusion and exclusion with the fuller HSK 4 exception pattern.
HSK 3
6 min
越来越...
Describe trends that become more and more true.
HSK 3
6 min
不但...而且...
Build polished “not only...but also...” sentences.
HSK 4
6 min
既然...就...
Make “since this is true, then...” reasoning sentences.
HSK 4
6 min
由于...因此...
Upgrade 因为...所以... into a more formal connector pair.
HSK 4
6 min
以及 and 并且
Connect items and clauses in more written Chinese.
HSK 3
6 min
Advanced 把 and 被 Sentences
Handle longer object-fronting and passive sentences with complements.
HSK 4
6 min
Extended Directional Complements
Read movement, return, continuation, and perspective in longer verb phrases.
HSK 4
6 min
Formal Comparisons
Compare options, data, and situations beyond everyday 比.
HSK 4
6 min
Aspect Review: 了, 过, 着
Review the three major aspect markers together.
HSK 4
6 min
Condition Chains
Build longer conditional sentences without losing the relationship.
HSK 4
6 min
Topic Emphasis with 是
Highlight the part of a statement that matters most.
HSK 4
6 min
Written-Style Connectors
Make essays, summaries, and formal notes flow more clearly.
HSK 4
6 min
对于 and 关于 Topic Markers
Introduce formal topics in opinions, forms, and written explanations.
HSK 5
7 min
Correction with 纠正 and 改正
Correct pronunciation, reports, misunderstandings, and habits with precise HSK 5 wording.
HSK 5
7 min
Emphasis with 不只是...更是
Use 不只是...更是 to make advanced Chinese explanations sound layered and persuasive.
HSK 4
7 min
Concession with 尽管
Build stronger HSK 5 concession sentences with 尽管, 仍然, and 还是.
HSK 4
7 min
Universal Conditions with 无论...都
Practice 无论...都 for advanced condition sentences about rules, habits, and values.
HSK 6
7 min
Restrictive Conditions with 除非...才
Use 除非...才 to say that an outcome is possible only under a specific condition.
HSK 5
7 min
Trigger Conditions with 一旦...就
Use 一旦...就 for policies, risks, and actions that start after a trigger.
HSK 7–9
7 min
Preference with 宁可...也不
Use 宁可...也不 to express committed preference in advanced Chinese.
HSK 7–9
7 min
Committed Choice with 非得
Use 非得 to express insistence, pressure, or a must-do choice.
HSK 6
7 min
Alternatives with 要么...要么
Use 要么...要么 to frame choices, tradeoffs, and decisions at HSK 5.
HSK 5
7 min
Contrast with 反而 and 却
Practice advanced contrast sentences with 反而, 却, and expectation shifts.
HSK 5
7 min
Result with 从而
Use 从而 to build written HSK 5 cause-and-result sentences.
HSK 5
7 min
Development with 随着
Use 随着 for advanced trend, time, and development sentences.
HSK 5
7 min
Standpoint with 从...角度看
Use 从...角度看 to make advanced opinions precise and fair.
HSK 4
7 min
Domain Framing with 在...方面
Use 在...方面 for careful HSK 5 descriptions and comparisons.
HSK 5
7 min
Formal Topic Phrasing with 就...来说
Use 就...来说 to make formal comments about a topic, group, or case.
HSK 5
7 min
Treating Something As with 把...当作
Use 把...当作 and 把...看作 for advanced categorization sentences.
HSK 4
7 min
Passive Nuance with 被, 让, and 给
Compare 被, 让, and 给 in advanced passive sentences without flattening them into English.
HSK 3
7 min
Abstract Directional Complements
Practice 看出来, 想起来, 说下去, and other abstract directional complements.
HSK 5
7 min
Advanced Result Complements
Use advanced result complements to say whether an action became clear, complete, or successful.
HSK 5
7 min
Advanced Potential Complements
Practice 做得到, 来不及, 受不了, and other potential-complement chunks.
HSK 5
7 min
Advanced Degree Complements
Use degree complements like 得不得了, 得多, and 得要命 without overusing 很.
HSK 3
7 min
把 for Result and Location
Practice 把 sentences where the final state or location matters.
HSK 5
7 min
了 in Complex Clauses
Review how 了 behaves when advanced sentences have more than one clause.
HSK 5
7 min
Even Emphasis with 连...都
Use 连...都 to make advanced emphasis sentences precise and natural.
HSK 6
8 min
Negation with 并非
Use 并非 to deny an assumption in formal HSK 6 sentences.
HSK 6
8 min
Uncertainty with 未必
Use 未必 for cautious HSK 6 disagreement and probability judgments.
HSK 7–9
8 min
Limiting with 无非 and 不过
Use 无非 and 不过 to say what something amounts to, often with a skeptical tone.
HSK 6
8 min
Inevitability with 难免 and 免不了
Use 难免 and 免不了 for realistic, advanced Chinese judgments.
HSK 6
8 min
Spontaneous Reaction with 不禁
Use 不禁 for advanced descriptions of emotion and automatic response.
HSK 6
8 min
Enabled Results with 得以
Use 得以 for formal sentences about enabled outcomes and preserved opportunities.
HSK 7–9
8 min
Necessity with 非...不可
Use 非...不可 for strong necessity in advanced spoken and written Chinese.
HSK 6
8 min
Moreover with 何况
Use 何况 to build persuasive HSK 6 reasoning.
HSK 6
8 min
Suggestions with 不妨
Use 不妨 for polished suggestions in HSK 6 Chinese.
HSK 7–9
8 min
Labeling with 所谓
Use 所谓 to discuss terms, labels, and claims in advanced Chinese.
HSK 6
8 min
Nominalizing with 所...的
Use 所...的 for formal written Chinese nominalization.
HSK 6
8 min
Formal Definition with 以...为
Use 以...为 to define goals, principles, and evaluation standards in formal Chinese.
HSK 4
8 min
Purpose with 为...而
Use 为...而 for formal purpose, sacrifice, and value-driven action.
HSK 6
8 min
Scope with 就...而言
Use 就...而言 for formal scope control in HSK 6 writing.
HSK 6
8 min
Standpoint with 从...看
Use 从...看 for compact HSK 6 reasoning and interpretation.
HSK 6
8 min
Premises with 在...前提下
Use 在...前提下 for formal conditions, policies, and careful reasoning.
HSK 6
8 min
Process Framing with 在...过程中
Use 在...过程中 to describe what happens during learning, change, or work.
HSK 5
8 min
Conclusion with 由此可见
Use 由此可见 to make formal written conclusions clear.
HSK 7–9
8 min
Summing Up with 总而言之
Use 总而言之 for formal summaries and essay conclusions.
HSK 7–9
8 min
Rephrasing with 换句话说
Use 换句话说 to clarify abstract HSK 6 explanations.
HSK 6
8 min
Written Connection with 而
Use written 而 beyond 而且 in advanced Chinese sentences.
HSK 6
8 min
Progression with 进而
Use 进而 for formal progression in cause-and-effect chains.
HSK 6
8 min
Intensification with 愈...愈 and 愈发
Use 愈...愈 and 愈发 for advanced written intensification.
HSK 4
8 min
Two-Sided Reasoning with 一方面...另一方面
Use 一方面...另一方面 to organize advanced comparisons and tradeoffs.
HSK 1
6 min
小 and 第 as Word Prefixes
Use 第 to turn a number into an order word like “first” or “second”, and 小 to make a friendly name like 小王.
HSK 1
5 min
Plural Pronouns with 们
Add 们 to 我, 你, 他 and 她 to say “we”, “you all” and “they”, and know when 们 can follow a word for people.
HSK 1
6 min
Direction Words 上, 下, 里, 外, 前, 后
Say where things are, like “on the table” or “in my bag”, by putting 上, 下, 里, 外, 前 or 后 after the noun.
HSK 1
6 min
Personal Pronouns 我, 你, 您, 他, 她, 它 and 大家
Use 我, 你, 您, 他, 她, 它 and 大家 correctly as subject or object, choose polite 您, and greet a whole group with 大家.
HSK 1
7 min
这 and 那: This, That, Here, There, and 有的
Point to people, things and places with 这, 那, 这个, 这些, 这儿 and 那里, and pick out “some” of a group with 有的 and 有些.
HSK 1
6 min
Number + Measure Word Phrases like 三个, 两本, 一次
Count people, things and actions the Chinese way, with a measure word between the number and the noun: 三个人, 两本书, 去过一次.
HSK 1
5 min
Ordinal Numbers with 第: 第一, 第二, 第几
Turn any number into “first, second, third” with 第, ask “which one?” with 第几, and know when Chinese shows order without 第.
HSK 1
6 min
Dates with 年, 月, 号 and 星期
Say and ask dates the Chinese way, from big to small: year 年, month 月, day 号 or 日, then weekday 星期.
HSK 1
6 min
Telling Time in Chinese: Hours, Minutes and Meeting Times
Learn how to ask and tell the time in Mandarin with 点, 分, 半 and 刻, plus clear examples for appointments and clock-reading practice.
HSK 1
7 min
Separable Verbs 睡觉, 上课, 说话, 生病
Use everyday separable verbs like 睡觉, 上课, 上班, 说话 and 生病, and know what can go in the middle and what can’t follow them.
HSK 1
5 min
Sentences Without a Subject: 下雨了, 上课了, 有人吗
Say complete sentences that have no subject at all, like 下雨了, 上课了, 有人找你 and 请进, without adding an English-style “it”.
HSK 1
7 min
Commands with 请, 吧, 不要 and Negation with 不, 没
Ask, suggest and tell people not to do things with 请, 吧, 不要 and 别, and choose correctly between 不, 没 and 没有.
HSK 1
5 min
Exclamations with 太……了, 真 and 多……啊
Show strong feelings with 太好了！, 真好吃！ and 多漂亮啊！, and know when 太……了 means “too” rather than “so”.
HSK 1
6 min
Double Objects with 给, 问, 教, 送 and 告诉
Say who gets what with verbs like 给, 问, 教, 送 and 告诉: verb + person + thing, as in 老师给我一本书.
HSK 2
6 min
The Suffix 面 in 上面, 里面, 外面
Add 面 to a direction word to make a full place word like 上面 “on top” or 外面 “outside” that can stand on its own.
HSK 2
5 min
Left and Right with 左 and 右
Say where things are with 左边 and 右边, give directions with 往左 and 往右, and name the left or right hand with 左手 and 右手.
HSK 2
6 min
Doubled Verbs: 看看, 看一看, 看了看, 休息休息
Double a verb (看看, 想一想, 休息休息) to make an action sound quick and relaxed, and use 看了看 for a quick action that already happened.
HSK 2
6 min
Doubled Adjectives: 大大, 慢慢, 高高兴兴
Double an adjective as AA (大大, 慢慢) or AABB (高高兴兴) to paint a vivid picture, and attach it with 的, 地 or 得.
HSK 2
5 min
Saying “Maybe” with 可能
Use 可能 before a verb to say something might happen or might be true, and tell it apart from 可以 and 不可能.
HSK 2
5 min
自己 for “Myself, Yourself, On My Own”
Use 自己 to say “myself” or “yourself”, to stress that someone does something on their own, and 自己的 for “my own”.
HSK 2
7 min
这么, 那么, 这样, 那样 and 每
Say “so hot” with 这么热, “like this” with 这样做, “that kind of” with 那样的, and “every day” with 每天.
HSK 2
6 min
Big and Rough Numbers with 万, 好多 and 多
Count in ten-thousands with 万, say “lots of” with 好多, and say “twenty-something” or “over an hour” with 多.
HSK 1
6 min
Counting Times with 次: 去过两次
Say how many times you did something with verb + number + 次, and put the object in the right place.
HSK 2
6 min
Degree Adverbs 最, 多 and 好
Say “the most” with 最, “how beautiful!” with 多漂亮啊, and a chatty “so cold!” with 好冷啊.
HSK 2
6 min
About to Happen: 要, 快要, 就要……了
Say something is about to happen with 要……了, 快要……了 or 就要……了, and contrast it with 已经……了 for what has already happened.
HSK 2
6 min
From and Toward with 从 and 往
Use 从 to say where a movement starts or which way it goes through, and 往 to say which direction someone is heading.
HSK 2
6 min
Prepositions 给 and 跟 Before the Verb
Use 给 to say who receives an action, like 给妈妈打电话, and 跟 to say who you do something with, like 跟朋友一起去.
HSK 2
6 min
因为 + Noun for “Because of”
Use 因为 with a short reason, like 因为这件事 or 因为生病, before the verb to say what caused something.
HSK 2
7 min
Result Complements 错, 懂, 好, 会, 完
Add 错, 懂, 好, 会 or 完 after a verb to say how an action turned out: 写错, 听懂, 做好, 学会, 吃完.
HSK 2
7 min
Direction After a Verb: 来, 去, 上, 下, 进, 出, 过, 回
Add 来 or 去 after a verb to show movement toward or away from you, and 上, 下, 进, 出, 过 or 回 to show which way something moves.
HSK 2
7 min
Verb + 得 to Say How Well Something Is Done
Use verb + 得 + adjective to comment on how someone does something, like 他跑得很快 or 你说得很对.
HSK 2
6 min
Place + Verb + 着 to Describe What Is There
Describe what is in a place and how it is placed, like 桌子上放着一本书 or 门口站着两个人.
HSK 3
6 min
The Prefix 老 in 老王, 老师 and 老二
Use 老 + surname to address an older person you know well, and recognize 老 as a prefix in words like 老师 and 老二.
HSK 3
6 min
Noun Suffixes 家, 子 and 员
Recognize and use the suffixes 家 (画家), 员 (服务员) and 子 (桌子), and know which one a word takes.
HSK 3
7 min
东, 南, 西, 北 and 中间 for Directions
Say where places are with 东, 南, 西, 北 and 中间, and talk about regions with 北方, 南方, 东方 and 西方.
HSK 3
7 min
Modal Verbs 需要, 应该, 该, 愿意 and 得
Say what someone needs to do, should do, is willing to do or has to do with 需要, 应该, 该, 愿意 and 得.
HSK 3
7 min
Separable Verbs 放假, 见面, 结婚, 洗澡
Split verbs like 见面 and 放假 correctly: put 了, 过 or a number in the middle, and add the person with 跟.
HSK 3
8 min
谁, 什么, 哪儿 Meaning “Anyone”, “Anything”, “Something”
Use question words in statements: 谁都知道 for “everyone knows”, 想吃什么就吃什么 for “whatever you like”, and 吃点儿什么 for “something”.
HSK 3
7 min
Question Words Without Questions: 谁都, 什么都
Use 谁, 什么, 哪儿 and 怎么 to mean “anyone”, “anything”, “whatever” or “something” in statements, not questions.
HSK 3
6 min
Pronouns 别人 and 咱们
Use 别人 to talk about “other people” and 咱们 to say “we” in a way that always includes the person you’re talking to.
HSK 3
8 min
Measure Words 张, 把, 双, 辆, 种 and More
Pick the right measure word for flat things, pairs, vehicles, lessons, sentences, prices, weights and quarter hours.
HSK 3
5 min
Doubled Measure Words 个个, 张张
Double a measure word, as in 个个 or 张张, to say “every single one” with no exceptions.
HSK 3
7 min
Degree Adverbs 比较, 挺, 特别, 更, 越, 极
Say how strong a quality is, from 有些 and 比较 to 挺, 特别 and 极, and compare with 更, 还 and 越来越.
HSK 3
6 min
Scope Adverbs 只, 就, 一共, 到处, 一块儿
Say “only”, “in total”, “everywhere” and “together” with 只, 就, 只是, 一共, 到处 and 一块儿.
HSK 3
7 min
Time Adverbs 刚, 才, 一直, 马上, 先
Say that something just happened, happened late, kept going, or will happen right away with 刚, 才, 一直, 马上, 先 and 一会儿.
HSK 3
7 min
Adverbs 大概, 好像, 一定, 必须, 差不多, 几乎
Show how sure you are with 好像, 大概 and 一定, say what must happen with 必须, and say “almost” with 差不多 and 几乎.
HSK 3
6 min
Prepositions 为, 向 and 关于
Say who you do something for with 为, who or where an action is aimed at with 向, and what something is about with 关于.
HSK 3
6 min
Purpose with 为了, 为 and 为了…而…
Say why you do something, “in order to” or “for the sake of”, with 为了, 为 and 为了…而…, and tell it apart from 因为.
HSK 3
8 min
把 Sentences: 把 + Object + Verb + 在/到 or Result
Use 把 to say what you do to something: where you put it (放在, 送到) or how it ends up (写完, 关上, 打扫得很干净).
HSK 3
7 min
被 Passive Sentences, with and without the Doer
Use 被 to say what happened to something, with or without saying who did it, and use 叫 and 让 for the same idea in casual speech.
HSK 3
6 min
Rhetorical Questions with 不是……吗
Use 不是……吗 to remind someone of a fact, insist on it, or show surprise when things don’t match what you expected.
HSK 3
6 min
Appositive Phrases like 我们两个 and 他这个人
Put two words for the same person or thing side by side, as in 我们两个, 我自己 and 北京这个城市, to make one phrase.
HSK 3
6 min
The Four-Character Pattern 不A不B
Use 不A不B to say “neither too A nor too B” (不大不小) and recognise set phrases like 不慌不忙, 不知不觉 and 不见不散.
HSK 3
5 min
Giving an Opinion with 在……看来
Use 在……看来 to introduce an opinion as someone’s point of view: 在我看来, 在老师看来.
HSK 3
5 min
Starting from a Point with 从……起
Use 从……起 to say that something starts at a certain time and carries on from then: 从明天起, 从下个月起.
HSK 3
5 min
Saying “For Someone” with 对……来说
Use 对……来说 to say what something is like for a particular person: easy, hard, new or important for them.
HSK 3
7 min
Result Complements 到, 住, 走 and 上
Add 到, 住, 走 or 上 after a verb to show the result: found it, held it, took it away, or closed it.
HSK 3
7 min
出, 起 and 下 as Result Complements
Use 出, 起 and 下 after a verb to show a result: come up with (想出), recall (想起), and keep or fit (写下, 坐得下).
HSK 3
6 min
Degree Complements 得很, 极了 and 坏了
Say “really” and “extremely” after an adjective with 得很, 极了 and 坏了: 好得很, 高兴极了, 累坏了.
HSK 3
6 min
Time Since an Action: 来中国三年了
Say how long it has been since something happened, as in 他来中国三年了 and 我们下课十分钟了.
HSK 3
7 min
Appearing and Disappearing: 前面走过来一个人
Describe someone or something arriving or leaving a place, as in 家里来了一位客人 and 我们班走了两个同学.
HSK 3
6 min
Repeating the Verb: 说汉语说得很好
Repeat the verb when it has both an object and a complement, as in 他说汉语说得很好 and 我看书看了两个小时.
HSK 4
6 min
敢 for “Dare to”
Say what someone dares or doesn’t dare to do with 敢 and 不敢, and tell 不敢 apart from 怕 and 不能.
HSK 4
7 min
各, 各位, 各种, 任何 and 此 for Each, Any and This
Use 各 and 各种 to talk about each member or every kind, 各位 to address a group politely, 任何 for “any at all”, and 此 in formal words like 因此.
HSK 4
6 min
Measure Words 打, 袋, 棵, 台 and 幅
Count dozens with 打, bags with 袋, trees with 棵, machines with 台 and paintings with 幅 instead of falling back on 个.
HSK 4
7 min
Degree Adverbs 十分, 更加, 稍微, 尤其 and 多么
Say “very” with 十分, “even more” with 更加, “slightly” with 稍 and 稍微, “especially” with 尤其, and make exclamations with 多么.
HSK 4
7 min
Scope Adverbs 共, 全, 光, 仅, 仅仅 and 至少
Give totals with 共, say “all” with 全, “only” with 光, 仅 and 仅仅, and set a minimum with 至少.
HSK 4
6 min
Time Adverbs 按时 and 从来
Say that something happens on schedule with 按时, and that you never do or have never done something with 从来不 and 从来没…过.
HSK 4
6 min
Future Adverbs 将 and 将要
Use 将 as the formal “will” in notices and news, and 将要…了 for something that is about to happen.
HSK 4
6 min
Frequency Adverbs 往往 and 偶尔
Describe what usually happens in a given situation with 往往, say “once in a while” with 偶尔, and know when 常常 is the right choice instead.
HSK 4
6 min
Manner Adverbs 故意, 互相 and 相互
Say someone did something on purpose with 故意, and that people do something to each other with 互相 or the more formal 相互.
HSK 4
6 min
Rhetorical 难道…吗 and Urgent 千万
Use 难道…吗？ to ask a question that shows surprise or disbelief, and 千万 to urge someone strongly, as in 千万别忘了.
HSK 4
7 min
Prepositions 自, 当, 由, 随着 and 等 for Time and Place
Say where or when something starts with 自 and 由, set a moment with 当…的时候, describe change with 随着, and say “once…” with 等.
HSK 4
7 min
将, 由, 叫 and 让 for the Doer and the Receiver
Use 将 as a formal 把, 由 to say who is in charge of a task, and 叫 or 让 as spoken passives like 被.
HSK 4
6 min
作为, 按 and 按照 for Roles and Rules
Use 作为 to say what role you speak or act from, and 按 or 按照 to say which rule, plan or order you follow.
HSK 4
6 min
Adding a Point with 此外 and 另外
Use 此外 and 另外 to add one more point, and use 另外 on its own to mean “another” or “separately”.
HSK 4
6 min
甚至 for “Even” and 不过 for “However”
Use 甚至 to push a point to its most surprising case, and 不过 to add a soft “but” after a statement.
HSK 4
7 min
Particles 者, 之, 等 and 就是
Use 者 for “a person who”, 之 as a formal 的, 等 to end a list, and 就是(了) to say “just…, that’s all”.
HSK 4
6 min
Four-Character Pattern 一A一B
Use 一A一B phrases like 一模一样 and 一前一后 to say “completely, every bit” or to describe two people or things as a pair.
HSK 4
6 min
Four-Character Pattern 无A无B
Use 无A无B phrases like 无忧无虑 and 无缘无故 to say something has no A and no B at all.
HSK 4
6 min
Four-Character Pattern 有A有B
Use 有A有B to say two things are both there, as in 有说有笑, or that a group is mixed, as in 有大有小.
HSK 4
6 min
In Time or Too Late: 来得及 and 来不及
Use 来得及 to say there is still time to do something, and 来不及 to say it is too late.
HSK 3
6 min
说不定, 不怎么 and 不怎么样
Use 说不定 for “maybe”, 不怎么 + verb or adjective for “not very”, and 不怎么样 for “not that great”.
HSK 4
6 min
Rephrasing with 就是说 and 换句话说
Use (这)就是说, 也就是说 and 换句话说 to say an idea again in plainer words or spell out what it means.
HSK 4
6 min
Ever More with 一天比一天 and 一个比一个
Use 一 + measure word + 比 + 一 + measure word to say something keeps getting more so, or that each one in a group outdoes the last.
HSK 4
6 min
Giving an Example with 拿……来说
Use 拿……来说 to pick one example and use it to back up a general point.
HSK 4
6 min
Never Again with 再也不 and 再也没
Use 再也不 to say you will never do something again, and 再也没(有) to say something never happened again after a point in the past.
HSK 4
6 min
No Matter How with 怎么都不 and 怎么也没
Say that something just won’t happen however hard you try, as in 我怎么也睡不着 and 我怎么找都没找到.
HSK 4
6 min
Doing Something for a Goal with 为了……而……
Use 为了 + goal + 而 + action to say what someone does for a purpose, as in 他为了考上大学而努力学习.
HSK 4
6 min
Nothing Worth Doing with 没什么好……的
Say there’s no reason to worry, cry or argue with 没什么好担心的, and ask “what’s there to fear?” with 有什么好怕的.
HSK 4
5 min
Keeping Things Apart with X是X，Y是Y
Use X是X，Y是Y to say two things are separate and shouldn’t be mixed, as in 工作是工作，生活是生活.
HSK 4
5 min
Like It or Not with X也得X，不X也得X
Say that something must be done whether anyone wants to or not, as in 去也得去，不去也得去.
HSK 4
6 min
Rhetorical Questions with 难道……吗
Use 难道……吗？ to show surprise or disbelief, as in 难道你不知道吗？ “Surely you know?”
HSK 4
7 min
Rhetorical Questions with 谁, 什么, 哪儿 and 怎么
Use question words to make strong statements, like 谁不想去？ “Who wouldn’t want to go?” and 我哪儿知道？ “How would I know?”
HSK 4
6 min
Double Negatives for Emphasis: 不得不, 不能不, 没有……不
Use two negatives to make a strong positive, like 不能不去 “have to go” and 没有人不知道 “everyone knows”.
HSK 4
7 min
Comparisons with A不如B and 跟……相比
Say “A isn’t as good as B” with 不如 and “compared with…” with 跟……相比, as in 我的汉语不如他好.
HSK 2
6 min
Pivot Sentences with 让, 叫, 请 and 使
Say who asks, invites or makes someone do something, as in 老师让我们读课文 and 这件事让我很高兴.
HSK 4
6 min
Approximate Numbers with 大约, 左右 and 前后
Give rough numbers and times with 大约 before the number, 左右 after it, and 前后 after a point in time, as in 春节前后.
HSK 5
6 min
The Noun Suffix 头 in 木头, 里头 and 看头
Recognise and use the neutral-tone suffix 头 in everyday nouns (木头), place words (里头) and “worth doing” nouns (没什么看头).
HSK 5
6 min
Formal Pronouns 彼此, 如此 and 本
Use 彼此 for “each other”, 如此 for “like this, so” and 本 for “this (our own)” in more formal Chinese, and know their everyday equivalents.
HSK 5
8 min
Measure Words 朵, 颗, 根, 群, 架 and More
Pick the right measure word for flowers, stars, pens, crowds, planes, glasses, episodes and more with the 15 noun measure words of HSK 5.
HSK 5
7 min
Degree Adverbs 过于, 相当, 极其, 格外, 较 and 可
Say “too”, “quite”, “extremely”, “especially” and “really” with the right register using 过于, 相当, 极其, 格外, 较 and spoken 可…了.
HSK 5
7 min
Time Adverbs 曾经, 早已, 时刻, 立刻, 连忙 and 急忙
Talk about what you once did with 曾经, what happened long ago with 早已, what you always keep in mind with 时刻, and how fast someone acts with 立刻, 连忙 and 急忙.
HSK 5
7 min
Time Adverbs 始终, 渐渐, 即将, 尽快 and 早晚
Describe something that stays the same all along with 始终, a slow change with 渐渐, and what is coming with 即将, 尽快 and 早晚.
HSK 5
6 min
Manner Adverbs 尽量 and 亲自
Say “try to, as much as possible” with 尽量 and “in person” with 亲自, and tell 亲自 apart from 自己.
HSK 5
6 min
Modal Adverbs 似乎 and 仿佛
Make a careful guess with 似乎 (“it seems”) and describe what something feels like with 仿佛 (“as if”), and know when plain 好像 is better.
HSK 5
8 min
Mood Adverbs 毕竟, 居然, 果然, 的确, 简直, 反而
Show your attitude in one word: 毕竟 for “after all”, 居然 for surprise, 果然 for “sure enough”, 的确 for “indeed”, 简直 for exaggeration and 反而 for “instead”.
HSK 5
7 min
Mood Adverbs 反正, 根本, 绝对, 白, 刚好 and 可
Say “anyway” with 反正, “not at all” with 根本, “absolutely” with 绝对, “for nothing” with 白, “just right” with 刚好, and add emphasis with 可.
HSK 5
6 min
Prepositions 自从, 朝 and 沿着
Say “ever since” a past event with 自从, “toward” someone or somewhere with 朝, and “along” a road or river with 沿着.
HSK 5
6 min
Basis Prepositions 凭, 据 and 依据
Say what something is based on: 凭 for “relying on” what you have, 据 for “according to” a source, and 依据 for “on the basis of” rules and facts.
HSK 5
7 min
Connectors 可见, 总之, 假如 and 从而
Link ideas like a fluent writer: draw a conclusion with 可见, sum up with 总之, imagine with 假如, and state a result with 从而.
HSK 5
6 min
像……似的 for “As If” and “Like”
Use 像……似的 to say what something looks or seems like, as in 像没听见似的 “as if he hadn’t heard”.
HSK 5
6 min
A来A去 for Doing Something Over and Over
Use A来A去, as in 想来想去 and 跑来跑去, to describe an action repeated back and forth, often before saying how it turned out.
HSK 5
6 min
A着A着 for “While Doing…, Suddenly…”
Use A着A着, as in 走着走着 and 说着说着, to say that something unexpected happened while an action was going on.
HSK 5
6 min
没A没B Set Phrases like 没完没了
Understand and use set phrases like 没完没了, 没日没夜 and 没大没小, and tell them apart from 不A不B phrases like 不大不小.
HSK 5
5 min
说A就A for Acting Without Hesitation
Use 说A就A, as in 说走就走 and 说变就变, to say someone acts the moment they decide, or that something happens in an instant.
HSK 5
5 min
用不着 for “There’s No Need”
Use 用不着 to say there is no need to do something or no use for something, and 用得着……吗 to ask if it is really necessary.
HSK 5
7 min
(自)……以来 for “Since” and 由……组成 for “Made Up Of”
Use (自从)……以来 to talk about a period from a past point until now, and 由……组成 to say what something is made up of.
HSK 6
7 min
Prefixes 超, 多, 反, 无, 亚 and 准
Read and build words like 超大型, 多功能, 反方向, 无线, 亚热带 and 准大学生 by knowing what each prefix adds.
HSK 6
6 min
Suffixes 化, 式, 型 and 性
Read and build words like 现代化, 中式, 新型 and 重要性 by knowing what each suffix adds, and stop mixing up 式 and 型.
HSK 6
6 min
人家 for “Others”, “He or She” and “Me”
Understand the three everyday uses of the pronoun 人家: other people, a specific person everyone knows about, and a playful way to say “me”.
HSK 6
7 min
Measure Words 串, 滴, 枝, 扇, 卷 and 番
Count keys, drops, flowers, doors, rolls and book volumes with the right measure word, and use 一番 for an action done with real effort.
HSK 6
6 min
Degree Adverbs 特, 异常 and 较为
Choose between casual 特 “really”, formal 异常 “extremely, unusually” and formal 较为 “fairly” to set both the degree and the tone.
HSK 6
6 min
Scope Adverbs 净, 一同 and 大都
Use 净 to complain that someone does nothing but one thing, 一同 to say people act together, and 大都 to say “most of them”.
HSK 6
6 min
Time Adverbs 一时 and 不时
Use 一时 for something you can’t do or did on impulse in a brief moment, and 不时 for an action that keeps happening every now and then.
HSK 6
6 min
Time Adverbs 仍旧, 依旧 and 一向
Use 仍旧 and 依旧 to say something is still the same despite change, and 一向 to say something has always been true.
HSK 6
6 min
Frequency Adverbs 一再 and 再三
Use 一再 and 再三 to say something was done or happened again and again, and know why only 再三 can follow a verb.
HSK 6
7 min
Manner Adverbs 不禁, 赶忙, 特地, 特意, 偷偷
Describe how someone acts: unable to help it (不禁), in a hurry (赶忙), on purpose for someone (特地, 特意) or in secret (偷偷).
HSK 6
6 min
Mood Adverbs 恰好, 倒是 and 总算
Use 恰好 for a lucky coincidence, 倒是 for something unexpected or a “yes, but”, and 总算 for “finally” with relief.
HSK 6
6 min
Mood Adverbs 干脆 and 明明
Use 干脆 to make a quick “let’s just…” decision and 明明 to point out a clear fact that someone is ignoring.
HSK 6
6 min
Formal Prepositions 于, 至于 and 因
Use 于 for a formal time or place, 至于 to turn to a related point, and 因 to give a reason in written Chinese.
HSK 6
6 min
除…外 for “Except” and “Besides”
Use the written 除…外 to leave something out with 都, or to add something with 还 and 也.
HSK 6
6 min
Particles 啦, 嘛 and 也好
Add a lively change with 啦, an “it’s obvious” or coaxing tone with 嘛, and accept options with 也好 or A也好，B也好.
HSK 6
6 min
放着X不Y for Wasted Chances
Use 放着X不Y to criticize someone for ignoring something good that is right there, like an elevator, a job or a chance.
HSK 1
7 min
联合, 偏正, 动宾, 主谓 for the Four Basic Phrase Types
See how Chinese builds phrases by joining equal words, adding a describer, adding an object, or pairing a subject with a predicate.
HSK 3
6 min
别的 and 其他 for “Other”
Use 别的 and 其他 to talk about other things, people and places.
HSK 3
6 min
不用 and 不必 for “No Need To”
Use 不用 and 不必 to say something is not necessary.
HSK 1
5 min
A，B for Joining Clauses Without Connecting Words
Join two short clauses with just a comma and let the meaning show how they connect.
HSK 3
6 min
...的话，就... for “If … Then”
Close an “if” clause with 的话 and link the result with 就.
HSK 2
5 min
都...了 for “Already”
Use 都...了 to stress that it is already late, a lot, or a certain point, often with surprise or impatience.
HSK 2
6 min
经常, 常常, 总是 and 又 for “Often”, “Always” and “Again”
Say how often something happens with 经常, 常常 and 总是, and use 又 for a repeat that already happened.
HSK 3
5 min
该...了 for “It’s Time To …”
Use 该……了 to say it’s time to do something, or that it’s someone’s turn.
HSK 3
5 min
根据 for “According to”
Use 根据 to say what a fact, choice, or plan is based on.
HSK 1
5 min
...，还... for Adding Another Fact
Use 还 in a second clause to add one more thing someone did, does, or is.
HSK 2
5 min
还是...吧 for “Had Better”
Use 还是...吧 to suggest the better choice after thinking it over.
HSK 3
6 min
看起来 and 看上去 for “It Looks …”
Say how someone or something looks, and what you guess from it, with 看起来 and 看上去.
HSK 3
6 min
Multiple Modifiers for “My Two New Books”
Line up several describing words before a noun in the order Chinese speakers expect.
HSK 1
5 min
今天星期一 for Sentences Without 是
Say dates, times, ages, and prices with a noun or number right after the subject, no 是 needed, and ask “how is it?” with just 怎么样.
HSK 2
6 min
Noun, Verb and Adjective Phrases
See how Chinese words group into noun, verb and adjective phrases, and where each type fits in a sentence.
HSK 1
5 min
块, 毛 and 分 for Saying Prices
Say Chinese prices out loud with 块, 毛 and 分, and know when the last unit can be dropped.
HSK 2
5 min
什么的 for “And So On”
End a list of examples with 什么的 to say “and so on” in everyday speech.
HSK 3
6 min
Verbs and Clauses as Subjects for “Swimming Is Good”
Use an action, a quality or a whole “someone does something” phrase as the subject of a sentence.
HSK 1
5 min
喂 for “Hello?” on the Phone
Use 喂 to answer or start a phone call, and to call out “hey” to get attention.
HSK 3
5 min
X什么(啊) for Friendly “No Need to …”
Use 谢什么啊 and 急什么 to wave away thanks, worries or a claim you disagree with.
HSK 3
6 min
一...也不 and 一点儿也不 for “Not Even One”
Say “not a single one” and “not at all” with 一...也/都 + 不/没.
HSK 3
5 min
一般来说 for “Generally Speaking”
Open a sentence with 一般来说 to say what is usually true in most cases.
HSK 3
6 min
不一会儿 and 一会儿...一会儿... for “Soon After” and “Now … Now …”
Tell how fast something happened with 不一会儿, and describe quick back-and-forth changes with 一会儿……，一会儿……
HSK 2
5 min
一起 for “Together”
Use 一起 before the verb to say people do something together.
HSK 3
5 min
又...又... for “Both … And …”
Use 又……又…… to give two qualities or actions at the same time.
HSK 2
6 min
A有B那么... for “As … As”
Use A有B那么/这么 + adjective to ask or say whether A reaches B’s level.
HSK 1
6 min
再 and 就 for “Again” and “Then”
Use 再 for doing something again later, and 再 and 就 to link one step to the next.
HSK 5
5 min
A的A，B的B for “Some Do This, Some Do That”
Use 走的走，留的留 to paint a lively picture of a group splitting up, with some people doing one thing and others doing another.
HSK 6
6 min
A这A那 and 左A右B for “This and That” and “Over and Over”
Use 问这问那 for doing something to lots of different things, and 左想右想 for doing something again and again.
HSK 5
5 min
不X白不X for “Silly Not To”
Use 不吃白不吃 and 不看白不看 to say a free chance would be wasted if you didn’t take it.
HSK 6
5 min
不X不...，一X... for “You Don’t Know Until You Try”
Use 不X不……，一X…… to say you only discovered something surprising once you actually did X.
HSK 4
6 min
不...也... and 再...也... for “Even If” and “No Matter How”
Use 不...也... for “even without …” and 再...也... for “no matter how …,” with the result staying the same.
HSK 5
5 min
不管怎样说 for “Whatever Else Is True”
Use 不管怎样说 to set other details aside and come back to the point that matters most.
HSK 6
5 min
不料 for “Unexpectedly”
Use 不料 to start a second clause where things turn out differently from what you expected.
HSK 4
5 min
不是...而是... for “Not … But …”
Use 不是……，而是…… to reject one idea and give the right one instead.
HSK 4
5 min
不是...就是... for “Either … Or …”
Use 不是……，就是…… to say it’s always one of two things, or to guess between two options.
HSK 4
6 min
Compressed Sentences Like 有事打电话
Squeeze two short clauses into one with no comma and no connecting word, as in 有事打电话.
HSK 6
5 min
到...为止 for “Up To” and “Until”
Use 到……为止 to mark the end point of a time span, a total so far, or an action that continues until a goal is reached.
HSK 6
6 min
东一A，西一A and A一+Measure，B一+Measure for “Here and There”
Use 东一件西一件 for things scattered everywhere, and 你一句我一句 or 左一个右一个 for turns and repeats.
HSK 6
5 min
凡是...都... for “Anyone Who …, Every …”
Use 凡是……，都…… to say that everything in a group, without exception, has the same result.
HSK 4
6 min
...，否则... and 要不然 for “Otherwise”
Use 否则, 要不然 and 不然 to say what will happen if something doesn’t.
HSK 4
5 min
够...的 for “Really Quite …”
Wrap an adjective in 够……的 to say something is really quite cold, tiring or difficult, with feeling.
HSK 4
5 min
还X呢 for “And You Call Yourself …?”
Use 还X呢 to tease someone who doesn’t live up to a title or a claim, as in 还大学生呢.
HSK 6
5 min
好（不）容易 for “Finally, After Much Effort”
Use 好不容易 or 好容易 before a verb, usually with 才, to say something happened only after a lot of effort.
HSK 6
5 min
好你个X for Playful “Why, You …!”
Use 好你个 + name to tease or mock-scold someone who has surprised you, like English “Why, you …!”
HSK 4
6 min
...，好... and ...，以便... for “So That”
Add a second clause with 好 or 以便 to say what the first action makes possible.
HSK 4
5 min
既...又/也... for “Both … And …”
Use 既……，又/也…… to say something has two qualities or does two things at once.
HSK 6
6 min
看把你X得 and 看你X的 for “Look How … You Are!”
Use 看/瞧把你高兴得 or 看你高兴的 to comment, often teasingly, on how a feeling shows on someone.
HSK 5
6 min
没有...就没有... for “Without A, There Would Be No B”
Use 没有...就没有... to say that one thing is what makes another possible.
HSK 6
5 min
那倒（也）是 for “That’s True, Fair Point”
Reply with 那倒是 or 那倒也是 when someone makes a point you hadn’t thought of and you accept it.
HSK 4
5 min
你X你的吧 for “Go Ahead, Don’t Mind Me”
Say 你忙你的吧 or 你吃你的吧 to tell someone to carry on with what they’re doing.
HSK 4
5 min
一大碗, 一小块 for “A Big Bowl,” “A Small Piece”
Slip 大 or 小 between a number and a measure word to say “a big bowlful” or “a small piece.”
HSK 4
6 min
说什么也得... and 怎么也得... for “Must, No Matter What”
Use 说什么也得 and 怎么（着）也得 to say something has to happen whatever stands in the way.
HSK 6
6 min
算了 and 得了 for “Forget It” and “That’s Enough”
Use 算了 to drop a plan or let something go, and 得了 to say “that’s enough,” “that’ll do” or “come off it.”
HSK 6
6 min
Verb/Adjective + 透了 for “Completely, Through and Through”
Add 透了 after a verb or adjective to say something is complete or extreme: soaked through, fully ripe, really awful.
HSK 4
5 min
Verb + 一X是一X for “Every Bit Counts”
Use patterns like 能省一点是一点 to say you’ll take whatever you can get, however small.
HSK 5
6 min
万一...（就）... for “In Case” and “What If”
Use 万一 for an unlikely, usually unwanted possibility and what to do if it happens.
HSK 6
5 min
X到Y头上来了 for “Even Doing It to Me”
Use X到Y头上来了 to protest, often half-jokingly, that someone has now turned an unwelcome action on you.
HSK 4
5 min
X就X（点儿）吧 for “So What, That’s Fine”
Use X就X（点儿）吧, as in 贵就贵点儿吧, to accept a downside and move on.
HSK 4
5 min
X就是了 for “Just Do X, That’s All”
End a sentence with 就是了 to reassure someone, promise something or say “just do X, no big deal.”
HSK 6
5 min
X了就X了 for “What’s Done Is Done”
Use X了就X了 plus 没什么 or 有什么…… to accept something that has already happened and say it doesn’t matter.
HSK 5
5 min
X什么X and 什么X不X的 for Brushing Things Off
Use 吵什么吵 and 什么钱不钱的 to tell someone to stop fussing, or to wave away money and thanks between friends.
HSK 5
5 min
X是它，Y也是它 for “It’s Behind Both”
Use 让我开心的是它，让我着急的也是它 to say that one thing is behind two very different results.
HSK 5
5 min
X也不是，Y也不是 for “Stuck Either Way”
Use 坐也不是，站也不是 and 进也进不得，退也退不得 to describe feeling stuck when no choice works.
HSK 5
5 min
X着也是X着 for “Might as Well”
Use 闲着也是闲着 to say a situation is going nowhere anyway, so you might as well do something useful.
HSK 4
5 min
也许 and 恐怕 for “Perhaps” and “I’m Afraid”
Use 也许 for a neutral guess and 恐怕 for a guess about something you would rather not happen.
HSK 4
5 min
有的是 for “Plenty Of”
Say 有的是 when there is more than enough of something, often to tell someone not to worry.
HSK 4
6 min
于是... and 便... for “So … Then …”
Use 于是 and 便 to tell what happened next because of what came before.
HSK 6
5 min
早不X，晚不X for “It Had to Happen Right Now”
Use 早（也）不X，晚（也）不X to complain that something happened at exactly the worst moment.
HSK 6
5 min
这也不X，那也不Y for “Nothing Is Good Enough”
Use 这也不X，那也不Y to complain that someone rejects one thing after another.
HSK 5
5 min
真有你的 for “You’re Really Something!”
Use 真有你的 to admire someone’s skill, or to tease them for doing something surprising.
HSK 7–9
5 min
爱A不A for “Do It or Don’t, I Don’t Care”
Use 爱去不去 and 爱吃不吃 to say it is up to the other person, and you are not going to push any more.
HSK 7–9
5 min
半A半B for “Half … Half …”
Use 半信半疑 and 半工半读 to say two different states are mixed together, half one and half the other.
HSK 7–9
6 min
不瞒你说, 老实说 and 说真的 for “To Be Honest”
Open with 不瞒你说, 老实说 or 说真的 to signal that what comes next is frank: a personal confession, an honest opinion, or a serious point.
HSK 7–9
5 min
别看...，... for “Don’t Be Fooled by …”
Use 别看……，…… to say that something looks one way on the surface, but the truth is different.
HSK 7–9
5 min
别提（有）多...了 for “You Can’t Imagine How …”
Use 别提有多高兴了 and 别提多好吃了 to say something is so extreme that words can hardly describe it.
HSK 7–9
6 min
不A而B for “B Happens Without A”
Use 不约而同 and 不翼而飞 to say a result happens even though the usual condition or action was missing.
HSK 7–9
6 min
不是 and 不是我说你 for “No, Wait” and “I Hate to Say It”
In speech, 不是 can open a reply to mean “No, wait” or “Hang on,” and 不是我说你 softens the friendly criticism that follows it.
HSK 7–9
7 min
不亚于, 仅次于 and 莫过于 for Formal Comparisons
Use 不亚于 (“no less than”), 仅次于 (“second only to”) and 莫过于 (“nothing is more … than”) to compare things in formal Chinese.
HSK 7–9
5 min
不知...是/才好 for “Not Know What to Do”
Use 不知怎么办才好 and 不知如何是好 to say you are at a loss and don’t know what would be best.
HSK 7–9
6 min
打 for “From” and “Since”
In casual speech, 打 can mean “from” or “since”, marking where or when something starts, as in 打明天起 and 你打哪儿来？
HSK 7–9
5 min
东A西B for “Here and There, All Over”
Use 东张西望 and 东奔西走 to say an action is scattered in many directions or places.
HSK 7–9
5 min
动不动就... for “At the Slightest Thing”
Use 动不动就 to complain that someone or something does an unwelcome thing far too easily and too often.
HSK 7–9
5 min
凡...者，均可... for “All Who … May …”
Use 凡……（者），均（可）…… in notices and rules to say that everyone who meets a condition gets the same right or duty.
HSK 7–9
6 min
反过来说 and 退一步说 for “Conversely” and “Even If …”
Use 反过来（说） to look at the same idea from the opposite side, and 退一步说 to fall back to a smaller, safer claim.
HSK 7–9
5 min
非A非B for “Neither A Nor B”
Use 非亲非故 and 非驴非马 to say something is neither one thing nor the other.
HSK 7–9
6 min
不见得、绝不、无从、无须、无可、勿 for Formal Negatives
Six HSK 7–9 negative adverbs: 不见得 “not necessarily”, 绝不 “never”, 无从 “no way to”, 无须 “no need to”, 无可 “nothing can” and 勿 “do not”.
HSK 7–9
6 min
向...致以... and 值此...之际 for Formal Greetings
Use 值此……之际 to open a speech or letter “on the occasion of …” and 向……致以…… to extend greetings, thanks or respect to someone.
HSK 7–9
5 min
蒙后省略 for Leaving Out a Subject Named Later
Learn how Chinese drops the subject of the first clause when the same subject is named in the clause that follows.
HSK 7–9
6 min
该X就X，该Y就Y for “Do Each Thing at the Right Time”
Use 该学习就学习，该玩就玩 to say that each thing should be done when its time comes, without fuss or hesitation.
HSK 7–9
5 min
归根到底 for “In the Final Analysis”
Use 归根到底 to point to the most basic reason or truth behind a situation.
HSK 7–9
5 min
（你）还别说 for “You Know, It’s Actually True”
Use （你）还别说 to admit that something turned out better or truer than you expected.
HSK 7–9
6 min
何 and 怎么着 for Formal and Casual Questions
Use 何 in formal written questions like 何时 and 有何不同, and 怎么着 in casual speech to ask “what’s the plan?” or to show surprise.
HSK 7–9
6 min
何至于, 谈何 and 有何 for Formal Rhetorical Questions
Use 何至于, 谈何 and 有何 to ask formal rhetorical questions: “surely it’s not that bad,” “how can you even talk of …,” and “what … is there?”
HSK 7–9
6 min
忽A忽B and 时A时B for “Now A, Now B”
Use 忽冷忽热 for sudden, unpredictable changes and 时好时坏 for things that switch back and forth over time.
HSK 7–9
6 min
话是这么说 and 话又说回来 for “That’s True, But …”
Use 话是这么说 to accept someone’s point before adding a “but”, and 话（又）说回来 to turn around and show the other side.
HSK 7–9
5 min
或A或B for “Some A, Some B” and “More or Less”
Use 或坐或站 to say different people or things are in different states, and 或多或少 for “more or less.”
HSK 7–9
6 min
看在X的面子上 for “For X’s Sake”
Use 看在X的面子上 to say you agree, forgive or help because of your respect for, or relationship with, someone.
HSK 7–9
5 min
可A可B for “Either Way Is Fine”
Use 可有可无 and 可长可短 to say either option works, or that something doesn’t really matter.
HSK 7–9
5 min
可不（是嘛） for “Exactly!”
Reply with 可不, 可不是 or 可不是嘛 to agree strongly with what someone just said.
HSK 7–9
5 min
连A带B for “A and B Together”
Use 连A带B to say that two things come together as one lot, as in 连菜带饭, or that someone does two actions at once, as in 连说带笑.
HSK 7–9
7 min
多重复句 for Sentences with Two Layers of Logic
Learn to read long Chinese sentences that combine two relations, such as cause inside contrast, by finding the outer layer first.
HSK 7–9
6 min
乃 for a Formal “Is”
Use 乃 as a formal, written “is” in sayings, speeches and official statements, as in 失败乃成功之母.
HSK 7–9
5 min
你看你 and 真是的 for Gentle Complaints
Use 你看你 to gently scold someone for a slip, and 真是的 to say “Honestly!” when something annoys you.
HSK 7–9
6 min
你说你一个X，…… for “Look at You, a Grown X …”
Use 你说你一个X，…… to gently tease or scold someone whose behavior doesn’t match who they are, like a university student who can’t write a simple character.
HSK 7–9
6 min
后... and 亲... Prefixes for “Post-” and “Friendly To”
Learn how 后 forms words like 后工业时代 (“post-industrial age”) and how 亲 forms words like 亲民 (“close to ordinary people”).
HSK 7–9
5 min
七A八B for “All Over the Place”
Learn the 七A八B idioms, such as 七嘴八舌, 七手八脚 and 七上八下, where 七 and 八 mean “many and in a muddle,” not seven and eight.
HSK 7–9
5 min
任...也... for “No Matter How …, Still …”
Use 任……也…… to say that however someone acts, or however strong a situation is, the result stays the same.
HSK 7–9
6 min
若干 and 人次 for “Several” and “Person-Times”
Use formal 若干 for “a certain number of” and the compound measure word 人次 to count visits, as in 接待游客十万人次.
HSK 7–9
6 min
什么A的B的 for “Things Like A and B”
Use 什么A的B的 in casual speech to list a few loose examples, like 什么画画的、跳舞的, meaning “things like painting, dancing and so on.”
HSK 7–9
6 min
视...而定 for “Depending On …”
Use 视……而定 in formal Chinese to say a decision depends on something, as in 视天气情况而定, “depending on the weather.”
HSK 7–9
5 min
说到哪儿去了 for “Not at All!”
Use （你）说到哪儿去了 to politely brush off thanks, apologies, praise or a wrong guess.
HSK 7–9
6 min
空间顺序 and 逻辑顺序 for Organising a Paragraph
Organise a Chinese paragraph by space (walking the reader through a place) or by logic (first, second, finally; in short).
HSK 7–9
6 min
话题延伸 and 话题转换 for Building On and Changing the Topic
Learn how Chinese speakers and writers build on the current topic, and how they move smoothly to a new one with 至于, 对了 and 另外.
HSK 7–9
6 min
Verb + 得个... and Verb + 个... for Lively Results
Use 落得个两手空空, 弄得个手忙脚乱 and 说个明白 to add a lively, colloquial result or degree after a verb with 个.
HSK 7–9
6 min
无A不B and 无A可B for “All” and “Nothing to …”
Tell apart two look-alike idioms: 无A不B, as in 无所不知, means “all, without exception,” while 无A可B, as in 无话可说, means “nothing to …”.
HSK 7–9
6 min
X到这个地步/份上 for “To Such an Extent”
Use 到这个地步 and 到这个份上 to say a situation has gone so far that it is surprising, serious or hard to undo.
HSK 7–9
5 min
X就X个Y for “If You Do It, Do It Fully”
Use 玩就玩个痛快 and 吃就吃个饱 to say that if you are going to do something, you should do it all the way.
HSK 7–9
5 min
X了Y，Y了X for “Over and Over Again”
Use 吃了睡，睡了吃 and 写了擦，擦了写 to describe two actions going round in a circle again and again.
HSK 7–9
5 min
幸亏...，不然... for “Luckily …, Otherwise …”
Use 幸亏 or 幸好 with 不然 or 否则 to say that something lucky happened and saved you from a worse result.
HSK 7–9
5 min
要（让）我说 for “If You Ask Me”
Start with 要我说 or 要让我说 to give your own opinion or advice: “If you ask me …”.
HSK 7–9
6 min
要X有X，要Y有Y for “Has Everything You Could Want”
Use 要X有X，要Y有Y to say someone or somewhere has everything needed, and 要X没X，要Y没Y to say it has nothing at all.
HSK 7–9
5 min
...，以至于... for “So Much That …”
Use ……，以至（于）…… to show that something reached such a degree that it led to a striking result.
HSK 7–9
6 min
（在）...之余 for “In Spare Time From …” and “Besides Feeling …”
Use （在）工作之余 for what someone does in the time left over from work or study, and 高兴之余 for a second feeling alongside the first.
HSK 7–9
5 min
这不 for “See? Here’s Proof”
Use 这不 to point to something happening right now that proves what you just said.
HSK 7–9
5 min
这样一来 for “As a Result”
Use 这样一来 to introduce the result of a change or action you just mentioned.
HSK 7–9
5 min
自A自B for “By Oneself, For Oneself”
Learn 自A自B idioms such as 自言自语, 自给自足 and 自由自在, where both actions are done by yourself, to yourself or for yourself.
HSK 4
6 min
啊 and 嗯 as Interjections for “Oh!” and “Mm-hm”
At the start of a sentence, 啊 shows surprise or asks “huh?”, and 嗯 means “mm-hm, yes” or asks “hm?” depending on its tone.
HSK 7–9
6 min
A + Adjective + 于/过 + B for “A Is More … Than B”
Compare two things the compact written way, as in 多于去年 and 不少于八百字, or with lively 强过 and 胜过.
HSK 2
5 min
贵十块, 大两岁 for Adjective + Amount
To say by how much, put the amount right after the adjective: 贵十块 “ten yuan more expensive”, 大两岁 “two years older”, 晚了二十分钟 “twenty minutes late”.
HSK 2
6 min
几, 十多个 and 一个多小时 for Approximate Numbers
In statements, 几 means “a few” (几个人, 十几岁); 多 means “and more”, before the measure word after round numbers (二十多个) and after it with splittable units (一个多小时, 三块多).
HSK 6
6 min
把 with a Cause as Subject: 这件事把我累坏了
In advanced 把 sentences the subject can be a thing or event (一场大雨把衣服淋湿了), and the object after 把 can be the person who ends up laughing, worrying or tired (这个笑话把大家都逗笑了).
HSK 4
6 min
把 with “Twice,” “For an Hour” and “Carefully”
In a 把 sentence, a count or a time length goes after the verb (读了两遍), and a manner word goes after the object, right before the verb (轻轻地关上).
HSK 3
6 min
把...送给, 交给, 还给 for “Give Something to Someone”
Use 把 + thing + verb + 给 + person to say you give, hand, lend or return a specific thing to someone: 请把作业交给老师.
HSK 4
6 min
把 + Verb一Verb and 把 + Verb + 了
A 把 sentence cannot end in a bare verb: finish it with a doubled verb (擦一擦, 看了看) or with 了 (卖了, 忘了).
HSK 5
6 min
把...一 + Verb and 把 + Object + Verb + Object
把 + object + 一 + verb shows a quick action that leads to something else, and 把 + object 1 + verb + object 2 adds a second object that is part of or attached to the first.
HSK 7–9
6 min
巴不得 and 恨不得 for “Can’t Wait To” and “Wish I Could”
Use 巴不得 for something you eagerly hope will happen and 恨不得 for an urgent, often exaggerated wish you can’t really carry out.
HSK 7–9
6 min
承前省略 for Leaving Out Something Already Mentioned
Once a person or thing has been named, Chinese usually leaves it out of the following clauses instead of repeating it or using 他 and 它.
HSK 7–9
6 min
只是...罢了 and 矣: Final Particles for “That’s All” and Classical “Already”
Use 罢了 at the end of a sentence to play something down (“that’s all”), usually with 只是, 不过 or 无非; meet classical 矣 in set phrases like 足矣 and 为时晚矣.
HSK 2
5 min
帮忙, 游泳, 跳舞, 跑步 for Separable Verbs
帮忙, 游泳, 跳舞 and 跑步 are verb + object words that split apart: 了, 过, time words and the person you help go in the middle.
HSK 4
6 min
本来 for “Originally” and “Of Course”
Use 本来 to say what was true or planned at first before things changed, and 本来就 to say something is naturally so.
HSK 7–9
6 min
本着, 基于, 鉴于, 经 and 依 for “On the Basis Of”
Use the formal prepositions 本着 (a principle), 基于 (a basis), 鉴于 (a situation), 经 (a process) and 依 (a standard) to say what a decision or action rests on; 鉴于 can also join a whole clause.
HSK 2
5 min
他比我跑得快 and 他跑得比我快 for Comparing Actions
To compare how two people do something, combine 比 with a 得 complement: 他比我跑得快 or 他跑得比我快 both mean “he runs faster than me”.
HSK 3
6 min
A比B更... and A比B还... for “Even More … Than”
Add 更 or 还 before the adjective in a 比 sentence to say B already has the quality and A has even more of it; 还 adds a note of surprise.
HSK 3
6 min
A比B早来..., 多买... for “Arrived Earlier, Bought More”
To compare actions with a number, put 早, 晚, 多 or 少 before the verb and the amount after it: 我比他早到了十分钟, 姐姐比我多吃了一碗饭.
HSK 7–9
6 min
彼, 兹 and 这么着 for “That”, “Hereby” and “Like This”
Learn three special pointing words: literary 彼 “that, the other”, notice-style 兹 “hereby” and chatty 这么着 “like this, let’s do this”.
HSK 4
6 min
表扬/批评 + Person + Action for Praising and Criticizing
After 表扬, 批评, 感谢 or 喜欢, name the person and then the action you praise, criticize or thank them for.
HSK 2
5 min
别 for “Don’t”
别 + verb tells someone not to do something; 别…了 tells them to stop, or to drop a plan.
HSK 7–9
6 min
别说……，（连）……都/也…… for “Never Mind …, Even …”
Wave away an obvious case with 别说 and then give a more extreme one with 连……都 or 就是……也: 别说我，连老师都没做出来.
HSK 4
6 min
并不 and 并没有 for “Not Actually”
Put 并 before 不 or 没(有) to say that something is not true, even though people might think it is.
HSK 4
6 min
并, 而 and 与 for Formal “And”
In formal Chinese, 与 joins nouns, 并 joins verb phrases, and 而 joins adjectives.
HSK 5
6 min
不...不... for “If Not …, Then Not …”
In condensed sentences, 不 A 不 B means “if not A, then not B”: 不见不散, 不去不行, 雨不停我们不出发.
HSK 5
6 min
不但不/没有...，反而... for “Not Only Not …, But Instead …”
不但不 / 不但没有……，反而…… says the expected thing didn’t happen and the opposite happened instead: 雨不但没停，反而越下越大了.
HSK 5
6 min
得不得了 and 不得了 for “Extremely” and “Oh No!”
Use adjective + 得不得了 for “extremely,” 真不得了 for “amazing,” and 不得了了 as an alarmed “Oh no!”
HSK 4
6 min
不管...，都/也... for “No Matter …”
Use 不管 with a question word, an A不A choice or 还是 to say the result stays the same in every case, then add 都 or 也.
HSK 4
6 min
不仅... and 不光... for “Not Only … But Also”
Use 不仅 or 不光 in the first clause and 而且, 还 or 也 in the second to add a further point.
HSK 5
5 min
不是...，还/还是... for “Not Just …, But Also …”
不是……，还…… says the first idea is too little and adds more: 他不是一个人来的，还带了两个朋友.
HSK 7–9
6 min
……不说，还…… for “Not Only …, But Also …”
Pile one point on top of another in casual Chinese with ……不说，还……, as in 这家饭馆菜贵不说，服务还特别慢.
HSK 3
6 min
才 and 就 for Emphasis: 才八点, 才不去呢, 就是他
Beyond time, 才 can mean “only, just” before a small number, and 才…呢 or 就 make a statement strong: 我才不去呢 “No way I’m going,” 就是他 “It’s him, exactly.”
HSK 4
6 min
场, 顿, 趟 for Counting Rain, Meals and Trips
Use the verb measure words 场, 顿 and 趟 to count a whole event, a meal or scolding, and a round trip.
HSK 1
5 min
陈述句 for Statements: Saying What Is and What Isn’t
A declarative sentence (陈述句) tells a fact in normal word order and ends with 。; make it negative with 不 or 没, and add 吗 to turn it into a question.
HSK 4
6 min
重新 and 再次 for “Start Over” and “Once Again”
Use 重新 when you redo something from the start, and 再次 when the same thing happens one more time.
HSK 6
6 min
除非...，否则/不然... for “Unless …, Otherwise …”
除非 names the only condition that works, and 否则 or 不然 says what will happen if it is not met: 除非你提前报名，否则不能参加.
HSK 4
6 min
此外 and 甚至 for “Besides” and “Even”
Use 此外 to add one more point, and 甚至 to add an extreme or surprising point that goes further.
HSK 2
6 min
走进来, 跑出去, 拿回来 for Two-Part Direction Complements
A compound directional complement adds a direction (进, 出, 上, 下, 回, 过, 起) plus 来 or 去 after a verb: 走进来 “walk in (toward me)”, 跑出去 “run out (away from me)”.
HSK 5
6 min
从...来看 for “Judging from …”
Use 从……来看 (or 从……看来) to name the evidence or point of view behind a judgment, as in 从这件事来看，他是个很负责的人.
HSK 4
6 min
从来不, 从来没...过 and 从不 for “Never”
Use 从来不 for things someone never does, 从来没...过 for things that have never happened, and the shorter 从不 and 从没 in neater speech and writing.
HSK 5
6 min
A 大 B 三岁 for “Three Years Older Than”
With a few short adjectives like 大, 小, 高, 早 and 晚, Chinese can compare without 比: 我哥哥大我三岁 means my brother is three years older than me.
HSK 3
6 min
大概 and 三四个 for “About” and “Three or Four”
Give a rough number in two ways: put 大概 before the number (大概二十分钟), or say two neighbouring numbers together (两三天, 三四个, 七八岁).
HSK 3
6 min
当然, 其实 and 终于 for “Of Course,” “Actually” and “Finally”
Use 当然 for something obvious, 其实 for the real truth behind how things look, and 终于 for something that finally happens after a wait.
HSK 7–9
6 min
当着...的面 and 就... for “In Front Of” and “On (a Topic)”
Use 当着 + person (+ 的面) for doing something in someone’s presence, and the formal preposition 就 + topic before verbs like 讨论 and 提出 to mean “on, regarding”.
HSK 5
6 min
Verb/Adjective + 得 + Phrase or Clause for “So … That …”
After 得, Chinese can add a whole verb phrase, a small clause or a set phrase to show the result: 高兴得跳了起来, 说得大家都笑了, 忘得一干二净.
HSK 2
5 min
我的, 新的, 卖水果的 for 的-Phrases (“Mine”, “The New One”)
A 的-phrase is a describer + 的 with the noun left out: 我的 (mine), 大的 (the big one), 卖水果的 (the fruit seller), 妈妈做的 (what Mom made).
HSK 7–9
6 min
X得要命 and X得要死 for “Extremely” in Casual Speech
Put 得要命 or 得要死 after an adjective or feeling verb to exaggerate, like “to death” or “terribly” in English: 累得要命, 热得要死.
HSK 4
6 min
点, 分之, 百分之 and 倍 for Decimals, Fractions, Percentages and Multiples
Say 3.5 as 三点五, 1/3 as 三分之一, 50% as 百分之五十, and “twice as much” with 倍.
HSK 1
6 min
很, 非常, 太, 真 and 有点儿 for “How Much”
Choose the right degree word before an adjective: plain 很, strong 非常, “too” or “so” with 太, exclaiming 真, and slightly unwelcome 有点儿.
HSK 1
6 min
定语 and 状语 for Describing Nouns and Verbs
Describers always come first in Chinese: a 定语 goes before a noun (我的书, 三本书), and a 状语 goes before a verb or adjective (今天在家学习, 都很好).
HSK 7–9
6 min
犯不着 and 犯得着 for “It’s Not Worth It”
Use 犯不着 to say something isn’t worth doing, and 犯得着…吗？ to ask the same thing as a rhetorical question.
HSK 7–9
6 min
颇, 略微, 分外 and 越发: Formal Degree Adverbs
Learn fourteen written-style degree adverbs in three groups: strong (颇, 大为, 分外, 尤为, 万分, 极度, 何等, 极力), slight (略, 略微, 稍稍, 微) and increasing (越发, 愈加).
HSK 7–9
6 min
予以, 有所, 可谓, 可否 and 除外 for Formal Writing
Learn five formal verbs from notices and reports: 予以 “give (support, praise)”, 有所 “to some extent”, 可谓 “can be called”, 可否 “may I ask whether” and 除外 “except”.
HSK 7–9
6 min
屡次, 一连, 连连 and 相继 for Repeated Actions
Learn ten advanced frequency adverbs: 屡次/屡屡 “time and again”, 一连 “in a row”, 连连 “again and again”, 一个劲儿 “non-stop”, 相继 “one after another”, 再度 “once again”, 时而, 时时 and 频.
HSK 4
6 min
赶紧, 赶快 and 忽然 for “Hurry” and “Suddenly”
Use 赶紧 and 赶快 for doing something quickly without delay, and 忽然 for something that happens all of a sudden.
HSK 7–9
6 min
（连……都……，）更不用说……了 for “Let Alone …”
Make the obvious case follow from a surprising one with 更不用说……了: 这个字连老师都不认识，更不用说我们了.
HSK 2
6 min
还, 正 and 有时候 for “Still”, “Right Then” and “Sometimes”
还 means “still” (还没 = “not yet”), 正 puts an action right in progress at a certain moment, and 有时候 means “sometimes”; all three go before the verb.
HSK 1
5 min
和 and 对 for “With” and “To”
Use 和 + person for doing something with someone, and 对 + person for who your words or attitude are aimed at; both go before the verb.
HSK 7–9
6 min
或……，或…… for “Either … Or …” Between Clauses
List two or more possible actions with 或……，或……, the written way to say “either … or …” or “some … , others …”.
HSK 5
5 min
或是...，或是... for “Either … Or …”
或是……，或是…… lists two or more possibilities in a statement, like 或者 but a little more formal.
HSK 3
6 min
或者...，或者... for “Either … Or …”
Start each choice with 或者 to list two or more options in a statement: 周末我或者在家看书，或者去公园跑步.
HSK 5
6 min
假如...，（就）... for “Suppose” and “If”
假如 means “if, suppose” and is a little more formal than 如果; it is good for imagined situations like 假如你是校长.
HSK 7–9
6 min
假若/假使……，…… for a Formal “If” or “Suppose”
Make a supposition in formal Chinese with 假若 or 假使, the written relatives of 如果: 假若明天下雨，运动会就改到下周举行.
HSK 4
6 min
竟然, 究竟 and 到底 for Surprise and “What on Earth?”
Use 竟然 for something surprising that really happened, and 究竟 or 到底 to press for the real answer in a question.
HSK 4
6 min
即使...也... and 就是...也... for “Even If”
Use 即使 or 就是 to imagine a difficult case, then 也 to say the result still holds.
HSK 2
5 min
就 and 还是 for “Exactly” and “Still”
As mood adverbs, 就 stresses that something is exactly so (我就是王明), 还是 says something is still true in spite of what happened, and 都…了 means “already”.
HSK 5
5 min
Verb + 一眼 for “Take a Glance”
Use 眼 after a looking verb to count glances: 看了他一眼, 多看两眼, 一眼就认出来.
HSK 3
6 min
看来 for “It Seems” and “Looks Like”
Use 看来 after a fact you have noticed to draw a conclusion from it: 门关着，看来家里没人 “The door’s shut, so it seems nobody’s home.”
HSK 3
6 min
可是 and 可 for “But”
Start the second clause with 可是, or the shorter, more casual 可, when what follows goes against what you just said.
HSK 3
6 min
口, 回, 遍 and 声 for Counting Actions
Count actions with 口 (a bite or sip), 回 (a time), 遍 (once through, start to finish) and 声 (a call or sound).
HSK 7–9
6 min
况且, 加之, 乃至 and 且 for Adding More
Use 况且 to add one more reason for a decision, 加之 to add one more cause of a result, 乃至 for “and even (a bigger one)”, and written 且 for “and also”.
HSK 5
6 min
老是, 通常 and 时常 for “Always,” “Usually” and “Often”
老是 complains that something keeps happening, 通常 states the normal routine, and 时常 means “often” in a slightly written tone.
HSK 3
6 min
Verb了...就... for “After …, (Then) …”
Put 了 after the first verb to mean “once this is done,” and 就 before the second verb for what follows: 我下了课就去图书馆.
HSK 4
6 min
连...都...，...更... for “Even …, Let Alone …”
Name an extreme case with 连……都/也……, then use 更 to say the point is even more true for someone or something else.
HSK 3
6 min
离不开, 完不成, 分不开 for Splitting 离开, 完成, 分开
离开, 完成 and 分开 are verb + result words that can open up for 得 or 不 to say whether something can or cannot happen.
HSK 7–9
6 min
按说, 不由得, 截然 and 日趋: Adverbs of Expectation and Change
Learn the manner adverbs 按说/按理 “normally, by rights”, 不由得 “can’t help”, 骤然 “suddenly”, 截然 “completely (different)”, 日趋 “day by day” and the notice word 特此 “hereby”.
HSK 7–9
6 min
趁机, 专程, 照常 and 如期: Adverbs of Timing and Arrangement
Learn manner adverbs that say when or how an action is arranged: 趁机, 趁早, 专程, 就近, 如期, 照常, 照例, 照样, 一并 and 逐一.
HSK 7–9
6 min
拼命, 尽情, 一举 and 百般: Adverbs of Effort and Force
Learn manner adverbs that show how much effort or force goes into an action: 拼命, 竭力, 尽情, 百般, 大肆, 火速, 一举, 一手 and 瞎.
HSK 7–9
6 min
擅自, 刻意, 执意 and 毅然: Adverbs of Will and Attitude
Learn manner adverbs that show a person’s will or attitude: 擅自, 私自, 公然, 强行, 任意, 执意, 刻意, 有意, 毅然 and 断然.
HSK 1
6 min
本, 家, 口, 件, 只 and 杯: Measure Words Beyond 个
Count books with 本, shops with 家, family members with 口, clothes with 件, animals with 只, pieces with 块, money with 元, and drinks with the borrowed measure word 杯.
HSK 7–9
6 min
Measure Words 枚, 则, 幢, 截 and Other Advanced Counters
Learn ten advanced noun measure words: 枚 for small objects, 则 for news and notices, 幢 for buildings, 截 for pieces, 缕 for wisps, 摊 for puddles, 码 for “matters”, 重 for layers, 宗 for deals and 丸 for small balls.
HSK 2
5 min
条, 位, 间, 名 and 包 for Roads, People, Rooms and Packets
条 counts long, thin things, 位 and 名 count people politely or formally, 间 counts rooms, and 包 counts things that come in a bag or packet.
HSK 1
5 min
们 and 边 Suffixes for “Groups” and “Sides”
Add 们 to a pronoun or a word for people to make a group, and add 边 to 上, 前, 左 and other direction words to make a place word that can stand on its own.
HSK 7–9
6 min
免得 and 以防 for “So As Not To” and “In Case”
Start the second clause with 免得 to say what bad result an action avoids, or with written 以防 to say what possible problem it guards against.
HSK 7–9
6 min
何必, 何尝, 莫非 and 难怪 for Rhetorical Questions and “No Wonder”
Learn the mood adverbs that make rhetorical questions (何必, 何苦, 何不, 何尝), guesses (莫非) and sudden realisations (难怪, 怪不得).
HSK 7–9
6 min
偏偏, 好在, 反倒 and 碰巧: Adverbs for Luck and Surprise
Learn the mood adverbs that react to how things turned out: 碰巧/恰巧 “by chance”, 偏偏 “of all things”, 好在 “fortunately”, 竟 “unexpectedly”, 愣 “stubbornly” and 反倒 “instead”.
HSK 7–9
6 min
索性, 未免, 不免 and 宁愿: Adverbs of Decision and Judgement
Learn five mood adverbs for decisions and judgements: 索性 “might as well”, 未免 “a bit too”, 不免 “naturally, can’t avoid”, and 宁愿/情愿 “would rather”.
HSK 7–9
6 min
务必, 势必, 万万 and 分明: Adverbs of Certainty and Insistence
Learn the mood adverbs that make a statement certain or a request firm: 必定, 必将, 势必, 务必, 切, 万万, 终究, 分明 and 果真.
HSK 5
6 min
Multiple Adverbials for “Yesterday, Already, With the Teacher”
When several adverbials come before one verb, Chinese puts time first, then adverbs like 都 and 已经, then descriptions and preposition phrases, with the verb last.
HSK 2
5 min
那 and 但 for “In That Case” and “But”
At the start of a reply, 那 means “then, in that case”; 但 is a shorter 但是 for “but”. Together with 虽然, 因为, 所以 and 还是, they join clauses.
HSK 5
6 min
哪怕...也... and 就算...也... for “Even If”
哪怕 and 就算 introduce an “even if” situation, and 也 in the second clause says the result stays the same.
HSK 2
5 min
今天晴天 and 他是高个子 for Describing With Noun Phrases
A noun phrase can describe a feature of the subject, with or without 是: 今天晴天, 我妹妹长头发, 他是个高个子, 这件衣服是新的.
HSK 1
6 min
二, 两, 零 and 半 for Saying Numbers
Build Chinese numbers from 一 to 千, choose between 二 and 两, fill gaps with 零, and say “half” and “one and a half” with 半.
HSK 2
5 min
三楼, 二年级, 五号 for Order Without 第
For numbered things in a series, such as floors, school years, classes and dates, a number + unit word already shows order: 三楼 “the third floor”, 二年级 “second grade”.
HSK 2
5 min
作业做完了 for Thing-First Sentences Without 被
In Chinese, the thing that receives the action can simply be the subject, with no 被: 作业做完了 means “the homework is done”.
HSK 1
5 min
桌子上有一本书 for “There Is” with 有 and 是
Start with the place, then use 有 + number + measure word + noun to say what is there, or 是 + noun to name what fills that spot.
HSK 4
6 min
却 for “But” Against Expectation
Use 却 after the subject to show that the second part goes against what the first part leads you to expect.
HSK 4
6 min
让你X你就X for “Just Do as You’re Told”
Repeat the same verb in 让/叫你 + X + 你就 + X to tell someone firmly to do what they were asked, without arguing.
HSK 4
6 min
然而 and 而 for “However” and “Whereas”
Use 然而 to start a clause that goes against what came before, and 而 to set two different subjects side by side.
HSK 7–9
6 min
若 and 倘若 for a Written “If”
Use 若 and 倘若 as written words for “if”: the condition comes first, and the result clause often uses 就, 便 or (with 若) 则.
HSK 7–9
6 min
皆, 均, 统统 and 唯独: Advanced Words for “All” and “Only”
Learn the advanced scope adverbs for “all” (皆, 均, 尽, 统统/通通, 一概, 概), for “only” (唯, 唯独, 唯有, 无非) and 大体 “on the whole”.
HSK 5
6 min
Serial Verbs for Cause, Contrast and Condition
Two verb phrases side by side can mean “so” (我有事不能去), “but” (他拿着书不看) or “if” (你有问题可以问老师), without any linking word.
HSK 7–9
6 min
……尚且……，（更）何况…… for “Even …, So How Much More …”
Argue from a strong case to a weaker one in formal Chinese with 尚且……，何况……: 大人尚且搬不动这个箱子，何况小孩子呢？
HSK 3
6 min
是...的 for Sure, Firm Opinions
Wrap a judgment in 是…的 to make it sound sure and convincing: 这个问题是可以解决的 “This problem can definitely be solved.”
HSK 4
6 min
Number + 来 + Measure Word for “About Ten,” “Twenty-Odd”
Put 来 between a round number and the measure word, as in 十来个人 or 三十来岁, to say “about, roughly.”
HSK 4
6 min
首先...，其次... and 首先...，然后... for “First … Second / Then …”
Use 首先 to open a list, 其次 for the second most important point, and 然后 for the next step in time.
HSK 4
6 min
...死了 and ...得厉害 for “Extremely”
Add 死了 or 得厉害 after an adjective or a feeling verb to say a state is extreme, as in 累死了 and 冷得厉害.
HSK 1
5 min
主语 and 宾语 for the Subject and the Object
The subject comes first and the object comes right after the verb; a noun, a pronoun or a noun phrase can fill either slot, and only word order shows who does what.
HSK 2
5 min
今天天气很好 for Sentences With a Second Subject
In a 主谓谓语句 the predicate is a small subject + predicate: 今天 | 天气很好, 他 | 个子很高, 我们学校 | 学生很多.
HSK 7–9
6 min
Suffixes 观, 鬼, 界, 然, 坛, 为 and 制 for Building Words
Learn seven word-building suffixes: 观 for outlooks, 鬼 for teasing labels, 界 and 坛 for professional circles, 然 for manner words, 为 for “become/as” verbs and 制 for systems.
HSK 6
6 min
虽...，但/可/却/也... for Written “Although”
虽 is the written, one-character form of 虽然; it usually follows the subject, and the next clause turns with 但, 可, 却 or 也.
HSK 7–9
6 min
虽说……，但/可…… for “Although …, Still …”
Use 虽说 as a lively, spoken-style 虽然, followed by 但 or 可 in the next clause: 虽说已经到了春天，可天气还是很冷.
HSK 5
6 min
替, 同 and 较 for “For,” “With” and “Compared With”
替 means doing something for someone or in their place, 同 means “with” like 跟, and 较 means “compared with” in written Chinese.
HSK 7–9
6 min
向来, 随即, 暂且 and 届时: Formal Time Adverbs
Learn thirteen written-style time adverbs: 向来/历来 “always”, 即/随即/即时 “at once”, 届时 “when the time comes”, 一经 “once”, 就此 “at this point”, 暂且/姑且 “for now”, 尚 “still”, 尽早/早日 “as soon as possible”.
HSK 7–9
6 min
时间顺序 for Telling Events in Time Order
Organise a story or account in time order: anchor each step with a time word, and link the steps with 起初, 后来, 接着 and 终于.
HSK 1
5 min
天, 年, 岁, 点, 分, 号 for Time Words Without 个
Put 天, 年, 岁, 点, 分, 号 and 日 straight after a number to say how long, how old, what time and what date, with no 个 in between.
HSK 4
6 min
Verb + 得了 / 不了 for “Can” and “Can’t Manage”
Add 得了 (de liǎo) or 不了 (bu liǎo) after a verb to say whether something can happen or can be finished.
HSK 7–9
6 min
V都不V and V都没V for “Not Even (Look, Think, Try)”
Repeat a verb around 都不 or 都没 (看都不看, 想都没想) to stress that someone did not even do the smallest, most expected action.
HSK 5
5 min
Verb + 什么（就）是什么 for “Whatever It Is, That’s It”
Use verb + 什么（就）是什么 to accept whatever comes without choosing: 你点什么就是什么, 他说什么就是什么.
HSK 3
6 min
Verb + 着 + Verb for “Doing One Thing While Doing Another”
In verb1 + 着 + verb2, the first verb with 着 describes the manner or state in which the main action (verb2) is done: 笑着说, 站着吃饭, 走着去.
HSK 1
6 min
我喝茶 and 他很忙 for Verb and Adjective Predicates
The predicate (谓语) says something about the subject: a verb phrase tells what the subject does, an adjective phrase describes it, and neither needs an extra “is.”
HSK 3
6 min
Verb + Complement Phrases like 记住, 走进来, 听不懂
A verb-complement phrase is a verb plus a word after it that tells the result, direction, possibility or degree of the action; at HSK 3 you need to recognize all four kinds.
HSK 2
6 min
做完, 走进来, 跑得快 for Verb-Complement Phrases
A verb-complement phrase (动补短语) is a verb plus a word after it that tells the result, direction, state or amount of the action: 做完, 走进来, 跑得很快, 等了一个小时.
HSK 5
6 min
Verb + 得/不得 for “Can” and “Must Not”
Verb + 不得 means something must not or should not be done (急不得, 关不得), and verb + 得 says it is fine to do.
HSK 2
5 min
送给他一本书 for Verb + 给 + Person + Thing
Verbs of passing something on can take 给 right after them, then the person, then the thing: 送给他一本书, 借给我一支笔, 还给你.
HSK 2
5 min
我买的书 for Describing Nouns With Actions
To describe a noun with an action, put the verb phrase or subject + verb before the noun and add 的: 来的人, 学汉语的学生, 妈妈做的菜.
HSK 3
6 min
碗 and 盘 for “a Bowl of” and “a Plate of”
Use the container words 碗 and 盘 as measure words to count food by the bowl and by the plate.
HSK 7–9
6 min
为（了）……起见 for “For the Sake of …”
Give the reason for a rule or precaution in formal Chinese with 为（了）……起见, as in 为了安全起见，请不要在楼梯上奔跑.
HSK 5
5 min
……，为的是... for “All in Order To”
Put 为的是 in the second clause to explain the purpose of an action you have just described: 他每天六点起床，为的是多读一会儿书.
HSK 2
5 min
为什么 for “Why”
为什么 asks for a reason; it sits after the subject, before the verb, and the answer usually starts with 因为.
HSK 7–9
6 min
无论……与否，都…… for “Whether or Not …”
Say that the result stays the same whether something happens or not, the formal way: 无论成功与否，我们都应该认真对待.
HSK 7–9
6 min
无论如何 for “No Matter What” and “In Any Case”
Use 无论如何 + 都/也 for a firm “no matter what”, 无论如何也 + negative for “just can’t, however hard I try”, and 无论如何， at the start to mean “in any case, anyway”.
HSK 7–9
6 min
X（倒）是X（了），…… for “It’s X All Right, But …”
Admit a point and then turn it around by repeating a word around 是, as in 好看倒是好看，就是太贵了.
HSK 6
5 min
X归X，Y归Y for “X Is X and Y Is Y”
X归X，Y归Y keeps two things apart (朋友归朋友，规定归规定), and X归X alone admits a point before a “but” (贵归贵，味道真不错).
HSK 5
5 min
X来X去，都是/就是... for “Over and Over, Still the Same”
Use verb + 来 + verb + 去 for doing something again and again, then 都是 or 就是 for the same result every time.
HSK 4
6 min
X是X，就是/不过... for “It’s X, But …”
Repeat a word around 是 to admit something is true, then add 就是, 不过 or 但是 to bring in the problem.
HSK 3
6 min
向 for “Toward” a Direction or Place
Put 向 + a direction, place or person before a movement verb to say which way the action goes: 向前走, 向左转, 向我跑过来.
HSK 7–9
6 min
想X之所想，急X之所急 for “Put Their Needs First”
Use the formal pair 想X之所想，急X之所急 to praise people who understand others’ needs and act on them quickly.
HSK 4
6 min
选/收 + Person + 当/做/为 for “Choose Someone As”
Use 选 or 收 + person + 当, 做 or 为 + role to say someone is chosen or accepted as something, like 选他当班长.
HSK 4
6 min
要是...，就... for Everyday “If … Then …”
Use 要是 as a spoken “if,” often with 的话 after the condition and 就 before the result.
HSK 1
5 min
……，也…… for “Also” and “Too”
Put 也 right before the verb of a second clause to say “also” or “too,” and use 还 when the same person adds one more thing.
HSK 7–9
6 min
X也好，Y也罢 and 也罢 for “Whether X or Y” and “Oh Well”
Use X也好，Y也罢 to say that the result is the same whichever case is true, and 也罢 on its own to accept something reluctantly: “oh well, fine”.
HSK 3
6 min
一个一个 and 一张一张 for “One by One”
Repeat a number + measure word, as in 一个一个 or 一张一张, to say an action happens one unit at a time: one by one, step by step, day by day.
HSK 4
6 min
一脸, 一屋子, 一桌子 for “A Face Full,” “A Roomful”
Borrow nouns like 脸, 手, 盒, 屋子 and 桌子 as measure words to say “a box of” or “a whole face, room or table full of.”
HSK 7–9
6 min
……，以…… for “In Order To …” in Formal Writing
State an action first and its purpose second with 以: 学校延长了图书馆的开放时间，以满足同学们的学习需要.
HSK 7–9
6 min
一来……二来…… and 一则……二则…… for Listing Reasons
Give two or three reasons for one decision with 一来……，二来……（，三来……）, or with the more formal 一则……，二则…….
HSK 7–9
6 min
因……而…… for “Because of …, (Something Happens)”
Link a cause and its result inside one compact written clause with 因……而……, as in 比赛因下雨而推迟.
HSK 7–9
6 min
（因）……，故…… for “Since …, Therefore …”
Read and write formal notices with （因）……，故……, where 故 means “therefore” and 因 means “because of”.
HSK 5
6 min
……，因而... for “And So” in Written Chinese
因而 introduces a result in written Chinese, like 所以 but more formal, and it can come after the subject of the result clause.
HSK 6
5 min
一时...一时... for “Now …, Now …”
一时……一时…… describes something switching back and forth between two states: 天气一时冷一时热, 心情一时好一时坏.
HSK 7–9
6 min
Verb + 一通 for “A Round of” Talking or Doing
Use the action measure word 通 (tòng) after a verb for one long, often noisy or careless burst of an action: 乱说一通, 夸了一通, 找了一通.
HSK 7–9
6 min
没什么/有什么 + Verb + 头儿 for “Not Worth Doing”
Say something isn’t worth watching, eating or talking about with casual 没什么看头儿 or the rhetorical question 有什么看头儿？
HSK 4
5 min
由于 + Noun for “Due to …”
Use the preposition 由于 with a noun phrase, as in 由于天气原因，比赛推迟了, to name the cause of something in a formal way.
HSK 5
6 min
有着 and Verb + 有 for Formal “Has” and “Bears”
有着 is a formal “has” for abstract things like history and dreams, and verb + 有 (写有, 印有, 刻有) says what is written, printed or fitted on something.
HSK 4
6 min
与... for Formal “With”
Use the preposition 与 like a more formal 跟 or 和: 与……联系, 与……有关, 与……相比.
HSK 7–9
6 min
与其……，宁可/宁愿…… for “Rather Than …, I’d Rather …”
Reject one option and firmly choose another with 与其……，宁可……, as in 与其在家里干等，我宁可出去找找.
HSK 1
5 min
在...呢 and ...呢 for Actions in Progress
Say what is happening right now with 在 or 正在 before the verb, add 呢 at the end for a friendly spoken tone, or use 呢 alone.
HSK 3
6 min
在...上, 在...下 and 在...中 for “In Terms Of,” “With” and “During”
Beyond real places, 在…上 frames an area (在学习上), 在…下 a condition or help (在老师的帮助下), and 在…中 a process or event (在旅行中).
HSK 1
6 min
在学校 and 桌子上 for Preposition and Location Phrases
Build location phrases like 桌子上 and 教室里 (noun + location word), and preposition phrases like 在学校 and 和朋友 that go before the verb.
HSK 3
6 min
怎样 for “How” and “What Kind Of”
Use 怎样 to ask how something is done, what someone thinks of something, and what kind of person or thing it is.
HSK 4
6 min
只好, 差点儿, 正好 and 确实 for How Things Turned Out
Four everyday mood adverbs: 只好 (had no choice but), 差点儿 (almost), 正好 (just in time) and 确实 (really, indeed).
HSK 7–9
6 min
总的来说, 概括来说, 简而言之 and 综上所述 for Summing Up
Learn four summary markers and when to use each: 总的来说 for an overall judgement, 概括来说 for the main points, 简而言之 for “in short”, and 综上所述 for the conclusion of an essay.
HSK 7–9
6 min
纵然/纵使……，也…… for a Formal “Even If”
Say “even if … still …” in formal Chinese with 纵然 or 纵使, as in 纵然困难再多，我们也要把这项工作完成.
Questions about this resource
Which Chinese grammar patterns should a beginner learn first?
Start with short statements, questions with 吗, negatives with 不 and 没有, and possession with 的. A basic statement often follows subject–verb–object: 我喝水 means “I drink water.” Learn each pattern with a sentence you can change and reuse.
How can I practise grammar at my HSK level?
Use the level filter to find guides, then try their examples and available practice. A level filter includes material up to that level. This is a collection of explanations and exercises, not a grammar checker for text you submit.