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HSK 2.0 Level 3+ HSK 3.0 Level 3+ 7 min read

Suffixes 家, 子, and 员

Learn Suffixes 家, 子, and 员 with practical HSK 3 examples, focus vocabulary, common pitfalls, and targeted cloze practice.

Pattern

noun-forming suffixes

Use this HSK 3 pattern to make sentence structure, scope, or emphasis explicit instead of relying on word-for-word English order.

他是一位画家。

When to use Suffixes 家, 子, and 员

Read noun-forming suffixes as a sentence tool, not just as vocabulary. First locate the main action or claim, then ask what 家 adds to it.

她是科学家。

She is a scientist.

他是作家。

He is a writer.

Common traps

  • Do not translate noun-forming suffixes mechanically from English; check the Chinese word order first.
  • Keep 家 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.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

大家都叫这位年长的邻居 王

Choose the familiar prefix used before the surname of an older acquaintance
Fill in the missing piece, then press Enter