Grammar WIki Upper-Intermediate PDF

AllSet Learning
The Chinese Grammar Wiki

BOOK:
Upper Intermediate (B2)
Editor-in-Chief John Pasden
Foreword by Dr. David Moser
SHANGHAI
Published by AllSet Learning, Shanghai, China.

For information about educational or bulk purchases, please contact
AllSet Learning at sales@allsetlearning.com.
1st print edition, 2021.

Print book ISBN: 978-1-941875-65-0
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-941875-66-7
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Copyright © AllSet Learning, 2011-2021. The Chinese Grammar Wiki
BOOK series evolved from the online version at
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Foreword
Learning Chinese used to be a frustratingly “front-loaded” endeavor. One
had to first learn pinyin, the four tones, how to write thousands of
characters with the correct stroke order, how to use the 214 radicals to
look up unfamiliar characters in a dictionary, and, of course, how to limn
the mysterious principles of Chinese grammar. This process entailed
inordinate sacrifices of eyesight, friends, and years of precious life spent
“learning to learn Chinese,” before the hapless student could be weaned
from a diet of pre-digested pabulum and delve into the messy, glorious
world of real texts.
The Chinese Grammar Wiki is on the cutting edge of a growing arsenal
of digital and web resources that have made this front-loaded Sisyphean
nightmare a thing of the past. This very cool tool, developed by John
Pasden and the folks at AllSet Learning, is in accordance with the new
“learning grammar as you go” principle of Chinese study in the digital
age. Learners can now boldly embark on the ocean of Chinese very early
on, with navigational tools like the Grammar Wiki to reduce the risk of
getting lost at sea. For the intrepid, motivated learner, studying Chinese
can now be an adventure, instead of a five-year stint in solitary
confinement. And from the very outset, students can begin to move
toward the goal that was formerly so elusive: the acquisition of 语感
(yǔgǎn), the “feeling for the language.”
In my opinion, the Chinese Grammar Wiki has at least three very strong
characteristics:
Modularity. This is a long-standing commonsense feature of website
design, but it’s absolutely crucial for a grammar tool like this. The Wiki
has conveniently carved up Chinese grammar into useful modular chunks
with the beginner in mind, so that searching for a structure or topic is
intuitive, quick, and yields a clear explanation that enables the user to
forge ahead, enlightened and empowered. The structure and site map is
user-friendly at every level, which means that the Wiki can be easily
“plugged in” to existing Chinese syllabi, or simply employed by the
student independently to explore texts and materials outside of class.
Interlinking. The Wiki is structured so that alongside the grammar points
on most pages there are helpful links to related or similar grammar points
within the Wiki. For example, in exploring the grammatical points for 比
(bǐ) involving comparison, you will find explanations of the basic 比 (bǐ)
structure, examples, and common errors, but in addition you will also see
links to other “comparison” structures using 没有 (méiyǒu). This
interlinking feature gives the user a fuller picture of various grammatical
structures that serve similar functions in the language.
Universality. One of the strongest points of the Chinese Grammar Wiki
is that the grammatical explanations have been tailored so as to contain
the right amount of information, at the right level of specificity and
complexity for the majority of learners. Designing a grammar resource
with such wide applicability is not an easy task, requiring not only
technical know-how and careful thinking, but also a strong intuitive sense
of what the average student needs to know. Linguist Edward Sapir said
“all grammars leak,” and this mutable, watery quality of language means
that no grammatical framework is going to contain only tidy, airtight
rules that cover every situation. In explanations, there is always a tradeoff
between succinct simplicity and the real-life complexity, and the Wiki
does an admirable job of striking a satisfying balance between these two
yin-yang poles.
Being digital in nature, the Chinese Grammar Wiki is very much a work
in progress, and the designers always welcome input and suggestions.
Product development is always an interactive process, and the more
people use the resource, the more useful it will become. I encourage
Chinese students at all levels – and even Chinese teachers – to check it
out and discover what the reference tools of the 21st century will look
like.
No matter what well-meaning pedagogical Pollyannas might tell you,
Chinese is still “damn hard.” Thankfully, there now are digital resources
like the Chinese Grammar Wiki, which goes a long way to making the
struggle easier.
David Moser
Academic Director, CET Beijing Chinese Studies
Beijing Capital Normal University

Introduction-B2
The Chinese Grammar Wiki began life as an Excel spreadsheet full of
grammar points organized by difficulty level. This list was needed to
track the progress of AllSet Learning's clients and to design personalized
grammar practice where it was most needed. But as the lists continued to
grow and evolve, it quickly became apparent that it made sense to put the
grammar points online, so that the newest version would always be front
and center. For ease of editing, what could be better than a wiki? And if
AllSet Learning teachers were to have access, why not open up access to
all learners ? The Chinese Grammar Wiki was developed internally for
about a year before becoming public in January of 2012. Since then, it
has grown tremendously, both in content and in traffic.
Probably the most important feature of the Chinese Grammar Wiki,
which has always been kept at the forefront of its development, is its
focus on learner level. An absolute beginner can't absorb a multitude of
uses for every grammar point she encounters, and she shouldn't be
expected to. And she certainly shouldn't be given frustratingly difficult
example sentences when trying to grasp the most basic grammar
concepts. That's why example sentences on the Chinese Grammar Wiki
are plentiful, but relentlessly edited to be level-appropriate. And for the
learners that can't get enough, relevant articles of all levels are always just
a link away. Although the wiki aims to be 100% comprehensive, it's no
coincidence that there are fewer A1 grammar points than A2 grammar
points, and fewer A2 grammar points than B1 grammar points. At the B2
level, there's a risk of adding too many grammar points ; not every adverb
in the dictionary really needs its own grammar point. Considerable
thought and care has gone into curating and pruning the lists of grammar
points.
Even so, there were a few too many B2 grammar points to fit in a 400-
page tome. We have compiled a list of the "runners-up" on our "B2 book
omissions" page on the Chinese Grammar Wiki.
The Chinese Grammar Wiki is not a Chinese course. Rather, it is a
companion resource that can complement any Chinese class. Don't expect
to read it from start to finish, or to go through the grammar point lists
from top to bottom. But do expect to come back often. And expect to get
sucked into the curiously logical world of Chinese grammar.
John Pasden
Editor-in-Chief and CEO
AllSet Learning, Shanghai, China

Adjectival complement "de
budeliao" (B2)
Used by itself, 不得了 (bùdéliǎo) means "terrible" or "awful." But as a
complement, -得不得了 (de bùdéliǎo) can be used to suggest a situation
is serious or may result in terrible consequences. It can also be used in a
positive sense, such as in English when we say "I'm terribly happy."
Structure
Adj. + 得不得了
Examples
爸爸气得不得了，你要倒霉啦。
Bàba qì de bùdéliǎo , nǐ yào dǎoméi la.
Dad is super angry. You're in for it.
她的妈妈刚去世，她难过得不得了。
Tā de māma gāng qùshì, tā nánguò de bùdéliǎo .
Her mom just passed away, so she is extremely upset.
今天冷得不得了，怎么会这么冷？
Jīntiān lěng de bùdéliǎo , zěnme huì zhème lěng?
It's terribly cold today! How can it be this cold?
最近有很多项目，忙得不得了。
Zuìjìn yǒu hěn duō xiàngmù, máng de bùdéliǎo .
There are so many projects lately. We're crazy busy.
升职的事情让他高兴得不得了。
Shēngzhí de shìqing ràng tā gāoxìng de bùdéliǎo .
Getting promoted made him extremely happy.
他跟老总的关系好得不得了，你一定要小心！
Tā gēn lǎozǒng de guānxì hǎo de bùdéliǎo , nǐ yīdìng yào xiǎoxīn!
He has a really good relationship with the big boss. You need to be careful!
他现在火得不得了，每个人都知道他。
Tā xiànzài huǒ de bùdéliǎo , měi gè rén dōu zhīdào tā.
He's terribly hot right now. Everyone knows him.
现在车太多，路上堵得不得了。
Xiànzài chē tài duō, lùshang dǔ de bùdéliǎo
There are too many cars nowadays, so traffic is terrible.
自从她说要给我一个礼物，我好奇得不得了。
Zìcóng tā shuō yào gěi wǒ yī gè lǐwù, wǒ hàoqí de bùdéliǎo .
Ever since she said she wanted to give me a gift I've been terribly curious.
这件衣服，我喜欢得不得了。
Zhè jiàn yīfu, wǒ xǐhuan de bùdéliǎo .
I absolutely love these clothes.
As with many other grammar patterns, -得不得了 works with both

adjectives and psychological verbs.
得不得了 vs. 不得不

A word to the wise: don't confuse 得不得了 (de bùdéliǎo) with 不得不
(bùdébù) .
Similar to
Negative adjectives with "-si le"
Adjectival complement "de hen"
Advanced degree complements
(B2)
The complement -得很 (dehěn) is used after adjectives to add intensity.
Although less common in everyday speech, meaning-wise it is quite
similar to adding 很 before the adjective. The main difference is that
"adjective + 得很" is more informal, and adds stronger emphasis than just
"很 + adjective."
Structure
Adj. + 得很
Examples
我好得很，你不用为我担心。
Wǒ hǎo de hěn , nǐ bùyòng wèi wǒ dānxīn.
I'm doing great. You don't need to worry about me.
你觉得不好吃？我觉得好吃得很。
Nǐ juéde bù hǎochī? Wǒ juéde hǎochī de hěn .
You don't think it tastes good? I think it's scrumptious.
这个地方漂亮得很，非常推荐你去。
Zhège dìfang piàoliang de hěn , fēicháng tuījiàn nǐ qù.
This place is gorgeous. I strongly recommend you visit.
我现在时间多得很，你去哪儿我都可以陪你去。
Wǒ xiànzài shíjiān duō de hěn , nǐ qù nǎr wǒ dōu kěyǐ péi nǐ qù.
I have loads of free time right now. I can go with you wherever you want to go.
不用担心，这次考试简单得很。
Bùyòng dānxīn, zhè cì kǎoshì jiǎndān de hěn .
Don't worry. This test is super simple.
离我远点儿！我现在烦得很！
Lí wǒ yuǎn diǎnr! Wǒ xiànzài fán de hěn !
Stay away from me! I'm very stressed right now!
你觉得他不高兴？我看他今天心情好得很！
Nǐ juéde tā bù gāoxìng? Wǒ kàn tā jīntiān xīnqíng hǎo de hěn !
You think he's unhappy? From what I see, he's in a great mood today!
我最近忙得很，每天都要加班。
Wǒ zuìjìn máng de hěn , měitiān dōu yào jiābān.
I've been so busy lately. I need to work overtime every day.
高峰期路上堵得很，我建议你上班坐地铁。
Gāofēng qī lùshang dǔ de hěn , wǒ jiànyì nǐ shàngbān zuò dìtiě.
The traffic is really heavy at rush hour. I recommend you take the subway to work.
他这个人自私得很，从来不为别人考虑。
Tā zhège rén zìsī de hěn , cónglái bù wèi biérén kǎolǜ.
He's incredibly selfish. He never considers other people.
Similar to
Simple "noun + adjective" sentences
Adjectival complement "de budeliao"
Expressing "a bit too" (B2)
了一点儿 (le yīdiǎnr), can be added after an adjective to mean "just 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 criticizing too
bluntly.
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。
Zhè tiáo niúzǎikù hǎoxiàng duǎn le diǎnr .
This pair of jeans seems a little short for me.
那个地方离我家远了一点儿。
Nàge dìfang lí wǒ jiā yuǎn le yīdiǎnr.
That place is a little too far from my home.
这件衬衫小了点儿，我想换一件。
Zhè jiàn chènshān xiǎo le diǎnr , wǒ xiǎng huàn yī jiàn.
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。
Tā gěi de zhège hóngbāo hǎoxiàng shǎo le diǎnr .
The amount of money he gave in the red envelope seems a bit small.
你管得是不是多了点儿？
Nǐ guǎn de shì bu shì duō le diǎnr ?
Don't you think you're getting a little too involved?
现在说 “对不起” 是不是晚了点儿？
Xiànzài shuō “duìbùqǐ” shì bu shì wǎn le diǎnr ?
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。
Sīlì xuéxiào shì guì le diǎnr , bùguò lǎoshī hěn yōuxiù.
Private schools are a little expensive, but the teachers are excellent.
你这么高，你这个男朋友是不是矮了点儿？
Nǐ zhème gāo, nǐ zhège nánpéngyou shì bu shì ǎi le diǎnr ?
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？
Zhè dào cài xián le diǎnr , kěyǐ huàn yī pán ma?
This dish is a little too salty, could you make another one?
对五岁的孩子来说，这个问题稍微复杂了一点儿。
Duì wǔ suì de háizi lái shuō, zhège wèntí shāowēi fùzá le yīdiǎnr .
This question is just a bit complicated for a five-year-old child.
稍微 (shāowēi) can also be added before the adjective to further soften

the tone.
Similar to
Expressing "a little too" with "you dian"
Comparing "youdian" and "yidian"
Expressing "rather" with "bijiao"
Saying "a lot" with "youdeshi"
(B2)
In Chinese there is no shortage 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 (meaning "some") + 是. As a single phrase, 有的是
indicates that the amount or quantity of something is very large, and it
can sometimes indicate a tone 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。
Tā bà shì dà lǎobǎn, yǒudeshì qián.
His dad is a big boss. He's got plenty of money.
她是全职妈妈，有的是时间。
Tā shì quánzhí māma, yǒudeshì shíjiān.
She's a full-time mother. She's got plenty of time.
我一个大男人，有的是力气。
Wǒ yī gè dà nánrén, yǒudeshì lìqi.
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。
Shànghǎi zhème dà de chéngshì, gōngzuò jīhuì yǒudeshì .
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。
Zhèyàng de bǐ wǒ jiā yǒudeshì , zhèxiē dōu sòng gěi nǐ.
I have tons of this kind of pen at home. Here, just take these.
这样的资源网上有的是。
Zhèyàng de zīyuán wǎngshàng yǒudeshì .
There's a lot of these kinds of resources on the Internet.
这种风格的咖啡店上海有的是。
Zhè zhǒng fēnggé de kāfēi diàn shànghǎi yǒudeshì .
There are lots of this style of cafe in Shanghai.
别担心，世界上男人有的是，分手了还可以再找。
Bié dānxīn, shìjiè shang nánrén yǒudeshì , fēnshǒu le hái kěyǐ zài zhǎo.
Don't worry. There are plenty of men in the world. If you break up, you can find someone
else.
It's important to note that "有的是" can not be directly negated. If you
want to make a negative statement, you'll just have to use 没有很多.
我不有的是钱。
Wǒ bù yǒudeshì qián.
我没有的是钱。
Wǒ méi yǒudeshì qián.
我没有很多钱。
Wǒ méiyǒu hěn duō qián.
I don't have a lot of money.
Advanced uses of "dou" (B2)
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 (shènzhì), meaning "even to the point that," and in
this form it expresses emphasis.
Structure
Subj. + 都 + Predicate
Examples
我很想妈妈，有时候我都能看见她。
Wǒ hěn xiǎng Māma, yǒu shíhou wǒ dōu néng kànjiàn tā.
I really miss Mom. Sometimes I can even see her.
我都能闻见面包的香味。
Wǒ dōu néng wénjiàn miànbāo de xiāngwèi.
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。
Wǒ duì nǐ tài liǎojiě le, wǒ dōu néng zhīdào nǐ xià yī bù yào zuò shénme.
I know you too well. I can even tell what your next move will be.
你说的那些我都能想象得到。
Nǐ shuō de nàxiē wǒ dōu néng xiǎngxiàng de dào.
I can imagine all those things that you said.
都 Meaning "Since..., then..."
This pattern overlaps a little with the 都⋯⋯了 pattern used to mean
"already." It still has some of that "already," flavor, but with some of
"since" added in as well.
Structure
"Since ..., in that case...“ can also be conveyed with 都 and a repeating
verb, similar to "既然⋯⋯就".
Verb + 都 + Verb 了，...
Examples
来都来了，就先别急着走了。
Lái dōu lái le, jiù xiān bié jízhe zǒu le.
You're here already. No need to be in such a hurry to leave.
去都去了，就好好玩吧。
Qù dōu qù le, jiù hǎohāo wán ba.
Go all the way, just have fun.
说都说了，就别说这是什么秘密了。
Shuō dōu shuō le, jiù bié shuō zhè shì shénme mìmì le.
Say what you want to say, just don't spill secrets.
都 Adding a Tone of Complaint

都 can also convey a tone of grumbling or complaint, frequently used
with 怨 or 怪. You might argue that this is simply the "all" adverb 都,
and you wouldn't be wrong, but this usage is so common that it's worth
special attention.
Structure
都 + 怨 / 是 / 怪 + Somebody
Examples
都怪你，出门不带伞。
Dōu guài nǐ, chūmén bù dài sǎn.
It's all your fault, leaving without bringing an umbrella.
都是你，害我跑这么远。
Dōu shì nǐ, hài wǒ pǎo zhème yuǎn.
It's because of you, making me go all that way.
都怨你，不提前订好座位。
Dōu yuàn nǐ, bù tíqián dìng hǎo zuòwèi.
I blame you for not making the reservation earlier.
Similar to
Expressing "already" with "dou"
Advanced uses of "hai" (B2)
Aside from its other uses, 还 (hái) can be used to express a surprised or
sarcastic tone, and can also be used with rhetorical questions.
Expressing a Tone of Surprise

Structure
Often used with 呢, this sentence structure expresses that the situation as
irrational, uncommon, or unexpected.
Subj. + 还 + Predicate (+ 呢)
Examples
这个小孩还真聪明！
Zhège xiǎohái hái zhēn cōngming!
This kid is brilliant!
还留过学呢，英语这么差！
Hái liú guo xué ne , Yīngyǔ zhème chà!
He's even studied abroad, yet his English is so terrible!
都怪你，你还生气呢。
Dōu guài nǐ, nǐ hái shēngqì ne .
It's all your fault, yet you're the one who's mad.
Expressing a Tone of Sarcasm

Structure
It can also be used to express astonishment, dissatisfaction, or sarcasm.
Subj. + 还 + Noun Phrase (+ 呢)
Examples
还好朋友呢，天天说我坏话。
Hái hǎo péngyou ne , tiāntiān shuō wǒ huàihuà.
What a "good friend"! Talking trash about me every day.
还大老板呢，一点也不大方。
Hái dà lǎobǎn ne , yīdiǎn yě bù dàfang.
Some "big boss," not generous in the least.
还夸我中文好呢，我说的每句中文你都纠正我。
Hái kuā wǒ zhōngwén hǎo ne , wǒ shuō de měi jù zhōngwén nǐ dōu jiūzhèng wǒ.
And you say my Chinese is good! Yet you're correcting me on every Chinese sentence I
say...
Used in a Rhetorical Question

还 can change a statement into a rhetorical question when used with 吗.
Structure
Subj. + 还 + [Verb Phrase] + 吗 ?
Examples
他那么有钱，还在乎这点钱吗？
Tā nàme yǒu qián, hái zàihu zhè diǎn qián ma ?
He has so much money, would he really care about this small amount?
这种人你还相信吗？
Zhè zhǒng rén nǐ hái xiāngxìn ma ?
Would you believe this kind of person?
过期的牛奶你还喝吗？
Guòqī de niúnǎi nǐ hái hē ma ?
Would you drink expired milk?
今天这么热，你还出门吗？
Jīntiān zhème rè, nǐ hái chūmén ma ?
It's so hot today, yet you're going out now?
他说的话，你还听吗？
Tā shuō de huà, nǐ hái tīng ma ?
Are you going to listen to what he says?
Similar to
Expressing "and also" with "hai"
Continuation with "hai"
Simple rhetorical questions
Many types of "not only... but also..."
Advanced uses of "zong" (B2)
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.
As you'll see in the examples, below, however, the word "always" don't
always work well in a natural translation to English.
Structure
总 + 会 / 得 / 要 / 能 + Verb Phrase (+ 吧)
Examples
这里是他家，他总会回来的。
Zhèlǐ shì tā jiā, tā zǒng huì huílái de.
This is his home. He will always come back.
咱们总得想个办法啊。
Zánmen zǒng děi xiǎng ge bànfǎ a.
We're going to have to come up with some kind of solution.
不管发生了什么，人总要吃饭吧。
Bùguǎn fāshēng le shénme, rén zǒng yào chīfàn ba.
No matter what happens, people still have to eat, right?
他是你爸爸，你总要礼貌一点吧。
Tā shì nǐ bàba, nǐ zǒng yào lǐmào yīdiǎn ba.
He is your father, so you ought to be a little more polite.
你拿了人家的钱，总得帮人家做事吧。
Nǐ ná le rénjiā de qián, zǒng děi bāng rénjiā zuòshì ba.
You took their money, so you're going to have to help them with the work.
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, judgment 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。
Nǐmen zhī jiān de liánxì zhème shǎo, kàn qǐlái zǒng bù xiàng shì yī jiā rén.
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？
Tā zhème dà niánjì le, wǒmen zǒng bù néng ràng tā yīgèrén qù ba?
He's so elderly. We can't just let him go there all alone, right?
这么晚了，总不会出了什么事吧？
Zhème wǎn le, zǒng bù huì chū le shénme shì ba?
It's getting late. Do you think something bad might have happened?
这件事总不会是内部的人做的吧？
Zhè jiàn shì zǒng bù huì shì nèibù de rén zuò de ba?
This whole thing couldn't be an inside job, could it?
他想带父母去旅行，可是总没时间。
Tā xiǎng dài fùmǔ qù lǚxíng, kěshì zǒng méi shíjiān.
He wants to take his parents traveling, but he's never able to find time.
Assessing situations with "kanlai"
(B2)
看来 (kànlái) can be translated as "apparently" or "it seems" and is used
by the speaker to introduce his understanding of a situation.
Don't confuse 看来 with 看起来 (kànqilai) , which means "it looks like."
看来 as "It Seems"
When speaking objectively about a situation, you can simply say 看来
and then state your perspective.
Structure
看来 + Perspective
Examples
看来他不来了，都这么晚了。
Kànlái tā bù lái le, dōu zhème wǎn le.
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？
Kànlái nǐ wán de bù gāoxìng, zěnme zhème zǎo jiù huílái le?
It seems you didn't have a good time. Why did you came back so early?
看来我们来晚了，排的队这么长。
Kànlái wǒmen lái wǎn le, pái de duì zhème cháng.
It seems we are late. The line is so long.
看来今年失业率会增加，因为今年的经济不太好。
Kànlái jīnnián shīyè lǜ huì zēngjiā, yīnwèi jīnnián de jīngjì bù tài hǎo.
It seems that the unemployment rate will increase this year because this year's economy is
not very good.
现在看来，事情没那么糟。
Xiànzài kànlái , shìqing méi nàme zāo.
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 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 of just using 看来. It is used more often that
way in formal speaking and writing, as it has more of a feeling like
saying, "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。
Zài wǒ kànlái , bù huì huā qián de rén jiù bù huì xiǎngshòu shēnghuó.
The way I see it, people who won't spend money don't enjoy life.
在他看来，公司大小不重要，重要的是老板好不好。
Zài tā kànlái , gōngsī dàxiǎo bù zhòngyào, zhòngyào de shì lǎobǎn hǎo bù hǎo.
In his view, the size of the company isn't important. What's important is whether or not
the boss is good.
在老板看来，加班才说明你工作积极。
Zài lǎobǎn kànlái , jiābān cái shuōmíng nǐ gōngzuò jījí.
The way the boss sees it, only working overtime means you're proactive in your work.
在朋友看来，这件事并没有这么严重。
Zài péngyou kànlái , zhè jiàn shì bìng méiyǒu zhème yánzhòng.
According to friends, this situation is not very serious at all.
在你看来，这件事要怎么解决？
Zài nǐ kànlái , zhè jiàn shì yào zěnme jiějué?
In your opinion, how can this issue be solved?
Similar to
Comparing "kanqilai" and "kanlai"
Declaring the only option with
"zhihao" (B2)
只好 (zhǐhǎo) 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.
Structure
⋯⋯ ，(Subj. +) 只好 + [Verb Phrase]
Examples
餐厅都关门了，我们只好去吃 KFC 。
Cāntīng dōu guānmén le, wǒmen zhǐhǎo qù chī KFC.
The other restaurants are all closed, so we didn't have a choice but go to KFC to eat.
我忘了预约，只好去排队。
Wǒ wàngle yùyuē, zhǐhǎo qù páiduì.
I forgot to make an appointment, so I had to wait in line.
他没有时间去，只好我去。
Tā méiyǒu shíjiān qù, zhǐhǎo wǒ qù.
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。
Lǎobǎn bù gěi wǒ zhǎng gōngzī, wǒ zhǐhǎo qù gàn sīhuó.
The boss wouldn't give me a raise, so I have to take on some side work.
她实在受不了那么吵闹的邻居，只好搬走了。
Tā shízài shòubuliǎo nàme chǎonào de línjū, zhǐhǎo bān zǒu le.
She really couldn't stand such noisy neighbors, so she had to move away.
那天突然下雨了，我们只好取消。
Nà tiān tūrán xià yǔ le, wǒmen zhǐhǎo qǔxiāo.
It suddenly rained that day, so we had to cancel it.
警察给小偷看了监控，小偷只好承认了。
Jǐngchá gěi xiǎotōu kàn le jiānkòng, xiǎotōu zhǐhǎo chéngrèn le.
The police showed the surveillance to the thief, so he had to admit it.
公司付不起房租了，我们只好在家工作。
Gōngsī fù bùqǐ fángzū le, wǒmen zhǐhǎo zài jiā gōngzuò.
The company can't afford the rent, so we have to work at home.
票价太贵了，我只好放弃了。
Piàojià tài guì le, wǒ zhǐhǎo fàngqì le.
The fare was too expensive, so I gave up.
最近工作太忙了，我只好取消了我和朋友的旅行。
Zuìjìn gōngzuò tài máng le, wǒ zhǐhǎo qǔxiāo le wǒ hé péngyou de lǚxíng.
Work has been too busy lately, so I had no choice but to cancel my trip with my friend.
Similar to
Expressing "have to" with "budebu"
Emphatic adverb "ke" (B2)
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. + 了
The 了 is almost always there, but it's not 100%.
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 puppies to be this

naughty
Zhè zhǐ xiǎo gǒu kě táoqì le!
This puppy is so naughty!
我姐姐可好了！有什么好吃的都给我留着。
Wǒ jiějie kě hǎo le! Yǒu shénme hǎochī de dōu gěi wǒ liúzhe.
My sister is great! Any good food there is she saves some for me.
他可优秀了！你不想见见吗？
Tā kě yōuxiù le! Nǐ bù xiǎng jiànjian ma?
He is really excellent! Don't you want to meet him?
这个游戏可好玩了！推荐给你。
Zhège yóuxì kě hǎowán le! Tuījiàn gěi nǐ.
This game is really fun! I recommend it to you.
哇，这个糖醋里脊可好吃了！ ☞ The speaker never dreamt that sweet and

sour pork could taste this good
Wa, zhège tángcù lǐjí kě hǎochī le!
Wow! This sweet and sour pork is delicious!
可 Used to Emphasize a Verb

Structure
可 + Verb Phrase
了 is not needed in this pattern, but may be present.
Examples
In these examples 可 is used with 别, and sounds a bit like "don't even
think about..." in English.
你可别喝太多酒。 ☞ I know you usually drink a lot, but NOT THIS TIME

Nǐ kě bié hē tài duō jiǔ.
Don't drink too much.
你可别走！ ☞ I'm blocking your way, almost pleading with you, as I believe you are
going to leave
Nǐ kě bié zǒu!
Don't go!
话可不能这样说。 ☞ What you said doesn't accord with my own beliefs

Huà kě bù néng zhèyàng shuō.
You really can't say that.
可 as "Finally"
Sometimes 可 acts like 终于 (zhōngyú), meaning "finally."
Structure
可 + Verb Phrase + 了
了 will pretty much always be needed when you're talking about

something "finally" happening.
Examples
你可来了! ☞ The speaker never expected it would take so long for you to get here
Nǐ kě lái le!
You're finally here!
可做完了所有的工作。
Kě zuò wán le suǒyǒu de gōngzuò.
I've finally finished all the work.
Expressing "after all" with
"bijing" (B2)
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 its 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。
Bié mà tā le, tā bìjìng shì háizi.
Stop yelling at him. He's only a kid, after all.
毕竟是冬天，你还是多穿点吧。
Bìjìng shì dōngtiān, nǐ háishì duō chuān diǎn ba.
It's winter, after all. You'd better dress more warmly.
他不知道也很正常，毕竟他不是本地人。
Tā bù zhīdào yě hěn zhèngcháng, bìjìng tā bù shì běndì rén.
It's not strange that he doesn't know. He's not a local, after all.
有的玩笑不能再开了，毕竟他们都是大孩子了。
Yǒu de wánxiào bù néng zài kāi le, bìjìng tāmen dōu shì dà háizi le.
Some things shouldn't be joked about anymore. After all, they're not little kids anymore.
我们不太想搬，毕竟在这儿住了好几年了。
Wǒmen bù tài xiǎng bān, bìjìng zài zhèr zhù le hǎo jǐ nián le.
We don't really want to move. After all, we've lived here for so many years.
Fuller Form
Structure
虽然 ⋯⋯ ，但 + 毕竟 ⋯⋯ ，(as a result) ⋯⋯
In this structure, the parts after 虽然 (suīrán) 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。
Suīrán tā zuòcuò le, dàn bìjìng tā háishì xiǎo, nǐ jiù bié dǎ tā le.
Although he made a mistake, he is, after all, still young. So stop hitting 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。
Suīrán wǒ chuān le bùshǎo yīfu, dàn bìjìng shì běifāng de dōngtiān, suǒyǐ wǒ háishì juéde
tǐng lěng de.
Although I'm dressed really warmly, it is, after all, winter in the north. I still feel quite cold.
虽然我跟他认识，但毕竟不太熟，还是不要去麻烦人家了。
Suīrán wǒ gēn tā rènshí, dàn bìjìng bùtài shú, háishì bùyào qù máfan rénjiā le.
Although I know him, we're not close, after all. We'd better not bother 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。
Suīrán wǒ xiǎoshíhou nǎinai duì wǒ bù hǎo, dàn bìjìng tā shì wǒ nǎinai, suǒyǐ wǒ háishì
huì zhàogù tā.
Although my grandma didn't treat me well when I was little, she is my grandma, after all,
so I will still take care of 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。
Suīrán nǐmen yǐjīng líhūn le, dàn bìjìng hái yǒu yī ge háizi, gēn háizi zài yīqǐ de shíhou bié
chǎojià.
Although you are divorced, you still have a child together, after all. So don't fight when
you're with the child.
Similar to
Expressing "although" with "suiran" and "danshi"
Advanced uses of "zong"
Expressing "in the end" with "daodi"
Expressing "in the end" with "jiujing"
Expressing a last chance with
"zaibu... jiu..." (B2)
When time is running out and you need to emphasize that someone needs
to act now or else something bad is going to happen , that's when you
know you need the pattern 再不⋯⋯ 就⋯⋯ (zàibù... jiù...)!
Structure
(Subj. +) 再不 ⋯⋯ 就 ⋯⋯（了）
What comes right after 再不 is the action that needs to be taken now .
What comes after 就 is the dire consequences which will immediately
result is that action is not taken.
Technically this pattern is just a combination of the "again" in the future
再 and the 就 for expressing "then". But somehow this pattern does not
easily come to mind for most learners when you want to express "if you
don't... now .... then..." so it gets its own grammar point.
Examples
Note that there is a sense of urgency in each of these sentences, even if
the word 现在 isn't present. That's why an implied "now" has been added
in for some English translations.
你再不走，我就叫保安了。
Nǐ zài bù zǒu, wǒ jiù jiào bǎoān le.
If you don't leave now, I'm going to call security.
再不走我们开会就要迟到了。
Zài bù zǒu wǒmen kāihuì jiù yào chídào le.
If we don't leave now, we will be late for our meeting.
你再不努力，你就会被淘汰。
Nǐ zài bù nǔlì, nǐ jiù huì bèi táotài.
If you don't start working hard, you're going to get eliminated.
火车快开了，再不检票就来不及了。
Huǒchē kuài kāi le, zài bù jiǎnpiào jiù láibují le.
The train is about to leave! If we don't get our tickets checked now, we're not going to
make it.
今年最后一次优惠，再不抢就没了。
Jīnnián zuìhòu yī cì yōuhuì, zài bù qiǎng jiù méi le.
It's the final sale of the year. If you don't grab it, it'll be gone!
你快告诉他，不要让他误会，再不说就真的误会了。
Nǐ kuài gàosu tā, bùyào ràng tā wùhuì, zài bù shuō jiù zhēnde wùhuì le.
Hurry up and tell him; don't let him get the wrong idea. If you don't tell him now he's
really going to get the wrong message.
你再不学习，下个月就没有生活费了。
Nǐ zài bù xuéxí, xià gè yuè jiù méiyǒu shēnghuófèi le.
If you don't study, you won't have an allowance to live on next month.
你再不打电话，你就失去这个机会了。
Nǐ zài bù dǎ diànhuà, nǐ jiù shīqù zhège jīhuì le.
If you don't call now, you're going to miss out on this opportunity.
如果我们现在再不去旅游，以后就更没有机会了。
Rúguǒ wǒmen xiànzài zài bù qù lǚyóu, yǐhòu jiù gèng méiyǒu jīhuì le.
If we don't travel now, we won't have the opportunity in the future.
我再不穿羽绒服，我就冻死了。
Wǒ zài bù chuān yǔróngfú, wǒ jiù dòngsǐ le.
If I don't wear a down jacket, I'm going to freeze to death.
Similar to
Expressing "never again" with "zai ye bu"
Expressing "almost" using
"chadian mei" (B2)
Logically, 差点没 (chàdiǎn méi) is just a simple extension of 差点,
adding the negation after it. 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 for many learners, and is
worth a closer look.
Logical Structure
Obviously, 差点 and 差点儿 are equivalent here.
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 recall it.
Wǒ chàdiǎnr méi xiǎng qǐlái.
I almost couldn't recall it.
我差点没赶上火车。 ☞ I almost missed it, but I didn't.

Wǒ chàdiǎn méi gǎnshàng huǒchē.
I almost missed the train.
他差点没通过考试。 ☞ He did pass it, but almost didn't.

Tā chàdiǎn méi tōngguò kǎoshì.
He barely passed the examination.
我差点儿没拿到签证。
Wǒ chàdiǎnr méi nádào qiānzhèng.
I almost didn't get the visa.
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.
他们两个差点儿没通过面试。
Tāmen liǎng gè chàdiǎnr méi tōngguò miànshì.
The two of them almost didn't pass the interview.
Illogical Structure
This is the weird one. In the following usages, 差点 and 差点没 are
equivalent . It's almost as if the 没 is meaningless. You can literally drop
it with no change in meaning, but only when there is an undesired result
after 差点没.
Structure
Subj. + 差点 (+ 没) + Verb Phrase
In this pattern, the "Verb Phrase" part is an un desired result . So in terms

of meaning, this structure is identical to the regular 差点 structure.
Again, because you're using 没 here, you don't use 了 after the verb
phrase.
Examples
我差点儿没和她撞在一起。
Wǒ chàdiǎnr méi hé tā zhuàng zài yīqǐ.
I almost ran into her.
这个地方太大了，我走了很久，差点儿没累死。
Zhège dìfang tài dà le, wǒ zǒu le hěn jiǔ, chàdiǎnr méi lèi sǐ.
This place is so big. I walked for so long I almost died from exhaustion.
我差点儿没被发现。
Wǒ chàdiǎnr méi bèi fāxiàn.
I was almost discovered.
这里差点儿没变成一个垃圾场。
Zhèlǐ chàdiǎnr méi biànchéng yī gè lājī chǎng.
This place has almost become a dump.
Similar to
Expressing "almost" using "chadian"
Expressing "anyway" with
"fanzheng" (B2)
Lovers of the word "anyways" in English, rejoice! The word 反正
(fǎnzhèng) works essemtially the same way. It means "anyhow," or
"regardless," and is used to disregard a previous statement, particularly
those involving options or choices.
反正 as "No Matter What"

Structure
You can put 反正 in the sentence after a comma or pause, similar to how
we use "anyway" 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。
Bùguǎn tā qù bu qù, fǎnzhèng wǒ yào qù.
Regardless of whether he's going or not, I'm going anyway.
不管你信不信，反正我信。
Bùguǎn nǐ xìn bu xìn, fǎnzhèng wǒ xìn.
No matter whether you believe this or not, I believe it anyway.
不管他爸爸是谁，反正我要告他。
Bùguǎn tā bàba shì shéi, fǎnzhèng wǒ yào gào tā.
No matter who his father is, I'm going to sue him anyway.
随便别人怎么想，反正我无所谓。
Suíbiàn biérén zěnme xiǎng, fǎnzhèng wǒ wúsuǒwèi.
Other people can think whatever they want. I don't really care what people think.
说不说都一样，反正没有人会听我的。
Shuō bu shuō dōu yīyàng, fǎnzhèng méiyǒu rén huì tīng wǒ de.
Whether I speak or not, it's all the same. Nobody is going to listen to me anyway.
反正 to Emphasize a Reason
Structure
反正, in this case, is used to convey a certainty or resolution. It‘s similar
to 既然 (jìrán) . 反正 goes at the beginning of the clause introducing the
reason, but that clause can come first or second in the sentence. (既然 is
not quite so flexible.)
反正 + Reason ，Decision / Suggestion
Decision / Suggestion ，反正 + Reason
Examples
反正他们不来了，咱们自己去吧。
Fǎnzhèng tāmen bù lái le, zánmen zìjǐ qù ba.
They are not coming anyway, so let's just go by ourselves.
我就送给你吧。反正我也不需要。
Wǒ jiù sòng gěi nǐ ba. Fǎnzhèng wǒ yě bù xūyào.
I'll just give it to you. I don't need it anyway.
反正我家够大，你们今晚都住这儿吧。
Fǎnzhèng wǒ jiā gòu dà, nǐmen jīn wǎn dōu zhù zhèr ba.
My house is big enough, you can all stay here tonight.
你还怕什么？反正大家都知道了。
Nǐ hái pà shénme? Fǎnzhèng dàjiā dōu zhīdào le.
What are you still afraid of? Everybody knows about it now anyway.
反正可以刷卡，没有现金没什么大不了的。

Fǎnzhèn kěyǐ shuākǎ, méiyǒu xiànjīn méi shénme dàbuliǎo de.
Anyway, we can just use a credit card. It’s no big deal to have no cash.
Similar to
Expressing "no matter" with "buguan"
Expressing "no matter" with "wulun"
Expressing "as much as possible"
with "jinliang" (B2)
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 (or adjective).
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.
我会把我知道的尽量告诉你。
Wǒ huì bǎ wǒ zhīdào de jǐnliàng gàosu nǐ.
I'll do my best to tell you everything I know.
你看书吧，我尽量不打扰你。
Nǐ kàn shū ba, wǒ jǐnliàng bù dǎrǎo nǐ.
Go ahead and study, I'll do my best to not disturb you.
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 look after your little sister.
父母应该尽量多陪陪孩子。
Fùmǔ yīnggāi jǐnliàng duō péipei háizi.
Parents should spend as much time as possible with their children.
我们要尽量避免问这种问题，有的客户会感觉很不舒服的。
Wǒmen yào jǐnliàng bìmiǎn wèn zhè zhǒng wèntí, yǒude kèhù huì gǎnjué hěn bù shūfu
de.
We should avoid asking this kind of questions, which could make some clients very
uncomfortable.
我尽量在这个星期天以前完成这个项目。
Wǒ jǐnliàng zài zhège xīngqītiān yǐqián wánchéng zhège xiàngmù.
I will do my best to complete the project by this Sunday.
我们要尽量满足客户的需求。
Wǒmen yào jǐnliàng mǎnzú kèhù de xūqiú.
We have to try our best to meet the client's needs.
老板生气了，你和他说话要尽量委婉点。
Lǎobǎn shēngqì le, nǐ hé tā shuōhuà yào jǐnliàng wěiwǎn diǎn.
The boss is angry. Be as tactful as possible with him.
这个项目预算很紧张，我们要控制成本，尽量不要超出预
算。
Zhège xiàngmù yùsuàn hěn jǐnzhāng, wǒmen yào kòngzhì chéngběn, jǐnliàng bùyào
chāochū yùsuàn.
The budget for this project is very tight, so we have to control the cost and try not to exceed
the budget.
A Note on Pronunciation
You may hear the word 尽量 pronounced as both "jǐnliàng" and
"jìnliàng." Although "jǐnliàng" is technically correct and "jìnliàng" is
supposed to be a verb (not an adverb like the word above), many
educated native speakers will pronounce 尽量 exclusively as "jìnliàng."
Expressing concern with
"kongpa" (B2)
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. It's often used with auxiliary
verbs such as 要, 会, 能, 得, etc.
(Reason,) 恐怕 + Subj. ⋯⋯
Note that it sounds better to put 恐怕 before the subject of the sentence.
Examples
今天恐怕要下雨。
Jīntiān kǒngpà yào xià yǔ.
I'm afraid it's going to rain today.
这件事恐怕得你帮忙。
Zhè jiàn shì kǒngpà děi nǐ bāngmáng.
I'm afraid we're going to need your help with this matter.
这样做恐怕不太合适。
Zhèyàng zuò kǒngpà bù tài héshì.
I'm afraid it's not appropriate to do this.
这是很重要的决定，你恐怕不能这么着急。
Zhè shì hěn zhòngyào de juédìng, nǐ kǒngpà bù néng zhème zhāojí.
This is an important decision. I'm afraid you can't rush this one.
老婆，我晚上要加班，恐怕不能回家吃晚饭了。
Lǎopo, wǒ wǎnshang yào jiābān, kǒngpà bù néng huíjiā chī wǎnfàn le.
Dear, 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。
Zhège yánsè tài fěn le, kǒngpà wǒ nǚ'ér bù xǐhuan.
This pink is too much. I'm afraid my daughter isn't going to like it.
你现在知道被骗了？恐怕骗子早就跑了。
Nǐ xiànzài zhīdào bèi piàn le? Kǒngpà piànzi zǎo jiù pǎo le.
You finally realized that you were ripped off? I'm afraid the scammer is long gone.
恐怕 is also often used in conjunction with 吧. When it is used with 吧, it

expresses a soft but concerned tone and is typically used when the
speaker wishes to give their advice or opinion on a matter.
恐怕没那么容易吧。
Kǒngpà méi nàme róngyì ba .
I'm afraid it's not that easy.
一个人去那个地方恐怕不太安全吧。
Yīgèrén qù nàge dìfang kǒngpà bù tài ānquán ba .
I'm afraid it's not safe to go there alone.
你这样说，恐怕她会不高兴吧。
Nǐ zhèyàng shuō, kǒngpà tā huì bù gāoxìng ba .
If you put it that way, I'm afraid she will be upset.
Expressing difficulty with "hao
(bu) rongyi" (B2)
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 to x, but then I realized
y."
Adverbial Structure with 才

Sentences using 好不容易 are often followed by 才 (cái), emphasizing
the action has been completed only with great difficulty.
Structure
Strange as it might seem, 好容易 has the same meaning as 好不容易,
and can be used interchangeably. 好不容易 is more common.
Subj. + 好 (不) 容易 + 才 + [Result]
The "result" part can be a simple phrase or a whole clause.
Examples
她好容易才减肥成功。
Tā hǎo róngyì cái jiǎnféi chénggōng.
She had a hard time losing weight and succeeded..
我好不容易才打通了银行的服务热线。
Wǒ hǎobù róngyì cái dǎtōng le yínháng de fúwù rèxiàn.
It was no easy task to get through to the bank's customer service hotline.
我们好不容易才做完这个项目，结果合同取消了。
Wǒmen hǎobù róngyì cái zuò wán zhège xiàngmù, jiéguǒ hétóng qǔxiāo le.
It was with great difficulty that we finally finished this project. But then the contract was
canceled.
我好不容易才到市中心，发现没带手机，只好回去拿。

Wǒ hǎobù róngyì cái dào shì zhōngxīn, fāxiàn méi dài shǒujī, zhǐhǎo huíqù ná.
It was a lot of trouble to get to the city center, but 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。
Jīnróng wéijī zhīhòu tā hǎobù róngyì cái zhǎodào gōngzuò, xiànzài yòu cízhí le.
After the financial crisis, he had a hard time finally finding a job. And now he's resigning.
他们好不容易才爬到了山顶，结果下起了大雨。
Tāmen hǎobù róngyì cái pá dào le shāndǐng, jiéguǒ xià qǐ le dàyǔ.
With great difficulty, they finally climbed to the top of the mountain. And then it started
raining heavily.
老师好容易才让学生订正了错误的句子。
Lǎoshī hǎo róngyì cái ràng xuéshēng dìngzhèng le cuòwù de jùzi.
The teacher had a difficult time making the students correct the wrong sentences.
Adjectival Structure (without 才)

Structure
Verb / [Verb Phrase] + 好容易 / 好不容易
In this simpler structure we use 好(不)容易 by itself to express “with

great difficulty”. At the end of the sentence particles such as 啊 or 哦 will
also often be used to add emotion.
Examples
要完成这个大项目好不容易啊。
Yào wánchéng zhège dà xiàngmù hǎobù róngyì a.
Finishing this big project will not be an easy task.
养大一个孩子好不容易。
Yǎng dà yī gè háizi hǎobù róngyì .
Raising a child is not an easy thing to do.
创办一个公司好不容易啊。
Chuàngbàn yī gè gōngsī hǎobù róngyì a.
Starting a company isn't easy.
Similar to
Expressing "difficult" with "nan"
Using "hao" to mean "easy"
Expressing "as a result" with "jieguo"
Expressing not knowing how to do something using "hao"
Expressing "only after" with "cai"
Expressing "even" with "shenzhi"
(B2)
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 Emphasize a Noun

Structure
Note the word or phrase following 甚至 often uses 也 or 都 to add further
emphasis. The noun being emphasized is the "surprising" one or one that
is the most "extreme."
[Noun or Group of Nouns] + 甚至 + [Emphasized Noun] + 都 / 也

⋯⋯
Examples
每个观众甚至裁判都站起来给他鼓掌。
Měi gè guānzhòng shènzhì cáipàn dōu zhàn qǐlái gěi tā gǔzhǎng.
Each and every member of the audience, and even the referee, 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。
Wǒ qù guo hěn duō Zhōngguó de chéngshì, Běijīng, Shànghǎi, Hángzhōu, Kūnmíng,
Guìlín, shènzhì Lāsà wǒ yě qù guo.
I've been to many cities in China: Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Kunming, Guilin. I even
went to Lhasa once.
我的朋友都不喜欢我的决定，甚至我的家人也不支持。
Wǒ de péngyou dōu bù xǐhuan wǒ de juédìng, shènzhì wǒ de jiārén yě bù zhīchí.
None of my friends like my decision, and even my family doesn't support it.
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。
Tā hěn xǐhuan wán shǒujī, chīfàn de shíhou, zuò dìtiě de shíhou, shènzhì shàng cèsuǒ de
shíhou yě zài wán.
He likes playing on his cell phone when he's eating, taking the metro, even when he goes to
the bathroom.
甚至 in Complex Sentences
Structure
Note the sentence following 甚至 often uses 也 or 都 to add further
emphasis, and 连 (lián) sometimes directly follows 甚至 for further
"even" emphasis.
⋯⋯，甚至 + (连) ⋯⋯ + 都 / 也
Examples
他太忙了，甚至吃中饭的时间都没有。
Tā tài máng le, shènzhì chī zhōngfàn de shíjiān dōu méiyǒu.
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。
Tā cónglái bù liáo gōngzuò de shì, shènzhì gēn tā lǎopo yě bù shuō.
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。
Zhège wèntí hěn jiǎndān, shènzhì lián háizi dōu zhīdào.
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。
Wǒ nánpéngyou hěn xǐhuan yóuyǒng, shènzhì lián dōngtiān yě yóu.
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。
Jǐ nián bù jiàn, tā biàn pàng le hěn duō, shènzhì lián wǒ zhège lǎo péngyou dōu rèn bù
chūlái le.
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.
Similar to
Expressing "even" with "lian" and "dou"
Advanced uses of "dou"
Advanced uses of "lian"
Combining verbs with "bing"
Expressing "moreover" with "bingqie"
Expressing "feel free" with
"jinguan" (B2)
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 speak up 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 help yourself to 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 like. My treat.
尽管去做，不要担心结果。
Jǐnguǎn qù zuò, bùyào dānxīn jiéguǒ.
Feel free to just do it. Don't worry about the result.
有什么意见尽管提，我不会生气的。
Yǒu shénme yìjiàn jǐnguǎn tí, wǒ bù huì shēngqì de.
Feel free to offer any opinion. I won't get angry.
想买什么尽管买，几件衣服我还是买得起的。
Xiǎng mǎi shénme jǐnguǎn mǎi, jǐ jiàn yīfu wǒ háishì mǎi deqǐ de.
Feel free to buy whatever you want,I can afford a few pieces of clothing.
想去哪里尽管去，现在旅游很方便。
Xiǎng qù nǎlǐ jǐnguǎn qù, xiànzài lǚyóu hěn fāngbiàn.
Feel free to go wherever you want. Travel is really convenient right now.
想要什么尽管说，妈妈都会满足你的要求。
Xiǎngyào shénme jǐnguǎn shuō, māma dōu huì mǎnzú nǐ de yāoqiú.
Feel free to say what you want. Mom will meet your demands.
You may hear the word 尽管 pronounced as both "jǐnguǎn" and
"jìnguǎn." Although "jǐnguǎn" is technically correct and "jìnguǎn" is
incorrect, many educated native speakers will pronounce 尽量
exclusively as "jìnguǎn."
Expressing "have to" with
"budebu" (B2)
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
你真的太厉害了，我不得不承认。
Nǐ zhēn de tài lìhài le, wǒ bùdébù chéngrèn.
You are so good. I have to admit it.
为了以后，我不得不努力学习。

Wèile yǐhòu, wǒ bùdébù nǔlì xuéxí.
I must study hard for the future.
电梯又坏了，我们不得不爬楼梯。
Diàntī yòu huài le, wǒmen bùdébù pá lóutī.
The elevator is broken again. We have to take the stairs.
你真会说话，这一点我们不得不佩服。
Nǐ zhēn huì shuōhuà, zhè yīdiǎn wǒmen bùdébù pèifú.
You are quite the smooth talker. We can't help but admire that about you.
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, but time is very limited. I have to interrupt you.
情况紧急，我们不得不马上想个主意。

Qíngkuàng jǐnjí, wǒmen bùdébù mǎshàng xiǎng ge zhǔyi.
It's an emergency situation. We must come up with something fast.
因为生病的关系，他不得不放弃这次旅行。

Yīnwèi shēngbìng de guānxì, tā bùdébù fàngqì zhè cì lǚxíng.
Because he was sick, he had no choice but to give up this trip.
我的腿受伤了，我不得不退出比赛。

Wǒ de tuǐ shòushāng le, wǒ bùdébù tuìchū bǐsài.
My leg was injured, so I had no choice but to drop out of the competition.
小明为了买新手机不得不去打工。
Xiǎo Míng wèile mǎi xīn shǒujī bùdébù qù dǎgōng.
In order to buy a new phone, Xiao Ming had to get a part time job.
我们都是打工的，不得不服从公司的安排。
Wǒmen dōu shì dǎgōng de, bùdébù fúcóng gōngsī de ānpái.
We all employees here. We have to follow what the company has decided.
Similar to
Expressing "must" with "dei"
Declaring the only option with "zhihao"
Adding emphasis with "fei....buke"
Expressing "in the end" with
"daodi" (B2)
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
到底 ⋯⋯ ，Reason / Characteristic
Examples
到底是个大老板，出手就是大方。
Dàodǐ shì ge dà lǎobǎn, chūshǒu jiùshì dàfang.
Look how generous he is with money. He is a high-level boss, after all....
到底是个高手，这么快就把问题解决了！
Dàodǐ shì ge gāoshǒu, zhème kuài jiù bǎ wèntí jiějué le!
"He is a master, after all. Look how quickly he solved the problem.
到底还是孩子，有些事情他不懂是很正常的。
Dàodǐ háishì háizi, yǒuxiē shìqing tā bù dǒng shì hěn zhèngcháng de.
"He is a kid, after all. It's normal for him to not understand some things.
到底 as 究竟 or "On Earth"
到底 can be used to mean "on earth" (as in "what on earth?!") where it is
used to add emphasis or urgency to 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？
Nǐ dàodǐ zěnme le?
What on earth is up with you?
到底怎么走？
Dàodǐ zěnme zǒu?
How on earth do we get there?
快说啊！你男友到底是谁？
Kuài shuō a! Nǐ nányǒu dàodǐ shì shéi?
Speak up! Who on earth is your boyfriend?
你到底说不说？
Nǐ dàodǐ shuō bu shuō?
Are you going to tell me or not?
你到底喜不喜欢我？
Nǐ dàodǐ xǐ bu xǐhuan wǒ?
Do you like me or not?
他们到底离没离婚？
Tāmen dàodǐ lí méi líhūn?
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:
你到底吃了吗？
Nǐ dàodǐ chī le ma ?
你到底吃了没有？
Nǐ dàodǐ chī le méiyǒu ?
Have you eaten or not?
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
天气到底暖和了。
Tiānqì dàodǐ nuǎnhuo le.
The weather is finally warm.
他到底想明白了。
Tā dàodǐ xiǎng míngbai le.
He finally understood.
经过两年多的努力，我们的项目到底成功了。
Jīngguò liǎng nián duō de nǔlì, wǒmen de xiàngmù dàodǐ chénggōng le.
After working on it for over two years, our project finally succeeded.
Similar to
Advanced uses of "zong"
Expressing "after all" with "bijing"
Expressing "in the end" with "jiujing"
Expressing "in the end" with
"jiujing" (B2)
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, but a bit more formal.
Using 究竟 in Questions
Using 究竟 in Targeted Questions
These questions are aimed at finding out a specific piece of info, such as
a name or time.
Structure
究竟 + Question Word
Examples
这个人究竟是谁？
Zhège rén jiūjìng shì shéi?
Who on earth is this guy?
你究竟是做什么的？
Nǐ jiūjìng shì zuò shénme de?
What exactly is it that you do?
他们究竟什么时候到？
Tāmen jiūjìng shénme shíhou dào?
When exactly are they arriving?
我们究竟还要等多久？
Wǒmen jiūjìng hái yào děng duōjiǔ?
How much longer do we still need to wait?
你们究竟想让我怎么做？
Nǐmen jiūjìng xiǎng ràng wǒ zěnme zuò?
What on earth do you want me to do?
Using 究竟 in Yes/No Questions

Structure
究竟＋ Verb ＋没 / 不＋ Verb
Examples
你究竟来不来？
Nǐ jiūjìng lái bu lái?
Are you coming or not?
你们究竟能不能帮我？
Nǐmen jiūjìng néng bu néng bāng wǒ?
Can you guys help me or not?
她究竟是不是你女朋友？
Tā jiūjìng shì bu shì nǐ nǚpéngyou?
So, is she your girlfriend or not?
你究竟喜不喜欢我？
Nǐ jiūjìng xǐ bu xǐhuan wǒ?
So, do you like me or not?
经理究竟同不同意？
Jīnglǐ jiūjìng tóng bu tóngyì?
Did the manager agree or not?
Using 究竟 in Affirmative Sentences

究竟 can also be used with 是 for an emphasis of a fact, which is similar
to 毕竟 , meaning "after all."
Structure
Fact ＋究竟 + 是＋ Fact，⋯⋯
Examples
孩子究竟是孩子，总是想着怎么玩。
Háizi jiūjìng shì háizi, zǒng shì xiǎng zhe zěnme wán.
Kids are kids after all, always thinking about how to have fun.
上海究竟是上海，生活成本就是高。
Shànghǎi jiūjìng shì Shànghǎi, shēnghuó chéngběn jiùshì gāo.
Shanghai is Shanghai after all. The living expenses here are just high.
年轻人究竟是年轻人，精力真好。
Niánqīng rén jiūjìng shì niánqīng rén, jīnglì zhēn hǎo.
Young people are young, after all. They are so full of energy.
生意人究竟是生意人，对他们来说，赚钱是最重要的。

Shēngyìrén jiūjìng shì shēngyìrén, duì tāmen lái shuō, zhuànqián shì zuì zhòngyào de.
Businessmen are businessmen, 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。

Jiārén jiūjìng shì jiārén, yěxǔ nǐ bù xǐhuan tāmen, dàn nǐ háishì huì ài tāmen.
Family is family, after all. You may not like them, but you still love them.
Similar to
Expressing "after all" with "bijing"
Expressing "in the end" with "daodi"
Expressing "just" do it with
"gancui" (B2)
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. The idea is "stop overthinking it and just do this! "
Structure
Subj. + 干脆 + Verb Phrase
Examples
家里什么都没有，干脆出去吃吧。
Jiālǐ shénme dōu méiyǒu, gāncuì chūqù chī ba.
There is nothing in the house, let's just go out to eat.
既然学不好，干脆别学了。
Jìrán xué bù hǎo, gāncuì bié xué le.
Since you can't learn it, just stop studying.
这台破电脑又坏了，干脆别修了，买台新的吧。
Zhè tái pò diànnǎo yòu huài le, gāncuì bié xiū le, mǎi tái xīn de ba.
This crappy old 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。
Píngguǒ hěn guì, wǒ gāncuì méi mǎi, zhǐ mǎi le diǎn xiāngjiāo.
Apples are too expensive. I didn't buy them, and just bought some bananas.
这个人不诚实，干脆不要和他做朋友了。
Zhège rén bù chéngshí, gāncuì bùyào hé tā zuò péngyou le.
This person is not honest. Just don't be friends with him.
这里没什么好玩的，我们干脆回家吧。
Zhèlǐ méi shénme hǎowán de, wǒmen gāncuì huíjiā ba.
It's no fun here. Let's just go home.
既然你也喜欢这个沙发，我们干脆买回家吧。
Jìrán nǐ yě xǐhuan zhège shāfā, wǒmen gāncuì mǎi huíjiā ba.
Since you like this sofa too, let's just buy it and take it home.
干脆听你的，我也没做什么攻略。
Gāncuì tīng nǐ de, wǒ yě méi zuò shénme gōnglüè.
I'll just listen to you. I haven't made any sort of plan anyway.
现在每天都要戴口罩，干脆不要出门了。
Xiànzài měitiān dōu yào dài kǒuzhào, gāncuì bùyào chūmén le.
Now that we have to wear a mask every day, I simply don't want to go out.
既然你都喜欢，干脆都买回来。
Jìrán nǐ dōu xǐhuan, gāncuì dōu mǎi huílái.
Since you like them all, we might as well buy all of them.
Expressing "nearly" with "jihu"
(B2)
几乎 (jīhū) means "nearly" or "almost," and is used to emphasize that
someone or something is very close to doing something.
Used before the Subject

几乎 is often used together with words that mean "all," such as 每, 所有,
or 全. It can also be used with words that mean "none" such as 没有.
Structure
几乎 + Noun Phrase + 都 ⋯⋯
几乎 + 没有 + Noun Phrase ⋯⋯
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.
In 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 "nǐ hǎo."
In China, almost all foreigners can say "nihao."
几乎没有人相信他。
Jīhū méiyǒu rén xiāngxìn tā.
Almost no one believes him.
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 viewers the world over like this movie.
Used before the Predicate
Structure
Subj. + 几乎 + [不 / 没 +] Predicate
Examples
爸爸的头发几乎白了。
Bàba de tóufǎ 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 of their money on this trip.
他一个人几乎吃了整个蛋糕。
Tā yīgèrén jīhū chī le zhěnggè dàngāo.
He ate almost the whole cake by himself.
我老板几乎不喝酒。
Wǒ lǎobǎn jīhū bù hējiǔ.
My boss rarely drinks.
老板这几个月几乎没好好休息过。
Lǎobǎn zhè jǐ ge yuè jīhū méi hǎohāo xiūxi guo.
Boss has barely taken a decent break these past few months.
Similar to
Approximations with "chabuduo"
Expressing "about to happen" with "le"
Expressing "about to" with "jiuyao"
Expressing "almost" using "chadian"
The opposite of "chabuduo" is "cha hen duo"
Expressing "never again" with
"zai ye bu" (B2)
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 this quirky combination of three little words: 再也不
(zài yě bù)!
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 (+ Auxiliary Verb) + Verb Phrase + 了
Notice that 了 is used. In this case it's "change of state 了". This is
because it is now the case that the action will not be done again. It
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 will never be able to dance again.
我再也不要离开你了。
Wǒ zài yě 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. This pattern expresses that during a certain period
of time in the past , or from a certain point in the past up until 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.
Since then, I've never been to a bar again.
出国以后，我再也没吃过地道的中国菜。
Chūguó yǐhòu, wǒ zài yě méi chī guo dìdao de Zhōngguó cài.
Since leaving my country, I've never eaten any authentic Chinese food.
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 since she graduated.
考完试以后，我再也没碰过那些书。
Kǎo wán shì yǐhòu, wǒ zài yě méi pèng guo nàxiē shū.
Since finishing exams I haven't touched those books again.
Similar to
Expressing "again" in the future with "zai"
Sequencing with "xian" and "zai"
Expressing a last chance with "zaibu... jiu..."
Expressing "even so" with "zaibu... ye..."
Expressing "once" with "cengjing"
(B2)
曾经 (céngjīng) is an adverb, and as such comes before verb phrases in a
sentence. It adds the sense of "once" having happened (the "once upon a
time" meaning of "once"), sometimes translated as "ever." It frequently
pairs with 过.
Used with 过
When used with action verbs, 曾经 comes before the verb, which is then
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。
Wǒmen céngjīng yīqǐ qù guò .
We once went there together.
他说他曾经做过很多傻事。
Tā shuō tā céngjīng zuò guò hěn duō shǎ shì.
He said that he once did a lot of stupid things.
我曾经喜欢过你。
Wǒ céngjīng xǐhuan guò nǐ.
I once liked you.
她曾经想当演员，后来成了全职太太。
Tā céngjīng xiǎng dāng yǎnyuán, hòulái chéng le quánzhí tàitai.
She once wanted to become an actress. She later became a stay-at-home mom.
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。
Wèile zhǎo qīnshēng fùmǔ, tā céngjīng huā le hěn duō qián.
In order to find her biological parents, she once spent a lot 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。
Wǒmen dōu céngjīng niánqīng guò .
We were all young once.
他的音乐曾经流行过。
Tā de yīnyuè céngjīng liúxíng guò .
His music 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
他曾经是我老板。
Tā céngjīng shì wǒ lǎobǎn.
He was once my boss.
这里曾经是一个学校。
Zhèlǐ céngjīng shì yī gè xuéxiào.
There was once a school here.
市政府曾经在我们家旁边。
Shì zhèngfǔ céngjīng zài wǒmen jiā pángbiān.
The municipal government [building] was once next to our house.
他的墓曾经在国外。
Tā de mù céngjīng zài guówài.
His tomb was once overseas.
她曾经有一个西班牙男朋友。
Tā céngjīng yǒu yī gè Xībānyá nánpéngyou.
She once had a Spanish boyfriend.
他们家曾经有很多钱。
Tāmen jiā céngjīng yǒu hěn duō qián.
Their family once had 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。
Wǒmen bù céngjīng chǎo guò jià.
We've never argued.
他们一直写信，没曾经见过面。
Tāmen yīzhí xiěxìn, méi céngjīng jiàn guò miàn.
They've been writing letters 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。
Tāmen yīzhí xiě xìn, bùcéng jiàn guò miàn.
They've been writing letters 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。
Tā cóngxiǎo jiù méiyǒu fùmǔ, wèicéng gǎnshòu guò jiātíng de wēnnuǎn.
He's had no parents since he was very young. He's never experienced the warmth of a
family.
Similar to
Expressing experiences with "guo"
Expressing "originally" with
"benlai" (B2)
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) for a

Change of Plans
本来 means "originally." Use it when you need to explain that happened
unexpectedly later. Since the action has already happened, the 是... 的
construction is likely appropriate here. 是 is optional.
Structure
Subj. + 本来 + 是 +（不）[要 / 会 / 应该] + Verb + 的，[但是 / 可是
/ 不过]...
Examples
我本来是要去的，不过后来不太舒服，就没去。
Wǒ běnlái shì yào qù de, bùguò hòulái bù tài shūfu, jiù méi qù.
I originally wanted to go, but I didn't go because I didn't feel very well.
这些工作本来是要今天做完的，不过明天做也可以。
Zhèxiē gōngzuò běnlái shì yào jīntiān zuò wán de, bùguò míngtiān zuò yě kěyǐ.
This work was originally supposed to be done by today, but it's OK to do it tomorrow.
我本来要跟他结婚的，可是后来发现了我们真的不合适。
Wǒ běnlái yào gēn tā jiéhūn de, kěshì hòulái fāxiàn le wǒmen zhēn de bù héshì.
I was originally going to marry him, but then I found that we are really not right for each
other.
他本来是应该考得更好的，可是那天他生病了。
Tā běnlái shì yīnggāi kǎo de gèng hǎo de, kěshì nà tiān tā shēngbìng le.
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。
Wǒmen běnlái xiǎng qù zhǎo tā bāngmáng de, kěshì tā nàme máng, jiù méi qù.
We were going to go ask him for help, but we didn't because he is so busy.
Using 本来就 (běnlái jiù) 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？
Nǐ běnlái jiù gòu shòu le, hái yào jiǎnféi ma?
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？
Tā jiǎng de běnlái jiù bù duì, wèishénme hái yào wǒ tīng tā de?
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。
Tā běnlái jiù hěn yǒuqián, dāngrán mǎi deqǐ le.
She is rich. Of course she can afford it.
她本来就不喜欢你，你别再追她了。
Tā běnlái jiù bù xǐhuan nǐ, nǐ bié zài zhuī tā le.
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。
Tā běnlái jiù hěn xǐhuan kāiwánxiào, nǐ bié jièyì.
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 to stress that the speaker believes something to be
common knowledge. "Duh" is probably an overly saracastic and informal
English equivalent, so another translation could be "it goes without
saying." It's often easier to translate the feeling imparted by 本来就 as
"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。
Zhàogù háizi běnlái jiùshì fùmǔ de zérèn.
Taking care of children is supposed to be the responsibility of parents.
老师本来就应该好好备课。
Lǎoshī běnlái jiù yīnggāi hǎohāo bèikè.
Teachers are supposed to prepare their lessons well.
搬家本来就很麻烦。 ☞ Literally, "Moving is supposed to be troublesome."
Bānjiā běnlái jiù hěn máfan.
Moving is always a pain.
生活本来就很不容易。 ☞ Literally, "Life was never supposed to be easy."

Shēnghuó běnlái jiù hěn bù róngyì.
No one ever said life was easy.
Similar to
Expressing "all along" with "yuanlai"
Expressing "over and over again"
with "zaisan" (B2)
再三 (zàisān) or means "repeatedly" or "time and again" in a formal way,
and is usually placed before a two-syllable verb.
Structure
Although the verb phrase in the pattern is usually referring to past events,
了 and 过 are generally not used with 再三, but you will sometimes see
it.
再三 + Verb Phrase
Examples
老师再三强调这次考试对我们很重要。
Lǎoshī zàisān qiángdiào zhè cì kǎoshì duì wǒmen hěn zhòngyào.
The teacher has stressed over and over that this exam is really important for us.
这个决定是经过再三考虑做出来的。
Zhège juédìng shì jīngguò zàisān kǎolǜ zuò chūlái de.
This decision was made after much consideration.
中国政府再三警告美国不要干涉中国的内政。
Zhōngguó zhèngfǔ zàisān jǐnggào Měiguó bùyào gānshè Zhōngguó de nèizhèng.
China's government has warned the USA repeatedly not to interfere in China's affairs.
她再三犹豫之后，选择了放弃比赛。
Tā zàisān yóuyù zhīhòu, xuǎnzé le fàngqì bǐsài.
After hesitating again and again, she chose to quit the competition.
我们再三考虑过后，决定满足你的这个要求。
Wǒmen zàisān kǎolǜ guo hòu, juédìng mǎnzú nǐ de zhège yāoqiú.
After having considered it many times, we decided to satisfy this requirement of yours.
我再三提醒你出国旅游一定要小心你的钱包。
Wǒ zàisān tíxǐng nǐ chūguó lǚyóu yīdìng yào xiǎoxīn nǐ de qiánbāo.
I've reminded you again and again that you need to be careful with your wallet when you
travel abroad.
我再三劝你不要这样做，你还是不听。
Wǒ zàisān quàn nǐ bùyào zhèyàng zuò, nǐ háishì bù tīng.
I've advised you repeatedly not to do this, but you still don't listen.
他再三表示不会参加下一届的奥运会。
Tā zàisān biǎoshì bù huì cānjiā xià yī jiè de Àoyùnhuì.
He has repeatedly indicated that he will not participate in the next Olympic Games.
我已经再三告诉你了这次会议的重要性，你还是迟到了。
Wǒ yǐjīng zàisān gàosù nǐ le zhè cì huìyì de zhòngyào xìng, nǐ háishì chídào le.
I've already repeatedly told you the importance of this meeting, yet you still showed up
late.
经过再三考虑，我还是决定做老师。
Jīngguò zàisān kǎolǜ, wǒ háishì juédìng zuò lǎoshī.
After thinking it over many times, I have decided to become a teacher.
Similar to
Expressing "again and again" with "yizai"
Expressing "lies in" with "zaiyu"
Expressing "simply" with
"jianzhi" (B2)
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.
Used as "Simply"
Structure
Subj. + 简直 + Predicate
Examples
这里简直是天堂！
Zhèlǐ jiǎnzhí shì tiāntáng!
This place is simply heaven.
他唱歌简直难听死了！
Tā chànggē jiǎnzhí nántīng sǐ le!
His singing is simply awful!
你男朋友简直太帅了！
Nǐ nánpéngyou jiǎnzhí tài shuài le!
Your boyfriend is simply gorgeous!
我简直不明白他为什么这么傻！
Wǒ jiǎnzhí bù míngbái tā wèishénme zhème shǎ!
I just don't understand why he's so stupid.
我简直不知道怎么教这样的学生！
Wǒ jiǎnzhí bù zhīdào zěnme jiào zhèyàng de xuéshēng!
I just don't know how I am supposed to teach such kinds of students.
妈妈做的蛋糕好吃极了，简直比商店卖的蛋糕还好吃！
Māma zuò de dàngāo hǎochī jíle, jiǎnzhí bǐ shāngdiàn mài de dàngāo hái hǎochī!
The cake mom made is delicious, compared to the cake you can buy in stores it is still
better.
我听到这个消息，简直像吃了一块非常甜的糖。
Wǒ tīng dào zhège xiāoxī, jiǎnzhí xiàng chī le yīkuài fēicháng tián de táng.
I heard this news and it was like eating a super sweet piece of candy.
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. 很 is also not used after 简直. Check out the
following examples:
她简直漂亮！
她简直很漂亮！
她简直太漂亮了！
Tā jiǎnzhí tài piàoliangle!
She is simply too pretty!
她简直漂亮极了 !
Tā jiǎnzhí piàoliang jíle!
She is just so pretty!
Used as "Basically"
When followed immediately by 是, the word 简直 takes on a meaning
similar to "basically."
Structure
Subj. + 简直 + 是 + Predicate
Examples
他简直是骗人。
Tā jiǎnzhí shì piàn rén.
He's just lying to you.
你简直是多管闲事。
Nǐ jiǎnzhí shì duō guǎn xiánshì.
You are simply too nosy.
这个小狗简直是可爱极了，越看越喜欢。
Zhège xiǎo gǒu jiǎnzhí shì kě'ài jí le, yuè kàn yuè xǐhuan.
This puppy is just too cute, the more you look at him the more you like him.
他们简直就是在抄我们的创意。
Tāmen jiǎnzhí jiù shì zài chāo wǒmen de chuàngyì.
They are basically stealing our creativity.
你这样做，简直是在破坏气氛。
Nǐ zhèyàng zuò, jiǎnzhí shì zài pòhuài qìfēn.
What you are doing is basically destroying the atmosphere.
他是羽毛球冠军，和你打羽毛球简直是太简单了。

Tā shì yǔmáoqiú guànjūn, hé nǐ dǎ yǔmáoqiú jiǎnzhí shì tài jiǎndān le.
He is a badminton champion, and playing badminton against you is simply too easy.
我一个月没吃肉了，简直是在挑战我自己。
Wǒ yī gè yuè méi chī ròu le, jiǎnzhí shì zài tiǎozhàn wǒ zìjǐ.
I didn't eat meat for a month just to challenge myself.
Expressing "since the beginning"
with "yixiang" (B2)
一向 (yīxiàng) means "always," but is generally used to express a habit,
attitude, or convention which has continued for a long period of time until
the present. When you use 一向, you're conveying a sense that "it's
always been this way."
Structure
Subj. + 一向 + Habit / Attitude / etc.
Examples
小王一向上班很早，这次是怎么了？
Xiǎo Wáng yīxiàng shàngbān hěn zǎo, zhè cì shì zěnme le?
Xiao Wang has always started work very early. What happened this time?
我一向不喜欢点外卖。
Wǒ yīxiàng bù xǐhuan diǎn wàimài.
I have never liked ordering takeout.
妈妈一向支持我的决定。
Māma yīxiàng zhīchí wǒ de juédìng.
Mom has always supported my decisions.
他一向是个好学生，怎么可能会作弊呢？
Tā yīxiàng shìgè hǎo xuéshēng, zěnme kěnéng huì zuòbì ne?
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。
Zhōngguó rén yīxiàng bǎ hóngsè shì wéi jíxiáng xǐqìng de yánsè.
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。
Yúnnán de yǔjì yīxiàng láide hěn tūrán.
Yunnan's rainy season always comes suddenly.
他的态度一向很认真。
Tā de tàidù yīxiàng hěn rènzhēn.
His attitude has always been very serious.
我一向都是这样做，没问题的。
Wǒ yīxiàng dōu shì zhèyàng zuò, méi wèntí de.
I always do it like this. It's no problem.
Incorrect Usage
一向 cannot be used with verbs involving changes or actions. In this case,
一直 should be used:
中国的经济一向都在快速发展。 ☞ It must have started developing at

some point.
Zhōngguó de jīngjì yīxiàng dōu zài kuàisù fāzhǎn.
中国的经济一直都在快速发展。
Zhōngguó de jīngjì yīzhí dōu zài kuàisù fāzhǎn.
China's economy has been continuously developing rapidly.
他一向都在学汉语. ☞ He must have started, right?

Tā yīxiàng dōu zài xué Hànyǔ.
他一直都在学汉语.
Tā yīzhí dōu zài xué Hànyǔ.
He's been studying Mandarin all this time.
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？
Nǐ dǎsuàn yīxiàng zài Shànghǎi gōngzuò ma?
你打算一直在上海工作吗？
Nǐ dǎsuàn yīzhí zài Shànghǎi gōngzuò ma?
Do you plan to work in Shanghai indefinitely?
Similar to
Expressing "all along" with "yizhi"
Comparing "yizhi" and "yixiang"
Expressing "to make certain" with
"qianwan" (B2)
千万 (qiānwàn) looks like a number ("thousand ten thousand"?) but it
actually means "to make certain." It is more common in the negative
form, but is also used in the positive. It really adds a kick to your
sentence!
Structure
千万 usually starts the imperative sentence or 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 in the negative to strongly command
someone not to do something.
Examples
这个菜很难吃，千万不要点！
Zhège cài hěn nánchī, qiānwàn bùyào diǎn!
This dish is horrible. Make sure you don't order it!
那里太危险了，千万不要去！
Nàlǐ tài wēixiǎn le, qiānwàn bùyào qù!
It's too dangerous there. Whatever you do, don't go!
他们的产品是假的，你千万不要买！
Tāmen de chǎnpǐn shì jiǎ de, nǐ qiānwàn bùyào mǎi!
Their products are fake. DO NOT buy them!
他不是什么好人，千万不要相信他！
Tā bù shì shénme hǎorén, qiānwàn bùyào xiāngxìn tā!
He is not a good person, you really can't believe him!
孩子有错，父母可以教育他，但千万不能打孩子。
Háizi yǒu cuò, fùmǔ kěyǐ jiàoyù tā, dàn qiānwàn bù néng dǎ háizi.
When a child does wrong, parents can teach them. But they really mustn't beat them!
千万 with "Do"
The following examples use 千万 to strongly command someone to do
something.
Examples
过马路千万要小心。
Guò mǎlù qiānwàn yào xiǎoxīn.
When crossing the street, you really must careful!
这句话你千万要记在心里。
Zhè jù huà nǐ qiānwàn yào jì zài xīnlǐ.
You must memorize this phrase by heart!
一个人去旅行千万要注意安全。
Yīgèrén qù lǚxíng qiānwàn yào zhùyì ānquán.
When traveling alone, you really must pay attention to safety!
出门以前千万要把门锁好。
Chūmén yǐqián qiānwàn yào bǎ mén suǒ hǎo.
Before leaving make absolute sure to lock the door!
雨天路滑，千万要开慢点。
Yǔtiān lù huá, qiānwàn yào kāi màn diǎn.
The rain makes the road slick. You really must drive slowly!
Expressing wasted efforts with
"bai" (B2)
白 (bái) doesn't only mean "white." When added before a verb it means to
do that verb "in vain" or "with no effect."
Basic Form with Just 白

All you have to do is put 白 before the verb. One important thing to note
is that 白 is usually used with mono-syllabic words, like 做, 学, 跑, etc.
You should put a 地 after 白.
Structure
白 + Verb + 了
Examples
白花了一百块钱，这件衣服不能穿。
Bái huā le yībǎi kuài qián, zhè jiàn yīfu bù néng chuān.
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。
Tā bù huílái chīfàn le?! Wǒ zhèxiē cài bái zuò le.
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。
Nǐ yījù Hànyǔ dōu bù huì shuō, bái xué le zhème cháng shíjiān.
You can't speak even one sentence in Chinese! All that time studying was a waste.
我去的时候他不在家，所以我白跑了一趟。
Wǒ qù de shíhou tā bù zài jiā, suǒyǐ wǒ bái pǎo le yī tàng.
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。
Bù hǎoyìsi, ràng nǐ bái máng le yī gè zǎoshang, wǒmen lǎobǎn jīntiān lái buliǎo le.
Sorry to make you work this whole morning for nothing. Our boss just said that he couldn't
come today.
Form with 白白
白 can also be replaced with 白白 with basically the same meaning,
although 白白 has a stronger emphasis on the "wasted effort." 白白 is
also usually paired with a disyllabic verb, like 帮助, 准备, 学习 etc.
Unlike 白, 白白 can be used with a 地.
Structure
白白 + Verb + 了
Examples
明天不考中文，小王白白准备了一天。
Míngtiān bù kǎo Zhōngwén, Xiǎo Wáng báibái zhǔnbèi le yītiān.
There's no Chinese test tomorrow. Little Wang spent the whole day studying in vain.
他还是没有听我的建议，我白白给他说了这么长时间。
Tā háishì méiyǒu tīng wǒ de jiànyì, wǒ báibái gěi tā shuō le zhème cháng shíjiān.
He still doesn't listen to my advice. I spent such a long time talking to him, all for nothing.
他没有来，我在飞机场白白等了他四个小时。

Tā méiyǒu lái, wǒ zài fēijīchǎng báibái děng le tā sì gè xiǎoshí.
He didn't come. I wasted four hours at the airport waiting for him.
父母白白养了你这么多年，你一点也不关心你的父母。
Fùmǔ báibái yǎng le nǐ zhème duō nián, nǐ yīdiǎn yě bù guānxīn nǐ de fùmǔ.
Your parents raised you for so many years, just for you not to care about them at all.
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！
Tā báibái xué le shí nián de Yīngyǔ. Tā kàn de dǒng Yīngwén, dànshì lián jiǎndān de
duìhuà dōu bù huì shuō!
She spent ten years fruitlessly studying English. She can read English, but she can't even
hold a simple conversation!
白 as "For Free"
There are a group of mono-syllabic verbs that combine with 白 in the
same structure, but for these verbs, 白 means "for free." Think of these as
set phrases. All relate to the senses or some form of "consumption." This
list is not exhaustive:
白吃
bái chī
to eat for free
白喝
bái hē
to drink for free
白住
bái zhù
to stay (overnight) for free
Expressing "while you're at it"
with "shunbian" (B2)
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 Usage of 顺便
Structure
Subj. + Verb Phrase 1, 顺便 + Verb Phrase 2
Examples
你去买早饭的时候顺便帮我带杯咖啡吧。
Nǐ qù mǎi zǎofàn de shíhou shùnbiàn bāng wǒ dài bēi kāfēi ba.
When you go out to get breakfast can you also bring me a cup of coffee?
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 pick me up a bottle of milk while you're at 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 ate lunch while he was at it.
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 yī gè 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 the trash out as 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 see him.
Colloquial Usage of 顺便
Here 顺便 means something like "by the way, I'd like to...."
Common phrases
顺便说一下⋯⋯
顺便问一下⋯⋯
Examples
顺便说一下，我最近搬家了。
Shùnbiàn shuō yīxià, wǒ zuìjìn bānjiā le.
By the way, I moved recently.
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 next week are you coming back?
顺便说一下，电脑已经修好了。
Shùnbiàn shuō yīxià, diànnǎo yǐjīng xiū hǎo le.
By the way, the computer's been fixed.
顺便打听一下，你觉得小王这个人怎么样？
Shùnbiàn dǎtīng yīxià, nǐ juéde Xiǎo Wáng zhège rén zěnmeyàng?
By the way, I just wanted to ask you: what do you think of Xiao Wang?
Repeated actions in the past with
"you" (B2)
To emphasize that an action is being repeated again and again, we can
place 又 after a verb, then repeat the same verb again.
Structure
In the pattern below, 又, together with a repeating verb, indicates that the
speaker did something repeatedly (and probably not just twice) in the
past. Note that the verb used here must be a single-syllable verb, usually a
verb such as 看, 想, 问, 找, or 试. 了 is placed right after the first verb.
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, but I still feel I can't do 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 disagrees.
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 tell us.
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.
我想了又尝，还是觉得这些菜坏了。
Wǒ cháng le yòu cháng, háishì juéde zhèxiē cài huài le.
I tasted it again and again, but I still think the 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 sniffed 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 was approved.
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.
Similar to
Expressing "both A and B" with "you"
Reduplication of verbs
Emphasizing negation with "you"
Expressing "again" in the past with "you"
Comparing "zai" and "you"
Rhetorical questions with
"nandao" (B2)
Rhetorical questions use the form of a question to emphasize a point, thus
do 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. Since we don't "mark" our rhetorical questions like this in
English, this can take some getting used to in Chinese.
Structure
难道 + [Rhetorical Question] + 吗？
Examples
难道你真的相信他吗？
Nándào nǐ zhēn de xiāngxìn tā ma ?
You don't actually believe him, do you?
难道你是我妈吗？
Nándào nǐ shì wǒ mā ma ?
What are you, my mother or something?
今天是我的生日，难道你不知道吗？
Jīntiān shì wǒ de shēngrì, nándào nǐ bù zhīdào ma ?
Today's my birthday; you're telling me you didn't know?
难道你今天没去上班吗？
Nándào nǐ jīntiān méi qù shàngbān ma ?
Did you not go to work today?
你这么冷静，难道不知道发生了什么吗？
Nǐ zhème lěngjìng, nándào bù zhīdào fāshēng le shénme ma ?
You are so calm. Do you not know what happened?
你父母这么关心你，难道你一点都感觉不到吗？
Nǐ fùmǔ zhème guānxīn nǐ, nándào nǐ yīdiǎn dōu gǎnjué bù dào ma ?
Your parents care so much about you. Don't tell me that you don't feel it at all?
他这么帅，又这么有钱，难道你不想嫁给他吗？
Tā zhème shuài, yòu zhème yǒu qián, nándào nǐ bù xiǎng jià gěi tā ma ?
He's so handsome and rich! Are you 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
Nándào wǒ yīnggāi gěi nǐ duōshao qián?
How much money should I give you?
难道他们还要等多长时间？ ☞ Not a 吗 question
Nándào tāmen hái yào děng duōcháng shíjiān?
How long do they still have to wait?
难道你还想在这种公司工作多少年？
Nándào nǐ hái xiǎng zài zhè zhǒng gōngsī gōngzuò duōshao nián?
How many more years do you want to work for this kind of company?
Similar to
Simple rhetorical questions
The opposite of "chabuduo" is
"cha hen duo" (B2)
You might be used to thinking of 差不多 (chàbuduō) as a single word,
and that's totally OK. But if you want to negate the whole idea of rough
equivalency, then you need to think of it as a phrase and use 差很多 (chà
hěn duō). Not surprisingly, it's a little less versatile than 差不多.
Structure
When 差不多 (chàbuduō) is a predicate, it literally means "the difference
is not much." The opposite, then, would be 差很多 (chà hěn duō), which
literally means "the difference is very great." Less literally, if 差不多
means "more or less the same," then 差很多 means "not the same at all"
or "very different."
Subj. + 差很多
A + 跟 / 和 + B + 差很多
Examples
中西方的文化差很多。
Zhōng xīfāng de wénhuà chà hěn duō .
Chinese culture and western culture are quite different.
这两个词的意思差不多，但是用法差很多。
Zhè liǎng gè cí de yìsi chàbuduō, dànshì yòngfǎ chà hěn duō .
The meanings of these two words are basically the same, but their usages are very
different.
她和她老公的年龄差很多。
Tā hé tā lǎogōng de niánlíng chà hěn duō .
There is a big difference between her age and her husband's age.
公司今年的收入跟去年差很多。
Gōngsī jīnnián de shōurù gēn qùnián chà hěn duō .
The company's income for this year is quite different from last year.
这个服务员和经理的服务态度差很多。
Zhège fúwùyuán hé jīnglǐ de fúwù tàidu chà hěn duō .
There is a big difference in the attitude between this waiter and his manager.
我的生活习惯跟我父母差很多。
Wǒ de shēnghuó xíguàn gēn wǒ fùmǔ chà hěn duō .
My life habits are very different from my parents'.
两个老师都很好，不过他们的学历差很多。
Liǎng gè lǎoshī dōu hěn hǎo, bùguò tāmen de xuélì chà hěn duō .
They are both great teachers, but their educational backgrounds are very different.
老版本跟新版本的功能差很多。
Lǎo bǎnběn gēn xīn bǎnběn de gōngnéng chà hěn duō .
There are huge differences in the features between the old version and the new one.
这两件衣服看起来差不多，但是质量差很多。

Zhè liǎng jiàn yīfu kànqilai chàbuduō, dànshì zhìliàng chà hěn duō .
These two pieces of clothing look pretty much the same, but their quality is very different.
他们是双胞胎，但是两个人的性格差很多。
Tāmen shì shuāngbāotāi, dànshì liǎng gè rén de xìnggé chà hěn duō .
They are twins, but their personalities are very different.
Listing things with "a" (B2)
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. You're giving the sense
that you're not listing every single thing that you could; it's a non-
exhaustive list.
Structure
A 啊， B 啊， C 啊 (+ 什么的)⋯⋯
The list can be followed by 什么的, but is not generally followed by 等

等 as this feels too formal.
Examples
我们什么零食都有，花生啊，瓜子啊，薯片啊，你随便吃
吧。
Wǒmen shénme língshí dōu yǒu, huāshēng a , guāzǐ a , shǔpiàn a , nǐ suíbiàn chī ba.
We have all sorts of snacks: peanuts, roasted seeds, chips, go ahead and eat whatever you
want.
小王啊，小李啊，小张啊，他们都在公司，你可以找他们。

Xiǎo Wáng a , Xiǎo Lǐ a , Xiǎo Zhāng a , tāmen dōu zài gōngsī, nǐ kěyǐ zhǎo tāmen.
Xiao Wang, Xiao Li, and Xiao Zhang all work for the same company, you can ask them.
手机有很多功能，比如说拍照啊，看视频啊，听歌啊，都可

以。
Shǒujī yǒu hěn duō gōngnéng, bǐrú shuō pāizhào a , kàn shìpín a , tīng gē a , dōu kěyǐ.
Cell phones have many features like taking photos, watching videos, and listening to
music. They can do it all.
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！
Yǐzi a , zhuōzi a , diànnǎo a shénme de , dōu mǎihǎo le, xiànzài bàngōngshì zhǐ chà zhāo
yuángōng le!
Chairs, tables, computers, and so on have all been bought. Now the office only needs to
hire staff!
春节啊，中秋节啊，端午节啊，都是中国重要的节日。

Chūnjié a , Zhōngqiū Jié a , Duānwǔ Jié a , dōu shì Zhōngguó zhòngyào de jiérì.
Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, are all important Chinese
holidays.
这首歌太火了，路上啊，车上啊，电视上啊，都在放这首

歌。
Zhè shǒu gē tài huǒ le, lùshang a , chē shang a , diànshì shang a , dōu zài fàng zhè shǒu
gē.
This song is too popular! On the street, in the car, on TV, they are all playing this song.
《中文听说读写》啊，《发展汉语》啊，《实用汉语课本》啊

，我都学过！
“Zhōngwén Tīng Shuō Dú Xiě” a , “Fāzhǎn Hànyǔ” a , “Shíyòng Hànyǔ Kèběn” a , wǒ dōu
xué guo!
"Integrated Chinese," "Developing Chinese," and "The Practical Chinese Reader"... I've
studied them all!
你去上海啊，杭州啊，南京啊，都很方便的。
Nǐ qù Shànghǎi a , Hángzhōu a , Nánjīng a , dōu hěn fāngbiàn de.
Going to Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, are all very convenient.
Similar to
Sentence-final interjection "a"
Ending a non-exhaustive list with "shenme de"
Expressing "stuff like that" with "zhileide"
Expressing "and then" with
"yushi" (B2)
于是 is a conjunction used to express a continuation between two events.
The second event is the direct result of the first event. You'll often hear
于是 used in storytelling.
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 often used in the same sentence.
⋯⋯ ，于是 ⋯⋯ + 了
Examples
我看大家都买了，于是我也买了。
Wǒ kàn dàjiā dōu mǎi le, yúshì wǒ yě mǎi le .
I saw everyone was buying it. So then I bought it, too.
昨天突然下雨了，于是我们取消了野餐的计划。
Zuótiān tūrán xiàyǔ le, yúshì wǒmen qǔxiāo le yěcān de jìhuà.
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。
Wǎngzhàn shang de piào yǐjīng mài guāng le, yúshì wǒmen mǎi le huángniú piào.
The tickets on the website were all sold out. So then we bought tickets from scalpers.
他的英语太差了，于是，他妈妈给他请了一个英语家教。
Tā de Yīngyǔ tài chà le, yúshì , tā māma gěi tā qǐng le yī gè Yīngyǔ jiājiào.
His English was too terrible. So 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。
Tā fāxiàn nánpéngyou yǐjīng jiéhūn le. Yúshì , tā mǎshàng gēn tā fēnshǒu le .
She found out that her boyfriend was already married. So she immediately broke up with
him.
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。
Diànyǐng tài bàolì le, wǒmen shízài kàn bu xiàqù le, yúshì jiù zǒu le .
This movie was so violent, we couldn't bear watching it anymore. So then we left.
他实在太懒了，于是老板就把他辞了。
Tā shízài tài lǎn le, yúshì lǎobǎn jiù bǎ tā cí le .
He was way too lazy, so the boss just let him go.
我很喜欢这个手机，于是就买下来了。
Wǒ hěn xǐhuan zhè ge shǒujī, yúshì jiù mǎi xiàlai le .
I really like this cell phone, so I just bought it.
那个学生学习不认真，于是就被他的妈妈骂了。
Nàge xuéshēng xuéxí bù rènzhēn, yúshì jiù bèi tā de māma mà le .
That student didn't study seriously, so he was scolded by his mother.
刚刚跟朋友聊到了旅行，于是两个人就打开了话匣子，聊
了起来。
Gānggāng gēn péngyou liáo dào le lǚxíng, yúshì liǎng gè rén jiù dǎkāi le huàxiázi, liáo le
qǐlai.
While chatting they had just gotten to the topic of travel, and then the two of them really
got going, talking non-stop.
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，于是，大家都不喜欢跟他说话。

Tā jīngcháng suíbiàn kāiwánxiào, yúshì , dàjiā dōu bù xǐhuan gēn tā shuōhuà.
他经常随便开玩笑，因此，大家都不喜欢跟他说话。
Tā jīngcháng suíbiàn kāiwánxiào, yīncǐ , dàjiā dōu bù xǐhuan gēn tā shuōhuà.
He often makes jokes recklessly. Therefore, people doesn't like to talk to him.
In the incorrect sentence above, it is not two sequential events that

happened in the past, so 于是 is not appropriate. In the correct sentence,
there is a clear cause-effect relationship, so 因此 is used.
Using "er" to explain contrasting
ideas (B2)
The conjunction 而 (ér) is used to connect two sentences that are related
to each other, and is also frequently used to emphasize contrast between
two parts of the sentence. Used in this way, it can be translated as "but
rather." 而 is often used in more formal or literary language, but is also
common in everyday speech.
Start with 是
Frequently you'll see the pattern in one of these two more specific forms
involving the verb 是:
Structure
不是⋯⋯，而是⋯⋯
是⋯⋯，而不是⋯⋯
Strictly speaking, the 而 isn't required in either of these patterns, but it

makes the contrast super clear.
Examples
我们是来办事的，而不是来玩的。
Wǒmen shì lái bànshì de, ér bù shì lái wán de.
We're here to do work, not to have fun.
以后后悔的人不是我，而是你自己。
Yǐhòu hòuhuǐ de rén bù shì wǒ, ér shì nǐ zìjǐ.
The person to later regret this won't be me. It will be you.
你这样做是害他，而不是帮他。
Nǐ zhèyàng zuò shì hài tā, ér bù shì bāng tā.
By doing this you were hurting him, not helping him.
不好意思，我是不小心，而不是故意的。
Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ shì bù xiǎoxīn, ér bù shì gùyì de.
I'm sorry. It was an accident. It wasn't on purpose.
现在要做的不是责怪谁错了，而是怎么解决。
Xiànzài yào zuò de bù shì zéguài shéi cuòle, ér shì zěnme jiějué.
Now is not the time to place blame, but rather to figure out how to resolve this.
我没说不是因为想骗你，而是怕你不高兴。
Wǒ méi shuō bù shì yīnwèi xiǎng piàn nǐ, ér shì pà nǐ bù gāoxìng.
I didn't tell you not because I wanted to deceive you, but rather I was afraid you would be
upset.
我不是不想帮你，而是没有能力帮你。
Wǒ bù shì bù xiǎng bāng nǐ, ér shì méiyǒu nénglì bāng nǐ.
It's not that I don't want to help you, it's that I have no way to help you.
重要的不是你的外表，而是你的内心。
Zhòngyào de bù shì nǐ de wàibiǎo, ér shì nǐ de nèixīn.
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。
Shēnghuó zhōng bù shì quēshǎo měi, ér shì quēshǎo fāxiàn měi de yǎnjīng.
It's not that life is lacking in beauty, but rather that we lack eyes that discover it.
Generalized Pattern
Structure
Sentence 1， + 而 + Sentence 2
Examples
我今天去你家找你了，而你不在家。
Wǒ jīntiān qù nǐ jiā zhǎo nǐ le, ér nǐ bù zài jiā.
I went to your home today looking for you, but you weren't there.
孩子发烧很严重，而你一点都不关心。
Hái zǐ fāshāo hěn yánzhòng, ér nǐ yīdiǎn dōu bù guānxīn.
Your child has a very severe fever, and yet you don't seem at all concerned.
她在公司很受欢迎，而我并不喜欢她。
Tā zài gōngsī hěn shòu huānyíng, ér wǒ bìng bù xǐhuan tā.
She is very popular in our company, but I don't like her at all.
As you can see, 而 comes between the two to stress the contrast.
Similar to
Expressing "not only... but also" with "budan... erqie..."
Expressing "among" with
"dangzhong" (B2)
当中 (dāngzhōng) means "among," or more literally "in the middle of."
In English this is a bit like "of," as in, "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, such as "in the middle
of negotiations."
Structure
Group / Process + 当中
Examples
你是我所有朋友当中最聪明的一个。
Nǐ shì wǒ suǒyǒu péngyou dāngzhōng zuì cōngming de yī gè.
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。
Zài zhè yībǎi gè xuǎnshǒu dāngzhōng wǒ biǎoxiàn de zuì chūsè.
Among these one hundred contestants, my performance was the most outstanding.
他们当中很多都是上海人。
Tāmen dāngzhōng hěn duō dōu shì Shànghǎi rén.
Among them, there are many Shanghainese.
五个人当中有一个人是小偷。
Wǔ gè rén dāngzhōng yǒu yī gè rén shì xiǎotōu.
Of the five people, one of them is a thief.
在这么多家餐厅当中，就是他们家比较好吃。
Zài zhème duō jiā cāntīng dāngzhōng , jiùshì tāmen jiā bǐjiào hǎochī.
Of the many restaurants, theirs is best.
这个工程还在计划当中。
Zhège gōngchéng hái zài jìhuà dāngzhōng .
This engineering project is still in the planning stage.
这批产品还在设计当中，还没有完全确定。
Zhè pī chǎnpǐn hái zài shèjì dāngzhōng , hái méiyǒu wánquán quèdìng.
This batch of products is still being designed and has not been finalized.
我们还在考虑当中，你不要着急。
Wǒmen hái zài kǎolǜ dāngzhōng , nǐ bùyào zhāojí.
We are still in the process of considering it, please don't get impatient.
现在还在调查当中，还不知道结果。
Xiànzài hái zài diàochá dāngzhōng , hái bù zhīdào jiéguǒ.
It still under investigation, so the result is not yet known.
我还在搬家当中，每天要处理很多事情。
Wǒ hái zài bānjiā dāngzhōng , měitiān yào chǔlǐ hěn duō shìqing.
I'm in the process of moving, and every day I have many things to deal with.
When used to express "among," 当中 is a little like 其中 (qízhōng).

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.
Similar to
Expressing "one of" with "zhiyi"
Expressing "within (it/them)" with "qizhong"
Expressing "each other" with
"bici" (B2)
彼此 (bǐcǐ) is a personal pronoun. 彼 (bǐ) is an archaic word meaning 那
(nà) or "that," and 此 (cǐ) means 这 (zhè) or "this." Therefore, 彼此 (bǐcǐ)
literally means "that and this," and is used in modern times to mean "you
and me".
Basic Usage as Subject or Object

Structure
As a personal pronoun, 彼此 (bǐcǐ) is often used as a subject. When used
as an object, the verb must be disyllabic and is quite formal in tone.
彼此 + Predicate
Verb + 彼此
Examples
我们只见过一次，彼此不是很了解。
Wǒmen zhǐ jiàn guo yī cì, bǐcǐ bù shì hěn liǎojiě.
We've only met once. We don't know each other well.
我们是一个团队，彼此应该多沟通。
Wǒmen shì yī gè tuánduì, bǐcǐ yīnggāi duō gōutōng.
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。
Wǒ hěn zūnzhòng wǒ de duìshǒu, wǒ xīwàng bǐcǐ dōu néng yǒu hǎo de biǎoxiàn.
I respect my opponent very much. I hope we both can perform well.
我们是一家人，必须好好照顾彼此。
Wǒmen shì yī jiā rén, bìxū hǎohāo zhàogù bǐcǐ .
We're a family. We must do a good job looking after each other.
好朋友总是会陪伴彼此。
Hǎo péngyou zǒng shì huì péibàn bǐcǐ .
Good friends always spend time with each other.
你们是夫妻，怎么一点也不信任彼此？
Nǐmen shì fūqī, zěnme yīdiǎn yě bù xìnrèn bǐcǐ ?
You're husband and wife. How can you not trust each other at all?
Basic Usage as an Attributive

As a personal pronoun, 彼此 (bǐcǐ) is often used as an attributive,
modifying a noun.
Structure
Sometimes you can also use 彼此 (bǐcǐ) before a noun to make the
meaning of the modified noun more abstract.
彼此 + 的 + Noun
Examples
过去一年，我们见证了彼此的进步。
Guòqù yī nián, wǒmen jiànzhèng le bǐcǐ de jìnbù.
Over the past year, we have witnessed each other's progress.
大家都很辛苦，我们需要尊重彼此的努力。
Dàjiā dōu hěn xīnkǔ, wǒmen xūyào zūnzhòng bǐcǐ de nǔlì.
Everyone is facing hardships, we need to respect each other's efforts.
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。
Wǒmen shí nián méi jiàn le, duì bǐcǐ de shēnghuó dōu bù liǎojiě, yě hěn jīngyà bǐcǐ de
biànhuà.
It had been ten years since we last met. We didn't really know about each other's lives and
we were surprised at how the other had changed.
我们了解了彼此的需求，再也不吵架了。
Wǒmen liǎojiě le bǐcǐ de xūqiú, zài yě bù chǎojià le.
We came to understand each other's needs and didn't argue again.
Using 彼此 Idiomatically
When speaking colloquially, you can repeat 彼此 twice: “彼此彼此”. It's
a type of idiom that can mean "Everyone is the same" or "We are both the
same".
A: 你的家真不错。
Nǐ de jiā zhēn bùcuò.
What a nice home you have.
B: 彼此彼此！
Bǐcǐ bǐcǐ!
Same, same!
Expressing "when" using "dang"
(B2)
当⋯⋯时候（dāng... shíhou) means "when," very similar to just using 时
候 or 时.
Structure
当 + Phrase (+ 时候)，⋯⋯
Examples
当我有自行车的时候，大家都开始骑电动车了。
Dāng wǒ yǒu zìxíngchē de shíhou , dàjiā dōu kāishǐ qí diàndòngchē le.
When I got a bike, everyone started to riding electric ones.
当我看到这张照片，我就想起了你。
Dāng wǒ kāndào zhè zhāng zhàopiàn, wǒ jiù xiǎng qǐ le nǐ.
When I saw this photo, I immediately thought of you.
当弟弟肚子饿的时候，他就会哭得很大声。
Dāng dìdi dùzi è de shíhou , tā jiù huì kū de hěn dàshēng.
When my little brother is hungry, he will cry loudly.
当深颜色和浅颜色的衣服放在一起洗时，浅颜色的衣服会
染色。
Dāng shēn yánsè hé qiǎn yánsè de yīfu fàng zài yīqǐ xǐ shí , qiǎn yánsè de yīfu huì rǎnsè.
When washing dark and light colors together, the light-colored clothes will become dyed.
当你遇到困难的时候，不要怕，来找我。
Dāng nǐ yùdào kùnnan de shíhou , bùyào pà, lái zhǎo wǒ.
When you encounter challenges, don't be afraid. Come find me.
当天快黑的时候，下雨了。
Dāng tiān kuài hēi de shíhou , xià yǔ le.
When it was almost dark out, it rained.
当我离开家的时候，我只有十四岁。
Dāng wǒ líkāi jiā de shíhou , wǒ zhǐyǒu shísì suì.
When I left home, I was only fourteen years old.
每天当超市开门的时候，会有很多人来买便宜的鸡蛋。
Měitiān dāng chāoshì kāimén de shíhou , huì yǒu hěn duō rén lái mǎi piányi de jīdàn.
Every day when the supermarket opens, lots of people will come and buy the cheap eggs.
当她生气的时候，她就会去买衣服。
Dāng tā shēngqì de shíhou , tā jiù huì qù mǎi yīfu.
When she is angry, she will just go and buy clothes.
当我吃太多的时候，肚子就会不舒服。
Dāng wǒ chī tài duō de shíhou , dùzi jiù huì bù shūfu.
When I eat too much, my stomach doesn't feel good.
Expressing "within (it/them)"
with "qizhong" (B2)
In classical Chinese, 其 (qí) 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 three ties, of which two feature Batman."
Structure
Category / Group / Context + 其中
Examples
我有四辆汽车，其中三辆都是宝马。
Wǒ yǒu sì liàng qìchē, qízhòng sān liàng dōu shì Bǎomǎ.
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。
Dàochù dōu yǒu gūdú de rén, wǒ zhǐ shì qízhōng yī gè.
There are lonely people everywhere. I am just one of them.
这么多项目，其中最难做的就是环境的项目。

Zhème duō xiàngmù, qízhōng zuì nán zuò de jiùshì huánjìng de xiàngmù.
Of these many projects, the most difficult is the environmental project.
你的书房有那么多书，你能把其中的一本书给我吗？
Nǐ de shūfáng yǒu nàme duō shū, nǐ néng bǎ qízhōng de yī běn shū gěi wǒ ma?
You have so many books in your study. Can you give me one of those books?
公司里有三把伞，其中两把是老板的。
Gōngsī li yǒu sān bǎ sǎn, qízhōng liǎng bǎ shì lǎobǎn de.
Of the three umbrellas in the office, two are the boss's.
这么多人，我只认识其中的一个。
Zhème duō rén, wǒ zhǐ rènshí qízhōng de yī gè.
Of the many people, I only know one of them.
你没有做过生意，不知道其中的辛苦。
Nǐ méiyǒu zuò guo shēngyì, bù zhīdào qízhōng de xīnkǔ.
You have never done business before, so you don't know the hardship of it.
不要笑话跳广场舞的大妈，以后你可能成为其中的一个。
Bù yào xiàohua tiào guǎngchǎng wǔ de dàmā, yǐhòu nǐ kěnéng chéngwéi qízhōng de yī
gè.
Don't laugh at the square dancing aunties. Someday you may become 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。
Rénlèi èrshí-yī shìjì miànlín xǔduō wèntí, qízhōng zuì yánzhòng de shì huánjìng wèntí.
Humankind faces many challenges in the 21st century. Among them, the most serious is
the problem of the environment.
工作虽然有时枯燥，但是我乐在其中。
Gōngzuò suīrán yǒushí kūzào, dànshì wǒ lè zài qízhōng .
Although work is sometimes dull, I do 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.
Similar to
Expressing "one of" with "zhiyi"
Expressing "among" with "dangzhong"
Name-calling with "zhege" (B2)
这个 (zhège) can be used by the speaker to emphasize how one regards
something or someone. Using 这个 has a stronger effect, and is used with
both making simple declarative statements as well as with rude name-
calling.
You "Label"! with 这个

Structure
Subj. + 这个 + [Category]
When maliciously name-calling, you probably want to use "你这个

[mean name]."
Examples
你这个坏蛋，就没做过一件好事。
Nǐ zhège huàidàn, jiù méi zuò guo yī jiàn hǎoshì.
You're such a bad person! You haven't done a single good thing.
他这个马屁精，又去拍老板的马屁了。
Tā zhège mǎpìjīng, yòu qù pāi lǎobǎn de mǎpì le.
He's such a brown-noser. He's kissing up to the boss again.
上海这个城市，夏天太热，冬天太冷。
Shànghǎi zhège chéngshì, xiàtiān tài rè, dōngtiān tài lěng.
As for Shanghai, its summers are too hot and its winters are too cold.
你这个人，怎么能做出这样的事情？
Nǐ zhège rén, zěnme néng zuò chū zhèyàng de shìqing?
What kind of person are you? How could you do this?
他这个工作，还是很有挑战的。
Tā zhège gōngzuò, háishì hěn yǒu tiǎozhàn de.
This job of his still has a lot of challenges.
Similar Pattern with 这种 and 这类

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. In this usage, it's not
used for name-calling.
Structure
Subj. + 这种 / 这类 + [Category]
Examples
猕猴桃这种水果，营养价值最高。
Míhóutáo zhè zhǒng shuǐguǒ, yíngyǎng jiàzhí zuì gāo.
This fruit we call kiwifruit has a high nutritional value.
钱这种东西，可以有可以没有。
Qián zhè zhǒng dōngxi, kěyǐ yǒu kěyǐ méiyǒu.
This thing we call money, I could take it or leave it.
猴子这种动物，很聪明的。
Hóuzi zhè zhǒng dòngwù, hěn cōngming de.
This animal we call the monkey is very intelligent.
游泳这种运动，需要你长期坚持。
Yóuyǒng zhè zhǒng yùndòng, xūyào nǐ chángqī jiānchí.
Swimming is the kind of exercise that requires long-term persistence.
抽奖这种活动，都是骗人的。
Chōujiǎng zhè zhǒng huódòng, dōu shì piàn rén de.
Raffles and the like are all scams.
Advanced "le" after an object (B2)
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 了1 also frequently
follows not the verb, but the object after the verb. What are the rules for
this? When is it natural and when is it not? That's what this grammar
point is about: bringing a bit more depth to your understanding of
expressing completion with "le".
Two Possible Structures

Both of these basic structures are possible (and correct), even when 了 is
only indicating completion.
Subj. + Verb + 了 + Obj.
Subj. + Verb + Obj. + 了
If it's a rather short and simple sentence, putting 了 directly after the verb,
while not technically incorrect, can make the sentence feel incomplete.
For example:
我上了课。
Wǒ shàng le kè.
I had class....
老师问了问题。
Lǎoshī wèn le wèntí.
The teacher asked questions....
So for these short sentences, it would be more natural to put 了 after the
object . So what are the rules for when to put 了 directly after the verb,
and when to put it after the object? That is the point of this article.
When 了 Goes After the Object

So the question now is when it's OK to move the 了 to after the object. It
often is. Let's look more closely at the circumstances. Unfortunately, 了
is notorious for evading nice clear rules, but we'll do our best here to
provide reliable guidelines for usage.
Structure
Subj. + Verb + Obj. + 了
When the Object is Short, Put 了 After

the Object
For these examples where the object is short, it sounds better to put 了
after the object. It's not wrong to put the 了 after the verb, but it sounds a
little strange to do so. (It may sound stranger for some examples than
others, and native speakers will have varying opinions about which sound
the strangest. Ask them!)
我上了课。
Wǒ shàng le kè.
我上课了。
Wǒ shàng kè le .
I had class.
老师问了问题。
Lǎoshī wèn le wèntí.
老师问问题了。
Lǎoshī wèn wèntí le .
The teacher asked questions.
丽丽到了火车站。
Lìlì dào le huǒchēzhàn.
丽丽到火车站了。
Lìlì dào huǒchēzhàn le .
Lili has arrived at the train station.
When the Object is Medium-Length, Put

了 After the Verb or Object
Once the object gets a bit longer, it starts to sound OK again to put the 了
immediately after the verb, but it also sounds good to put it after the (not
too long) object.
他提交了那些报告。
Tā tíjiāo le nàxiē bàogào.
他提交那些报告了。
Tā tíjiāo nàxiē bàogào le .
He filed those reports.
我今天见了老朋友。
Wǒ jīntiān jiàn le lǎo péngyou.
我今天见老朋友了。
Wǒ jīntiān jiàn lǎopéngyou le .
I met my old friend today.
我发现了那个秘密。
Wǒ fāxiàn le nàge mìmì.
我发现那个秘密了。
Wǒ fāxiàn nàge mìmì le .
I discovered the secret.
When the Object is Long, Put 了 After

the Verb
Once the object gets long enough, it gets awkward to put 了 at the end.
The listener has to wait too long to find out if the verb already spoken has
been completed or not. So save your listener the suspense; for long
objects, it sounds more natural to put the 了 directly after the verb.
他提交了今天所有的报告。
Tā tíjiāo le jīntiān suǒyǒu de bàogào.
他提交今天所有的报告了。
Tā tíjiāo jīntiān suǒyǒu de bàogào le .
He has submitted all the reports for today.
我今天见了我二十年没见的老朋友。
Wǒ jīntiān jiàn le wǒ èrshí nián méi jiàn de lǎo péngyou.
我今天见我二十年没见的老朋友了。
Wǒ jīntiān jiàn wǒ èrshí nián méi jiàn de lǎo péngyou le .
I met my old friend today whom I haven't seen for 20 years.
我听说了昨天在地铁站发生的事情。
Wǒ tīngshuō le zuótiān zài dìtiězhàn fāshēng de shìqing.
我听说昨天在地铁站发生的事情了。
Wǒ tīngshuō zuótiān zài dìtiězhàn fāshēng de shìqing le .
I heard about what happened yesterday at the subway station.
了 After a Verb with an Object

You may remember these from your original studies of 了 to indicate
completion, but it's worth revisiting them to remind you that there are
cases when you shouldn't move 了 to after the object, even when your
verbs and objects are relatively short.
Structure
Subj. + Verb + 了 + Obj.
When the following conditions are met, 了 is typically placed before the
object, which completes the sentence and gives it a tone of completion.
Examples Specifying the Object
When the object has modifiers, such as an indication of quantity or an
adjective, it's not weird to put 了 immediately after the verb.
他买了一辆车。
Tā mǎi le yī liàng chē.
He bought a car.
妈妈做了很多菜。
Māma zuò le hěn duō cài.
Mom made many dishes.
她穿了最漂亮的裙子。
Tā chuān le zuì piàoliang de qúnzi.
She wore the most beautiful dress.
Examples Specifying the Time, Place,

Purpose, etc.
When time, place, manner, or purpose are specified in a sentence, 了 can
be used immediately after the verb to indicate completion.
我昨天看了电影。
Wǒ zuótiān kàn le diànyǐng.
I saw a movie yesterday.
我和同事一起吃了饭。
Wǒ hé tóngshì yīqǐ chī le fàn.
I had dinner together with my colleagues.
我们在动物园和熊猫拍了照。
Wǒmen zài dòngwùyuán hé xióngmāo pāi le zhào.
We took photos with pandas in the zoo.
他女朋友为了他辞了工作。
Tā nǚpéngyou wèile tā cí le gōngzuò.
His girlfriend quit her job for him.
他们顺利地到了南极。
Tāmen shùnlì de dào le Nánjí.
They arrived at the South Pole without incident.
Examples Involving Result
Complements
When the object has modifiers, such as an indication of quantity or an
adjective, it's not weird to put 了 immediately after the verb.
我买到了票。
我做完了工作。
小明花光了钱。
Completion in the Future

了 (le) can also indicate that one action is completed before another in the
future , and this type of 了 is often placed directly after a verb with an
object.
你到了家给我打电话。 ☞ future action
Nǐ dào le jiā gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà.
After you have arrived home, call me.
我下了课去找你。 ☞ future action
Wǒ xià le kè qù zhǎo nǐ.
I will go find you after I get out of class.
她想毕了业就结婚。 ☞ future action
Tā xiǎng bì le yè jiù jiéhūn.
She wants to get married after she graduates.
我打算生了孩子就回去工作。 ☞ future action
Wǒ dǎsuàn shēng le háizi jiù huíqù gōngzuò .
I plan to go back to work after having the baby.
Usage of Double 了
In this case, 了 follows both the verb and the object.
Emphasizing "Big Quantity"
If another 了 is added at the end of the sentence, implies that the number
in front of the object is already a big number, and that this number could
continue to grow.
他们生了四个孩子了。
Tāmen shēng le sì gè háizi le .
They've had four children already.
你吃了五个包子了。
Nǐ chī le wǔ gè bāozi le .
You've eaten five baozi already.
Giving a Tone of Strong Confirmation

If there is another 了 placed at the end of the sentence, it can add a
stronger emphasis that the action was already completed, in the same way
we might say we "did finish the work" or "already finished the work"
instead of just saying we "finished the work."
我做了作业了，你要检查吗？
Wǒ zuò le zuòyè le , nǐ yào jiǎnchá ma?
I already finished my homework. Do you want to check it?
他问了经理了，经理说行。
Tā wèn le jīnglǐ le , jīnglǐ shuō xíng.
He already asked the manager, and the manager said yes.
Similar to
Expressing completion with "le"
Advanced "le" with complements
Advanced "le" with complements
(B2)
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 about when a
complement comes after the verb? Does that count as part of the verb or
not? The answer, as it often is with 了, is "it's complicated."
Two Possible Structures

Both of these structures are possible, but the second one has fewer
acceptable use cases.
Subj. + Verb + Complement + 了
Subj. + Verb + 了 + Complement
The former is more common in informal speech, while the latter is more
common in written language and is only used with certain types of
complements.
了 After the Complement

This is fine for most verb-complement structures. No real limits here.
Some examples：
买到了。
Mǎi dào le .
Purchased/bought.
做起来了。
Zuò qǐlái le .
Produced/made.
吃完了。
Chī wán le .
Finished eating.
周杰伦演唱会的门票卖光了。
Zhōu Jiélún yǎnchànghuì de ménpiào mài guāng le .
Jay Chou's concert tickets are sold out.
包里装满了书。
Bāo li zhuāng mǎn le shū.
The book has been wrapped.
我今天睡了十个小时，睡够了。
Wǒ jīntiān shuì le shí gè xiǎoshí, shuì gòu le .
Today I slept for ten hours. It was definitely enough sleep.
我第一次听到这首歌，就爱上了这首歌。
Wǒ dì-yī cì tīngdào zhè shǒu gē, jiù ài shàng le zhè shǒu gē.
The first time I heard this song, it hurt me.
我们打赢了比赛。
Wǒmen dǎ yíng le bǐsài.
We won the competition.
了 After a Verb with a Complement

While you do NOT do this with result complements (e.g. 完, 好, etc.), it
is a very common structure with direction complements in written
Chinese.
Some examples：
站了起来
Zhàn le qǐlái .
stood up
走了上去
Zǒu le shàngqù .
walked upward to
吃了起来
Chī le qǐlái .
started eating
跑了过来
Pǎo le guòlái .
ran over here
聊了下去
Liáo le xiàqù .
chatted on
我看到一个人游了过去。
Wǒ kāndào yī gè rén yóu le guòqù .
I saw someone swim over there.
我已经把行李拿了上来。
Wǒ yǐjīng bǎ xíngli ná le shànglái .
I've already brought my luggage up.
我把桃子摘了下来。
Wǒ bǎ táozi zhāi le xiàlái .
I picked the peach (and pulled it down).
小妹看到妈妈不在家，哭了起来。
Xiǎomèi kāndào māma bù zài jiā, kū le qǐlái .
Xiao Mei started crying when she saw her mother wasn't home.
我把整杯水都喝了下去。
Wǒ bǎ zhěng bēi shuǐ dōu hē le xiàqù .
I drank down a whole cup of water.
Similar to
Expressing completion with "le"
Advanced "le" after an object
Marking a topic with "ma" (B2)
The particle 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. Unlike the sentence-final 嘛 pattern you may know, the
following comment may or may not be one the speaker feels is obvious.
Structure
Topic + 嘛，Statement
Examples
Translations for this pattern are going to be a bit looser than for many
other grammar patterns.
大熊猫嘛，大家都喜欢。
Dàxióngmāo ma , dàjiā dōu xǐhuan.
Pandas. Everybody likes them.
名牌嘛，一定不便宜。
Míngpái ma , yīdìng bù piányi.
Well, it's a name brand. It can't be cheap.
第一次嘛，以后就会了。
Dì-yī cì ma , yǐhòu jiù huì le.
It's your first time. You'll get the hang of it soon.
孩子嘛，不懂这些很正常。
Háizi ma , bù dǒng zhèxiē hěn zhèngcháng.
Kids. It's not unusual that they don't understand these things.
老板请客嘛，随便点。
Lǎobǎn qǐngkè ma , suíbiàn diǎn.
The boss is buying. Order whatever you want.
上海嘛，菜都是这样的。
Shànghǎi ma , cài dōu shì zhèyàng de.
It's Shanghai. All the food here is like this.
比赛嘛，不紧张是不可能的。
Bǐsài ma , bù jǐnzhāng shì bù kěnéng de.
It's a competition. It's not possible to not be nervous.
歌手嘛，我们两个都喜欢周杰伦。
Gēshǒu ma , wǒmen liǎng gè dōu xǐhuan Zhōu Jiélún.
The singer,we both like Jay Chou.
学生嘛，就应该有学生的样子。
Xuéshēng ma , jiù yīnggāi yǒu xuéshēng de yàngzi.
Students should act like students.
开车嘛，最重要的是安全。
Kāichē ma , zuì zhòngyào de shì ānquán.
When it comes to driving, the most important thing is safety.
See also
Expressing the self-evident with "ma"
Similar to
Expressing the self-evident with "ma"
Topic-comment sentences
Marking a topic with "de hua"
Softening the tone of questions
with "ne" (B2)
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！
Wǒ qù Miǎndiàn ne , háishì Tàiguó ne ? Wǒ děi xiǎng yi xiǎng!
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！
Zánmen dǎ yóuxì ne , háishì pào bā ne , wǒ dōu kěyǐ!
Should we play video games or go to the bar? I'm OK with either!
The example sentences above almost have a tone that the speaker is
talking to him/herself, as the question is not directly asked of the listener.
A second verb is only necessary if different from the first verb.
呢 with Questions Involving
Interrogative Pronouns
Interrogative pronouns, of course, include 哪儿，谁，怎么，什么, 为什
么, 什么时候, etc.
Structure
⋯⋯Interrogative Pronoun⋯⋯ + 呢？
Examples
这是谁的笔呢?
Zhè shì shéi de bǐ ne ?
I wonder whose pen this is?
他去哪儿了呢？
Tā qù nǎr le ne ?
I wonder where he's going?
怎么会呢？
Zěnme huì ne ?
How could that be?
In the previous examples, the speaker has a tone of conjecture, a bit like
saying "I wonder" in English. Again, as in the first usage, the question is
not directly asked of the listener. Overusing 呢 in your questions can
sound a bit feminine, though, so keep this in mind.
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.
Tone of voice used is also an important factor here, and adding 呢 can
give a tone of uncertainty, which sounds less demanding and 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.
Nǐ qù bu qù guàngjiē?
Well are you going to go shopping or what?
你去不去逛街呢？ ☞ Less intense, just asking a question.

Nǐ qù bu qù guàngjiē ne ?
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
Niúnǎi nǐ hē bu hē ?
Are you gonna 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.
Niúnǎi nǐ hē bu hē ne ?
Did you want to drink that milk?
你周末加不加班？ ☞ Perhaps a manager asking a subordinate. This seems like

an order, perhaps implying there will be consequences for not working overtime.
Nǐ zhōumò jiā bu jiābān ?
You're working this weekend, right?
你周末能不能加班？ ☞ Perhaps a manager asking a subordinate. This is not

super direct, as 能 has been added.
Nǐ zhōumò néng bu néng jiābān?
Can you come into work on the weekend?
你周末能不能加班呢？ ☞ Much more indirect than the above example,

implying the person really does have a choice.
Nǐ zhōumò néng bu néng jiābān ne ?
Would you mind coming in on the weekend?")
Remember: the exact meaning of the above sentences depends on the full
context, and tone of voice is very important as well. The interpretations
given are just possible examples.
Similar to
Questions with "ne"
Suggestions with "ba"
Modal particle "ne"
Softening speech with "ba"
Defining upper and lower limits
(B2)
To specify "more than" or "less than" a certain amount, or "within" a
certain amount, you're going to want to use some of these common
words: 以上 (yǐshàng), 以下 (yǐxià), 以内 (yǐnèi), and 以外 (yǐwài). All
are "nouns of locality," or 方位词 in Chinese.
以上 and 以下
以上 and 以下 mean "more than"/"above" and "less than"/"below,"
respectively. Generally they are non-inclusive, meaning that when you
say 十岁以下 you mean "less than ten years of age," up to ten, but not
including ten years old. In actual usage, however, this fine point may
sometimes be fudged a little.
Structure
Amount / Level + 以上 / 以下
Examples
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.
我老家空气还不错，PM2.5 一般在五十以下。
Wǒ lǎojiā kōngqì hái bùcuò, PM èr diǎn wǔ yībān zài wǔshí yǐxià .
The air in my hometown is good. The PM 2.5 level is generally under 50.
这里的冬天气温都在零度以下。
Zhèlǐ de dōngtiān qìwēn dōu zài língdù yǐxià .
The winter temperatures here go below zero.
我们出差都住三星级以上的酒店。 ☞ This could possibly be inclusive of

3-star hotels. Real-world usage is sometimes imprecise!
Wǒmen chūchāi dōu zhù sān xīngjí yǐshàng de jiǔdiàn.
When we go on business trips, we stay at hotels with above a 3-star rating.
以下就谈谈这个问题应该怎么解决。 ☞ This could be written or spoken.

Yǐxià jiù tántán zhège wèntí yīnggāi zěnme jiějué.
Following, we will discuss how we should resolve this problem.
以上只是我个人的看法。 ☞ This could be written or spoken.

Yǐshàng zhī shì wǒ gèrén de kànfǎ.
The above is just my personal opinion.
以内 and 以外
Literally, 以内 and 以外 mean "within" and "outside." This spatial
meaning can be extended to all kinds of abstracted meanings, as you will
see below. Note that 以外 often combines with 除了.
Structure
[Amount / Time / Place / Scope] + 以内 / 以外
Examples
两天以内必须完成。
Liǎng tiān yǐnèi bìxū wánchéng.
Must be completed within two days.
半小时以内能送到吗？
Bàn xiǎoshí yǐnèi néng sòng dào 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.
Please stand 2 meters or more from this place.
Books
Expressing "along with..." with
"suizhe" (B2)
随着 (suízhe) means "along with," "following," or, more formally, "in the
wake of." The idea is that one thing is "following" another, reacting along
with it.
Simple Form
Structure
Subj. + 随着 + Noun + Verb Phrase
Examples
随着 is one of those words that can have a wide range of translations, all
highly dependent upon the context.
树枝随着风不停地摇动。
Shùzhī suízhe fēng bù tíng de yáodòng.
The branch swayed ceaselessly in the wind.
孩子们随着音乐跳起了舞。
Háizi men suízhe yīnyuè tiào qǐ le wǔ.
Children started dancing to the music.
污染物随着人的呼吸进入了人体内部。
Wūrǎn-wù suízhe rén de hūxī jìnrù le réntǐ nèibù.
The pollutants entered the body through inhalation.
这些垃圾随着河水流到了大海。
Zhèxiē lājī suízhe héshuǐ liú dào le dàhǎi.
The garbage flowed into the sea along with the river.
我们随着他的琴声唱起了歌。
Wǒmen suízhe tā de qín shēng chàng qǐ le gē.
We started singing along with his playing.
Two-Part Form
Structure
随着 can also be used in the following structure to indicate that a change
in the first part causes a respective change in the second part. In this case,
the first part is typically a general trend, like economic development or
rising prices.
随着 + Trend，Subj. + Predicate
Examples
随着经济的发展，人们的生活越来越好了。
Suízhe jīngjì de fāzhǎn, rénmen de shēnghuó yuèláiyuè hǎo le.
With economic development, the people's lives get better and better.
随着石油价格的升高，粮食的价格涨了一点。
Suízhe shíyóu jiàgé de shēnggāo, liángshí de jiàgé zhǎng le yīdiǎn.
With the rise in oil prices, the price of grain has also increased a bit.
随着年龄的增加，他变得更加成熟了。
Suízhe niánlíng de zēngjiā, tā biàn de gèngjiā chéngshú le.
As he has gotten older, he has become 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。
Suízhe Zhōngguó guójì dìwèi de tígāo, Zhōngguó rén yě biàn de yuèláiyuè yǒu zìxìn le.
As the international status of China improves, 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。
Suízhe rénkǒu bùduàn zēngjiā, dà chéngshì de shèhuì wèntí yuèláiyuè duō le.
In the wake of an ever-increasing population, the social problems in large cities become
ever more numerous.
Similar to
Expressing simultaneous actions with "yimian"
Expressing "ever since" with
"zicong" (B2)
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.
When you need to use 以来 in a more formal or written context, you can
add 自, 从, or 自从 (or other similar words) before the time or event to
make it into a "sandwich pattern."
Basic Usage of "zicong"

自从 is used to mark a starting point in time. The same meaning can be
expressed with just 从, but 自从 is more formal.
Structure
自从 + [Starting Point] ， ⋯⋯
Examples
自从来到湖南，我越来越能吃辣了。
Zìcóng lái dào Húnán, wǒ yuèláiyuè néng chī là le .
Ever since arriving in Hunan I've been more and more able to eat spicy food.
自从金融危机爆发，就业市场越来越不景气了。
Zìcóng jīnróng wēijī bàofā, jiùyè shìchǎng yuèláiyuè bù jǐngqì le .
Ever since the economic crisis hit the job market has gotten worse and worse.
自从吵完架，两个人再也没有说过话。
Zìcóng chǎo wán jià, liǎng ge rén zài yě méiyǒu shuō guo huà .
Since their fight the two of them haven't spoken at all.
Common Mistakes
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。 ☞ 从 can be used for future times.

Cóng míngtiān kāishǐ, wǒ yào rènzhēn kàn shū.
自从明天开始，我要认真看书。 ☞ 自从 cannot.
Zìcóng míngtiān kāishǐ, wǒ yào rènzhēn kàn shū.
Starting from tomorrow, I'm going to study seriously.
Note that 从 can be used to denote time, whereas 自从 can only be used
to express starting points in time .
从我家到机场的距离是一百公里。 ☞ 从 can be used for physical

distances.
Cóng wǒ jiā dào jīchǎng de jùlí shì yī bǎi gōnglǐ.
自从我家到机场的距离是一百公里。 ☞ 自从 cannot.
Zìcóng wǒ jiā dào jīchǎng de jùlí shì yī bǎi gōnglǐ.
From my home to the airport, the distance is 100 kilometers.
Alternatives to "zicong" and Adding

"yilai"
Structure
从 / 自从 / 自 + Time / Event + (以)后 / 以来
These words all mean "from," with 从 the least formal, 自从 noticeably
more formal, and 自 the most formal. At the end of the structure, 以后 is
the least formal, followed by 后, with 以来 the most formal.
Examples
自从他跟我分手后，他就没有联系过我。
Zìcóng tā gēn wǒ fēnshǒu hòu , tā jiù méiyǒu liánxì guo wǒ.
Ever since he broke up with me he hasn't contacted me.
自从用手机付款后，我很少带现金出门。
Zìcóng yòng shǒujī fùkuǎn hòu , wǒ hěnshǎo dài xiànjīn chūmén.
Ever since I've started using my phone to pay for stuff I rarely take cash when I go out.
从他爸爸去世以来，他一直没回过家。
Cóng tā bàba qùshì yǐlái , tā yīzhí méi huí guo jiā.
He hasn't returned home since his father passed away.
从毕业以来，她一直在教汉语。
Cóng bìyè yǐlái , tā yīzhí zài jiāo Hànyǔ.
She has been teaching Chinese since she graduated.
自改革开放以来，中国社会发生了巨大的变化。
Zì gǎigé kāifàng yǐlái , Zhōngguó shèhuì fāshēng le jùdà de biànhuà.
Tremendous changes have been taking place in China since the reform and opening up to
the outside world.
自从妹妹出生以来，妈妈就更忙了。
Zìcóng mèimei chūshēng yǐlái , māma jiù gèng máng le.
Ever since my little sister was born, mom has been busier than ever.
Similar to
Comparing "li" and "cong"
Expressing "ever since" with "yilai"
Expressing "for..." with "eryan"
(B2)
对⋯⋯而言 (duì...ér yán) means "from the point of view of" and is
equivalent to but more formal than 对⋯⋯来说.
Structure
对 + [Person / Group] + 而言，⋯⋯
Examples
这样的工作对我而言很重要。
Zhèyàng de gōngzuò duì wǒ ér yán hěn zhòngyào.
This kind of job, for me, is very important.
对她而言，自由更重要。
Duì tā ér yán , zìyóu gèng zhòngyào.
For her, freedom is even more important.
对 80后而言，网恋很正常。
Duì 80 hòu ér yán , wǎngliàn hěn zhèngcháng.
For people born in the eighties, Internet dating is totally normal.
对你而言，我就是一个这样的人吗？
Duì nǐ ér yán , wǒ jiùshì yī gè zhèyàng de rén ma?
To you, am I that kind of person?
对老师而言，你把汉语学好，老师就很开心了。
Duì lǎoshī ér yán , nǐ bǎ Hànyǔ xué hǎo, lǎoshī jiù hěn kāixīn le.
For the teacher, if you learn Mandarin well, that's the most satisfying.
对一个民族而言，团结可以战胜一切。
Duì yī gè mínzú ér yán , tuánjié kěyǐ zhànshèng yīqiè.
For an ethnic group, unity can overcome all else.
对消费者而言，促销活动很有吸引力。

Duì xiāofèi zhě ér yán , cùxiāo huódòng hěn yǒu xīyǐnlì.
For consumers, sales promotions are very appealing.
这产品对你而言，应该没有吸引力吧？
Zhè chǎnpǐn duì nǐ ér yán , yīnggāi méiyǒu xīyǐnlì ba?
For you this product doesn't have much appeal, right?
对小明而言，这不仅仅是一个奖品，更是一种肯定。

Duì Xiǎo Míng ér yán , zhè bùjǐnjǐn shì yī gè jiǎngpǐn, gèng shì yī zhǒng kěndìng.
For Xiao Ming, this is not merely a prize, but more of an affirmation.
对同性恋而言，告诉家人自己真正的性取向不容易。

Duì tóngxìngliàn ér yán , gàosù jiārén zìjǐ zhēnzhèng de xìngqǔxiàng bù róngyì.
For homosexuals, telling their family their true sexual orientation is not easy.
Similar to
Using "dui" with verbs
Expressing "with regards to" with "zhiyu"
Limiting scope with "jiu"
Indicating contrast with "ze"
Expressing "including" with
"zainei" (B2)
The word 在内 can be used as a prepositional 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."
Structure
(包括)⋯⋯ 在内，⋯⋯
or
⋯⋯ ，(包括)⋯⋯ 在内
Examples
这些费用不包括在内。
Zhèxiē fèiyòng bù bāokuò zài nèi .
These fees are not included.
你把饭钱包括在内了吗？
Nǐ bǎ fàn qián bāokuò zài nèi le ma?
Did you include your meal stipend?
这件事，大家都是有责任的，包括政府在内。
Zhè jiàn shì, dàjiā dōu shì yǒu zérèn de, bāokuò zhèngfǔ zài nèi .
Everyone has responsibility in this matter, including the government.
包括他的母语在内，他会说四种语言。
Bāokuò tā de mǔyǔ zài nèi , tā huì shuō sì zhǒng yǔyán.
Including his native language, he can speak 4 languages.
水电费在内，我每个月的房租三千五。
Shuǐdiàn fèi zài nèi , wǒ měi gè yuè de fángzū sān qiān wǔ.
My monthly rent is 3500, including water and electricity.
这次袭击造成了三人死亡，包括两名警察在内。
Zhè cì xíjī zàochéng le sān rén sǐwáng, bāokuò liǎng míng jǐngchá zài nèi .
This attack caused three deaths, 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。
Xiǎomǐ huì zài xià gè yuè fābù bāokuò xiǎomǐ diànshì zài nèi de jǐ gè xīn chǎnpǐn.
Xiaomi will launch several new products next month, including Xiaomi TV.
这个团队包括我在内，一共八个人。
Zhège tuánduì bāokuò wǒ zài nèi , yīgòng bā gè rén.
This team, including me, has eight people altogether.
包括老板在内，大家都不同意这个意见。
Bāokuò lǎobǎn zài nèi , dàjiā dōu bù tóngyì zhè ge yìjiàn.
Including the boss, everyone disagrees with this opinion.
现在我们线上销售非常好，包括今天在内，营业额已经两千
万了。
Xiànzài wǒmen xiànshàng xiāoshòu fēicháng hǎo, bāokuò jīntiān zài nèi , yíngyèé yǐjīng
liǎng qiān wàn le.
Now our online sales are great, including today's sales, the sales volume has already
reached 20 million.
Expressing "on the basis of" with
"ping" (B2)
凭 (píng) is a preposition that means "on the basis of" or "by virtue of."
Usually the subject of a sentence which makes use of 凭 is a person.
Structures using 凭
凭 with a Noun
凭 can be followed up with a noun or noun phrase. The nouns can be
something concrete like a passport, diploma, or official ID, or they can be
something abstract like experience, efforts, intuition, etc.
凭 + Noun / Noun Phrase ⋯⋯
Examples
凭护照，外国人可以买火车票。
Píng hùzhào, wàiguó rén kěyǐ mǎi huǒchē piào.
Using a passport, foreigners can buy train tickets.
他凭自己的努力学了三千多个汉字。
Tā píng zìjǐ de nǔlì xué le sān qiān duō gè hànzì.
He studied more than three thousand Chinese characters through his own efforts.
我们凭学生证在电影院享受折扣优待。

Wǒmen píng xuéshēng zhèng zài diànyǐngyuàn xiǎngshòu zhékòu yōudài.
With our 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 ⋯⋯
Examples
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。
Píng wǒ xué Zhōngwén de shíjiān bǐ nǐ duǎn dànshì shuō de bǐ nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiù kěyǐ shuō wǒ
bǐ nǐ cōngming.
From the fact that I have studied Chinese for a shorter time but speak it better than you, I
can say that I'm smarter than you.
凭老李在这一行做了二十年，他就有资格做你的师傅。
Píng Lǎo Lǐ zài zhè yī háng zuò le èrshí nián, tā jiù yǒu zīgé zuò nǐ de shīfu.
On the basis of Lao Li's twenty years of experience in this industry, he is qualified to be
your teacher.
他只凭歌声就能听出是谁唱的。
Tā zhī píng gēshēng jiù néng tīng chū shì shéi chàng de.
He could tell who was singing just by the sound of the song.
学好跳舞不能只凭看迈克尔·杰克逊的视频，还得凭自己的
努力。
Xuéhǎo tiàowǔ bù néng zhǐ píng kàn Màikè'ěr·Jiékèxùn de shìpín, hái děi píng zìjǐ de nǔlì.
Watching Michael Jackson's videos isn't enough to learn how to dance. You also have to
rely on your own efforts.
凭 with 什么
This is one of the most common ways to use 凭, especially in spoken
Chinese. It often has a feeling of dissatisfaction or anger, perhaps said
during an argument. It is like saying, "On what basis do you ...!?!?"
Usually it is paired with blaming, scolding, attacks, etc.
Subj. + 凭什么 + Verb Phrase ⋯⋯ ？！
Examples
你凭什么怪我！
Nǐ píng shénme guài wǒ!
On what grounds are you blaming me?
我没有做错，他凭什么骂我？
Wǒ méiyǒu zuò cuò, tā píng shénme mà wǒ?
I haven't done anything wrong. What is he yelling at me for?
她一直很忠诚，你凭什么怀疑她？
Tā yīzhí hěn zhōngchéng, nǐ píng shénme huáiyí tā?
She's always been honest. On what basis are you suspicious of 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 action
occurs habitually 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。
Xiǎo Bái píngzhe zìjǐ de nǔlì zhìfù.
On the basis of his own hard work, Xiao Bai was able to become rich.
他凭着智慧战胜了很多的困难。
Tā píngzhe zhìhuì zhànshèng le hěn duō de kùnnan.
Using his intellect, he was able to overcome many difficulties.
Similar to
Expressing "along with⋯" with "suizhe"
Expressing passive voice with
"gei" (B2)
给 can be used in passive voice constructions. It can either directly
replace 被 or be used together with 被. Compared with 被, 给 is more
colloquial and is not used in written language.
Only using 给
Structure
给 can directly replace 被 in the original passive pattern.
Receiver + 给 + The Doer + Verb Phrase
Examples
我给他骗了。
Wǒ gěi tā piàn le.
I got scammed by him.
这么好的机会给你浪费了。
Zhème hǎo de jīhuì gěi nǐ làngfèi le.
Such a great opportunity has been wasted by you.
菜都给你们吃完了吗？
Cài dōu gěi nǐmen chī wán le ma?
All the food has been finished off by you guys?
孩子都给你宠坏了。
Háizi dōu gěi nǐ chǒng huài le.
That kid is totally spoiled by you.
这里的水都给污染了。
Zhèlǐ de shuǐ dōu gěi wūrǎn le.
The water here is all polluted.
Using 给 with 被
When using 给 in the passive voice, you can also use it with 被. In this
structure 给 gives emphasis to the passive voice. You can find more
information at: Advanced uses of 被.
Structure
Receiver + 给 + The Doer + 给 + Verb Phrase
Examples
我的电脑被小明给弄坏了。
Wǒ de diànnǎo bèi Xiǎo Míng gěi nòng huài le.
My computer was broken by Xiao Ming.
妹妹被这个电影给吓哭了。
Mèimei bèi zhège diànyǐng gěi xià kū le.
My younger sister was scared to tears by this movie.
大家都被这个新闻给吸引了。
Dàjiā dōu bèi zhège xīnwén gěi xīyǐn le.
Everyone was attracted by the news.
手机不要被小偷给偷走了。
Shǒujī bùyào bèi xiǎotōu gěi tōu zǒu le.
Don't let your cell phone get stolen by a thief.
别被父母给说服了，你要坚持自己的想法。
Bié bèi fùmǔ gěi shuōfú le, nǐ yào jiānchí zìjǐ de xiǎngfǎ.
Don't be persuaded by parents! You need to stick to your own ideas.
Expressing "with regards to" with
"zhiyu" (B2)
至于 (zhìyú), meaning "with regards to" or "as to," is used when the
speaker wants to comment on a topic related to the previously discussed
one.
Structure
This structure is used similarly to "with regards to" in English. Just put at
the beginning of the sentence, before the further comment you want to
make.
至于 + Topic， Comment
Examples
Note: 至于 is used after some other discussion or comments. It is not
used to start a new discussion free of context.
项目方案我给老板了。至于老板同不同意，要看老板了。
Xiàngmù fāng'àn wǒ gěi lǎobǎn le. Zhìyú lǎobǎn tóng bu tóngyì, yào kàn lǎobǎn le.
I've given the project proposal to my boss. Iit's up to him whether he agrees or not.
他足球踢得不错，至于篮球，那就一般了。
Tā zúqiú tī de bùcuò, zhìyú lánqiú, nà jiù yībān le.
He is a good soccer player, but just average at basketball.
我很喜欢读书，至于什么书，没有限制。
Wǒ hěn xǐhuan dúshū, zhìyú shénme shū, méiyǒu xiànzhì.
I like reading very much. As for what books, there are no limits.
我已经和你说很多了，至于这个问题，你自己好好想想。
Wǒ yǐjīng hé nǐ shuō hěn duō le, zhìyú zhège wèntí, nǐ zìjǐ hǎohāo xiǎngxiang.
I've already told you a lot. As for this question, just think about it yourself.
我只能帮你这么多，至于后面怎么做，你要自己努力了。
Wǒ zhǐ néng bāng nǐ zhème duō, zhìyú hòumiàn zěnme zuò, nǐ yào zìjǐ nǔlì le.
That's all I can do for you. As for what to do later, you're going to have to work hard on
your own.
我过年一定会回家的，至于她回不回去，我不关心。

Wǒ guònián yīdìng huì huí jiā de, zhìyú tā huí bù huíqù, wǒ bù guānxīn.
I'll definitely go home for Chinese New Year, but as for whether she goes back or not, I'm
not involved.
小猫我先养着，至于钱的事儿，以后再说。
Xiǎo māo wǒ xiān yǎngzhe, zhìyú qián de shì er, yǐhòu zàishuō.
I'll raise the kitten for now, and as for the matter of money, we'll talk about it later.
我已经尽力了，至于结果只能看运气了。
Wǒ yǐjīng jìnlì le, zhìyú jiéguǒ zhǐ néng kàn yùnqì le.
I've already tried my best. With regards to the results, it all depends on luck.
她跟我说明天回来，至于具体的时间，我就不知道了。
Tā gēn wǒ shuō míngtiān huílái, zhìyú jùtǐ de shíjiān, wǒ jiù bù zhīdào le.
She told me she was coming back tomorrow. With regards to the specific time, I don't
know about that.
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。
Lǜshī zhǐ néng wèi tā de kèhù biànhù, zhìyú zuìhòu de pànjué, nà jiù qǔjué yú fǎguān le.
A lawyer can only defend her client. As for the verdict, that depends on the judge.
Similar to
Comparing "duiyu" and "zhiyu"
Limiting scope with "jiu" (B2)
"Limiting scope" is like saying, "what I'm about to say applies to just this
." You precede the scope with 就 (jiù) in this pattern.
Indicating Scope with Just 就

"就” can be placed after the subject to indicate the object or scope of the
subject's activities such as observation, discussion, analysis, and
explanation.
Basic Structure
Subj. + 就 + Scope + Verb + Obj.
Examples
两国领导人就环保问题交换了意见。
Liǎng guó lǐngdǎorén jiù huánbǎo wèntí jiāohuàn le yìjiàn.
The two leaders exchanged views on environmental issues.
我就这个问题说两点我的想法。
Wǒ jiù zhège wèntí shuō liǎng diǎn wǒ de xiǎngfǎ.
I would like to make two points on this issue.
大家就中国互联网的发展发表了各自的看法。
Dàjiā jiù Zhōngguó hùliánwǎng de fāzhǎn fābiǎo le gèzì de kànfǎ.
Everyone expressed their own thoughts on the development of China's internet.
中国主席就中国最近的经济改革做了发言。
Zhōngguó zhǔxí jiù Zhōngguó zuìjìn de jīngjì gǎigé zuò le fāyán.
China's chairman made a statement on China's recent economic reforms.
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。
Láizì gèguó de jiàoyù xuézhě men jiù shénme shì zuìhǎo de jiàoyù fāngfǎ jìnxíng le jīliè de
tǎolùn.
Education experts from every country had a heated discussion on the best methods of
education.
Limiting Scope with 就⋯⋯来说 / 而言
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 (zhìyú) , 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。
Jiù Zhōngguó de Dúshēngzǐnǚ Zhèngcè ér yán , zhuānjiā gè yǒu gè de kànfǎ.
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。

Jiù Wénhuà Dàgémìng ér yán , dàbùfèn de rén dōu rènwéi nà shì yī chǎng zāinàn.
As for the Cultural Revolution, most of the people think it was a disaster.
就整体而言，这幅画不错，但是有一些细节还是要注意。
Jiù zhěngtǐ ér yán , zhè fú huà bùcuò, dànshì yǒu yīxiē xìjié háishì yào zhùyì.
As a whole, the painting is not bad, but there are some details that need attention.
就这些事情来说，他没有错。
Jiù zhèxiē shìqing lái shuō , tā méiyǒu cuò.
In regards to these matters, he didn't do anything wrong.
就我们家来说，要求还是很多的，比如晚上十二点以前必须

回家。
Jiù wǒmen jiā lái shuō , yāoqiú háishì hěn duō de, bǐrú wǎnshang shí'èr diǎn yǐqián bìxū
huíjiā.
With regards to my family, there are lots of demands on me. For example, we have to be
home before twelve o'clock in the evening.
Similar to
Expressing earliness with "jiu"
Expressing "for⋯" with "eryan"
Expressing "on the basis of" with "ping"
Opportune timing with "chen"
(B2)
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
Note that in English using the literal translation "take advantage of" often
isn't natural.
趁打折，我买了新手机。
Chèn dǎzhé, wǒ mǎi le xīn shǒujī.
Taking advantage of the discount, I bought a new phone.
趁现在不忙，你快走吧。
Chèn xiànzài bùmáng, nǐ kuài zǒu ba.
Go now, while no one is busy.
趁这个机会，我们见个面吧。
Chèn zhège jīhuì, wǒmen jiàn gè miàn ba.
Let's take this opportunity to meet up.
趁年轻，多去玩玩吧。
Chèn niánqīng, duō qù wánwan ba.
You guys should go have more fun while you're still young.
趁天气好，我要去野餐。
Chèn tiānqì hǎo, wǒ yào qù yěcān.
While the weather is good, I'm going on a picnic.
趁老板不在，我们打一会儿游戏吧。
Chèn lǎobǎn bù zài, wǒmen dǎ yīhuìr yóuxì ba.
While the boss is out, we can play video games for a little while.
趁我现在有假期，我们可以去旅游。
Chèn wǒ xiànzài yǒu jiàqī, wǒmen kěyǐ qù lǚyóu.
While I have vacation days, we can go traveling.
趁孩子睡着的时候，我洗了很多衣服。
Chèn háizi shuìzháo de shíhou, wǒ xǐ le hěn duō yīfu.
Since the kids had fallen asleep, I washed a bunch of clothes.
妹妹经常趁我不在家的时候，玩我的电脑。
Mèimei jīngcháng chèn wǒ bù zài jiā de shíhou, wán wǒ de diànnǎo.
My little sister often plays with my computer when I am not at home.
小偷一定是趁我不注意的时候，把我的手机偷走的。
Xiǎotōu yīdìng shì chèn wǒ bù zhùyì de shíhou, bǎ wǒ de shǒujī tōu zǒu de.
The thief must have stolen my cell phone when I wasn't paying attention.
Emphasizing a negation with
"bing" (B2)
One of the many uses of 并 (bìng) is to add emphasis to a negative
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。
Zài Zhōngguó chuàngyè bìng bù róngyì, yǒu hěn duō de tiǎozhàn.
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。
Wǒ zài dàxué dú jīnróng zhuānyè, dànshì dāng jīnróng fēnxī rényuán bìng bù shì wǒ de
mèngxiǎng.
I'm majoring in finance at the university, but being a financial analyst is not at all my
dream.
她结婚五年了，也生了一个孩子，但她并不爱她丈夫。

Tā jiéhūn wǔ nián le, yě shēng le yī gè háizi, dàn tā bìng bù ài tā zhàngfu.
She's been married for five years and she has a baby, but she doesn't love her husband at
all.
你这样做其实并没有解决客户的问题。
Nǐ zhèyàng zuò qíshí bìng méiyǒu jiějué kèhù de wèntí.
What you did didn't actually solve our clients' problems at all.
我弹钢琴十年多了，但我并不喜欢这种乐器。
Wǒ tán gāngqín shí nián duō le, dàn wǒ bìng bù xǐhuan zhè zhǒng yuèqì.
I've been playing the piano for more than ten years, but I really don't like this musical
instrument.
我虽然和他讨论了，但我们并没有找到问题。
Wǒ suīrán hé tā tǎolùn le, dàn wǒmen bìng méiyǒu zhǎodào wèntí.
Although I've discussed it with him, we haven't found the problem at all.
我并不知道你昨天给我打电话了。
Wǒ bìng bù zhīdào nǐ zuótiān gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà le.
I didn't know at all that you called me yesterday.
昨天下的雨很大，但是天气并不凉快。
Zuótiān xià de yǔ hěn dà, dànshì tiānqì bìng bù liángkuai.
It rained heavily yesterday, but the weather didn't cool off at all.
虽然你说了很过分的话，但是我并没有生气。
Suīrán nǐ shuō le hěn guòfèn de huà, dànshì wǒ bìng méiyǒu shēngqì.
Although you said some very harsh things, I didn't get angry at all.
你送的礼物很贵，但是我并不喜欢。
Nǐ sòng de lǐwù hěn guì, dànshì wǒ bìng bù xǐhuan.
The gift you gave was very expensive, but I didn't like it at all.
Similar to
Emphasizing negation with "you"
Expressing "if it were not for"
with "yaobushi" (B2)
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），⋯⋯
The second part of the sentence tells what would have happened
otherwise.
Examples
要不是你，我会迷路。
Yàobùshì nǐ, wǒ huì mílù.
If it weren't for you, I would get lost.
要不是她帮忙，我们不可能这么快找到这个地方。

Yàobùshì tā bāngmáng, wǒmen bù kěnéng zhème kuài zhǎodào zhège dìfang.
We couldn't have found this place so quickly without her help.
要不是你说你想吃，我不会做这个菜的。
Yàobùshì nǐ shuō nǐ xiǎng chī, wǒ bù huì zuò zhège cài de.
I wouldn't have made this dish if you hadn't said that you wanted to eat it.
要不是因为他是你朋友，我是不会帮他的。
Yàobùshì yīnwèi tā shì nǐ péngyou, wǒ shì bù huì bāng tā de.
I wouldn't have helped him if it were not for him being your friend.
要不是我有急事，我会陪你去看电影的。
Yàobùshì wǒ yǒu jíshì, wǒ huì péi nǐ qù kàn diànyǐng de.
If I didn't have something urgent to do, I would go to the movies with you.
要不是你这么忙，我们早就见面了。
Yàobùshì nǐ zhème máng, wǒmen zǎojiù jiànmiàn le.
If you hadn't been so busy, we'd have met long ago.
要不是你刚才说错话，他是不会生气的。
Yàobùshì nǐ gāngcái shuō cuò huà, tā shì bù huì shēngqì de.
He wouldn't have gotten mad if it weren't for you saying the wrong thing just now.
要不是你们迟到的话，我们早就到了。
Yàobùshì nǐmen chídào dehuà , wǒmen zǎojiù dào le.
We would have gotten there long ago if it were not for you all being late.
要不是妈妈发现了的话，还可以在我家聚会。
Yàobùshì māma fāxiàn le dehuà , hái kěyǐ zài wǒ jiā jùhuì.
If Mom hadn't found out, we could have had the get-together at my house.
要不是堵车的话，我现在已经到上海了。
Yàobùshì dǔchē dehuà , wǒ xiànzài yǐjīng dào Shànghǎi le.
If it weren't for the traffic jam, I'd be in Shanghai by now.
Expressing "thanks to" with
"duokui" (B2)
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 that has been completed.
Basic Pattern with 多亏 (了)

Structure
[Good Outcome] ，多亏 (了) + [Lucky Incident]
Examples
我能这么快做完，多亏了你帮我。
Wǒ néng zhème kuài zuò wán, duōkuī le nǐ bāng wǒ.
I was able to finish so quickly thanks to your help.
我没迟到，多亏了你开车送我。
Wǒ méi chídào, duōkuī le nǐ kāichē sòng wǒ.
I wasn't late, thanks to you giving me a ride.
我的病很快好了，多亏了妈妈仔细照顾我。
Wǒ de bìng hěn kuài hǎo le, duōkuī le māma zǐxì zhàogù wǒ.
I got well quickly, thanks to my mother's care and attention.
项目可以顺利进行，多亏了你。谢谢你。
Xiàngmù kěyǐ shùnlì jìnxíng, duōkuī le nǐ. xièxie nǐ.
Because of you, the project is going smoothly. Thank you.
Pattern with 多亏 and 才
When the good outcome comes before 多亏 (as in the pattern above),
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)." (才 gives the sense that the good outcome wouldn't have
happened without that extra help.)
Structure
多亏 (了) + [Lucky Incident] ，Subj. 才 + [Good Outcome]
Examples
多亏了你开车送我，我才没迟到。
Duōkuī le nǐ kāichē sòng wǒ, wǒ cái méi chídào.
Thanks to your ride, I'm not late to get here.
多亏你的伞，我才没淋湿。
Duōkuī nǐ de sǎn, wǒ cái méi línshī.
Thanks to your umbrella, I didn't get wet.
多亏你帮我，我才能这么快做完。
Duōkuī nǐ bāng wǒ, wǒ cái néng zhème kuài zuò wán.
Thanks to your help, I was able to complete it so quickly.
Advanced Pattern with 多亏 and 不

然
If you want to add in 不然 (bùrán) for an "otherwise... (this really bad
thing would have happened)" explanation, use this structure.
Structure
多亏 (了) + [Lucky Incident] ，不然 + [Bad Outcome]
Examples
When translating to English, "thanks to" doesn't always work as well
when you have to add in "otherwise."
这件事情多亏了你的提醒，不然我肯定忘了。
Zhè jiàn shìqing duōkuī le nǐ de tíxǐng, bùrán wǒ kěndìng wàng le.
Thank you for reminding me about this matter! Otherwise I would definitely have
forgetten.
多亏你送她去医院，不然情况会很严重。
Duōkuī nǐ sòng tā qù yīyuàn, bùrán qíngkuàng huì hěn yánzhòng.
It was a good thing you took her to the hospital, otherwise her condition could have gotten
really serious.
多亏了你的建议，不然我真不知道怎么办。
Duōkuī le nǐ de jiànyì, bùrán wǒ zhēn bù zhīdào zěnme bàn.
It was a good thing you gave me that suggestion, otherwise I really wouldn't have known
what to do.
Difference between 多亏 and 幸亏

多亏 (duōkuī) is similar to 幸亏 (xìngkuī) in meaning, the major
grammatical similarity being that both can be used with 不然 or 才. But
there are a few difference between them:
1. Meaning: 多亏 emphasizes a feeling of gratitude towards a specific

person for the outcome, rather than attributing it purely to fortune as 幸
亏 does.
2. Collocations: 多亏 can combine with just a noun phrase, but 幸亏 can't.
3. Patterns: 多亏 can be placed in the beginning or the middle of a
sentence, while 幸亏 can be only placed in the beginning of the
sentence.
Similar to
Expressing good luck with "haihao"
Expressing "that's all" with "eryi"
(B2)
而已 (éryǐ) comes at the end of a sentence to express that something is
merely what it is. It is like saying "it's nothing more than x."
Pattern with 而已 After a Noun

Whenever you need to emphasize that something is just what it is and
that's all, you can stick 而已 at the end of the sentence.
Structure
(只是 / 就是 / 才 +) Noun + 而已
You may also see it used in combination with other words like 仅仅，
只，就，才 and so on.
Examples
一杯咖啡而已，不要这么感动。
Yī bēi kāfēi éryǐ , bùyào zhème gǎndòng.
It's just a cup of coffee, you don't need to be so moved.
“ 一千块而已 ” ？你不要说得这么容易。"
Yī qiān kuài éryǐ "? nǐ bùyào shuō de zhème róngyì.
"Only one thousand yuan?" Don't make it sound so easy.
只是电视剧而已，现实中可没有这样的事儿。

Zhī shì diànshìjù éryǐ , xiànshí zhōng kě méiyǒu zhèyàng de shìr.
It's just a TV series. There is no such thing in reality.
才一个问题而已，她就开始生气了。
Cái yī gè wèntí éryǐ , tā jiù kāishǐ shēngqì le.
There was only one problem, and she started to get angry.
就是一个吻而已，没有什么特别的意思。
Jiù shì yī gè wěn éryǐ , méiyǒu shénme tèbié de yìsi.
It was just a kiss. It didn't mean anything special.
Pattern with 而已 After a Longer

Phrase
Whenever you need to emphasize that something is just what it is and
that's all, you can stick 而已 at the end of the sentence.
Structure
Subj. + (只是 / 就是 / 才 / 仅仅 +) Verb + Obj. + 而已
Again, words like 仅仅，只，就，才 are optional, and add more

emphasis.
Examples
他只是开个玩笑而已，不要当真。
Tā zhǐ shì kāi gè wánxiào éryǐ , bùyào dàngzhēn.
He's only joking; don't take it seriously.
你才喝了一瓶啤酒而已，怎么会喝醉了呢？
Nǐ cái hē le yī píng píjiǔ éryǐ , zěnme huì hē zuì le ne?
You only drank one bottle of beer, h. How could you be drunk?
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。
Zhè cì huìyì méiyǒu dáchéng jùtǐ de fāng'àn, jǐnjǐn shì zài zhège wèntí shàng dáchéng le
gòngshì éryǐ .
This meeting did not produce a specific plan of action, only an agreement that there was
an issue.
仅仅是打了一个电话而已，我没有帮什么忙。
Jǐnjǐn shì dǎ le yī gè diànhuà éryǐ , wǒ méiyǒu bāng shénme máng.
All I did was was make a phone call. I didn't help much.
这辆车没什么特别，它就是辆普通的汽车而已。
Zhè liàng chē méi shénme tèbié, tā jiù shì liàng pǔtōng de qìchē éryǐ .
This car is nothing special, it's just an ordinary car.
Similar to
Expressing "nothing but" with "wufei"
Using "jiang" as a formal "ba" (B2)
将 (jiāng) is a formal alternative for 把 (bǎ) but marks an object in the
same way, and is generally used in formal contexts.
Structure
Subj. + 将 + Obj. + [Verb Phrase]
Examples
他将这些蛋糕都吃完了。
Tā jiāng zhèxiē dàngāo dōu chī wán le.
He has eaten all the cake.
政府将这个房子收回了。
Zhèngfǔ jiāng zhège fángzi shōuhuí le.
The government has reclaimed the house.
我们将竞争对手打败了。
Wǒmen jiāng jìngzhēng duìshǒu dǎbài le.
We have defeated our competitors.
公司将经常迟到的人解雇了。
Gōngsī jiāng jīngcháng chídào de rén jiěgù le.
The company dismissed the people who are always late.
Oscar 将最佳女主角这个奖颁给了一个很年轻的演员。
Oscar jiāng zuì jiā nǚ zhǔjué zhège jiǎng bān gěi le yī gè hěn niánqīng de yǎnyuán.
The Oscar for Best Actress was awarded to a very young actress.
学校将那些经常逃学的学生都开除了。
Xuéxiào jiāng nàxiē jīngcháng táoxué de xuéshēng dōu kāichú le.
The school expelled those students who frequently skipped school.
老板决定将公司 20% 的股份卖给一个美国公司。
Lǎobǎn juédìng jiāng gōngsī bǎifēnzhī èrshí de gǔfèn mài gěi yī gè Měiguó gōngsī.
The boss decided to a 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。
Zhèngfǔ yāoqiú zhèxiē guānyuán jiāng zāngkuǎn guīhuán gěi guójiā.
The government demanded that these officials return illicit funds.
哥哥希望我们将这个房子给他。
Gēge xīwàng wǒmen jiāng zhège fángzi gěi tā.
My older brother hopes that we will give him this house.
你将这个礼物带回去。
Nǐ jiāng zhège lǐwù dài huíqù.
You take this gift back with you.
Similar to
Using "ba" sentences
Expressing future with "jiang"
Challenging a verb with
"shenme" (B2)
Adding 什么 (shénme) to the end of a verb can be used to change a
sentence into a rhetorical question.
Verb + 什么 + Verb
Just like in English, asking "what are you looking at?" can be a rhetorical
question (hinting that you should stop staring), but can also be a sincere
inquiry about what exactly the other person is looking at. When you
repeat the verb, though, you make it pretty clear that you're not just
curious. You're so annoyed that you're asking a rhetorical question.
Structure
Verb + 什么 + Verb ？
Examples
你买什么买，钱都花光了。
Nǐ mǎi shénme mǎi , qián dōu huā guāng le.
Buy what, now? We spent all of our money.
你哭什么哭，又不是没有你的礼物。
Nǐ kū shénme kū , yòu bù shì méiyǒu nǐ de lǐwù.
What are you crying for? It's not like there's no gift for you.
你笑什么笑，看我做错了，你很开心吗？
Nǐ xiào shénme xiào , kàn wǒ zuò cuò le, nǐ hěn kāixīn ma?
What are you laughing at? Does seeing me make mistakes make you happy?
你说什么说，大家都不说话，就你说话。
Nǐ shuō shénme shuō , dàjiā dōu bù shuōhuà, jiù nǐ shuōhuà.
Why are you talking? Everyone else isn't saying a word, it's just you talking.
你看什么看，没见过美女啊？
Nǐ kàn shénme kàn , méi jiàn guo měinǚ a?
What are you looking at? Haven't you seen a pretty girl before?
Verb + 什么 + Object
This pattern is often used with separable verbs.
Structure
Verb + 什么 + Obj.
Examples
This usage is best illustrated with examples:
离什么婚！你们结婚才三个月。
Lí shénme hūn! nǐmen jiéhūn cái sān gè yuè.
What are you talking about, "divorce"?! You've only been married three months!
道什么歉啊，又不是你的错。
Dào shénme qiàn a, yòu bù shì nǐ de cuò.
No aplogies! You didn't do anything wrong.
开什么玩笑啊，你撞了我，我还要跟你说 “对不起” ？
Kāi shénme wánxiào a, nǐ zhuàng le wǒ, wǒ háiyào gēn nǐ shuō "duìbuqǐ"?
Is this some kind of joke? You ran into me, and now you want me to say sorry to you?
没有钱看什么电影。
Méiyǒu qián kàn shénme diànyǐng.
What movie can we go see when we're broke?
还吃什么早饭啊，要迟到了。
Hái chī shénme zǎofàn a, yào chídào le.
No time for breakfast. We're going to be late!
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.
Comparing specifically with
"xiang" (B2)
像 (xiàng) is used to compare a specific characteristic of two things or
people.
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。
Tā yǒushíhou xiàng xiǎohái yīyàng tiānzhēn.
She's as naive as a little kid sometimes.
这个老外的汉语像中国人一样地道。
Zhège lǎowài de Hànyǔ xiàng Zhōngguó rén yīyàng dìdao.
This foreigner can speak Chinese as fluently as native speakers do.
他很生气，像疯子一样大叫起来。
Tā hěn shēngqì, xiàng fēngzi yīyàng dà jiào qǐlái.
He was very angry and started to scream like a lunatic.
你怎么像我妈一样啰嗦！
Nǐ zěnme xiàng wǒ mā yīyàng luōsuo!
Why do you sound as nagging as my mom!
我像你一样大的时候，还不知道手机是什么。
Wǒ xiàng nǐ yīyàng dà de shíhou, hái bù zhīdào shǒujī shì shénme.
When I was as old as you are, I didn't know what a cell phone was.
不像 as "Not as ... as"

Structure
Noun 1 + 不像 + Noun 2 + (⋯⋯ ) 这么 / 那么 + Adj. / Verb
Examples
高铁不像飞机那么快。
Gāotiě bù xiàng fēijī nàme kuài.
High-speed trains are not as fast as airplanes.
上海的冬天不像北京那么干。
Shànghǎi de dōngtiān bù xiàng Běijīng nàme gān.
Winters in Shanghai are not as dry as in Beijing.
这个男老师不像那个女老师那么严格。
Zhège nán lǎoshī bù xiàng nàge nǚ lǎoshī nàme yángé.
This male teacher is not as strict as that female teacher.
我不像我父母那么喜欢省钱。
Wǒ bù xiàng wǒ fùmǔ nàme xǐhuan shěng qián.
I don't like saving money as much as my parents.
中西部不像东部发展得那么快。
Zhōng-xībù bù xiàng dōngbù fāzhǎn de nàme kuài.
The middle and western regions hasn't developed as rapidly as the eastern region.
Similar to
Expressing "compared with" using "gen"
Expressing comparable degree with "you"
Comparisons with "biqi"
Comparisons with "buru"
Comparisons with "biqi" (B2)
The 比起...来 (bǐ qǐ... lái) structure provides an alternate form and
relatively advanced way of making a comparison.
Basic Usage of 比起
Structure
In these two structures, 比起... 来 is used to compare A and B, with
emphasis on how A is different.
比起 + B (+ 来) ，A ⋯⋯
A can also be placed before 比起。
Examples
比起上海，我老家的物价便宜多了。
Bǐ qǐ Shànghǎi, wǒ lǎojiā de wùjià piányí duō le.
Compared to Shanghai, the prices in my hometown are way cheaper.
比起你来，我还差得远呢。
Bǐ qǐ nǐ lái , wǒ hái chà de yuǎn ne.
Compared with you, I'm still far from it.
本科生比起博士生来，学位要低很多。

Běnkē shēng bǐ qǐ bóshì shēng lái , xuéwèi yào dī hěn duō.
Compared with a doctoral student, an undergraduate student's degree is much lower.
Usage of 相比
Same meaning, slightly different structure.
Structure
相比 + B ，A ⋯⋯
和 / 跟／与 + B + 相比，A ⋯⋯
Examples
Note that the following sentence pairs are saying the exact same thing
using the two slightly different structures above.
相比网络教学，我更喜欢面对面教学。
Xiāngbǐ wǎngluò jiàoxué, wǒ gèng xǐhuan miànduìmiàn jiàoxué.
与网络教学相比，我更喜欢面对面教学。
Yǔ wǎngluò jiàoxué xiāngbǐ , wǒ gèng xǐhuan miànduìmiàn jiàoxué.
Compared with online teaching, I prefer face-to-face teaching.
相比几十年前，中国的农村发生了很大变化。
Xiāngbǐ jǐ shí nián qián, Zhōngguó de nóngcūn fāshēng le hěn dà biànhuà.
与几十年前相比，中国的农村发生了很大变化。
Yǔ jǐ shí nián qián xiāngbǐ , Zhōngguó de nóngcūn fāshēng le hěn dà biànhuà.
Compared with decades ago, China's rural areas have undergone great changes.
相比网络广告，平面广告贵很多。
Xiāngbǐ wǎngluò guǎnggào, píngmiàn guǎnggào guì hěn duō.
和平面广告相比，网络广告没那么贵。
Hé píngmiàn guǎnggào xiāng bǐ , wǎngluò guǎnggào méi nàme guì.
Compared with print advertising, online advertising is not that expensive.
相比身体的问题，精神的问题更难治疗。
Xiāng bǐ shēntǐ de wèntí, jīngshén de wèntí gèng nán zhìliáo.
和身体的问题相比，精神的问题更难治疗。
Hé shēntǐ de wèntí xiāng bǐ , jīngshén de wèntí gèng nán zhìliáo.
Compared with physical problems, mental problems are more difficult to treat.
Comparisons with "buru" (B2)
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
我哥的成绩不如我的。
Wǒ gē de chéngjì bùrú wǒ de.
My older brother's grades are not as good as mine.
看电影不如看原著。
Kàn diànyǐng bùrú kàn yuánzhù.
Watching a movie isn't as good as reading the book.
他总是觉得自己不如别人。
Tā zǒngshì juéde zìjǐ bùrú biérén.
He always thinks he's not as good as other people.
Advanced Patterns
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。
Zhè jiàn qúnzi bùrú nà jiàn hǎokàn.
This dress doesn't look as good as that one.
那个说法不如这个说法实用。
Nàge shuōfǎ bùrú zhège shuōfǎ shíyòng.
This saying isn't as practical as that one.
他穿得不如你好看。
Tā chuān de bùrú nǐ hǎokàn.
He doesn't dress as well as you do.
我担心我解释得不如你清楚。
Wǒ dānxīn wǒ jiěshì de bùrú nǐ qīngchǔ.
I'm afraid that I can't explain it as clearly as you.
他说中文不如他老婆说得地道。
Tā shuō Zhōngwén bùrú tā lǎopo shuō de dìdao.
He doesn't speak Chinese as authentically as his wife does.
我打字不如你打得快。
Wǒ dǎ zì bùrú nǐ dǎ de kuài.
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 that the choice that comes after 不如 is better than what was
just being discussed. When used like this, it is similar in meaning to 不妨
(bùfáng).
Structure
(与其 ⋯⋯ ，) 不如 ⋯⋯
不如 often occurs in the 与其⋯⋯不如⋯⋯ (yǔqí... bùrú...) structure,

meaning "rather than... might as well...." See the grammar point on 与其
for other similar patterns.
Examples
在家看电视多无聊！不如去 KTV 吧。
Zài jiā kàn diànshì duō wúliáo! Bùrú qù KTV ba.
Watching TV at home is so boring! It'd be more fun to go do karaoke.
我们在这里等也是浪费时间，不如先去吃个饭吧。
Wǒmen zài zhèlǐ děng yě shì làngfèi shíjiān, bùrú xiān qù chī gè fàn ba.
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。
Yǔqí kōngxiǎng, bùrú mǎshàng xíngdòng.
Rather than fantasizing about it, you might as well take action right away.
与其天天吵架，不如分手。
Yǔqí tiāntiān chǎojià, bùrú fēnshǒu.
Rather than fighting every day, you might as well break up.
Similar to
Basic comparisons with "bu bi"
Expressing "would rather" with "ningke"
Expressing "rather than..." with "yuqi... buru"
Making "-ize" and "-ify" verbs
with "hua" (B2)
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 "-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 adjective "modern" and add "-ize" to turn it into the verb
"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 -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
中国化、美国化、个性化、数字化、城市化、两极化、边缘化
Zhōngguó-huà , Měiguó-huà , gèxìng-huà , shùzì-huà , chéngshì-huà , liǎngjí-huà ,
biānyuán-huà
sinicize/Chinese-ify, Americanize, personalize, digitize, urbanize, polarize, marginalize
我们将净化整个行业。
Wǒmen jìng-huà zhěnggè hángyè.
We will purify the entire industry.
KFC 的中国本土化经营做得非常成功。

KFC de Zhōngguó běntǔ-huà jīngyíng zuò de fēicháng chénggōng.
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。
Dèng Xiǎopíng tíchū le Sì Gè Xiàndài-huà : Gōngyè xiàndài-huà , nóngyè xiàndàihuà ,
guófáng xiàndài-huà , kēxué jìshù xiàndài-huà .
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。
Xiànzài wǒmen gōngsī de gōngzuò liúchéng hé rénshì guǎnlǐ yǐjīng chūbù zhìdùhuà le.
These days our company's workflows and HR management have already started to be
systematize d.
With an Adjective
美化、绿化、软化、现代化、自然化、多元化
měihuà , lǜhuà , ruǎnhuà , xiàndài-huà , zìrán-huà , duōyuán-huà
beautify, "greenify", soften, modernize, naturalize. diversify
你不要把真相浪漫化！
Nǐ bùyào bǎ zhēnxiàng làngmàn-huà !
Don't romanticize the truth!
你应该让黄油软化，然后跟面包一起吃。
Nǐ yīnggāi ràng huángyóu ruǎnhuà , ránhòu gēn miànbāo yīqǐ chī.
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。
Wǒmen bǎohù huánjìng shì wèile měihuà wǒmen de chéngshì.
We protect the environment in order to beautify our city.
每年我们的绿化面积都在扩大。
Měinián wǒmen de lǜhuà miànjī dōu zài kuòdà.
Every year our green[ified] area is expanding.
From Verb to Noun
Part of speech can be quite fluid in Chinese, and using the suffix -化 to
change a noun or an adjective into a verb does not mean that verb can't
also be used as a noun! So keep in mind that -化 can be not only "-ize"
and "-ify," but also "-ization" and "-ification."
个性化
gèxìng-huà
personalize, personalization
现代化
xiàndài-huà
modernize, modernization
美化
měihuà
beautify, beautification
Using "nanguai" as a verb (B2)
难怪 (nán guài) can mean "no wonder," but when used as a verb can be
translated as "hard to blame," a much more literal application. This
phrase 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
When used as a verb, 难怪 expresses that the speaker assigns no blame in
the situation. Most often a person is placed after 难怪.
Structure
难怪 + [Specific Person / People] ⋯⋯
Examples
他迟到了，这也难怪。今天地铁坏了。
Tā chídào le, zhè yě nánguài . Jīntiān dìtiě huài le.
He's late, but we can't blame him for that. The subway broke down today.
难怪他，他还是个孩子呢，什么都不懂。
Nánguài tā, tā háishì gè háizi ne, shénme dōu bù dǒng.
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。
Zhè yě nánguài nǐ, dì-yī cì dào zhège dìfang hái bù liǎojiě zhèlǐ de fēngsú.
No one can blame you for this. It's your first time in this place, and you aren't familiar with
the local customs.
这也难怪，他刚来嘛，算了算了。
Zhè yě nánguài , tā gāng lái ma, suànle suànle.
Don't blame him. He just got here, let's just forget about it.
这也难怪，他已经七十岁了，不适合做高强度的运动。
Zhè yě nánguài , tā yǐjīng qīshí suì le, bù shìhé zuò gāo qiángdù de yùndòng.
We can't blame him. He is already seventy years old and is not suitable for high-intensity
exercise.
孩子把爸爸最喜欢的花瓶打碎了，也难怪爸爸为什么这么生
气了。
Háizi bǎ bàba zuì xǐhuan de huāpíng dǎ suì le, yě nánguài bàba wèishénme zhème
shēngqì le.
The child smashed his father's favorite vase. You can't blame the father for getting so
angry.
如果你一定要晚上弹钢琴，那就难怪邻居抱怨你。
Rúguǒ nǐ yīdìng yào wǎnshang tán gāngqín, nà jiù nánguài línjū bàoyuàn nǐ.
If you insist on playing the piano at night, you cna't blame the neighbors for complaining
about you.
你也太不爱说话了，难怪你老婆说和你说话真是浪费时间
。
Nǐ yě tài bù ài shuōhuà le, nánguài nǐ lǎopo shuō hé nǐ shuōhuà zhēn shì làngfèi shíjiān.
You're not much of a talker. You can't blame your wife for for saying that talking to you is a
total waste of time.
本来这道题就有争议，也难怪学生答错了。
Běnlái zhè dào tí jiù yǒu zhēngyì, yě nánguài xuéshēng dā cuò le.
This question was always controversial, so you cna't blame the students for getting it
wrong.
你把给他的礼物给了别人，也难怪他不高兴了。
Nǐ bǎ gěi tā de lǐwù gěi le biérén, yě nánguài tā bù gāoxìng le.
You gave the gift that was supposed to be for him to someone else. You can't blame him for
being unhappy.
You can see how for some of these examples it wouldn't hard to use a "no
wonder" translation. There is definitely a connection between this literal
usage and the idiomatic "no wonder" usage.
Similar to
Expressing "no wonder"
Expressing future with "jiang"
(B2)
将 (jiāng) can be used to denote something is about to happen in the near
future, similar to 会, or "will" in English. It is generally used in formal
contexts.
Structure
将 is often combined with other auxiliary verbs like 会 and 要, which
doesn't significantly change the meaning.
Subj. + 将 / 将要 / 将会 + [Verb Phrase]
Examples
他将成为一个好爸爸。
Tā jiāng chéngwéi yī gè hǎo bàba.
He will become a good father.
我将永远记得你对我的帮助。
Wǒ jiāng yǒngyuǎn jìde nǐ duì wǒ de bāngzhù.
I will forever remember the help you have given me.
这次世界杯将在莫斯科举行。
Zhè cì Shìjièbēi jiāng zài Mòsīkē jǔxíng.
This World Cup will be held in Moscow.
比赛结果将在月底公布。
Bǐsài jiéguǒ jiāng zài yuèdǐ gōngbù.
The results of the competition will be announced at the end of the month.
他将会成为一个成功的企业家。
Tā jiāng huì chéngwéi yī gè chénggōng de qǐyè jiā.
He will become a successful entrepreneur.
如果政府不批准，我们将会举行抗议。
Rúguǒ zhèngfǔ bù pīzhǔn, wǒmen jiāng huì jǔxíng kàngyì.
If the government doesn't approve it, we will hold protests.
这个政策将会大大改善农民的收入。
Zhège zhèngcè jiāng huì dàdà gǎishàn nóngmín de shōurù.
This policy will vastly improve the income of farmers.
我们公司明年将要推出一系列新产品。
Wǒmen gōngsī míngnián jiāngyào tuīchū yī xìliè xīn chǎnpǐn.
Our company will release a series of new products next year.
政府将制定新的行业法规，管理股票市场。
Zhèngfǔ jiāng zhìdìng xīn de hángyè fǎguī, guǎnlǐ gǔpiào shìchǎng.
The government will institute new industry requirements to regulate the stock market.
这里将变成一个旅游的好地方。
Zhèlǐ jiàng biànchéng yī gè lǚyóu de hǎo dìfang.
This place will become a tourist destination.
Similar to
Wanting to do something with "yao"
Expressing "will" with "hui"
In the future in general with "yihou"
Using "ba" sentences
Using "jiang" as a formal "ba"
Combining verbs with "bing" (B2)
并 (bìng) can be used to connect verbs. In this structure the two verbs
should be of equal importance.
Structure
The verb phrases in the pattern below are often two-syllable verbs, and
usually somewhat formal.
In some cases, the two verb phrases on either side of 并 are of equal
stress or importance. When 并 means "moreover," however, it can be
replaced with 并且 .
[Verb Phrase 1] + 并 + [Verb Phrase 2]
Notice that 并且 is used with verbs, unlike 和, which is used mostly with
nouns.
Examples
Here are some examples:
我同意并支持你的决定。
Wǒ tóngyì bìng zhīchí nǐ de juédìng.
I agree with and support your decision.
要继续保持并发扬优秀的民族传统。
Yào jìxù bǎochí bìng fāyáng yōuxiù de mínzú chuántǒng.
We will continue to maintain and carry forward our excellent national traditions.
会议讨论并通过了今年的工作计划。
Huìyì tǎolùn bìng tōngguò le jīnnián de gōngzuò jìhuà.
The meeting discussed and approved the work plan for this year.
脱欧后，英国需要跟很多国家进行贸易谈判并签订贸易协
议。
Tuō Ōu hòu, Yīngguó xūyào gēn hěn duō guójiā jìnxíng màoyì tánpàn bìng qiāndìng
màoyì xiéyì.
Post-Brexit, the U.K. will have to negotiate and sign trade agreements with many
countries.
当他们克服了困难并获得成功以后，他们会觉得特别有成
就感。
Dāng tāmen kèfú le kùnnan bìng huòdé chénggōng yǐhòu, tāmen huì juéde tèbié yǒu
chéngjiùgǎn.
When they overcome the difficulties and succeed, they will feel especially accomplished.
为了降低贫富差距，政府制定了新的政策并开始实施。
Wèile jiàngdī pínfù chājù, zhèngfǔ zhìdìng le xīn de zhèngcè bìng kāishǐ shíshī.
In order to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor, the government formulated new
policies and began to implement them.
苹果公司自从 1980 年在科克开始运营 , 并逐步扩大规模。
Píngguǒ gōngsī zìcóng 1980 nián zài kēkè kāishǐ yùnyíng, bìng zhúbù kuòdà guīmó.
Apple has been operating in Cork since 1980, and has been gradually expanding.
我们会和合作公司尽快沟通并解决这件事。
Wǒmen huì hé hézuò gōngsī jìnkuài gōutōng bìng jiějué zhè jiàn shì.
We will work with the partner company to resolve this matter as soon as possible.
产品经理负责和工程师合作并制定产品策略。
Chǎnpǐn jīnglǐ fùzé hé gōngchéngshī hézuò bìng zhìdìng chǎnpǐn cèlüè.
The product manager is responsible for working with the engineers to develop the product
strategy.
我们希望给客户提供最周到的服务，想到并满足客户每一
个需求。
Wǒmen xīwàng gěi kèhù tígōng zuì zhōudào de fúwù, xiǎngdào bìng mǎnzú kèhù měi yī
gè xūqiú.
We want to provide our customers with the best possible service, and we want to think
about and meet their every need.
Note that in some cases the English translation is awkward if we try to

keep two actions fully "parallel" rather than sequential.
Similar to
Expressing "and" with "he"
Expressing "both⋯ and⋯" with "ji...you"
Expressing "moreover" with "bingqie"
Expressing "as well as" with "yiji"
Emphasizing the doer of an action
with "you" (B2)
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
This use of 由 is common in formal contexts such as business

communications.
Examples
这件事由我说了算。
Zhè jiàn shì yóu wǒ shuō le suàn.
This matter is up to me.
这件事由我负责。
Zhè jiàn shì yóu wǒ fùzé.
I am responsible for this matter.
这件事是由她引起的。
Zhèjiàn shì shì yóu tā yǐnqǐ de.
The incident was caused by her.
这次的广告是由他一个人拍摄的。
Zhècì de guǎnggào shì yóu tā yīgèrén pāishè de.
The advertisement was shot by him alone.
你想怎么样生活，完全由你自己规划。

Nǐ xiǎng zěnmeyàng shēnghuó, wánquán yóu nǐ zìjǐ guīhuà.
How you want to live your life is entirely up to you.
你去过上海，那这次就由你做导游。
Nǐ qù guo Shànghǎi, nà zhècì jiù yóu nǐ zuò dǎoyóu.
You have been to Shanghai before, so you will be the tour guide this time.
这个国家的粮食主要由加拿大进口。
Zhège guójiā de liángshi zhǔyào yóu Jiānádà jìnkǒu.
This country's grain is mainly imported from Canada.
这个规定是由政府发布的。
Zhège guīdìng shì yóu zhèngfǔ fābù de.
This is a regulation issued by the government.
这是由他决定的，你就别干涉了。
Zhè shì yóu tā juédìng de, nǐ jiù bié gānshè le.
This is for him to decide. Stop interfering.
太悲剧了，会议由王总主持，肯定会很无聊！

Tài bēijù le, huìyì yóu Wáng zǒng zhǔchí, kěndìng huì hěn wúliáo!
Oh no. This meeting is being led by the General Manager Wang.It's definitely going to be
boring.
It may seem like it due to the way most of these sentences are translated
into English, but please note that 由 not a passive marker. Stick to 被 for
that.
Similar to
Expressing "due to⋯" with "youyu"
Expressing "hard to avoid" with
"nanmian" (B2)
难免 (nánmiǎn) means "to be unavoidable" or "inevitable" and is most
commonly placed before a verb phrase, often including an auxiliary verb
such as 会 or 要. It is normally used to introduce an inevitable situation
that is negative.
Structure
(Subj. +) 难免 + Verb Phrase
Examples
刚开始说外语时难免会有一些误会。
Gāng kāishǐ shuō wàiyǔ shí nánmiǎn huì yǒu yīxiē wùhuì.
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，关键是学习怎么克服。
Niánqīng rén nánmiǎn huì yù dào cuòzhé, guānjiàn shì xuéxí zěnme kèfú.
Young people can't avoid facing setbacks, 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。
Dì-yī cì zuò fēijī chūguó nánmiǎn huì yǒudiǎn xīngfèn.
There‘s no way to not feel excited about it the first time you get on a plane to go abroad.
现在是高峰期，地铁难免会拥挤。
Xiànzài shì gāofēng qī, dìtiě nánmiǎn huì yōngjǐ.
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。
Zhè jiā gōngsī de shíxí shēng nánmiǎn yào zuò yīxiē dǎzá de shì.
There's no way for the interns at this firm to avoid doing some random odd jobs.
刚离开家的时候难免会想家。
Gāng líkāi jiā de shíhou nánmiǎn huì xiǎng jiā.
When you first leave home, you can't help but feel homesick.
车上人多难免会遇到小偷，你要小心点。
Chē shang rén duō nánmiǎn huì yùdào xiǎotōu, nǐ yào xiǎoxīn diǎn.
There are a lot of people on the bus, so you will inevitably run into thieves. You need to be
careful.
刚开始工作，经验不多，难免会出错。
Gāng kāishǐ gōngzuò, jīngyàn bù duō, nánmiǎn huì chūcuò.
When you first start working, you will inevitably make mistakes because you don't have
much experience.
投资可以很快变富，但是也难免有风险。
Tóuzī kěyǐ hěn kuài biàn fù, dànshì yě nánmiǎn yǒu fēngxiǎn.
Investments can make you rich quickly, but you can't avoid risk.
这是我第一次表演难免有一些紧张。
Zhè shì wǒ dì-yī cì biǎoyǎn nánmiǎn yǒu yīxiē jǐnzhāng.
This is my first time performing, so I can't help but feel a little nervous.
Expressing "moreover" with
"bingqie" (B2)
并且 (bìngqiě) can be used to connect two verbs. In this structure the two
verbs may be of equal importance (similar to 并 ), but often the word 并
且 is part of a longer pattern which adds in a meaning of "moreover,"
taking the idea expressed in the first part of the sentence even further.
Simple Pattern Similar to 并

Structure
[Verb Phrase 1] + 并且 / 并 + [Verb Phrase 2]
Notice that 并且 is most often used with verbs, unlike 和, which is used
mostly with nouns. It is rather formal.
For only this 并且 pattern, you can substitute 并 for 并且 and keep the
same meaning.
Examples
我同意并且支持你的决定。
Wǒ tóngyì bìngqiě zhīchí nǐ de juédìng.
I agree with and support your decision.
我会帮你找到问题并且解决问题。
Wǒ huì bāng nǐ zhǎodào wèntí bìngqiě jiějué wèntí.
I can help you find the problem and also solve it.
你要编辑并且打印这个文件。
Nǐ yào biānjí bìngqiě dǎyìn zhège wénjiàn.
You need to edit and also print out this document.
控制饮食并且多运动，会让你的身材越来越好。
Kòngzhì yǐnshí bìngqiě duō yùndòng, huì ràng nǐ de shēncái yuèláiyuè hǎo.
Controlling your diet and also exercising more will give you a better and better figure.
Longer Pattern with 也 / 还

The meaning "moreover" means that the second part of the sentence takes
the idea in the first part even further .
Structure
[Verb Phrase 1] + 并且 + 也 / 还 + [Verb Phrase 2]
You cannot substitute 并 for 并且 in this pattern.
Examples
你要按照我说的做并且也要做好。
Nǐ yào ànzhào wǒ shuō de zuò bìngqiě yě yào zuò hǎo.
I need you to do as I say and also do it well.
我们需要的是有丰富的工作经验并且也懂得团队合作的员
工。
Wǒmen xūyào de shì yǒu fēngfù de gōngzuò jīngyàn bìngqiě yě dǒngdé tuánduì hézuò de
yuángōng.
What we need is an employee with rich work experience and also an understanding of
teamwork.
我通知了所有的人，并且还准备了所有的材料。
Wǒ tōngzhī le suǒyǒu de rén, bìngqiě hái zhǔnbèi le suǒyǒu de cáiliào.
I have informed everyone. Moreover, I have prepared all of the materials.
这种现象很常见并且还会持续很长时间。
Zhè zhǒng xiànxiàng hěn chángjiàn bìngqiě hái huì chíxù hěn cháng shíjiān.
This type of phenomenon is very common. Moreover, it will also continue for a very long
period of time.
Longest Pattern with 不但 / 不仅 + 也

/还
By adding 不但 / 不仅 to the first part of the sentence, this pattern further
emphasizes the "moreover" tone of the sentence.
Structure
不但 / 不仅 + [Verb Phrase 1] + 并且 + 也 / 还 + [Verb Phrase 2]
You cannot substitute 并 for 并且 in this pattern.
Examples
爸爸不仅批评了我，并且，他告诉我以后也不能说谎。
Bàba bùjǐn pīpíng le wǒ, bìngqiě , tā gàosù wǒ yǐhòu yě bù néng shuōhuǎng.
My dad criticized me and and also told me that I cannot lie again.
我们不但负责安装，并且，还维护这个系统。
Wǒmen bùdàn fùzé ānzhuāng bìngqiě hái wéihù zhège xìtǒng.
We're in charge of installing and also maintaining this system.
Similar to
Combining verbs with "bing"
Expressing "to be worth" doing
with "zhide" (B2)
值得 (zhídé) 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
巴金的散文很值得一看。
Bājīn de sǎnwén hěn zhídé yī kàn.
Ba Jin's prose deserves a look.
虽然不容易，但是值得去尝试。
Suīrán bù róngyì, dànshì zhídé qù chángshì.
It's not easy, but it's worth a try.
雷锋助人为乐的精神值得我们学习。
Léifēng zhùrénwéilè de jīngshén zhídé wǒmen xuéxí.
The spirit of altruism merits some study.
这件小事不值得你担心。
Zhè jiàn xiǎo shì bù zhídé nǐ dānxīn.
This little thing isn't worth your time.
这个房子不值得投资。
Zhège fángzi bù zhídé tóuzī.
This house is not worth investing in.
值得 as a Predicate
值得 can also be used as a predicate all by itself, or following a verb
phrase.
Structure
(Verb Phrase +) 值得
Examples
值得吗？值得。
Zhídé ma? Zhídé .
Is it worth it? Yes. It's worth it.
上大学很值得。
Shàng dàxué hěn zhídé .
Going to college is really worth it.
学汉语是值得的。
Xué Hànyǔ shì zhídé de.
Studying Chinese is worth it.
你觉得做什么事情是值得的？
Nǐ juéde zuò shénme shìqing shì zhídé de?
What do you think is worth doing?
没有什么是值得的。
Méiyǒu shénme shì zhídé de.
Nothing is worth it.
Indicating negative impact with
"haide" (B2)
Used mostly in spoken Chinese, 害得 (hàide) can indicate that the
speaker is now in some kind of trouble or undesirable situation, caused by
someone or something else. There's a tone of blame or complaining when
using this pattern.
Structure
The reason for the trouble should be stated before 害得 (hàide). The 得
can also be omitted.
Reason，害(得) + Undesirable Situation
Examples
Keep in mind that 害得 can be tricky to translate directly. It's more a
matter of conveying the tone of "this is how you inconvenienced me" or
"this situation negatively impacted me." You might see words like
"make" or "force" or "keep from" to communicate that tone.
下午喝了两杯咖啡，害得我晚上睡不着。
Xiàwǔ hē le liǎng bēi kāfēi, hàide wǒ wǎnshang shuì buzháo.
I had two cups of coffee. It kept me from falling asleep at night.
外面太吵了，害得我们没办法专心工作。
Wàimiàn tài chǎo le, hàide wǒmen méi bànfǎ zhuānxīn gōngzuò.
It's too noisy outside. It's keeping us from focusing on work.
你昨晚没回来，电话也打不通，害得我担心了一个晚上。

Nǐ zuówǎn méi huílái, diànhuà yě dǎ butōng, hàide wǒ dānxīn le yī gè wǎnshang.
You didn't come back last night, and I couldn't reach you by phone. You made me worry
about you for all night.
他把我的手机拿走了，也不跟我说一下，害得我找了半
天。
Tā bǎ wǒ de shǒujī ná zǒu le, yě bù gēn wǒ shuō yīxià, hàide wǒ zhǎo le bàntiān.
He took my cell phone without telling me. As a result, I spent all day looking for it.
我的护照丢了，害得我现在哪里也去不了。
Wǒ de hùzhào diū le, hàide wǒ xiànzài nǎlǐ yě qù bùliǎo.
I lost my passport, and now I can't go anywhere.
刚出门就下雨了，害得我又换了一件衣服。
Gāng chūmén jiù xià yǔ le, hàide wǒ yòu huàn le yī jiàn yīfu.
I had just left the house when it rained, forcing me to change clothes again.
老板让我今天就去出差，害得我行李都没来得及收拾。

Lǎobǎn ràng wǒ jīntiān jiù qù chūchāi, hàide wǒ xíngli dōu méi láidejí shōushi.
The boss made me leave today, not even giving me enough time to pack.
他总是迟到，害大家在车站等了他半个小时。
Tā zǒngshì chídào, hài dàjiā zài chēzhàn děng le tā bàn ge xiǎoshí.
He's always late, and made everyone wait for him at the bus station for half an hour.
出门没买到菜，还害我丢了一百元钱。
Chūmén méi mǎi dào cài, hái hài wǒ diū le yī bǎi yuán qián.
I went out and didn't manage to buy any food, but even lost 100 RMB.
因为我经常生病，害得妈妈总是担心我。
Yīnwèi wǒ jīngcháng shēngbìng, hàide māma zǒngshì dānxīn wǒ.
Because I frequently get sick, it always makes my mom worry about me.
路上堵车，害得我差点错过飞机。
Lùshang dǔchē, hàide wǒ chàdiǎn cuò guò fēijī.
Traffic was really bad, and almost made me miss my flight.
Passive verbs with "shou" (B2)
受 (shòu) is generally thought of as a passive marker, converting the verb
placed after it into the passive. Here it plays a role very similar to 被.
受 as a Passive Marker
Structure
受 + (Someone / Something) + Verb
Examples
张老师的课很受学生的欢迎。
Zhāng Lǎoshī de kè hěn shòu xuéshēng de huānyíng .
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。
Yī gè rén bù yīdìng yào biàn de hěn yǒu qián huòzhě hěn chénggōng cái huì shòu rén
zūnzhòng .
A person don't have to be rich or successful to be respected.
我受人嘱托来给你送一些钱。
Wǒ shòu rén zhǔtuō lái nǐ sòng yīxiē qián.
I have been asked to deliver some money to you.
你的手机昨晚一直打不通，我想应该是受信号干扰。
Nǐ de shǒujī zuó wǎn yīzhí dǎ butōng, wǒ xiǎng yīnggāi shì shòu xìn hào gānrǎo .
I think I couldn't get through to your cell phone last night because of signal interference.
受冷空气的影响，今天上海特别冷。
Shòu lěng kōngqì de yǐngxiǎng , jīntiān Shànghǎi tèbié lěng.
Affected by a cold front, today Shanghai is especially cold.
It must be noted that if 受 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.
受 as a Verb
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.
Structure
受 (+ 到/过) + ([Something / Someone] +) Noun / Verb
Examples
张老师的课受到了很多学生的欢迎。
Zhāng Lǎoshī de kè shòudào le hěn duō xuéshēng de huānyíng .
Teacher Zhang's lessons received many students' approval.
一个人不一定要变得很有钱或者很成功才会受人尊重。
Yī gè rén bù yīdìng yào biàn de hěn yǒu qián huòzhě hěn chénggōng cái huì shòu rén
zūnzhòng .
A person doesn't have to be rich or successful to receive respect from other people.
我父母都没受过很好的教育。
Wǒ fùmǔ dōu méi shòu guo hěn hǎo de jiàoyù .
Neither of my parents has received a very good education.
我在美国的第一年，受到了很多朋友的帮助。
Wǒ zài Měiguó de dì-yī nián, shòudào le hěn duō péngyou de bāngzhù .
The first year I was in the USA, I received a lot of help from many friends.
拐卖孩子的人应该受到法律的严惩。
Guǎimài háizi de rén yīnggāi shòudào fǎlǜ de yánchéng .
People who traffic kids should suffer severe punishment from the law.
受冷空气的影响，今天上海特别冷。
Shòu lěng kōngqì de yǐngxiǎng , jīntiān Shànghǎi tèbié lěng.
"Suffering" from the influence of a cold front, today Shanghai is especially cold.
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.
Similar to
Using "bei" sentences
Using "zhe" when "verbing away"
(B2)
A repeated verb followed by the particle 着 (zhe) is used to show that an
action has been 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。
Shuō zhe shuō zhe wǒ jiù fāxiàn zìjǐ yě hútu le .
After talking and talking, I realized that I had confused myself.
我今天一直都在看《论语》，看着看着，就睡着了。
Wǒ jīntiān yīzhí dōu zài kàn Lúnyǔ, kàn zhe kàn zhe , jiù shuìzháo le .
Today, I was reading the Confucian Analects all day. As I was reading, I fell asleep.
我在北京的胡同里走着走着就走丢了。
Wǒ zài Běijīng de hútòng li zǒu zhe zǒu zhe jiù zǒu diū le .
Walking and walking in Beijing's back alleys, I got lost.
我玩着玩着游戏，就把时间忘了。
Wǒ wán zhe wán zhe yóuxì, jiù bǎ shíjiān wàng le .
I played and played the game, and I forgot the time.
我听着听着歌，就唱起来了。
Wǒ tīng zhe tīng zhe gē, jiù chàng qǐlái le .
As I listened and listened to the songs, I began to sing.
两个人吃着吃着饭，就吵起来了。
Liǎng gè rén chī zhe chī zhe fàn, jiù chǎo qǐlái le .
The two of them ate and ate, and then started arguing.
写着写着，就发现办公室大家都走了。
Xiě zhe xiě zhe , jiù fāxiàn bàngōngshì dàjiā dōu zǒu le .
After writing and writing, we realized that everyone in the office had left.
今天在家录视频，录着录着，天都已经黑了。
Jīntiān zài jiā lù shìpín, lù zhe lù zhe , tiān dōu yǐjīng hēi le .
Today I recorded a video at home, and after all that recording it was already dark.
喝着喝着，从酒里面喝出来一根头发。
Hē zhe hē zhe , cóng jiǔ lǐmiàn hē chūlai yī gēn tóufǎ.
I drank and drank and drank, and a hair came out of the wine.
我上着上着课，就听到外面有人叫我。
Wǒ shàng zhe shàng zhe kè, jiù tīng dào wàimiàn yǒu rén jiào wǒ.
As I sat through class after class, I heard someone calling me from outside.
Similar to
Alternative existential sentences
Aspect particle "zhe"
Expressing actions in progress (full form)
Using "lai" and "qu" when "verbing around"
Expressing "especially" with
"gewai" (B2)
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.
Structure
格外 (地 +) + Advective / Psychological Verb
You will occasionally see 地 (de) after 格外 and before an adjective.
Examples
下过雨的早晨格外舒服.
Xià guo yǔ de zǎochén géwài shūfu.
It's especially comfortable on mornings after a rain.
今天格外忙, 都来不及吃午饭.
Jīntiān géwài máng,dōu láibují chī wǔfàn.
I was especially busy today and didn't even have time to eat lunch.
昨天登山累了, 晚上睡得格外香甜。
Zuótiān dēngshān lèi le, wǎnshang shuì de géwài xiāngtián
I was tired from climbing yesterday, so my sleep at night was especially sweet.
去年孩子还很调皮，但是今年格外懂事。
Qùnián háizǐ huán hěn tiáopí, dànshì jīnnián géwài dǒngshì.
Last year the kid was very naughty, but this year he's been especially sensible.
我住的比较远，所以到了晚上格外安静。
Wǒ zhù de bǐjiào yuǎn, suǒyǐ dào le wǎnshang géwài ānjìng.
I live far away, so it's very quiet at night.
今年的水果格外的甜。
Jīnnián de shuǐguǒ géwài de tián.
This year's fruit is exceptionally sweet.
虽然以前也想家，但是这段时间格外想家。
Suīrán yǐqián yě xiǎng jiā, dànshì zhè duàn shíjiān géwài xiǎng jiā.
I was homesick before too, but I'm especially homesick this time of year.
老师对我们格外热情。
Lǎoshī duì wǒmen géwài rèqíng.
The teacher is especially warm to us.
今天的天气格外的热。
Jīntiān de tiānqì géwài de rè.
Today's weather is exceptionally hot.
去不安全的地方旅游，一定要格外小心。
Qù bù ānquán de dìfang lǚyóu, yīdìng yào géwài xiǎoxīn.
You need to be especially careful when traveling to unsafe places.
Expressing "although" with
"jinguan" (B2)
尽管 (jǐnguǎn) means "although," and is a little stronger than 虽然,
perhaps more like "despite" or "even though" in English.
Structure
尽管⋯⋯ ，(可是 / 但是 +) Subj. + 还是⋯⋯
可是 or 但是 can be added to further emphasize the shift in meaning in

the second phrase.
Examples
尽管很多人批评他，他还是坚持这么做。
Jǐnguǎn hěn duō rén pīpíng tā, tā háishì jiānchí zhème zuò.
Despite the fact that many people criticize him, he still insists on doing it.
尽管老板最近不在，我们还是不能偷懒。
Jǐnguǎn lǎobǎn zuìjìn bù zài, wǒmen háishì bù néng tōulǎn.
Despite the fact that the boss hasn't been around lately, we still can't get lazy.
尽管困难很多，但是我们不能放弃。
Jǐnguǎn kùnnan hěn duō, dànshì wǒmen bù néng fàngqì.
Even though there are many difficulties, we can't just give up.
尽管我很生气，但是我没发脾气。
Jǐnguǎn wǒ hěn shēngqì, dànshì wǒ méi fā píqì.
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。
Jǐnguǎn jǐngchá yǐjīng zhǎodào le yīxiē zhèngjù, dànshì tāmen háishì bù néng zhuā nàge
xiányírén.
Even though the police have already found some evidence, they still can't arrest the
suspect.
尽管他的书很有争议，但它还是出版了。
Jǐnguǎn tā de shū hěn yǒu zhēngyì, dàn tā háishì chūbǎn le.
Even though his book is very controversial, it was still published.
尽管当时很危险，消防员还是勇敢地冲了进去。
Jǐnguǎn dāngshí hěn wēixiǎn, xiāofángyuán háishì yǒnggǎn de chōng le jìnqù.
Even though it was very dangerous, the firefighters still bravely charged right in.
You may hear the word 尽管 pronounced as both "jǐnguǎn" and
"jìnguǎn." Although "jǐnguǎn" is technically correct and "jìnguǎn" is
incorrect, many educated native speakers will pronounce 尽量
exclusively as "jìnguǎn."
Similar to
Expressing "although" with "suiran" and "danshi"
Expressing contrariness with
"dao" (B2)
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.
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
Sometimes "actually" works well in translations to indicate the contrast
between expectation and reality.
我帮他，倒不是因为喜欢他，是因为他工作很努力。
Wǒ bāng tā, dào bù shì yīnwèi xǐhuan tā, shì yīnwèi tā gōngzuò hěn nǔlì.
I helped him not because I liked him, but because he worked very hard.
他不是很努力，成绩倒也不错。
Tā bù shì hěn nǔlì, chéngjì dào yě bùcuò.
He's not very hard-working, but his scores also aren't bad.
已经是春天了，倒又冷起来了。
Yǐjīng shì chūntiān le, dào yòu lěng qǐlái le.
It's already spring, but it's actually getting colder.
不吃药，病倒慢慢好了。
Bù chī yào, bìng dào mànman hǎo le.
Without taking any medicine, I'm actually slowly getting better.
英语不是他的母语，他说得倒挺地道的。
Yīngyǔ bù shì tā de mǔyǔ, tā shuō de dào tǐng dìdao de.
English is not his mother language, but he speaks quite native-like.
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 are often used to precede the
undesirable reality the speaker is calling attention to.
Subj. + 倒 ⋯⋯ ，不过 / 但是 / 就是 ⋯⋯
Examples
我倒是想去旅游，但是现在太忙了，没有时间。
Wǒ dào shì xiǎng qù lǚyóu, dànshì xiànzài tài máng le, méiyǒu shíjiān.
I do want to go on a trip, but I am too busy to do so now.
这篇文章的内容倒不错，就是太长了。
Zhè piān wénzhāng de nèiróng dào bùcuò, jiùshì tài cháng le.
The content of this article is great, but it's just 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
。
Zhè jiàn yīfu de yàngshì hé dàxiǎo dào dōu héshì, kěshì wǒ bù xǐhuan zhège yánsè.
The style and size of this piece of clothing actually work well, but I don't like the color.
你们的服务倒不错，但是对我来说太贵了。
Nǐmen de fúwù dào bùcuò, dànshì duì wǒ lái shuō tài guì le.
Your service is great, but it's too expensive for me.
我倒想陪你一起去，不过要等到周末。
Wǒ dào xiǎng péi nǐ yīqǐ qù, bùguò yào děngdào zhōumò.
I really would like to go with you, but you would need to wait until the weekend.
For more on 倒, be sure to check our C1 grammar point on even more

advanced uses of 倒.
Similar to
Conceding with "ba"
Conceding a point with "shi"
Expressing "especially" with "gewai"
Expressing "on the contrary" with "fan'er"
The "however" adverb "que"
Expressing "on the contrary" with
"fan'er" (B2)
反而 (fǎn'ér) is used to express "on the contrary" or "in contrast," with 反
而 appearing as part of 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.
Simple Pattern
Structure
Normally the first clause makes a statement, and then the second clause
introduces the part that is totally opposite of one's expectations. The word
"actually" may be helpful in some translations.
⋯⋯ ，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 (if there is one) and before
the verb . (This is different from a conjunction like 但是 which comes
before the subject!) Also 反而 can appear in one sentence with 但是.
Rather than replacing it, 反而 can work with 但是 to add even more
contrarian emphasis.
Examples
吃了这个药，病反而更严重了。
Chī le zhège yào, bìng fǎn'ér gèng yánzhòng le.
After taking the medicine, the illness actually got even worse.
这个新系统反而降低了我们的工作效率。
Zhège xīn xìtǒng fǎn'ér jiàngdī le wǒmen de gōngzuò xiàolǜ.
This new system actually reduced our work efficiency.
他没有放弃，反而更努力了！
Tā méiyǒu fàngqì, fǎn'ér gèng nǔlì le!
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。
Gǎigé fǎn'ér ràng lǎobǎixìng gèng bù mǎnyì le.
Reform actually made the people less satisfied.
你的参与反而给我们带来了麻烦。
Nǐ de cānyù fǎn'ér gěi wǒmen dài lái le máfan.
Your involvement is actually giving us trouble.
Common Mistake: Putting 反而

Before the Subject
Take note: when the subject of the first and second clause are the same,
the subject can be omitted in the second clause (after the comma and
before 反而). If there is a subject, however, 反而 definitely needs to
come after it. See the simple examples below and then check the longer
sentences above, confirming this rule.
我帮了她，反而她生气了。
Wǒ bāng le tā, fǎnér tā shēngqì le.
我帮了她，她反而生气了。
Wǒ bāng le tā, tā fǎnér shēngqì le.
Fuller Pattern
Adding 不但 or 不仅 adds a sense of "not only" before the "to the
contrary" part. The word "actually" can be useful here for translations
into English.
Structure
⋯⋯ ，Subj. [不但 / 不仅] + [不 / 没] ⋯⋯，反而 + [Unexpected
Outcome]
Examples
吃了药，病不但没好，反而更严重了。
Chī le yào, bìng bùdàn méi hǎo, fǎn'ér gèng yánzhòng le.
After taking the medicine, the illness not only didn't get better, but actually got even worse.
失败了这么多次，他不但没放弃，反而更努力了。
Shībài le zhème duō cì, tā bùdàn méi fàngqì, fǎn'ér gèng nǔlì le.
Having failed so many times, he not only didn't give up, but rather worked even harder.
他不但不帮我，反而给我找麻烦。
Tā bùdàn bù bāng wǒ, fǎn'ér gěi wǒ zhǎo máfan.
He not only didn't help me, but rather gave me trouble.
你妈妈那么爱你，你不但不感激，反而说她不关心你？
Nǐ māma nàme ài nǐ, nǐ bùdàn bù gǎnjī, fǎn'ér shuō tā bù guānxīn nǐ?
Your mother loves you so much, and not only are you not grateful, but you even say she
doesn't care about you?
我吃了减肥药，不但没瘦，反而长胖了！
Wǒ chī le jiǎnféi yào, bùdàn méi shòu, fǎn'ér zhǎng pàng le!
I took a weight loss pill. Not only did I not lose weight, but rather I actually gained weight!
Similar to
Expressing contrariness with "dao"
The "however" adverb "que"
The "however" adverb "que" (B2)
却 (què) is used to indicate something was contrary to expectations, and
is used in a similar way to 倒 (dào). However, 却 is generally followed
by a negative comment.
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.
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。
Tā shì lǎobǎn, què méiyǒu rén tīng tā de.
He's the boss, but nobody listens to him.
他的学历很高，能力却很一般。
Tā de xuélì hěn gāo, nénglì què hěn yībān.
He's very well-educated, but his ability is average.
他们一见钟情，却没有在一起。
Tāmen yījiànzhōngqíng, què méiyǒu zài yīqǐ.
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。
Zhè jiàn yīfu suīrán shì míngpái, dànshì zhìliàng què bù zěnmeyàng.
Although this clothing is brand-name, the quality is not so good.
有些人智商很高，情商却很低。
Yǒuxiē rén zhìshāng hěn gāo, qíngshāng què hěn dī.
Some people have high IQ, but really low EQ.
他只有 16 岁，却比同龄人成熟得多。
Tā zhǐyǒu shíliù suì, què bǐ tónglíng rén chéngshú de duō.
He's only sixteen, but he's much more mature than others his age.
Common Mistake: Putting 却 Before

the Subject
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.)
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。
Wǒ shì nǐ zuì hǎo de péngyou, què nǐ méi yāoqǐng wǒ.
我是你最好的朋友，你却没邀请我。
Wǒ shì nǐ zuì hǎo de péngyou, nǐ què méi yāoqǐng wǒ.
我是你最好的朋友，但是你却没邀请我。
Wǒ shì nǐ zuì hǎo de péngyou, dànshì nǐ què méi yāoqǐng wǒ.
I'm your best friend, but you didn't invite me.
他家很有钱，却他从来不炫耀。
Tā jiā hěn yǒuqián, què tā cónglái bù xuànyào.
他家很有钱，他却从来不炫耀。
Tā jiā hěn yǒuqián, tā què cónglái bù xuànyào.
他家很有钱，但是他却从来不炫耀。
Tā jiā hěn yǒuqián, dànshì tā què cónglái bù xuànyào.
His family is rich, but he never flaunts it.
Expressing "due to..." with
"youyu" (B2)
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。
Yóuyú wēnshì xiàoyìng de yǐngxiǎng, quánqiú de qìhòu biàn de yuèláiyuè fǎncháng le.
Due to the influence of the greenhouse effect, the whole Earth's climate is getting more
and more abnormal.
由于意见不一致，两位老板吵了起来。
Yóuyú yìjiàn bù yīzhì, liǎng wèi lǎobǎn chǎo le qǐlái.
Due to differing opinions, the 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员工。
Yóuyú gōngsī fāzhǎn de xūyào, wǒmen dǎsuàn zài zhāopìn yīxiē xīn de yuángōng.
Due to the our company's needs for development, we plan to hire more new staff.
由于目标客户的变化，企业的营销策略需要做出一些调整。
Yóuyú mùbiāo kèhù de biànhuà, qǐyè de yíngxiāo cèlüè xūyào zuò chū yīxiē tiáozhěng.
Due to the changes in our target clients, our comorporate 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。
Yóuyú rénkǒu de kuàisù zēngjiā, dà chéngshì de shèhuì wèntí yuèláiyuè yánzhòng.
Due to the rapid growth of the population, social problems in big cities are getting more
and more serious.
由于地址没写清楚，所以这封信没有寄出去。
Yóuyú dìzhǐ méi xiě qīngchu, suǒyǐ zhè fēng xìn méiyǒu jì chūqù.
Due to the address not being clearly written, this letter was not sent.
由于天气原因，所有的航班都要推迟起飞。
Yóuyú tiānqì yuányīn, suǒyǒu de hángbān dōu yào tuīchí qǐfēi.
All departing flights have been postponed due to weather conditions.
由于采用了新技术，工厂的效率大大提高。
Yóuyú cǎiyòng le xīn jìshù, gōngchǎng de xiàolǜ dàdà tígāo.
Owing to the use of new technology, the efficiency of the factory has improved
significantly.
由于工作关系，我经常去北京。
Yóuyú gōngzuò guānxi, wǒ jīngcháng qù Běijīng.
I often go to Beijing for my work.
由于加强了管理，生产的饮料全部合格。
Yóuyú jiāqiáng le guǎnlǐ, shēngchǎn de yǐnliào quánbù hégé.
Thanks to better management, all the beverages we produced passed the test.
Similar to
Emphasizing the doer of an action with "you"
Stating the effect before the cause
Expressing "since" with "jiran"
(B2)
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
The second halves of following sentences are all suggestions or
inferences.
你既然不想说，那就别说了。
Nǐ jìrán bù xiǎng shuō, nà jiù bié shuō le.
Since you don't want to say, then just don't say.
既然你那么喜欢，那就买吧。
Jìrán nǐ nàme xǐhuan, nà jiù mǎi ba.
Since you like it so much, just buy it.
她既然刚刚分手，那现在应该是单身吧。
Tā jìrán gānggāng fēnshǒu, nà xiànzài yīnggāi shì dānshēn ba.
Since she just had a breakup, she should be single now.
既然你们是好朋友，那他肯定会帮你吧。
Jìrán nǐmen shì hǎo péngyou, nà tā kěndìng huì bāng nǐ ba.
Since you guys are good friends, he will definitely help you.
既然大家都不感兴趣，就换个话题吧。
Jìrán dàjiā dōu bù gǎn xìngqù, jiù huàn gè huàtí ba.
Since nobody is interested, let's change the topic.
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
The second halves of following sentences are all suggestions.
你既然不喜欢他，为什么还想跟他出去？
Nǐ jìrán bù xǐhuan tā, wèishénme hái xiǎng gēn tā chūqù?
Since you don't like him, why would you go out with him?
既然你已经决定了，为什么现在后悔？
Jìrán nǐ yǐjīng juédìng le, wèishénme xiànzài hòuhuǐ?
Since you've already made your decision, why regret it now?
既然他那么忙，你为什么还去打扰他？
Jìrán tā nàme máng, nǐ wèishénme hái qù dǎrǎo tā?
Since he's so busy, why would you go bother him?
既然已经分手了，为什么还要见面？
Jìrán yǐjīng fēnshǒu le, wèishénme hái yào jiànmiàn?
Since we've already broken up, why would we still meet up?
既然你男朋友那么有钱，那他为什么不能大方一点？

Jìrán nǐ nánpéngyou nàme yǒuqián, nà tā wèishénme bù néng dàfang yīdiǎn?
Since your boyfriend is so rich, why can't he be more generous?
Similar to
Cause and effect with "yinwei" and "suoyi"
Using "because" with "er" to indicate effect
Expressing "therefore" with
"yinci" (B2)
因此 (yīncǐ), literally "because of this," is a conjunction meaning
"therefore," and is used in formal writing.
Structure
Cause， + 因此 + Effect
Examples
我病了，因此心情不好。
Wǒ bìng le, yīncǐ xīnqíng bù hǎo.
I am sick, therefore I am not in a good mood.
昨天下雨了，因此我没有出门。
Zuótiān xiàyǔ le, yīncǐ wǒ méiyǒu chūmén.
It rained yesterday, therefore I did not go out.
她在农村长大，因此很了解农民的生活。
Tā zài nóngcūn zhǎngdà, yīncǐ hěn liǎojiě nóngmín de shēnghuó.
She grew up in the country, so she understands the country people's way of life.
我没有准备好所有的东西，因此有些紧张。
Wǒ méiyǒu zhǔnbèi hǎo suǒyǒu de dōngxi, yīncǐ yǒuxiē jǐnzhāng.
I didn't fully prepare everything, so I was a little nervous.
小王说话不好听，因此他得罪了很多人。
Xiǎo Wáng shuōhuà bù hǎotīng, yīncǐ tā dézuì le hěn duō rén.
Xiao Wang spoke overly bluntly, so he offended many people.
下个月考试，因此这个月我没有出去玩，在好好准备。

Xiàgè yuè kǎoshì, yīncǐ zhège yuè wǒ méiyǒu chūqù wán, zài hǎohāo zhǔnbèi.
I will have an exam next month, therefore this month I am not going out to play. I am
preparing well.
韩寒的文笔好，因此他写的小说很受欢迎。
Hán Hán de wénbǐ hǎo, yīncǐ tā xiě de xiǎoshuō hěn shòu huānyíng.
Han Han's writing style is very good, therefore the novels that he writes are very popular.
工厂已经停产很久了，因此无法给工人发工资。
Gōngchǎng yǐjīng tíngchǎn hěn jiǔ le, yīncǐ wúfǎ gěi gōngrén fā gōngzī.
The factory has long since ceased production, and therefore is unable to give its workers
their wages.
上海的冬天经常下雨，因此在我的印象中，上海的冬天湿冷
湿冷的。
Shànghǎi de dōngtiān jīngcháng xiàyǔ, yīncǐ zài wǒde yìnxiàng zhōng, Shànghǎi de
dōngtiān shīlěng-shīlěng de.
It often rains in winter in Shanghai, therefore my impression is that winter in Shanghai is
wet and cold.
希腊政府决定停止使用自动取款机，因此，取款机外面有很
多人排队取钱。
Xīlà zhèngfǔ juédìng tíngzhǐ shǐyòng zìdòng qǔkuǎnjī, yīncǐ , qǔkuǎnjī wàimiàn yǒu hěn
duō rén páiduì qǔqián.
The Greek government decided to end the use of automated teller machines. As a result,
there were lots of people outside lined up to withdraw money from the ATMs.
Similar to
Expressing "and then" with "yushi"
Expressing "in short" with "zongzhi"
Stating the effect before the cause
(B2)
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
之所以 ⋯⋯ ，是 + 因为 / 为了 / 想 ⋯⋯
Examples
她之所以问这么多是为了多关心你们。
Tā zhī suǒyǐ wèn zhème duō shì wèile duō guānxīn nǐmen.
The reason she asks so many questions is in order to she cares about you guys.
我之所以不喜欢他是因为他太疯狂了。
Wǒ zhī suǒyǐ bù xǐhuan tā shì yīnwèi tā tài fēngkuáng le.
The reason why I don't like him is because he's too crazy.
我们之所以迟到了是因为路上堵车。
Wǒmen zhī suǒyǐ chídào le shì yīnwèi lùshang dǔchē.
The reason we were late is because we were stuck in a traffic jam.
小朋友之所以哭是因为我没有给她买巧克力。
Xiǎopéngyou zhī suǒyǐ kū shì yīnwèi wǒ méiyǒu gěi tā mǎi qiǎokèlì.
The reason the child is crying is because I didn't buy her chocolate.
路上之所以有很多人是因为今天天气好。
Lùshang zzhī suǒyǐ yǒu hěn duō rén shì yīnwèi jīntiān tiānqì hǎo.
The reasons there are so many people on the street is because the weather is nice today.
你之所以能被录取是因为你很优秀。
Nǐ zhī suǒyǐ néng bèi lùqǔ shì yīnwèi nǐ hěn yōuxiù.
You reason you were accepted is because you are outstanding.
我之所以没告诉你是为了不让你担心。
Wǒ zhī suǒyǐ méi gàosù nǐ shì wèile bù ràng nǐ dānxīn.
The reason I didn't tell you is that I didn't want you to worry.
他之所以放弃了那份工作是因为他找到了更好的机会。
Tā zhī suǒyǐ fàngqì le nà fèn gōngzuò shì yīnwèi tā zhǎodào le gèng hǎo de jīhuì.
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。
Wǒmen zhī suǒyǐ bǎomì shì xiǎng gěi tā yī gè jīngxǐ.
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。
Gōngsī zhī suǒyǐ huā qián péixùn nǐmen shì xiǎng ràng nǐmen yuèláiyuè zhuānyè.
The reason why the company spends money on your training is to help you become more
and more professional.
Similar to
Expressing purpose with "weile"
Expressing "due to⋯" with "youyu"
(B2)
There are many ways to express "degree" following a verb . A vast array
of words can function as degree complements following verbs ,
indicating degree and quality. When it comes to degree complements for
adjectives , however, options are much more limited.
Common Patterns
You should already know complements -死了 and -极了. The following
are some of the other more common degree complements which follow
adjectives.
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。
Zhège háizi zìsī de hěn .
This child is super selfish.
我老婆的工作轻松得很。
Wǒ lǎopo de gōngzuò qīngsōng de hěn .
My wife's job is extremely easy and relaxed.
我爸爸固执得不得了。
Wǒ bàba gùzhí de bùdéliǎo .
My father is awfully stubborn.
赢了比赛以后，他骄傲得不得了。
Yíng le bǐsài yǐhòu, tā jiāo'ào de bùdéliǎo
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。
Tīngshuō érzi yòu gēn tóngxué dǎjià le, bàba qì de bùdéliǎo .
Having heard his son was fighting with his classmate again, the father was incensed.
我儿子淘气得要命。
Wǒ érzi táoqì de yàomìng .
My son is incredibly naughty.
今天路上堵得要命！
Jīntiān lùshang dǔ de yàomìng !
The traffic is terrible!
地铁挤得要命！
Dìtiě jǐ de yàomìng !
The metro is so crowded!
我的牙痛得不行！
Wǒ de yá tòng de bùxíng !
My teeth hurt so badly!
外面热得不行。
Wàimiàn rè de bùxíng .
It's awfully hot outside.
For more examples with 得很 and 得不得了 , see their respective

grammar points.
Similar to
Adjectives with "-ji le"
Degree complement
Adjectival complement "de budeliao"
Complement "-huai le"
Advanced potential complements
(B2)
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, but for all of them, the preceding character 得
(de) or 不 (bu) is pronounced in the neutral tone.
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 + Verb" because "Verb
+ 不了" usually suggests some external factor out of one's control.
Verb + 得了 / 不了
Note that the character 了 here is pronounced "liǎo."
Examples
他那么老，走得了那么多路吗？
Tā nàme lǎo, zǒu deliǎo nàme duō lù ma?
He's so old. Will he be able to walk that far?
今晚我有事，去不了。
Jīn wǎn wǒ yǒushì, qù buliǎo .
I have things to do tonight. I won't be able to go.
这件衣服太小了，我穿不了。
Zhè jiàn yīfu tài xiǎo le, wǒ chuān buliǎo .
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。
Zhè jiàn shìqing zhǐyǒu nǐ bāng deliǎo wǒ.
You're the only one who is able to help me with this.
Verbs with -不下 and -得下
Structure
This is used to talk about whether or not something will fit or go
somewhere. Commonly used with the verbs 放, 坐, 住, 装, 吃.
Verb + 得下 / 不下
Examples
我吃饱了，真的吃不下了。
Wǒ chī bǎo le, zhēn de chī buxià le.
I'm full. I don't feel like eating more.
你包里放得下那么多东西吗？
Nǐ bāo li fàng dexià nàme duō dōngxi ma?
Can your bag hold that many things?
我的车太小，坐不下五个人。
Wǒ de chē tài xiǎo, zuò buxià wǔ gèrén.
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。
Wǒ de xiāngzi zhème dà, kěndìng zhuāng dexià zhèxiē yīfu.
I'm sure my suitcase is big enough for these clothes.
Verbs with -不起 and -得起
This complement is related to being "able to afford" something or some
cost. So -不起 means "can't afford to," and -得起 means "can afford to."
Structure
Verb + 得起 / 不起 + Obj.
Examples
那件衣服是你两个月的工资，买得起吗？
Nà jiàn yīfu shì nǐ liǎng gè yuè de gōngzī, mǎi deqǐ ma?
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。
Zhè jiā cāntīng tài guì le, wǒmen chī buqǐ .
This restaurant is too expensive. We can't afford to eat here.
这里房子的租金最少也要一万块，你租得起吗？
Zhèlǐ fángzi de zūjīn zuìshǎo yě yào yī wàn kuài, nǐ zū deqǐ ma?
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。
Hěn duō rén bù shēng èrtāi bù shì yīnwèi bù xiǎng yào, shì yīnwèi chéngběn tài gāo, yǎng
buqǐ .
Many people don't have a second child not because they don't want to, but because costs
are too high. They can't afford to raise another kid.
Verbs with -不动 and -得动

Structure
The potential complement -不动 is used to indicate the lack of energy or
physical strength required to do something. This can be used not only
with actions like walking, running or climbing, but even actions like
eating and chewing.
Verb + 得动 / 不动
Examples
我走不动了，我们休息一下吧！
Wǒ zǒu budòng le, wǒmen xiūxí yīxià ba!
I can't keep going. I need to rest a bit.
等等我，我跑不动了！
Děng děng wǒ, wǒ pǎo budòng le!
Wait for me. I can't keep running.
孩子真的长大了，妈妈都抱不动了。
Háizi zhēn de zhǎngdà le, māma dōu bào budòng le.
The child is all grown up. His mother can't hold him anymore.
这么重，他一个人搬得动吗？
Zhème zhòng, tā yīgèrén bān dedòng ma?
It's so heavy. Can he move it by himself?
Verbs with -不着 and -得着

Similar to -到, the complement -着 (zháo) can denote that someone's
one's ability is up (or not) to the task in question.
Structure
Verb + 得着 / 不着
Note that the character 着 here is pronounced "zháo."

Examples
太高了，我够不着。
Tài gāo le, wǒ gòu buzháo .
It's too high. I can't reach it.
这么吵，你睡得着吗？
Zhème chǎo, nǐ shuì dezháo ma?
It's so noisy. Can you sleep?
太难了，我猜不着。
Tài nán le, wǒ cāi bu zháo.
It's too hard. I can't guess.
This one is a little tricky, so find more examples in -着's dedicated

grammar point .
Similar to
Potential complement
Result complement "-xiaqu"
Advanced result complements
"zhu", "kai", and "chulai" (B2)
Hopefully you're no stranger to the concept of result complements by
now, but there are a few that are less common and thus may have escaped
direct scrutiny until now. This grammar point focuses on 住, 开, and 出
(来) acting as result complements.
住 as a Result Complement
住 can be used after a verb to express a "coming to a halt." These verbs
are limited.
站住！
Zhàn zhù !
Stop!
抓住那个小偷！
Zhuā zhù nàge xiǎotōu!
Catch that thief!
不好意思，你挡住了我的路。
Bù hǎoyìsi, nǐ dǎng zhù le wǒ de lù.
Excuse me. You're standing in my way.
住 can also be used to express "undertaking an action firmly."
一定要记住我的话。
Yīdìng yào jì zhù wǒ de huà.
You must remember what I said.
你必须抓住机会。
Nǐ bìxū zhuā zhù jīhuì.
You must seize the opportunity tightly.
忍住！马上就好了。
Rěn zhù ! Mǎshàng jiù hǎo le.
Hold on! It will be ready soon.
坚持住！别放弃！
Jiānchí zhù ! Bié fàngqì!
Persevere! Don't give up!
开 as Result Complement
开 means "to open" or "to turn on." It is used as a complement in this
literal sense.
张开嘴。
Zhāng kāi zuǐ.
Open your mouth.
请打开书。
Qǐng dǎ kāi shū.
Please open your book.
现在请你睁开眼睛。
Xiànzài qǐng nǐ zhēng kāi yǎnjīng.
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！
Zǒu kāi !
Go away!
放开我！
Fàng kāi wǒ!
Let go of me!
这个好消息很快传开了。
Zhège hǎo xiāoxī hěn kuài chuán kāi le.
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。
Kàn kāi yīdiǎn.
Cheer up.
想开一点。
Xiǎng kāi yīdiǎn.
Cheer up.
出(来) as Result Complement

出 and 出来 can be used as complements to figuratively add a sense of
"coming into being" or "coming up with."
你能想出什么好办法？
Nǐ néng xiǎng chū shénme hǎo bànfǎ?
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。
Zhèxiē shùxué tí yǒudiǎn nán, wǒ huā le yī gè xiǎoshí cái zuò chūlái .
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？
Nǐ juéde tā néng cāi chūlái zhè jiàn shì shì wǒ gàn de ma?
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。
Yī wàn zì de wénzhāng wǒ xiě bu chūlái .
I can't write a ten-thousand-word article.
When paired with verbs related to the senses, the complement 出(来)
adds a sense of "to tell" or "to distinguish".
她肯定是北方人，我能听出来。
Tā kěndìng shì běifāng rén, wǒ néng tīng chūlái .
She must be from the north. I can hear it.
你能看出我多大吗？
Nǐ néng kàn chū wǒ duōdà ma?
Can you tell how old I am?
菜里面有味精，我能吃出来。
Cài lǐmiàn yǒu wèijīng, wǒ néng chī chūlái .
The food has MSG in it. I can taste it.
这个东西是用什么做的？你能摸出来吗？
Zhège dōngxi shì yòng shénme zuò de? Nǐ néng mō chūlái ma?
What's this thing made of? Can you tell by feeling it?
你抽烟了吧？别骗我，我都闻出来了。
Nǐ chōuyān le ba? Bié piàn wǒ, wǒ dōu wén chūlái le.
Were you smoking? Don't lie to me because I can smell it.
Similar to
Direction complement "-qilai"
Result complements
Advanced uses of direction complement "-qilai"
Complement "-zhao"
Advanced uses of direction
complement "-qilai" (B2)
We have seen before that 起来 (qǐlái), among other things, can be used to
express a literal upward movement. 起来 also has some less intuitive
usages, which are figurative extensions of the "movement" idea. For
example, 起来 can be used to express collecting things together, sort of
like in English we might say "tidy up," or "gather up."
Structure
Verb + 起来
Note that you will often see this pattern used with 把 sentence.
Subj. + 把 + Obj. + Verb + 起来
Examples
These examples are all more literal cases of bringing physical things
together is some way.
13 和 15 加起来是多少？
Shísān hé shíwǔ jiā qǐlái shì duōshǎo?
How much are 13 and 15 added up?
他把衣服都收起来了。
Tā bǎ yīfu dōu shōu qǐlái le.
He put away the clothes.
我老婆把钱都存起来了。
Wǒ lǎopo bǎ qián dōu cún qǐlái le.
My wife saves all our money.
把你的玩具都收起来。
bǎ nǐ de wánjù dōu shōu qǐlái .
Put your toys away.
你为什么要把我的手机藏起来？
Nǐ wèishénme yào bǎ wǒ de shǒujī cáng qǐlái ?
Why would you hide my cell phone?
你可以把手机拆开，但是你能重新装起来吗？
Nǐ kěyǐ bǎ shǒujī chāikāi, dànshì nǐ néng chóngxīn zhuāng qǐlái ma?
You can take the phone apart, but can you put it all back together again?
起来 can also be used to express more abstract concepts of bringing

things together.
这两个颜色搭配起来很漂亮。
Zhè liǎng gè yánsè dāpèi qǐlái hěn piàoliang.
These two colors look great when you combine them.
如果我们团结起来，一定能赢。
Rúguǒ wǒmen tuánjié qǐlái , yīdìng néng yíng.
We will absolutely win this if we band together.
如果你把工作和兴趣结合起来，工作就会很快乐。
Rúguǒ nǐ bǎ gōngzuò hé xìngqù jiéhé qǐlái , gōngzuò jiù huì hěn kuàilè.
If you combine your work with your interests, working will be fun.
如果你能回忆起来这件事情，就好了。
Rúguǒ nǐ néng huíyì qǐlái zhè jiàn shìqing, jiù hǎo le.
It would be good if you could recall this incident.
Similar to
Result complements "-dao" and "-jian"
Direction complement
Direction complement "-qilai"
Result complement "-xiaqu"
Complement "-huai le" (B2)
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
Adj. + 坏了
As with many other grammar patterns, both adjectives and psychological

verbs work in this pattern.
Examples
In these examples, the state is negative or undesirable, so is a natural fit
for -坏了.
大家都累坏了。
Dàjiā dōu lèi huài le .
Everyone was dead-tired.
我早饭和中饭都没吃，饿坏了。
Wǒ zǎofàn hé zhōngfàn dōu méi chī, è huài le .
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。
Fāxiàn bàba yòu qù dǔqián le, māma qì huài le .
Discovering the father went gambling again, the mother was incensed.
孩子不见了，妈妈急坏了。
Háizi bùjiàn le, māma jí huài le .
The child is missing. The mother is worried sick.
一个男人突然拿出一把枪，乘客们都吓坏了。
Yī gè nánrén tūrán ná chū yī bǎ qiāng, chéngkè men dōu xià huài le .
A man took out a gun all of a sudden and the passengers were scared senseless.
你一晚上没有给我打电话，我担心坏了。
Nǐ yī wǎnshang méiyǒu gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà, wǒ dānxīn huài le .
You haven't called me all night. I've been worried sick.
面试官太严肃了，我都要紧张坏了。
Miànshì guān tài yánsù le, wǒ dōu yào jǐnzhāng huài le .
The interviewer was so serious. I was a nervous wreck.
It's also OK to use -坏了 with positive adjectives sometimes, similar to -

死了.
听到这个好消息，大家都高兴坏了。
Tīng dào zhège hǎo xiāoxī, dàjiā dōu gāoxìng huài le .
Everyone was thrilled to hear the good news.
这个笑话让我们都乐坏了。
Zhège xiàohua ràng wǒmen dōu lè huài le .
We really got a kick out of this joke.
她终于买到了演唱会的门票，她激动坏了。
Tā zhōngyú mǎi dào le yǎnchàng huì de ménpiào, tā jīdòng huài le .
She was ecstatic when she finally got tickets to the concert.
Similar to
Adjectives with "-ji le"
Degree complement
Complement "-zhao"
Complement "-zhao" (B2)
When used as a resultative complement, -着 (zháo) expresses that the
action has reached its purpose or has had an outcome. It can also be used
as a potential complement, meaning "able to."
Resultative Complement -着
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
Remember: that 着 is pronounced "zháo and not "zhe"!
Examples
宝宝刚睡着。
Bǎobao gāng shuì zháo .
The baby just fell asleep.
你的手机找着了吗？
Nǐ de shǒujī zhǎo zháo le ma?
Did you find your cell phone?
超市关门了，你要的东西我没买着。
Chāoshì guānmén le, nǐ yào de dōngxi wǒ méi mǎi zháo .
The supermarket is closed. I didn't buy things that you need.
我终于见着你了。
Wǒ zhōngyú jiàn zháo nǐ le.
I have finally met you.
最近太忙了，他累着了。
Zuìjìn tài máng le, tā lèi zháo le.
I've been so busy lately, he's tired.
You might be wondering: "why the heck would I use this instead of 到? "
Hey, excellent question... we like the way you think! But native speakers
do use 着 fairly often (especially in the north), so it's something you need
to know. Also, 睡着 (shuì zháo), meaning "fall asleep," is an exception in
that it is incorrect to say *睡到 to mean "fall asleep."
Potential Complements -得着 and -

不着
Structure
Verb + 得着 / 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.
Examples
现在买不着这样的衣服了。
Xiànzài mǎi buzháo zhèyàng de yīfu le.
You can't buy such clothes now.
晚上我睡不着的时候就看书。
Wǎnshang wǒ shuì buzháo de shíhou jiù kànshū.
At night when can't get to sleep, I read a book.
我的手机找不着了。
Wǒ de shǒujī zhǎo buzháo le.
I can't find my cell phone.
这么晚了，买得着吗？
Zhème wǎn le, mǎi dezháo ma?
It's so late already, can we buy it?
我在国外吃不着地道的中国菜。
Wǒ zài guówài chī buzháo dìdao de Zhōngguó cài.
Outside of China, I can't get authentic Chinese food.
Tricky uses of "dao" (B2)
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 message that something
has really been achieved .
The Difference a -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
It's often assumed that if you're going to 做 something, it'll be to
completion. But if there's ever any doubt, or a situation where "to
completion" needs to be made crystal clear, use 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 zuò dào .
I believe you will be able to do it.
买 vs. 买到
买 is another one where success is normally assumed, but every now and
then it's not so easy to just buy something. That's where 买到 comes in
handy.
我还没有买。
Wǒ hái méiyǒu mǎi .
I haven't bought it yet.
我没买到。
Wǒ méi mǎi dào .
I wasn't able to 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
You know how when you're studying, you know information is going
into your brain, but you're not sure how well it's really sticking? Well,
when you're sure of what's stuck, you can use 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 studied many new words.
在这个公司工作，我学到了很多东西。
Zài zhège gōngsī gōngzuò, wǒ xué dào le hěn duō dōngxi.
Working for this company, I learned a lot of things.
拿 vs. 拿到
A simple act of physically picking something up or taking something
usually involves 拿. When the object becomes some kind of hard-to-get
document, however, 拿到 is useful.
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
If you think of 想 as "looking for ideas," then 想 and 想到 are very
similar to 找 and 找到. One difference, though, is that 没想到 means
"never imagined." It's not that you tried to think of something and failed,
it's just that the idea never occurred to you.
一定要想一个办法。
Yīdìng yào xiǎng yī gè bànfǎ.
You have to think of a way.
你想到了什么好办法？
Nǐ xiǎng dào le shénme hǎo bànfǎ?
Have you thought of anything good yet?
我们都没想到他这么生气。
Wǒmen dōu méi xiǎng dào tā zhème shēngqì.
None of us imagined that he would be so mad.
追 vs. 追到
This one is tricky, because "pursue" is a metaphor, and there's no obvious
result. "Catch" sounds way too misogynistic and old-fashioned. 追到
actually involves more than just effort on the part of the pursuer; you
have to move the girl's (or guy's) heart.
怎么追女孩子？
Zěnme zhuī nǚ háizi?
How do you pursue a girl?
那个女孩子，你追到了吗？
Nàge nǚháizi, nǐ zhuī dào le ma?
That girl, did you win her over yet?
如果你追到她了，我就请你喝酒。
Rúguǒ nǐ zhuī dào tā le, wǒ jiù qǐng nǐ hējiǔ.
If you can really win her over, I'll treat you to drinks.
了解 vs. 了解到
了解 indicates some kind of deep understanding, often one that only
comes over a long period of time. But if you suddenly get some new in-
depth information, 了解到 may be appropriate.
我不太了解这个人。
Wǒ bù tài liǎojiě zhège rén.
I don't really know this person well.
我们刚刚了解到一些新的消息。
Wǒmen gānggāng liǎojiě dào yīxiē xīn de xiāoxī.
We just acquired some new information.
从他那里，我了解到了真相。
Cóng tā nàlǐ, wǒ liǎojiě dào le zhēnxiàng.
I learned the real truth of the matter from him.
联系 vs. 联系到
You can think of 联系 as "initiate contact" and 联系到 as "establish
contact."
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 wanted to get in touch with you, but could never reach you.
Similar to
Result complements "-dao" and "-jian"
Result complements
Using "lai" and "qu" when
"verbing around" (B2)
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
The same verb should repeat in this pattern. Single-syllable verbs are
most common.
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。
Xuéshēng men dōu hěn jǐnzhāng, zài kǎochǎng wàimiàn zǒu lái zǒu qù .
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。
Tā shuō lái shuō qù hái bù chéngrèn zìjǐ cuò le.
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？
Wǒ xiǎng lái xiǎng qù dōu xiǎng bù míngbai, tā zěnme néng nàyàng duì wǒ?
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。
Tā fān lái fān qù , zhōngyú zhǎodào le nà shuāng pò wàzi.
He searched everywhere and finally found the pair of worn-out socks.
这份工作不仅是脑力活，还需要跑来跑去的！
Zhè fèn gōngzuò bùjǐn shì nǎolì huó, hái xūyào pǎo lái pǎo qù de!
This job isn't only mentally taxing; you also have to run around a lot!
我跟孩子们上课的风格是非常活泼的，常常会做一些手工
，有时候还会跳来跳去。
Wǒ gēn háizi men shàngkè de fēnggé shì fēicháng huópo de, chángcháng huì zuò yīxiē
shǒugōng, yǒushíhou hái huì tiào lái tiào qù .
My classroom style with the kids is quite active. We often do arts and crafts, and
sometimes also jump all around.
Similar to
Using "zhe" when "verbing away"
Expressing "as long as" with
"zhiyao" (B2)
只要⋯⋯就⋯⋯ (zhǐyào... jiù...) means "as long as... then...." In other words,
whenever A happens, B (always) 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 reliable way .
只要 + Condition ，就 + Result
Examples
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.
只要下雨，她就会心情不好。
Zhǐyào xiàyǔ, tā jiù huì xīnqíng bù hǎo.
Whenever it rains, she will be in a bad mood.
只要看到妈妈，宝宝就不哭了。
Zhǐyào kàndào māma, bǎobao jiù bù kū le.
Whenever she sees her mother, the baby stops crying.
只要你完成了工作，就可以不用加班。
Zhǐyào nǐ wánchéng le gōngzuò, jiù kěyǐ bùyòng jiābān.
As long as you have finished your work, there is no need to do overtime.
只要你妈妈同意你去北京，我就没有意见。
Zhǐyào nǐ māma tóngyì nǐ qù Běijīng, wǒ jiù méiyǒu yìjiàn.
As long as your mother agrees with you going to Beijing, I have no issue with it.
只要不堵车，我们就能准时到。
Zhǐyào bù dǔchē, wǒmen jiù néng zhǔnshí dào.
As long as traffic isn't bad, we can get 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 can consider them.
Similar to
Expressing "only if" with "zhiyou"
Expressing "as long as" with "fanshi"
Expressing "once...then..." with
"yidan...jiu..." (B2)
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, "then" something else will
happen.
Structure
This structure is similar to the English "once... then," as in "once I get my
hands on you, you'll wish you'd never been born."
一旦 + Condition，Subj. + 就 + Consequence
Examples
一旦发生事故，你要负责！
Yīdàn fāshēng shìgù, nǐ yào fùzé!
In case of an accident, you're responsible!
有些人一旦有了钱，就变了。
Yǒuxiē rén yīdàn yǒu le qián, jiù biàn le.
Some people change as soon as they have money.
一旦你的公司上市，你就可以变成有钱人。
Yīdàn nǐ de gōngsī shàngshì, nǐ jiù kěyǐ biànchéng yǒuqiánrén.
Once your company goes public, you'll be a rich man.
这张桌子不稳定，一旦发生什么小小的振动，就会倒塌。

Zhè zhāng zhuōzi bù wěndìng, yīdàn fāshēng shénme xiǎoxiǎo de zhèndòng, jiù huì dǎotā.
This table isn't very stable. If 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。
Xuéxí jìsuànjī kēxué de xuéshēng hěn zìxìn, tāmen yīdàn bìyè, jiù huì zhǎodào hěn hǎo
de gōngzuò.
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！
Qiānwàn bùyào zài jīngjì pàomò zhōng chǎogǔ, yīdàn shìchǎng bēngkuì, nǐ huì hěn
hòuhuǐ de!
You absolutely must not trade stocks in an economic bubble. Once the market collapses,
you will regret it!
一旦做出决定，就没有借口，只有认真去做。
Yīdàn zuòchū juédìng, jiù méiyǒu jièkǒu, zhǐyǒu rènzhēn qù zuò.
Once a decision is made, there are no more excuses, and all you can do is take it seriously
and do it.
人一旦在一个很舒服的环境中，就不想继续努力了。
Rén yīdàn zài yī gè hěn shūfu de huánjìng zhōng, jiù bù xiǎng jìxù nǔlì le.
Once you're in a comfortable environment, you don't want to keep trying.
一旦提高价格，你会失去很多客户的。
Yīdàn tígāo jiàgé, nǐ huì shīqù hěn duō kèhù de.
If you raise your prices, you will lose a lot of customers.
这种病很复杂，一旦染上，很难治好。

Zhè zhǒng bìng hěn fùzá, yīdàn rǎnshàng, hěn nán zhì hǎo.
This disease is very complicated and once you've contracted it, it's hard to cure.
Notice that in a few of the examples there is no 就. Sometimes you can

leave out the 就 and the context that the result will happen is pretty clear.
Similar to
Events in quick succession with "yi... jiu..."
(B2)
These patterns using 才 are loosely related, and revolve around a
meaning of "only when," "only after," "only then," or "not until." They
suggest a condition without stating the condition as explicitly as in the
pattern 只有⋯⋯才⋯⋯ .
才 as "Only When" or "Only After"

Structure
⋯⋯ ，才 ⋯⋯
Examples
In these examples, you'll notice that the first half of the sentence involves
some kind of "difficulty," usually involving spending a lot of time,
money, or effort. The second half tells what was finally achieved after
spending all that time, money, or effort. The English translation which
tends to work most reliably for these sentences is "only after," but
multiple translations are possible.
我花了八千块才买到了旅游的东西。
Wǒ huā le bā qiān kuài cái mǎi dào le lǚyóu de dōngxi.
Only after spending 8000 RMB was I able to buy all the things for the trip.
小明花了很多心思才设计出了这张海报。
Xiǎo Míng huā le hěn duō xīnsi cái shèjì chū le zhè zhāng hǎibào.
Only after putting a lot of thought into it was Xiao Ming able to design this poster.
他用了很多年才原谅了他的妈妈。
Tā yòng le hěn duō nián cái yuánliàng le tā de māma.
Only after many years was he able to forgive his mom.
那本书我看了两遍才看懂。
Nà běn shū wǒ kàn le liǎng biàn cái kàn dǒng.
I had to read that book twice to understand it.
我去了三次北京才见到了那个客户。
Wǒ qù le sān cì Běijīng cái jiàn dào le nàge kèhù.
Only after making three trips to Beijing was I finally able to meet that client.
他找了好几个月才找到合适的房子。
Tā zhǎo le hǎojǐ gè yuè cái zhǎodào héshì de fángzi.
Only after searching for quite a few months was he able to find a suitable apartment.
Note that for each of these examples, events have already occurred . The
fuller 只有⋯⋯才⋯⋯ pattern is more appropriate for the future or for
hypothetical situations.
才 as "Not Until"
This use of 才 is quite similar to the 才 used to express lateness. The two
sort of blend together.
Structure
⋯⋯，才⋯⋯
⋯⋯ ，才 ⋯⋯
Examples
Note that rather than following a set pattern, the English translation
sentences below make use of a number of different translations. "Not
until," "didn't... until," "only then," and "only after" may all be
appropriate, depending on the context of the original Chinese.
她做完了功课才睡觉。
Tā zuò wán le gōngkè cái shuìjiào.
Not until she finished her homework did she go to sleep.
他锁上了门才想起来没有带钥匙。
Tā suǒ shàng le mén cái xiǎng qǐlái méiyǒu dài yàoshi.
He didn't realize he had forgotten to bring his key until after he had locked the door.
我把牛奶喝完了，才发现牛奶过期了。
Wǒ bǎ niúnǎi hē wán le, cái fāxiàn niúnǎi guòqī le.
I finished off the milk, and only then did I discover that it was expired.
等妈妈打来了电话，宝宝才不哭了。
Děng māma dǎ lái le diànhuà, bǎobao cái bù kū le.
Only after her mom called did the baby stop crying.
Similar to
(B2)
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.
Full Pattern with 只有 and 才

Structure
只有 + Essential Condition + 才 (能) + Desired Outcome
Note that 才 is often followed by 能, but not always. This pattern is

usually used for hypothetical situations, and is used what is in logic called
a "necessary and sufficient condition," meaning "if and only if...."
Examples
只有努力才能做好工作。
Zhǐyǒu nǔlì cái néng zuò hǎo gōngzuò.
Only if you work hard is it possible to do a good job.
只有多吃饭才能长高。
Zhǐyǒu duō chīfàn cái néng zhǎng gāo.
Only if you eat more will you be able to grow tall.
只有多说，你的中文才会提高。
Zhǐyǒu duō shuō, nǐ de Zhōngwén cái huì tígāo.
Only if you speak more will your Chinese improve.
只有大家一起做才能成功。
Zhǐyǒu dàjiā yīqǐ zuò cái néng chénggōng.
Only if everyone works together can we succeed.
只有写完你的作业才能看电视。
Zhǐyǒu xiě wán nǐ de zuòyè cái néng kàn diànshì.
Only if you finish your homework can you watch TV.
只有妈妈在我们才能出去玩。
Zhǐyǒu māma zài wǒmen cái néng chūqù wán.
Only if Mom is here can we go out and play.
只有每天跑步，你的身体才会健康。
Zhǐyǒu měi tiān pǎobù, nǐ de shēntǐ cái huì jiànkāng.
Only if you go running every day can you have a healthy body.
只有老板同意这个建议，我们才能做。
Zhǐyǒu lǎobǎn tóngyì zhège jiànyì, wǒmen cái néng zuò.
We can only do this if the boss agrees with the suggestion.
只有你吃过了，你才能说好不好吃。
Zhǐyǒu nǐ chī guò le, nǐ cái néng shuō hǎo bu hǎochī.
You can only tell if it's good or not if you have eaten it before.
只有学习了拼音，你才能更好地学汉字。
Zhǐyǒu xuéxí le pīnyīn, nǐ cái néng gèng hǎo de xué hànzì.
Only if you have learned pinyin can you learn Chinese characters better.
Note that for each of these examples, events have not already occurred. If
they have, consider using the "only after" 才 pattern which doesn't use 只
有.
Short Form with 才 Only

This is one of the simpler 才 patterns, providing a way to emphasize that
it's THIS one (not THAT one). There's no "only if" here, but the 只有 is
still implied in Chinese (meaning "it is only"). While this pattern has
many uses, one of the most common (and most childish) is as a not-so-
witty comeback, in the form of, "no, YOU are!"
Structure
Noun + 才 + Verb Phrase⋯⋯
Examples
你才是笨蛋！
Nǐ cái shì bèndàn!
YOU're the idiot!
在某些西方国家里，白人才是真正的西方人。我不同意。
Zài mǒuxiē xīfāng guójiā lǐ, báirén cái shì zhēnzhèng de xīfāngrén. Wǒ bù tóngyì.
In some western countries, it's only white people that are the "real" westerners. I don't
agree.
Similar to
Expressing "if" with "ruguo... dehua"
Expressing "if... then..." with "ruguo... jiu..."
Expressing "as long as" with "zhiyao"
Expressing "once...then..." with "yidan...jiu..."
Expressing "unless" with "chufei"
(B2)
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":
Pattern 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
Result / Fact ，除非 + Condition
The sentences below place emphasis on the part after 除非.
Examples
我不去，除非你也去。
Wǒ bù qù, chúfēi nǐ yě qù.
I won't go unless you go too.
你不能进，除非你有预约。
Nǐ bù néng jìn, chúfēi nǐ yǒu yùyuē.
You can't come in unless you have an appointment.
我不说，除非你答应我你不会生气。
Wǒ bù shuō, chúfēi nǐ dāyìng wǒ nǐ bù huì shēngqì.
I won't tell you unless you promise me you won't get upset.
你不会这么快升职，除非你表现很好。
Nǐ bù huì zhème kuài shēngzhí, chúfēi nǐ biǎoxiàn hěn hǎo.
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。
Wǒmen gōngsī yībān bù yǔnxǔ yuángōng qǐngjià, chúfēi lǐyóu hěn chōngfèn.
The company won't allow its staff time off unless they have a really good reason.
Pattern with Just 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
Condition, (要) 不然 + Result
Examples
你也去，要不然我不去。
Nǐ yě qù, yàobùrán wǒ bù qù.
You go too. Otherwise, I won't go.
马上帮我叫车，要不然我赶不上飞机。
Mǎshàng bāng wǒ jiào chē, yàobùrán wǒ gǎnbushàng fēijī.
I won't catch 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。
Lǎoshī, nín yào gěi wǒmen yīdiǎn tíshì, yàobùrán shéi dōu xiǎng bù chū dá'àn.
Teacher, we need you to give us a little hint. Otherwise, none of us will be able to figure out
the answer.
Full Pattern with 除非 and 否则 / 不

然
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。
Chúfēi nǐ shì huìyuán, fǒuzé bù néng jìnqù.
Unless you have a membership, you can't come in.
除非有奇迹，不然他的病治不好。
Chúfēi yǒu qíjī, bùrán tā de bìng zhì bù hǎo.
Unless a miracle happens, his disease can't be cured.
除非你听我的，否则我不会帮你。
Chúfēi nǐ tīng wǒ de, fǒuzé wǒ bù huì bāng nǐ.
Unless you listen to me, I won't help you.
除非你有证据，不然谁会相信？
Chúfēi nǐ yǒu zhèngjù, bùrán shéi huì xiāngxìn?
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。
Chúfēi nǐ shì míngpái dàxué bìyè de, fǒuzé lǎobǎn bù huì kǎolǜ nǐ de.
The boss won't consider you unless you graduated from a big name university.
Reverse Pattern with 除非 and 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."
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。
Chúfēi nǐmen mǎi hěn duō, cái néng piányí diǎn.
Only if you buy a lot can I give you a cheaper price.
除非旧的坏了，我才会买新的。
Chúfēi jiù de huài le, wǒ cái huì mǎi xīn de.
Only if the old one is broken will I buy a new one.
除非老板给我加薪，我才会留下来。
Chúfēi lǎobǎn gěi wǒ jiā xīn, wǒ cái huì liú xiàlái.
Only if the boss gives me a pay raise will I stay.
This use of 才 is similar to the "only after" use .
Similar to
Expressing "even if⋯" with "jishi"
Expressing "even if..." with "jishi"
(B2)
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 ⋯⋯ ，也 ⋯⋯
Examples
即使你不想让我去，我也要去。
Jíshǐ nǐ bù xiǎng ràng wǒ qù, wǒ yě yào qù.
Even if you don't want me to go, I still have to go.
即使冬天很冷，杰克也不穿外套。
Jíshǐ dōngtiān hěn lěng, Jiékè yě bù chuān wàitào.
Even if it is very cold in winter, Jake won't wear a jacket.
即使他没钱，我也要嫁给他。
Jíshǐ tā méi qián, wǒ yě yào jià gěi tā.
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。
Jíshǐ nǐ hěn yǒuqián, yě mǎi bù dào xìngfú.
Even if you were very rich, you couldn't buy happiness.
即使你没胃口，也要吃一点。
Jíshǐ nǐ méi wèikǒu, yě yào chī yīdiǎn.
Even if you don't have any appetite, you still need to eat something.
即使你对这门课不太感兴趣，也要学。
Jíshǐ nǐ duì zhè mén kè bù tài gǎnxìngqù, yě yào xué.
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。
Jíshǐ tā zhěngróng, wǒ yě néng rèn chū tā.
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。
Jíshǐ tāmen yào péicháng wǒmen, wǒmen yě yào bǎ shìqing gōngkāi.
Even if they want to compensate us, 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.
现在即使很忙，我们也抽时间陪孩子。
Xiànzài jíshǐ hěn máng, wǒmen yě chōu shíjiān péi háizi.
现在虽然很忙，我们也抽时间陪孩子。
Xiànzài suīrán hěn máng, wǒmen yě chōu shíjiān péi háizi.
Although it's busy now, we still take time to accompany the children.
In the sentence above, the first part is the actual current situation, so it is
incorrect to use 即使.
Similar to
Expressing "even if⋯" with "jiushi"
Expressing "even if⋯" with "jiusuan"
Expressing "even if⋯" with "napa"
Expressing "since" with "jiran"
Expressing "unless" with "chufei"
Expressing "even if..." with
"jiushi" (B2)
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。
Jiùshì zhè tái diànnǎo jiàgé shàng wàn, wǒ yě huì mǎi.
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!
Jiùshì jiàngwēn le, wǒ yě yào chuān rèkù, shíshàng ma!
Even if the temperature is dropping, I'm still going to wear hot pants. They're fire!
就是他变成一个穷光蛋，我也愿意跟他在一起。
Jiùshì tā biànchéng yī gè qióngguāngdàn, wǒ yě yuànyì gēn tā zài yīqǐ.
Even if he were penniless, I would still be willing to be with him.
就是以后会失败，我也想尝试。
Jiùshì yǐhòu huì shībài, wǒ yě xiǎng chángshì.
Even if it it's going to fail, I want to give it a try.
就是你告诉我答案了，我也不想作弊。
Jiùshì nǐ gàosu wǒ dá'àn le, wǒ yě bù xiǎng zuòbì.
Even if you told me the answers, I would not want to cheat.
就是大家都同意这个方案，我也不会同意的。
Jiùshì dàjiā dōu tóngyì zhège fāng'àn, wǒ yě bù huì tóngyì de.
Even if everyone agrees to this plan, I still will not agree to it.
我就是被炒鱿鱼了，我也不想做违法的事情。
Wǒ jiùshì bèi chǎoyóuyú le, wǒ yě bù xiǎng zuò wéifǎ de shìqing.
Even if I get fired, I still don't want to do anything illegal.
就是你买了车，我也不会嫁给你的。
Jiùshì nǐ mǎi le chē, wǒ yě bù huì jià gěi nǐ de.
Even if you buy a car, I still will not marry you.
就是路上没有人，你也不应该闯红灯。
Jiùshì lùshang méiyǒu rén, nǐ yě bù yīnggāi chuǎng hóngdēng.
Even if there is no one on the road, you shouldn't run a red light.
就是你生我的气，我也要告诉他这件事。
Jiùshì nǐ shēng wǒ de qì, wǒ yě yào gàosu tā zhè jiàn shì.
Even if it makes you angry with me, I still need to tell him about it.
Note that the clause used after 就是 must be hypothetical, otherwise 虽然

should be used:
现在就是是高峰期，但我也要出去。
Xiànzài jiùshì gāofēng qī, dàn wǒ yě yào chūqù.
现在虽然是高峰期，但我也要出去。
Xiànzài suīrán shì gāofēng qī, dàn wǒ yě yào chūqù.
Although it's rush hour now, I'm still going out.
In the sentence above, the first part is the actual current situation, so it is
incorrect to use 就是.
Similar to
Expressing "even if..." with
"jiusuan" (B2)
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.
Basic Pattern
Structure
就算 ⋯⋯ ，也 ⋯⋯
Examples
就算你不想听，我也要说。
Jiùsuàn nǐ bù xiǎng tīng, wǒ yě yào shuō.
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。
Jiùsuàn nǐ shuō de dōu shì zhēn de, wǒmen yě méi bànfǎ zhèngmíng.
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。
Jiùsuàn huì shībài, wǒ yě bù hòuhuǐ.
Even if I fail, I won't regret it.
就算他说他请客，我也要买单。
Jiùsuàn tā shuō tā qǐngkè, wǒ yě yāo mǎidān.
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。
Jiùsuàn nǐ tōngguò le miànshì, yě bù yīdìng néng bèi lùyòng.
Even if you pass the interview, you still won't necessarily be hired.
Advanced Pattern with 再
Structure
就算 + 再 + Adj. ，也 ⋯⋯
Examples
就算再穷，她也不去要饭。
Jiùsuàn zài qióng, tā yě bù qù yàofàn.
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。
Wǒ yǐjīng chī bǎo le, jiùsuàn zài hǎochī, wǒ yě bù xiǎng chī le.
I'm full already. I don't want to eat anymore no matter how good the food tastes.
就算再困难，我们也要坚持。
Jiùsuàn zài kùnnan, wǒmen yě yào jiānchí.
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。
Jiùsuàn nǐ gěi wǒ zài duō qián, wǒ yě bù néng gàn wéifǎ de shìqing.
I can't do anything illegal, no matter how much you pay me.
Colloquial Saying
This is a great way to express "Even if..., so what?"
就算他来了，又怎么样？
Jiùsuàn tā lái le, yòu zěnmeyàng?
Even if he came, so what?
就算你家有钱，又怎么样？
Jiùsuàn nǐ jiā yǒu qián, yòu zěnmeyàng?
Even if your family is rich, so what?
就算她不高兴，又怎么样？
Jiùsuàn tā bù gāoxìng, yòu zěnmeyàng?
Even if she is unhappy, so what?
Similar to
Expressing "even if..." with "napa"
(B2)
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.
Basic Pattern
The basic "even if" form should be familiar if you know 即使 or 就算.
Structure
哪怕 ⋯⋯ ，也 ⋯⋯
Examples
哪怕他不说，我也会知道。
Nǎpà tā bù shuō, wǒ yě huì zhīdào.
Even if he doesn't say, I'll still find out.
哪怕你什么礼物都没买，她也会很开心的。
Nǎpà nǐ shénme lǐwù dōu méi mǎi, tā yě huì hěn kāixīn de.
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！
Nǎpà tā bàba shì zǒngtǒng, wǒ yě bù yào jià gěi tā!
I wouldn't marry him even if his father were the president!
哪怕你们会不高兴，我也要把话说清楚。
Nǎpà nǐmen huì bù gāoxìng, wǒ yě yào bǎ huà shuō qīngchu.
Even if it will make you guys unhappy, I still need to say this.
哪怕你打扮得像电影明星一样，他也不会看你一眼！
Nǎpà nǐ dǎbàn de xiàng diànyǐng míngxīng yīyàng, tā yě bù huì kàn nǐ yīyǎn!
Even if you dressed up like a movie star, he still wouldn't pay you the slightest attention!
Advanced Pattern with 再
Structure
哪怕 is often followed by 再 to further emphasize that what follows 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 (bùguǎn).
哪怕 + [Subj. 1] + 再 ⋯⋯ ，[Subj. 2] + 也 ⋯⋯
Examples
If the two subjects are the same, it's OK to omit one.
哪怕再忙，我也要健身。
Nǎpà zài máng, wǒ yě yào jiànshēn.
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。
Nǎpà nǐ shuō de zài hǎotīng, wǒmen yě bù xiāngxìn.
No matter how convincing you are, we're still not going to believe it.
哪怕再累，她也不要父母帮忙照顾孩子。
Nǎpà zài lèi, tā yě bù yào fùmǔ bāngmáng zhàogù háizi.
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。 ☞ "Hit" could mean

"spank" here.
Nǎpà háizi zài táoqì, fùmǔ yě bù yīnggāi dǎ tāmen.
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。
Nǎpà nǐ wèn zài duō biàn, tā yě bù huì shuō yī gè zì.
No matter how many times you ask her, she will not say a single word.
Similar to
Expressing "if... then..." with
"jiaru" (B2)
"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。
Jiǎrú nǐ de chéngjì zài hǎo yīdiǎnr, nǐ jiù néng shēnqǐng Běi Dà le.
If your grades come up a little more, then you can apply to Beijing University.
假如我是你，我就戒烟。
Jiǎrú wǒ shì nǐ, wǒ jiù jièyān.
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。
Jiǎrú nǐ de nǚpéngyou bù ài nǐ, nǐmen jiù fēnshǒu ba.
If your girlfriend doesn't love you, then you should break up.
假如有一点机会，我就会辞去现在的工作。
Jiǎrú yǒu yīdiǎn jīhuì, wǒ jiù huì cíqù xiànzài de gōngzuò.
If I just had some other opportunity, I would quit my job.
假如这话是真的，我们也要考虑两天。
Jiǎrú zhè huà shì zhēn de, wǒmen yě yào kǎolǜ liǎng tiān.
If that is true, we still have to think about it for a couple of days.
假如一定要去的话，她就去。
Jiǎrú yīdìng yào qù dehuà, tā jiù qù.
If she really must go, then she will go.
假如我们又见面了，你还会记得我吗？
Jiǎrú wǒmen yòu jiànmiàn le, nǐ hái huì jìde wǒ ma?
If we see each other again, will you still remember me?
Similar to
Expressing "if⋯ then⋯" with "yaoshi"
Expressing "if⋯ then⋯" with "jiashi"
Expressing "if... then..." with
"yaoshi" (B2)
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.
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。
Nǐ yàoshi zhēn xiǎng wǒ, jiù gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà.
If you do miss me, then give me a call.
要是我妈知道这件事，我就死定了 !
Yàoshi wǒ mā zhīdào zhè jiàn shì, wǒ jiù sǐ dìng le!
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。
Yàoshi lǎobǎn bù tóngyì, wǒmen jiù bù néng gēn kèhù qiān hétóng.
If the boss doesn't agree, then we can't sign the contract with the client.
你要再说，我真生气了。
Nǐ yào zàishuō, wǒ zhēn shēngqì le.
If you keep talking that way, I'm really gonna get angry.
他要不听，我也没办法。
Tā yào bù tīng, wǒ yě méi bànfǎ.
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。
Yàobùshì tā qiú wǒ, wǒ cái bù bāng nǐ ne.
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。
Yàobùshì yīnwèi háizi, wǒ zǎo jiù líhūn le.
If it weren't for the sake of the kids, I would have gotten divorced long ago.
要不是堵车，我早就到了。
Yàobùshì dǔchē, wǒ zǎo jiù dào le.
If it weren't for the traffic jam, I would have gotten here much sooner.
要不是亲眼看到，我也不相信。
Yàobùshì qīnyǎn kàn dào, wǒ yě bù xiāngxìn.
If I hadn't seen it for myself, I wouldn't believe it either.
要不是你提醒我，我肯定忘了。
Yàobùshì nǐ tíxǐng wǒ, wǒ kěndìng wàng le.
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。
Yào wǒ shuō , nǐ xiān bié gàosu tā.
I say don't tell her yet.
要我说，他就是太懒。
Yào wǒ shuō , tā jiù shì tài lǎn.
I say he's just too lazy.
要我说，我们应该早点做准备。
Yào wǒ shuō , wǒmen yīnggāi zǎodiǎn zuò zhǔnbèi.
In my opinion, we should get prepared sooner.
要我说，这个人不能信。
Yào wǒ shuō , zhège rén bù néng xìn.
In my opinion, this man can't be trusted.
要我说，什么时候开始都不晚。
Yào wǒ shuō , shénme shíhou kāishǐ dōu bù wǎn.
I say it's never too late to start.
Similar to
Expressing "for⋯" with "eryan"
Expressing "if⋯ then⋯" with "jiaru"
Expressing "what if" with "wanyi"
Expressing "if⋯ then⋯" with "jiashi"
Expressing "what if" with "wanyi"
(B2)
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.
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
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.
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 more slowly! What if you hit someone?
Fuller Pattern
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 back and exchange it.
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(yǐfángwànyī) 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.)
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, yǐfángwànyī .
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, yǐfángwànyī .
Take some extra cash, just in case.
多买点吧，以防万一。
Duō mǎi diǎn ba, yǐfángwànyī .
We should buy some more, just in case.
Marking a topic with "de hua"
(B2)
You probably already know that 的话 (dehuà) 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
Sometimes it's a fine line between an "if" statement and an "as for..."
statement, as you'll see in some of the sentences below.
北京的话，秋天去最好。
Běijīng dehuà , qiūtiān qù zuì hǎo.
As for Beijing, autumn is the best time to go.
晚上的话，当然方便啦。
Wǎnshang dehuà , dāngrán fāngbiàn la.
The evening? Of course that's convenient.
这个问题的话，我不太方便说。
Zhè ge wèntí dehuà , wǒ bù tài fāngbiàn shuō.
As for this question, it's not convenient for me to talk about it.
葡萄的话，一定要吃最新鲜的。
Pútao dehuà , yīdìng yào chī zuì xīnxiān de.
For grapes, always eat the freshest ones.
我肯定能去。他的话，我就不知道了。
Wǒ kěndìng néng qù. Tā dehuà , wǒ jiù bù zhīdào le.
I can definitely go. As for him, I don't know.
回老家的话，还是坐高铁比较方便。
Huí lǎojiā dehuà , háishì zuò gāotiě bǐjiào fāngbiàn.
If you want to go back to your hometown, it's more convenient to take the high-speed
train.
买相机的话，我觉得 Sony相机不错。
Mǎi xiāngjī dehuà , wǒ juéde Sony xiāngjī bùcuò.
If you want to buy a camera, I think Sony cameras are good.
我们的要求比较高。具体来说的话，有三个方面。
Wǒmen de yāoqiú bǐjiào gāo. Jùtǐ lái shuō dehuà , yǒu sān gè fāngmiàn.
Our requirement is quite high. Specifically, there are three aspects.
你去上海旅游的话，一定要去外滩。
Nǐ qù Shànghǎi lǚyóu dehuà , yīdìng yào qù Wàitān.
If you're going to Shanghai, you must go to the Bund.
买衣服的话，还是要去实体店试试的。
Mǎi yīfu dehuà , háishì yào qù shítǐdiàn shìshi de.
If you want to buy clothes, you should go to a real store.
Similar to
Topic-comment sentences
Limiting scope with "jiu"
Marking a topic with "ma"
Expressing "no matter" with
"buguan" (B2)
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 a Question Word

Structure
不管 + Question Word ，(Subj. +) 都 ⋯⋯
Examples
不管你穿什么都好看。
Bùguǎn nǐ chuān shénme dōu hǎokàn.
No matter what you wear, it looks good on you.
不管怎么样，我们都要好好准备。
Bùguǎn zěnmeyàng, wǒmen dōu yào hǎohāo zhǔnbèi.
We must fully prepare no matter what.
不管你在哪儿工作，都要交税。
Bùguǎn nǐ zài nǎr gōngzuò, dōu yào jiāo shuì.
You need to pay taxes wherever you work.
不管别人怎么想，你都要坚持。
Bùguǎn biérén zěnme xiǎng, nǐ dōu yào jiānchí.
No matter what 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。
Bùguǎn nǐ shì shénme shíhou mǎi de, wǒmen dōu kěyǐ miǎnfèi xiū.
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。
Bùguǎn shì guójì yòu'éryuán háishì běndì yòu'éryuán, xuéfèi dōu hěn guì.
No matter if it's an international kindergarten or a local one, it's still expensive.
不管你是中国人还是外国人，都必须遵守中国的法律。
Bùguǎn nǐ shì Zhōngguó rén háishì wàiguó rén, dōu bìxū zūnshǒu Zhōngguó de fǎlǜ.
Whether you're Chinese or a foreigner, you must abide by the law.
不管你喜不喜欢，都要接受。
Bùguǎn nǐ xǐ bu xǐhuan, dōu yào jiēshòu.
No matter if you like it or not, you need to accept it.
不管你们同不同意，我都要去。
Bùguǎn nǐmen tóng bu tóngyì, wǒ dōu yào qù.
No matter if you agree or disagree, I'm still going.
不管他们承认不承认，这都是事实。
Bùguǎn tāmen chéngrèn bù chéngrèn, zhè dōu shì shìshí.
Whether they admit it or not, it's still the truth.
Used with Adjectives
Structure
不管 + 多 + Adj., Subj. + 都 ⋯⋯
Examples
不管多贵，我都要买。
Bùguǎn duō guì, wǒ dōu yào mǎi.
No matter how expensive it is, I'm buying it.
不管多远，我都要跟你一起去。
Bùguǎn duō yuǎn, wǒ dōu yào gēn nǐ yīqǐ qù.
No matter how far it is, I'm going with you.
不管多难，都不能放弃。
Bùguǎn duō nán, dōu bù néng fàngqì.
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。
Bùguǎn wǒ chuān de duō hǎokàn, tā dōu bù kàn wǒ yīyǎn.
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。
Bùguǎn háizi duō táoqì, fùmǔ dōu bù yīnggāi dǎ tāmen.
No matter how their children misbehave, parents shouldn't hit them.
Expressing "no matter" with
"wulun" (B2)
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
无论多么成功，他总觉得自己不够好。
Wúlùn duōme chénggōng, tā zǒng juéde zìjǐ bù gòu hǎo.
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。
Wúlùn nǐ dào nǎr wǒ dōu huì gēnzhe nǐ.
Wherever you go, I will follow you.
无论你说还是不说，结果都一样。
Wúlùn nǐ shuō háishì bù shuō, jiéguǒ dōu yīyàng.
Whether you speak up or not, the result will be the same.
无论你做什么，我都不喜欢。
Wúlùn nǐ zuò shénme, wǒ dōu bù xǐhuan.
No matter what you do, I don't like it.
无论给他发多少消息，他都不回。
Wúlùn gěi tā fā duōshǎo xiāoxi, tā dōu bù huí.
No matter how many messages you send him, he won't reply.
无论你想不想，你都要加班。
Wúlùn nǐ xiǎng bu xiǎng, nǐ dōu yào jiābān.
You have to work overtime whether you want to or not.
无论我在不在家，你都可以把快递放门口。
Wúlùn wǒ zài bu zài jiā, nǐ dōu kěyǐ bǎ kuàidì fàng ménkǒu.
Whether I'm at home or not, you can leave the package at the door.
无论他吃多少药，病都没有好。
Wúlùn tā chī duōshǎo yào, bìng dōu méiyǒu hǎo.
No matter how much medicine he takes, he doesn't get better.
无论你去不去，我都会去的。
Wúlùn nǐ qù bu qù, wǒ dōu huì qù de.
Whether you go or not, I will go.
无论怎么样，他都会放弃，别高估他。
Wúlùn zěnmeyàng, tā dōu huì fàngqì, bié gāogū tā.
No matter what happens, he will give up. Don't overestimate him.
无论如何 (wúlùn rúhé) is a useful set phrase, meaning "no matter what."
Similar to
Expressing "no matter" with "buguan"
Advanced uses of "ba" (B2)
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 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。
Wǒ bǎ zhè shì er gěi wàng le.
I forgot about this matter.
周末我把脏衣服给洗了。
Zhōumò wǒ bǎ zāng yīfu gěi xǐ le.
On weekends, I wash the dirty clothes.
你能把这些都给记住吗？
Nǐ néng bǎ zhè xiē dōu gěi jì zhù ma?
Will you be able to memorize all of this?
他把我的手机给摔坏了。
Tā bǎ wǒ de shǒujī gěi shuāi huài le.
He dropped my phone and broke it.
妈妈把没用的东西都给扔了。
Māma bǎ méiyòng de dōngxi dōu gěi rēng le.
Mom threw away all of the useless stuff.
Using 当作 and 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:
1. The 成 versions are a bit less formal than the 作 versions.

2. 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).
3. 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。
Wǒ yīzhí bǎ tā kàn zuò wǒ gēge.
I have always seen him as my older brother.
他把我家当作了他自己家。
Tā bǎ wǒ jiā dàng zuò le tā zìjǐ jiā.
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。
Hěn duō liúxuéshēng dōu bǎ zìjǐ de Zhōngwén lǎoshī dàng zuò péngyou.
Many foreign 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。
Háizǐ kěyǐ bǎ jiā li de hěn duō xiǎo dōngxi dàng zuò wánjù.
Kids can take small things in the house and treat them as as toys.
很多子女把父母的理想当作了自己的理想。
Hěn duō zǐnǚ bǎ fùmǔ de lǐxiǎng dàng zuò le zìjǐ de lǐxiǎng.
Many kids make their parents' ideals their own ideals.
Take Things 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. + 当回事
他从来不把老板的话当回事。
Tā cónglái bù bǎ lǎobǎn de huà dāng huíshì .
He never takes what his boss says seriously.
你这个人总是太把自己当回事了。
Nǐ zhè ge rén zǒngshì tài bǎ zìjǐ dāng huíshì le.
You always take yourself way too seriously.
有的父母从不把孩子的一些小问题当回事 !
Yǒu de fùmǔ cóngbù bǎ háizi de yīxiē xiǎo wèntí dāng huíshì !
Some parents never take their kids' minor problems seriously.
我们班有几个学生从来不把老师的作业当回事。
Wǒmen bān yǒu jǐ gè xuéshēng cónglái bù bǎ lǎoshī de zuòyè dāng huíshì .
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.
on Obj. 1. Naturally, the resulting Obj. 2 should also be concrete.
请你把这个蛋糕切成六块。
Qǐng nǐ bǎ zhège dàngāo qiē chéng liù kuài.
Please cut the cake into six parts.
我知道怎么把图片做成视频。
Wǒ zhīdào zěnme bǎ túpiàn zuò chéng shìpín.
I know how to make this picture into a video.
老师把全班同学分成了三个小组。
Lǎoshī bǎ quán bān tóngxué fēn chéng le sān gè xiǎozǔ.
The teacher divided the whole class of students up into three groups.
Abstract Verb Examples

In the example below, we are dealing with more abstract objects and
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。
Wǒ měi gè yuè dōu yào bǎ zhèxiē Měiyuán huàn chéng Rénmínbì.
Every month, I have to convert this USD into RMB.
他把自己的家改成了他的工作室。
Tā bǎ zìjǐ de jiā gǎi chéng le tā de gōngzuò shì.
She converted her house into her workspace.
你能把这个文件的格式转成 PDF 吗？
Nǐ néng bǎ zhè ge wénjiàn de géshì zhuǎn chéng PDF ma?
Can you convert this file format into a PDF?
韩国政府把 “汉城” 改成了 “首尔”。
Hánguó zhèngfǔ bǎ “Hanchéng” gǎi chéng le “Shǒu'ěr”.
The South Korean government changed the capital name from "Hanseong" to "Seoul."
请你把这些句子翻译成中文。
Qǐng nǐ bǎ zhèxiē jùzi fānyì chéng Zhōngwén.
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 Verb + 成 + Obj. 2
So Obj. 1 is the actual thing, and Obj. 2 is what it is mistaken for.
他把 “太“ 看成了 “大”。
Tā bā “tài” kàn chéng le “dà”.
He misread 太 as 大.
你刚才把 “政府” 读成了 “丈夫” 。
Nǐ gāngcái bǎ "zhèngfǔ" dú chéng le "zhàngfu".
Just now you misread "zhèngfǔ" as "zhàngfu".
我常常把 “自己” 的 “己” 写成 “已经” 的 “已”。

Wǒ chángcháng bǎ "zìjǐ" de "jǐ" xiě chéng "yǐjīng" de "yǐ".
I often write the 己 in 自己 like the 已 in 已经.
你是不是把 “派对” 听成了 “排队”？
Nǐ shì bu shì bǎ "pàiduì" tīng chéng le "páiduì"?
Did you mishear "party" as "wait in line"?
Similar to
Verbs followed by "gei"
Expressing passive voice with "gei"
Advanced uses of "lian" (B2)
连⋯⋯都⋯⋯ (lián... dōu...) is a pattern that can be used to emphasize certain
unexpected or surprising events or information, like "even" in English.
连 as "Not at All"
Using this type of sentence structure emphasizes "not even... at all...."
Structure
连 + Verb + 都 + 不 / 没 + Verb (，就 ⋯⋯)
Note that the two verbs in this pattern are the same verb . It repeats.
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 even met 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 saying anything.
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 good?
这本书，你连看都不看就送人了。
Zhè běn shū, nǐ lián kàn dōu bù kàn jiù sòng rén le.
You gave this book away without even reading it first.
连 as "Not Even One"

Here 连 serves as an adverb to add emphasis. It can also be omitted .
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 a single suit?
我们连一次都没见过。
Wǒmen lián yī cì dōu méi jiàn guo.
We haven't met even once.
我连一口蛋糕都没吃到。
Wǒ lián yī kǒu dàngāo dōu méi chī dào.
I haven't gotten even a single bite of cake.
小明连一次火车都没坐过。
Xiǎo Míng lián yī cì huǒchē dōu méi zuò guo.
Xiao Ming has never taken a train even once.
Similar to
Expressing "not even one"
Basic comparisons with "bu bi"
(B2)
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.
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.

Nǐ méiyǒu wǒ cōngming.
You're not as smart as me.
你不比我聪明。 ☞ You're no smarter than I am, but we might be equal in

smarts.
Nǐ bùbǐ wǒ cōngming.
You're no smarter than I am.
Basic Pattern with 不比
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
你不比我差。
Nǐ bùbǐ wǒ chà.
You're no worse than me.
你不比别人笨。
Nǐ bùbǐ biérén bèn.
You're not dumber than anyone else.
他太太的工资不比他低。
Tā tàitai de gōngzī bùbǐ tā dī.
His wife's salary is no lower than his is.
上海不比纽约便宜。
Shànghǎi bùbǐ Niǔyuē piányi.
Shanghai is no cheaper than New York .
有人觉得养宠物不比养小孩容易。
Yǒurén juéde yǎng chǒngwù bùbǐ yǎng xiǎohái róngyì.
Some people think that it's no easier to raise a pet than to raise a child.
Pattern with 不比 and an Adjective

Structure
If it's more 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.
Examples
你不比歌手唱得差。
Nǐ bùbǐ gēshǒu chàng de chà.
You sing no worse than the singer does.
他算得不比计算机慢。
Tā suàn de bùbǐ jìsuànjī màn.
He calculates no slower than the computer.
她跳得不比明星差。
Tā tiào de bùbǐ míngxīng chà.
She dances no worse than a star.
Note: don't confuse 不比 (bùbǐ) with 不必 (bùbì)!
Similar to
Basic comparisons with "bi"
Expressing "even more" with "geng" or "hai"
Expressing "much more" in comparisons
Comparisons with "biqi"
Conditions with "yao" and "jiu"
(B2)
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
Note that the verbs in this pattern are usually single-syllable verbs.
要走就走，我们不需要你。
Yào zǒu jiù zǒu, wǒmen bù xūyào nǐ.
If you want to leave, leave. We don't need you.
要买就买，我们快关门了。
Yào mǎi jiù mǎi, wǒmen kuài guānmén le.
If you're going to buy it, buy it now. We are about to close the shop.
要说就说，别在背后说。
Yào shuō jiù shuō, bié zài bèihòu shuō.
If you're going to say it, say it now. Don't talk behind people's backs.
要去就去，不用等我们。
Yào qù jiù qù, bùyòng děng wǒmen.
If you want to go, go now. You don't need to wait for us.
要吃饭就吃饭，吃什么零食。
Yào chīfàn jiù chīfàn, chī shénme língshí.
If you want to eat, eat. Don't just snack.
It's possible to modify the second verb a little bit as well, as long as it's
short.
要去就快点去。
Yào qù jiù kuài diǎn qù.
If you want to go, go fast.
要吃就自己拿。
Yào chī jiù zìjǐ ná.
If you want to eat, go ahead and grab some.
要学就好好学。
Yào xué jiù hǎohāo xué.
If you want to study it, study it well.
要问就问清楚。
Yào wèn jiù wèn qīngchu.
If you want to ask, then ask clearly.
要买就早点买。
Yào dìng jiù zǎodiǎn mǎi.
If you want to book it, book it soon.
Similar to
Expressing "as one likes" with "jiu"
Expressing indifference with "jiu"
Expressing "any" with "renhe"
(B2)
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 + 都 / 也 ⋯⋯
Examples
你到派对以后任何饮料都不要喝。
Nǐ dào pàiduì yǐhòu rènhé yǐnliào dōu bùyào hē.
After you arrive at the party, don't drink anything.
这里在修路，任何车都不可以通过。
Zhèlǐ zài xiū lù, rènhé chē dōu bù kěyǐ tōngguò.
The road is under repair. No cars are allowed to pass here.
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 extracurricular activities.
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 under any circumstance.
我家永远欢迎你，任何时候都可以来。
Wǒ jiā yǒngyuǎn huānyíng nǐ, rènhé shíhou dōu kěyǐ lái.
You are always welcome in our house. You can come by anytime.
这次的项目很重要，任何意外都不要发生。

Zhè cì de xiàngmù hěn zhòngyào, rènhé yìwài dōu bùyào fāshēng.
This is a very important project and no accidents are to happen.
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 need to go now. Call me if you need anything at all.
Similar to
Expressing "all" with "suoyou"
Expressing "both... and..." with
"ji...you" (B2)
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 be of the same form. It often sounds better one both A and B are
single syllables or both are two syllables.
Examples
这个同事既积极又努力。
Zhège tóngshì jì jījí yòu nǔlì.
This colleague is both proactive and hard-working.
这家餐厅既便宜又好吃。
Zhè jiā cāntīng jì piányi yòu hǎochī.
This restaurant is both cheap and delicious.
他做事情既快又好。
Tā zuò shìqing jì kuài yòu hǎo.
He does things both quickly and well.
这家银行的服务既热情又周到。
Zhè jiā yínháng de fúwù jì rèqíng yòu zhōudào.
This bank's service is both enthusiastic and thorough.
这个产品的设计既时尚又人性化。
Zhège chǎnpǐn de shèjì jì shíshàng yòu rénxìng-huà.
This product's design is both stylish and user-friendly.
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
这里既是你的家乡，也是我的家乡。
Zhèlǐ jì shì nǐ de jiāxiāng, yě shì wǒ de jiāxiāng.
This is both your hometown and mine.
她既是我妈妈，也是我朋友。
Tā jì shì wǒ māma, yě shì wǒ péngyou.
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。
Yāoqiú shì nǐ jì yào huì shuō liúlì de Zhōngwén, yě yào huì shuō liúlì de Yīngwén.
The requirement is that you need to speak both fluent Chinese and English.
你不要多管闲事，因为这既和你没关系，也和我没关系。
Nǐ bùyào duō guǎn xiánshì, yīnwèi zhè jì hé nǐ méi guānxi, yě hé wǒ méi guānxi.
Do not meddle in it, for it is neither your business nor mine.
爸爸很生我的气，不过他既没打我，也没骂我。
Bàba hěn shēng wǒ de qì, bùguò tā jì méi dǎ wǒ, yě méi mà wǒ.
Dad was really mad at me, but he neither hit me nor yelled at me.
Expressing "can't do without"
with "shaobuliao" (B2)
In the phrase 少不了 (shǎobuliǎo), the word 少 represents "being
without." So 少不了 means "can't be without" or "can't do without." It is
quite colloquial in usage.
Structure
Subj. + 少不了 + Noun / Verb Phrase
Examples
每年春节，少不了饺子和春晚。
Měi nián Chūnjié, shǎobuliǎo jiǎozi hé Chūnwǎn.
Every Chinese New Year, it's gotta be dumplings and the Spring Festival Gala.
如果回家晚了，少不了一顿骂。
Rúguǒ huíjiā wǎn le, shǎobuliǎo yī dùn mà.
If I get home late, there's no getting out of getting yelled at.
过生日少不了吃生日蛋糕。
Guò shēngrì shǎobuliǎo chī shēngrì dàngāo.
On someone's birthday we can't not eat birthday cake.
学中文少不了学拼音和汉字。
Xué Zhōngwén shǎobuliǎo xué pīnyīn hé hànzì.
Studying Chinese always involves studying pinyin and Chinese characters.
回家过年少不了带点礼物给家人。
Huí ji guònián shǎobuliǎo dài diǎn lǐwù gěi jiārén.
When you return home for Chinese New Year, you can't fail to bring back some presents
for your family.
大家都是邻居，以后少不了麻烦您。
Dàjiā dōu shì línjū, yǐhòu shǎobuliǎo máfan nín.
We're all neighbors, so we'll definitely have to trouble you at some point.
他负责联系客户，所以少不了请客户吃饭。
Tā fùzé liánxì kèhù, suǒyǐ shǎobuliǎo qǐng kèhù chīfàn.
He is responsible for contacting clients, so he invariably has to treat them to dinner.
Pointing to a Cause with 少不了

Sometimes the two things that 少不了 connects can be events, saying
"It's like A because B happened." This construction is often based on
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
看他的样子，少不了是跟女朋友吵架了。
Kàn tā de yàngzi, shǎobuliǎo shì gēn nǚpéngyǒu chǎojià le.
Look at him. He must have argued with his girlfriend.
这么闷热，少不了是要下暴雨。
Zhème mēnrè, shǎobuliǎo shì yào xià bàoyǔ.
It's so stuffy. It must be about to storm.
八点多了还没回来，少不了是在加班。
Bā diǎn duō le hái méi huílái, shǎobuliǎo shì zài jiābān.
It's past 8 o'clock he still hasn't come back. He must be working overtime.
Expressing "equal to" with
"dengyu" (B2)
The word 等于 (děngyú) as in "A 等于 B" is a mathematical term which,
in everyday language, also expresses that A "is equal to" or "amounts to"
B. However, scenario B is most likely not a scenario or situation that a
person intentionally wanted or created for scenario A.
Structure
A 等于 B
Examples
今天吃了炸鸡，等于白跑步了。
Jīntiān chī le zhájī, děngyú bái pǎobù le.
I ate fried chicken today, which amounts to me going jogging for nothing.
你告诉小王就等于把秘密告诉了大家。
Nǐ gàosù Xiǎo Wáng jiù děngyú bǎ mìmì gàosù le dàjiā.
Telling Xiao Wang your secret is equivalent to telling everyone your secret.
浪费时间等于浪费生命。
Làngfèi shíjiān děngyú làngfèi shēngmìng.
Wasting your time is wasting your life.
吃一半西瓜等于吃三碗米饭。
Chī yībàn xīguā děngyú chī sān wǎn mǐfàn.
Eating half of a watermelon is equivalent to eating three bowls of rice.
你去了，就等于我去了。
Nǐ qù le, jiù děngyú wǒ qù le.
If you go, it's the same as if I went.
金钱不等于幸福，你自己要好好想想。
Jīnqián bù děngyú xìngfú, nǐ zìjǐ yào hǎohāo xiǎngxiang.
Money is not equal to happiness, you should think about it carefully.
一个国家不发展经济，等于给对手机会。
Yīgè guójiā bù fāzhǎn jīngjì, děngyú gěi duìshǒu jīhuì.
If a country does not develop its economy, it is giving its rivals an opportunity.
这样做等于把钱送给他。
Zhèyàng zuò děngyú bǎ qián sòng gěi tā.
To do this amounts to giving him the money.
变老不等于成熟了，成熟是自己对自己做过的事情负责。
Biàn lǎo bù děngyú chéngshú le, chéngshú shì zìjǐ duì zìjǐ zuò guò de shìqing fùzé.
Growing old is not equivalent to maturing. Maturity is being responsible for what you have
done.
你给了别人一个机会，也等于给了自己一个机会。
Nǐ gěi le biérén yī gè jīhuì, yě děngyú gěi le zìjǐ yī gè jīhuì.
If you give others a chance, it's equivalent to giving yourself a chance too.
Expressing "from" with "cong...
zhong" (B2)
从⋯⋯中 (cóng... zhōng) is another way to express "from," and differs
from the similar 从⋯⋯到 (cóng... dào) which expresses "from" in relation
to time and place. 从⋯⋯中 tells a source of information, and then tells
what knowledge, information, or experience was gained from it.
Structure
从 + Source + 中 + Result
The result is the knowledge, information, or experience gained from the

"source."
Examples
我从书中学习了很多知识。
Wǒ cóng shū zhōng xuéxí le hěn duō zhīshi.
I learned a lot from the book.
我们从聊天中知道小王不喜欢咖啡。
Wǒmen cóng liáotiān zhōng zhīdào Xiǎo Wáng bù xǐhuan kāfēi.
We know from chatting that Xiao Wang doesn't like coffee.
从这件事中小王明白了诚实的重要。
Cóng zhè jiàn shì zhōng Xiǎo Wáng míngbai le chéngshí de zhòngyào.
Xiao Wang knows the importance of honesty from this matter.
从老房子中我们找出来很多九十年代的东西。
Cóng lǎo fángzi zhōng wǒmen zhǎo chūlai hěn duō jiǔshí niándài de dōngxi.
We found a lot of stuff from the nineties in the old house.
从电话中我听出他不是很开心。
Cóng diànhuà zhōng wǒ tīng chū tā bù shì hěn kāixīn.
I could tell from the phone that he wasn't very happy.
丽丽从微信中发现了她丈夫和别的女人聊天。
Lìlì cóng Wēixìn zhōng fāxiàn le tā zhàngfu hé biéde nǚrén liáotiān.
Lili found out from WeChat that her husband was talking to another woman.
我从文章中找到一个错误。
Wǒ cóng wénzhāng zhōng zhǎodào yī gè cuòwù.
I found an error in the article.
我从这次旅行中学习了很多道理。
Wǒ cóng zhè cì lǚxíng zhōng xuéxí le hěn duō dàolǐ.
I've learned a lot of things from this trip.
从这杯水中你能看到什么？
Cóng zhè bēi shuǐ zhōng nǐ néng kāndào shénme?
What do you see in this glass of water?
从这次的比赛中我收获了友谊。
Cóng zhè cì de bǐsài zhōng wǒ shōuhuò le yǒuyì.
I gained a lot of friendship from this competition.
Similar to
Expressing "from⋯ to⋯" with "cong⋯ dao⋯"
Expressing indifference with "jiu"
(B2)
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.
Affirmative Form
If you've learned to express "as one likes" with 就, then this pattern
should feel familiar. It has a very different tone, however, better suited to
higher-level learners.
Structure
This structure will usually add emphasis to what are saying, and it often
expresses that the speaker has an "I don't care" attitude.
Verb + 就 + Verb
Note that the verb in this pattern is the same one repeating.
Examples
坏了就坏了，再买新的。
Huài le jiù huài le, zài mǎi xīn de.
If it's broken, leave it there. We can buy a new one.
走就走，我早就不想干了！
Zǒu jiù zǒu, wǒ zǎo jiù bù xiǎng gàn le!
Sure, I'll leave. I wanted to quit a long time ago!
反对就反对，我不在乎。
Fǎnduì jiù fǎnduì, wǒ bù zàihu.
If they oppose it, let them oppose it. I don't care.
赌就赌，谁怕谁？
Dǔ jiù dǔ, shéi pà shéi?
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！
Líhūn jiù líhūn, wǒ zǎo jiù xiǎng lí le!
If you want to get a divorce, let's do it. I wanted to do this a long time ago!
Negative Form
Structure
不 + Adj. / Verb + 就 + 不 + Adj. / Verb
The 不 in this pattern can also be replaced with 没.
Examples
她不高兴就不高兴，不是我的错。
Tā bù gāoxìng jiù bù gāoxìng, bù shì wǒ de cuò.
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？
Bù chī jiù bù chī, nǐ yǐwéi wǒ hěn xiǎng chī a?
I'm fine with not eating. You think I really want to eat?
不帮就不帮，我又不是只有你一个朋友！
Bù bāng jiù bù bāng, wǒ yòu bù shì zhǐyǒu nǐ yīgè péngyou!
Fine, don't help if you don't want to. 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。
Nǐmen bù dǒng jiù bù dǒng, wǒ shuō nàme duō yě méi yòng.
You just really don't get it. There's no point in me explaining so much.
他没来就没来，我一个人可以搞定。
Tā méi lái jiù méi lái, wǒ yīgèrén kěyǐ gǎodìng.
It's fine that he didn't show up. I can handle it by myself.
Similar to
Expressing "as one likes" with "jiu"
Conditions with "yao" and "jiu"
Expressing "no" (noun) "to" (verb)
with "wu... ke..."
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
Sometimes the noun or the verb will have an archaic feel to it, like 处
(chù) for "place," or 归 (guī) for "return to."
Examples
我和他无话可说。
Wǒ hé tā wú huà kě shuō.
I had nothing to say to him.
公司倒闭了，小王觉得自己现在无路可走。
Gōngsī dǎobì le, Xiǎo Wáng juéde zìjǐ xiànzài wú lù kě zǒu.
The company has gone bankrupt, and Xiao Wang feels that he has nowhere to go.
公司需要招聘新人了，我现在无人可用。
Gōngsī xūyào zhāopìn xīnrén le, wǒ xiànzài wú rén kě yòng.
The company needs to recruit new people. I have no one to help me now.
从四月份开始，公司客户减少，我每天都无事可做。

Cóng sìyuèfèn kāishǐ, gōngsī kèhù jiǎnshǎo, wǒ měitiān dōu wú shì kě zuò.
Since April, the company has fewer clients, so I have nothing to do every day.
我的房子到期了，但是我还没有找到新房子，我现在无处可
去。
Wǒde fángzi dàoqī le, dànshì wǒ hái méiyǒu zhǎodào xīn fángzi, wǒ xiànzài wú chǔ kě qù.
My lease is up, but I haven't found a new place yet, so I have nowhere to go.
很多 30岁以上的女演员说自己无戏可拍。
Hěn duō sānshí suì yǐshàng de nǚ yǎnyuán shuō zìjǐ wú xì kě pāi.
Many actresses over 30 say there are no films they can do.
公司的现金流断了，所以公司无钱可用。
Gōngsī de xiànjīn liú duàn le, suǒyǐ gōngsī wú qián kě yòng.
The company's cash flow has been cut off, so the company has no cash it can spend.
这部电影太火了，所有的票都卖完了，无票可买。
Zhè bù diànyǐng tài huǒ le, suǒyǒu de piào dōu mài wán le, wú piào kě mǎi.
This movie was so popular that all the tickets sold out and there are no more tickets for
sale.
我在上海没有朋友，所以这些烦恼无人可说。
Wǒ zài Shànghǎi méiyǒu péngyou, suǒyǐ zhèxiē fánnǎo wú rén kě shuō.
I have no friends in Shanghai, so I have no one to talk to about these worries.
在美国大部分无家可归的人有精神问题。
Zài Měiguó dàbùfen wújiākěguī de rén yǒu jīngshén wèntí.
In the US, most homeless people have mental health issues.
Expressing "not even one" (B2)
In English we might want to say something like "I have absolutely no
money, not even one penny." Expressing that "not even one" can take one
of several forms, all of which are common in everyday Chinese.
Basic Pattern
Structure
This structure is usually used for emphasizing how little of something
there is. 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
他一句话都没说。
Tā yī jù huà dōu méi shuō.
He didn't say a thing.
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 is there not a single person here?
我一口都没吃。
Wǒ yī kǒu dōu méi chī.
I haven't had a single bite.
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 single foreign friend before coming to Shanghai.
她一瓶可乐也没喝。
Tā yī píng kělè yě méi hē.
She didn't drink a single bottle of cola.
我一点消息都不知道。
Wǒ yī diǎn xiāoxi dōu bù zhīdào.
I don't know a single thing.
Advanced Pattern
Structure
If you want to put the topic of your conversation at the beginning of the
sentence, make sure the comment which follows has a strong emphasis or
some kind of extreme quality.
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've never met this person even 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.
Similar to
Expressing "not at all" with "yidianr ye bu"
Expressing "not only..., even..."
using "budan..., shenzhi lian" (B2)
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
Examples
他不但不知道李连杰，甚至连成龙也不知道。
Tā bùdàn bù zhīdào Lǐ Liánjié , shènzhì lián Chéng Lóng yě bù zhīdào.
Not only does he not know Jet Li, he doesn't even know Jackie Chan.
妹妹不但喜欢榴莲这样味道重的，甚至连臭豆腐也喜欢。

Mèimei bùdàn xǐhuan liúlián zhèyàng wèidào zhòng de, shènzhì lián chòu dòufu yě
xǐhuan.
My sister not only likes durian, which has a strong flavor, but even stinky tofu too.
你男朋友不但帮你做好了攻略，甚至连飞机票也帮你买好了

。
Nǐ nánpéngyou bùdàn bāng nǐ zuò hǎo le gōnglüè, shènzhì lián fēijīpiào yě bāng nǐ mǎi
hǎo le.
Your boyfriend not only helped you with your vacation planning, he even helped you buy
your plane tickets.
在家里隔离的时候，不但小区出不去，甚至连家门也不让你

出去。
Zài jiālǐ gélí de shíhou, bùdàn xiǎoqū chū bu qù, shènzhì lián jiāmén yě bù ràng nǐ chūqù.
When isolating at home, you can't leave your neighborhood, and you aren't even allowed to
leave your house.
我回国这件事情，不但你知道了，甚至连老板也知道了，
但是我不想让老板知道。
Wǒ huí guó zhè jiàn shìqing, bùdàn nǐ zhīdào le, shènzhì lián lǎobǎn yě zhīdào le, dànshì
wǒ bù xiǎng ràng lǎobǎn zhīdào.
Not only did you know about my return to China, even my boss knew about it, but I didn't
want him to know.
今天参加活动的人很多，不但有同事，甚至连不喜欢参加活

动的人也来了。
Jīntiān cānjiā huódòng de rén hěn duō, bùdàn yǒu tóngshì, shènzhì lián bù xǐhuan cānjiā
huódòng de rén yě lái le.
A lot of people attended the event today, not only colleagues, but even people who don't
normally go to that kind of event were here.
他辞职这件事情不但公司不知道，甚至连他的父母也不知
道。
Tā cízhí zhè jiàn shìqing bùdàn gōngsī bù zhīdào, shènzhì lián tā de fùmǔ yě bù zhīdào.
Not only did the company not know about his resignation, but even his parents did not
know about it.
他怎么了？不但心情不好，甚至连饭也不想吃。
Tā zěnme le? Bùdàn xīnqíng bù hǎo, shènzhì lián fàn yě bù xiǎng chī.
What happened to him? Not only was he in a bad mood, he didn't even want to eat.
我不但选好了地址，甚至连奶茶店的名字也想好了。
Wǒ bùdàn xuǎn hǎo le dìzhǐ, shènzhì lián nǎichá diàn de míngzi yě xiǎng hǎo le.
Not only have I chosen an address, I've even decided on the name of the milk tea shop.
在节假日的时候，不但景区都是人，甚至连路上也都是人

。
Zài jiéjiàrì de shíhou, bùdàn jǐngqū dōu shì rén, shènzhì lián lùshang yě dōu shì rén.
During the holidays, not only the scenic spots, but also the roads are full of people.
Similar to
Many types of "not only... but also..."
Expressing purpose with "hao"
(B2)
好 (hǎo) can mean "in order to or "for the sake of" when coming before a
verb phrase, and therefore expresses the purpose. You might think of it as
a more advanced version of the "easy to [verb]" 好.
Structure
Action ，好 + Purpose
Examples
她睡前常常喝牛奶，好入睡。
Tā shuì qián chángcháng hē niúnǎi, hǎo rùshuì.
She often drinks milk before bedtime to help her fall asleep.
老师，请说慢点儿，我们好做笔记。
Lǎoshī, qǐng shuō màn diǎnr, wǒmen hǎo zuò bǐjì.
Teacher, you need to speak a little slower so that we can take notes.
请把车停到里面，好让别人走路。
Qǐng bǎ chē tíng dào lǐmiàn, hǎo ràng biérén zǒulù.
Please park the car inside so that other people can walk here.
他学习非常努力，好考个好大学。
Tā xuéxí fēicháng nǔlì, hǎo kǎo gè hǎo dàxué.
He is studying very hard so that he can get into a good university.
她在学中文，好听得懂别人说什么。

Tā zài xué Zhōngwén, hǎo tīng de dǒng biérén shuō shénme.
She is learning Chinese so that she can understand what people say.
小明今天把自己打扮得很帅气，好给别人留一个好印象。
Xiǎo Míng jīntiān bǎ zìjǐ dǎbàn de hěn shuàiqì, hǎo gěi biérén liú yī gè hǎo yìnxiàng.
Xiao Ming has dressed himself up very handsomely today to give others a good impression
of him.
我准备了详细的分析报告，这样好让客户满意。
Wǒ zhǔnbèi le xiángxì de fēnxī bàogào, zhèyàng hǎo ràng kèhù mǎnyì
I prepared a detailed analysis report in order to satisfy the client.
我已经定好了闹钟，好抢票。
Wǒ yǐjīng dìnghǎo le nàozhōng, hǎo qiǎng piào.
I've already set my alarm clock so that I can buy tickets early before they sell out.
公司整理了最近几个月的资金记录，好制定下一季度的计
划。
Gōngsī zhěnglǐ le zuìjìn jǐgè yuè de zījīn jìlù, hǎo zhìdìng xià yī jìdù de jìhuà.
The company has compiled the financial records of the last few months in order to make a
plan for the next quarter.
导游给每个人都发了一个帽子，这样好找到每个人。

Dǎoyóu gěi měi gè rén dōu fā le yī gè màozi, zhèyàng hǎo zhǎodào měi gè rén.
The tour guide has given everyone a hat so that it's easy to find everyone.
Similar to
Expressing "in this way" with "zheyang"
Expressing purpose with "weile"
Using "lai" to connect two verb phrases
Expressing "related to..." with
"you guan de" (B2)
When you need to express one thing in relation to another, the word 有关
(yǒuguān) can be a useful way of making a noun more specific. It comes
in two flavors: the "跟⋯⋯有关的" (gēn... yǒuguān de) structure, which is
informal, and the "与⋯⋯有关的" (yǔ... yǒuguān de) structure, which is
formal.
Informal Pattern with 跟 or 和

The more casual form uses 跟 or 和. Use this in your spoken Mandarin.
Structure
跟 / 和 + Topic + 有关的 + Noun
Examples
我和他分手了, 跟他有关的事情我都不想知道。
Wǒ hé tā fēnshǒu le, gēn tā yǒuguān de shìqing wǒ dōu bù xiǎng zhīdào.
We broke up, I don't want to know anything related to him.
他对中国很感兴趣, 跟中国有关的故事他都很感兴趣。

Tā duì Zhōngguó hěn gǎn xìngqù, gēn Zhōngguó yǒuguān de gùshi tā dōu hěn gǎn
xìngqù.
He is very interested in China, he is interested in anything related to Chinese history.
和这个项目有关的资料都需要保密。
hé zhège xiàngmù yǒuguān de zīliào dōu xūyào bǎomì.
Any information related to this project needs to be kept confidential.
和这个人有关的一切，我都想了解。
hé zhège rén yǒuguān de yīqiè, wǒ dōu xiǎng liǎojiě.
I want to know everything about this person.
Formal Pattern with 与

In more formal contexts, you will see the pattern used with 与 (yǔ).
Structure
The more casual form is:
跟 / 和 + Topic + 有关的 + Noun
Examples
与游戏有关的活动，我都想参加。
Yú yóuxì yǒuguān de huódòng, wǒ dōu xiǎng cānjiā.
I would like to participate in any activity related to the game.
他为了追小丽，了解了很多与小丽有关的事情。

Tā wèile zhuī Xiǎo lì, liǎojiě le hěn duō yú Xiǎo lì yǒuguān de shìqing.
He has learned a lot of things about Xiao Li in order to chase her.
与恐龙有关的问题，你都可以问他，他都知道。

Yú kǒnglóng yǒuguān de wèntí, nǐ dōu kěyǐ wèn tā, tā dōu zhīdào.
You can ask him questions about dinosaurs, and he knows everything.
与疫苗有关的研究已经开始了。
Yú yìmiáo yǒuguān de yánjiū yǐjīng kāishǐ le.
Research on the vaccine has already begun.
与虾有关的食物我都不能吃，因为我对虾过敏。

Yú xiā yǒuguān de shíwù wǒ dōu bù néng chī, yīnwèi wǒ duì xiā guòmǐn.
I can't eat any food related to shrimp because I'm allergic to shrimp.
Finally, to negate 有关 in a formal context, use 无关 (wúguān):

与这次会议主题无关的事情，我们就不讨论了。
Yú zhè cì huìyì zhǔtí wúguān de shìqing, wǒmen jiù bù tǎolùn le.
We will not discuss matters that are not relevant to the theme of this meeting.
Similar to
Expressing "about" with "guanyu"
Comparing "guanyu" and "duiyu"
Expressing simultaneous actions
with "yimian" (B2)
一面 (yìmiàn) is more formal than 一边, but is used in the same way to
express two simultaneous actions.
Structure
一面 + Verb + 一面 + Verb
Examples
我一面哭一面跑。
Wǒ yīmiàn kū yīmiàn pǎo.
I cried while running away.
他喜欢一面吃东西，一面看电影。
Tā xǐhuan yīmiàn chī dōngxi, yīmiàn kàn diànyǐng.
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 !
Wǒ gàosù nǐ duōshǎo cì le, bié yīmiàn tǎng zài chuángshang yīmiàn chī língshí! Nòng de
chuángshàng dōu shì suìxiè!
I've told you so many times: don't eat while lying in bed. You've gotten crumbs all over the
bed!
他们一家人一面赏月一面吃月饼。
Tāmen yījiārén yīmiàn shǎngyuè yīmiàn chī yuèbǐng.
They enjoy the full moon and eat moon cakes together as a family.
你会一面拍头一面揉肚子吗？
Nǐ huì yīmiàn pāi tóu yīmiàn róu dùzi ma?
Can you pat your head and rub your belly at the same time?
为了赚钱，哥哥一面读书一面做兼职。
Wèile zhuànqián, gēge yīmiàn dúshū yīmiàn zuò jiānzhí.
To earn money, my big brother is studying and working part-time at the same time.
一面 cannot be shortened in the way while 一边 can:
我面工作面学习。
Wǒ miàn gōngzuò miàn xuéxí.
我边工作边学习。
Wǒ biān gōngzuò biān xuéxí.
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 "on the one hand... on the other hand"
in English.
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。
Zhèngfǔ yīmiàn yào kòngzhì tōnghuò péngzhàng, yīmiàn yě yào bǎozhèng yīdìng de jīngjì
zēngzhǎng sùdù.
On one hand, the government needs to control inflation, but on the other hand, it needs to
guarantee a certain amount of economic growth.
小丽一面想谈恋爱一面又不想受伤。
Xiǎolì yīmiàn xiǎng tán liàn'ài yīmiàn yòu bù xiǎng shòushāng.
Xiaoli, on the one hand, wants to date, and on the other hand, doesn't want to get hurt.
Similar to
Simultaneous tasks with "yibian"
Expressing various aspects with "yi fangmian"
Expressing "along with⋯" with "suizhe"
Expressing "so-called" with
"suowei" (B2)
所谓 (suǒwèi) is the Chinese way of expressing "so-called." It can also be
used in scenarios you would use sarcastic air quotes. Just keep in mind
that "so-called" frequently comes with a negative attitude in English, but
this is not always so in Chinese.
Structure
所谓 + (的) Noun Phrase
The nouns phrase in this pattern is the "so-called name" being called into
question. The 的 is optional.
Examples
所谓的天才，有可能有这样的人，也有可能，他自己偷偷地努
力。
Suǒwèi de tiāncái, yǒu kěnéng yǒu zhèyàng de rén, yě yǒu kěnéng, tā zìjǐ tōutōu de nǔlì.
There may be such a person as this the so-called "genius," or, possibly, he has been secretly
trying really hard.
没有所谓的失败，除非你不想再尝试。
Méiyǒu suǒwèi de shībài, chúfēi nǐ bù xiǎng zài chángshì.
There is no such thing as so-called "failure," unless you do not want to try again.
所谓的 “名医”，连最基本的医学知识都不知道。
Suǒwèi de "míngyī", lián zuì jīběn de yīxué zhīshì dōu bù zhīdào.
So-called "famous doctors" do not even know the most basic medical knowledge.
所谓企业管理，是需要解决一个接一个的问题。
Suǒwèi qǐyè guǎnlǐ, shì xūyào jiějué yī gè jiē yī gè de wèntí.
So-called "corporate management" requires solving one problem after another.
所谓没有时间，是你没有好好安排时间。
Suǒwèi méiyǒu shíjiān, shì nǐ méiyǒu hǎohāo ānpái shíjiān.
The so-called lack of time means that you have not managed your time well.
所谓成长，就是自己可以照顾自己，自己开始考虑别人的感

受。
Suǒwèi chéngzhǎng, jiùshì zìjǐ kěyǐ zhàogù zìjǐ, zìjǐ kāishǐ kǎolǜ biérén de gǎnshòu.
So-called "growth" is taking care of yourself and starting to consider the feelings of others.
人生没有所谓的答案。
Rénshēng méiyǒu suǒwèi de dá'àn.
There is no such thing as "answers" in life.
这种所谓的名牌，是销售自己说的。
Zhè zhǒng suǒwèi de míngpái, shì xiāoshòu zìjǐ shuō de.
This so-called "famous brand" was proclaimed by the salesperson himself.
所谓永远的爱，是不存在的。
Suǒwèi yǒngyuǎn de ài, shì bù cúnzài de.
There is no such thing as "eternal love."
为了所谓的权力，去放弃家人，是不聪明的做法。

Wèile suǒwèi de quánlì, qù fàngqì jiārén, shì bù cōngming de zuòfǎ.
It is not wise to give up your family for the sake of so-called "power."
Expressing "the more... the
more..." with "yue... yue..." (B2)
More than "putting stuff" after two instances of 越 (yuè) in a sentence,
there are a number of very specific patterns you will notice if you want to
get more sophisticated with 越 (yuè) and go beyond using the simpler 越
来越 (yuèláiyuè).
Pattern with a Single Subject

Structure
Subj. + 越 ⋯⋯ ，越 ⋯⋯
It's normally verbs or verb phrases following each 越, but adjectives are
also possible (typically after the second 越).
Examples
我们越想越生气。
Wǒmen yuè xiǎng yuè shēngqì.
The more we think about it, the angrier we get.
我越看越喜欢。
Wǒ yuè kàn yuè xǐhuan.
The more I look at it, the more I like it.
Sometimes this pattern is best translated into English as "more and more,"
which is similar to 越来越 (yuèláiyuè).
他越跑越快。 ☞ "faster and faster" = "more and more fast"
Tā yuè pǎo yuè kuài.
He ran faster and faster. / The more he ran, the faster he got.
雨越下越大。 ☞ "heavier and heavier" = "more and more heavy"

Yǔ yuè xià yuè dà.
The rain got heavier and heavier. / The more it rained, the heavier it got.
Pattern with Two Different Subjects
Structure
What follows the first 越 is typically the reason why the second 越 phrase
happens.
Subj. 1 + 越 ⋯⋯ ，Subj. 2 + 越 ⋯⋯
Again, it's normally verbs or verb phrases following each 越, but

adjectives are also possible (typically after the second 越).
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.
The More... the Less...
This is actually the same pattern as the last one, but its different English
translation makes it worth paying attention to.
Structure
越 ⋯⋯ 越 + 不 ⋯⋯
Examples
你越让孩子学，孩子越不想学。
Nǐ yuè ràng háizi xué, háizi yuè bù xiǎng xué.
The more you push the kid to study, the less he wants to study.
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 tell him.
你越这样说，他越不听。
Nǐ yuè zhèyàng shuō, tā yuè bù tīng.
The more you talk this way, the less he listens.
Colloquial Saying
This pattern involves the same verb repeated after each 越. It 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。
Zhè běn shū wǒ yuè kàn yuè xiǎng kàn.
The more I read this book, the more I want to keep reading it.
这种零食让人越吃越想吃。 ☞ Like Doritos, amirite?

Zhè zhǒng língshí ràng rén yuè chī yuè xiǎng chī.
The more you eat this kind of snack, the more you want to eat it.
我吃了这个药以后总是想睡觉，而且越睡越想睡。
Wǒ chī le zhège yào yǐhòu zǒngshì 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
Expressing "more and more" with "yuelaiyue"
Similar to
Expressing "more and more" with "yuelaiyue"
Expressing the only two
possibilities (B2)
To describe a situation as being one of only two possibilities, you can use
the structure "不是⋯⋯就是⋯⋯" (bù shì... jiùshì...), which literally means,
"if it's not... it's...."
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。
Tā zhěng tiān bù shì dǎ yóuxì jiùshì shuìjiào.
If he's not playing video games all day, he's sleeping.
他们约会不是去咖啡馆就是去电影院。
Tāmen yuēhuì bù shì qù kāfēiguǎn jiùshì qù diànyǐngyuàn.
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。
Wǒ mǎi de yīfu bù shì dà jiùshì xiǎo, dōu bù néng chuān.
The clothes that I bought are always either too big or too small. I can't wear any of them.
她穿的衣服不是 LV 就是 Gucci！
Tā chuān de yīfu bù shì LV jiùshì Gucci!
If the clothes that she wears aren't Louis Vuitton, then they're Gucci!
不是你就是他干的，别人一点都不知道。
Bù shì nǐ jiùshì tā gàn de, biérén yīdiǎn dōu bù zhīdào.
Either you did it or he did it. No one else knows anything about it.
不是哭就是闹，你还能不能好好工作了？
Bù shì kū jiùshì nào, nǐ hái néng bù néng hǎohāo gōngzuò le?
If you're not crying then you're yelling. Can you just do your job properly?
我不是点外卖就是出去吃，我从来不自己做饭。
Wǒ bù shì diǎn wàimài jiùshì chūqù chī, wǒ cónglái bù zìjǐ zuòfàn.
I either order take-away food or go out to eat. I never cook for myself.
他不是嫌这不好就是嫌那不好，十分挑剔。
Tā bù shì xián zhè bùhǎo jiùshì xián nà bùhǎo, shífēn tiāoti.
He either dislikes this or dislikes that. He is super picky.
今年一直没有去旅游，不是觉得地方远就是觉得自己累。
Jīnnián yīzhí méiyǒu qù lǚyóu, bù shì juéde dìfang yuǎn jiùshì juéde zìjǐ lèi.
This year, I haven't traveled at all. I either find the places too far away or I feel too tired.
这个星期不是今天开会就是明天开会。
Zhège xīngqí bù shì jīntiān kāihuì jiùshì míngtiān kāihuì.
This week, I'm having a meeting either today or tomorrow.
Similar to
Expressing "either... or..." with "yaome"
Providing two options with double "huozhe"
Expressing "within" a period of
time using "zai... nei" (B2)
Saying "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)."
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, etc.).
Examples
在短短的两年内，他就成为了 CEO。
Zài duǎnduǎn de liǎng nián nèi , tā jiù chéngwéi le CEO.
In just two years, he has become the CEO.
政府计划在十年内研究出电动汽车。
Zhèngfǔ jìhuà zài shí nián nèi yánjiū chū diàndòng qìchē.
The government plans to develop an electric car within ten years.
在两个月内，她就长胖了 10斤。 ☞ 10斤 = 5kg

Zài liǎng gè yuè nèi , tā jiù zhǎngpàng le shí jīn.
In two months, she gained 11 pounds.
在未来两个月内，这款游戏会上市。
Zài wèilái liǎng gè yuè nèi , zhè kuǎn yóuxì huì shàngshì.
In the next two months, this game will be on the market.
世界在短短一个月的时间内发生了巨大的变化。
Shìjiè zài duǎnduǎn yī gè yuè de shíjiān nèi fāshēng le jùdà de biànhuà.
The world has changed dramatically in just one month's time.
你在一个小时内吃了两次饭，你这么饿吗？
Nǐ zài yī gè xiǎoshí nèi chī le liǎng cì fàn, nǐ zhème è ma?
You ate twice in one hour. Are you really that hungry?
我在短短的半小时内接到了 10 个电话。
Wǒ zài duǎnduǎn de bàn xiǎoshí nèi jiēdào le shí gè diànhuà.
I received 10 calls in just half an hour.
你要在一个半小时内到上海。
Nǐ yào zài yī gè bàn xiǎoshí nèi dào Shànghǎi.
You have to be in Shanghai within an hour and a half.
这个比赛在 30 分钟内进球就赢了。
Zhège bǐsài zài sānshí fēnzhōng nèi jìnqiú jiù yíng le.
This match will be over if we can score within the next 30 minutes.
在未来三年内，我希望能考过 HSK5。
Zài wèilái sān nián nèi , wǒ xīwàng néng kǎo guò HSK wǔ.
In the next three years, I hope to pass HSK 5.
Expressing "would rather" with
"ningke" (B2)
宁可 (nìngkě) is used when the speaker wants to compare two
unfavorable options, and choose one over the other. We usually express
this as "would rather... than..." in English.
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 the less unfavorable option and 也不 is
followed by the most unfavorable option.
宁可⋯⋯ ，也不⋯⋯
Examples
我宁可没有男朋友，也不要随便找一个男朋友。
Wǒ nìngkě méiyǒu nán péngyǒu, yě bù yào suíbiàn zhǎo yī gè nánpéngyǒu.
I'd rather have no boyfriend than find a random one.
我们宁可早到也不要迟到。
Wǒmen nìngkě zǎo dào yě bù yào chídào.
We'd rather arrive early than late.
他宁可输，也不放弃。
Tā nìngkě shū, yě bù fàngqì.
He'd rather lose than give up.
我宁可这个月少花一点，也不找父母要钱。
Wǒ nìngkě zhège yuè shǎo huā yīdiǎn, yě bù zhǎo fùmǔ yào qián.
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。
Māma nìngkě bǎ zhèxiē dōngxi sòng gěi mòshēngrén, yě bù rēngdiào.
Mom would rather give these things to strangers than throw them 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。
Wǒ nìngkě áoyè yě yào zuò wán.
I'd rather stay up tonight just to finish it.
孩子们宁可不吃饭，也要多玩一会儿。
Háizimen nìngkě bù chīfàn, yě yào duō wán yīhuǐr.
The kids would rather not eat just to play a little longer.
他宁可和女朋友分手，也要留在国外。
Tā nìngkě hé nǚpéngyǒu fēnshǒu, yě yào liú zài guówài.
He would rather 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。
Tā nìngkě huā yībàn de gōngzī zū fángzi, yě yào yī gè rén zhù.
She would rather spend half of her salary just to live alone.
我宁可坐三十个小时的硬座，也要回老家。
Wǒ nìngkě zuò sānshí gè xiǎoshí de yìngzuò, yě yào huí lǎojiā.
I would rather sit in a hard seat for 30 hours if I can get home.
Similar to
Expressing "rather than..." with "yuqi... buru"
Providing two options with
double "huozhe" (B2)
One easy way to give two options is to precede each one with 或者
(huòzhě).
Structure
或者 A ，或者 B
The options A and B are generally verb phrases.
Examples
只有一块蛋糕，或者你吃或者我吃。
Zhǐyǒu yīkuài dàngāo, huòzhě nǐ chī huòzhě wǒ chī.
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。
Nǐ huòzhě xué Hànyǔ, huòzhě xué fǎlǜ, bié de jiù bié xué le.
Either study Chinese or law. Don't study anything else.
咱们或者去爬山或者泡温泉。
Zánmen huòzhě qù páshān huòzhě pào wēnquán.
Let's either go hiking or go for a soak in the hot springs.
咱们或者今天去或者明天去，一定要去。
Zánmen huòzhě jīntiān qù huòzhě míngtiān qù, yīdìng yào qù.
We can either go today or tomorrow, but we must go.
你或者买这个或者买那个，其他的都不好看。
Nǐ huòzhě mǎi zhège huòzhě mǎi nàge, qítā de dōu bù hǎokàn.
Either buy this one or that one. The others don't look good.
他穿得很正式，或者是老板，或者是经理吧。
Tā chuān de hěn zhèngshì, huòzhě shì lǎobǎn, huòzhě shì jīnglǐ ba.
He is dressed very formally. He's gotta be the boss or a manager.
我想了很久，这个答案或者是三十，或者是四十，对不对？

Wǒ xiǎng le hěnjiǔ, zhège dá'àn huòzhě shì sānshí, huòzhě shì sìshí, duì bu duì?
I've thought about it for a long time. The answer is either thirty or forty, right?
要是你喜欢这本书，或者借给你看两天，或者送给你也
行。
Yàoshi nǐ xǐhuan zhè běn shū, huòzhě jiègěi nǐ kàn liǎngtiān, huòzhě sònggěi nǐ yě xíng.
If you like the book, I can lend it to you for a couple of days, or I can just give it to you.
只要你有需要，或者给我发邮件，或者给我打电话。

Zhǐyào nǐ yǒu xūyào, huòzhě gěi wǒ fā yóujiàn, huòzhě gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà.
If you need anything, you can email me or call me.
关于旅游，我想了两个计划，我们或者去山西或者去云南，

你觉得呢？
Guānyú lǚyóu, wǒ xiǎng le liǎng gè jìhuà, wǒmen huòzhě qù Shānxī huòzhě qù Yúnnán,
nǐ juéde ne?
As for travel, I have two plans in mind. We can either go to Shanxi or Yunnan. What do
you think?
Similar to
Offering choices with "haishi"
Expressing "or" in statements
Expressing "either... or..." with "yaome"
Expressing "how about" with "yaobu"
Reviewing options with "ba"
Expressing the only two possibilities
Expressing "let alone" with "bie
shuo" (B2)
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。
Bié shuō yībǎi, jiùshì yīkuài qián wǒ yě bù gěi nǐ.
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。
Bié shuō báijiǔ, lián píjiǔ de wèidào wǒ dōu shòubuliǎo.
Don't even mention baijiu; I can't even stand the taste of beer.
别说英语，你说中文我也不知道怎么回答。
Bié shuō Yīngyǔ, nǐ shuō Zhōngwén wǒ yě bù zhīdào zěnme huídá.
Forget about English! Even if you speak Chinese, I don't know how to answer.
这么难的问题，别说你，就是老师也不知道答案。

Zhème nán de wèntí, bié shuō nǐ, jiùshì lǎoshī yě bù zhīdào dá'àn.
Such a hard question! Even the teacher doesn't know the answer, let alone you.
别说做菜了，他连怎么煮方便面都不知道。
Bié shuō zuò cài le, tā lián zěnme zhǔ fāngbiànmiàn dōu bù zhīdào.
Don't even think about cooking. He doesn't even know how to boil instant noodles.
别说旅游了，他连出门都不想出。
Bié shuō lǚyóu le, tā lián chūmén dōu bù xiǎng chū.
Don't even mention traveling; he doesn't even want to go outside the house.
别说是我，连你妈妈也不会原谅你。
Bié shuō shì wǒ, lián nǐ māma yě bù huì yuánliàng nǐ.
Even your own mother won't forgive you, let alone me.
这么贵的房子，别说你，就是我也会想要的。
Zhème guì de fángzi, bié shuō nǐ, jiùshì wǒ yě huì xiǎng yào de.
Such an expensive house! Even I would want it, let alone you.
这件事情，别说你，任何人看到都会帮忙的。
Zhè jiàn shìqing, bié shuō nǐ, rènhé rén kāndào dōu huì bāngmáng de.
Anyone who sees the situation would help, let alone you.
别说你了，就是我弟弟来也要买票。
Bié shuō nǐ le, jiùshì wǒ dìdi lái yě yào mǎi piào.
Even my brother needs to buy a ticket if he comes, let alone you.
且不说 is more formal than 别说, but is used in the same way.
Similar to
Expressing "let alone" with "geng buyong shuo"
Expressing "let alone" with "hekuang"
Expressing "let alone" with "geng
buyong shuo" (B2)
更不用说 (gèng bùyòng shuō) is similar to the English expression "let
alone" or "to say nothing of." For example, 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 of the 别说
structure.
Examples
连我都不知道这个歌手，更不用说他了。
Lián wǒ dōu bù zhīdào zhège gēshǒu, gèng bùyòng shuō tā le.
I don't even know the singer, let alone him.
连家人都不理解你，更不用说其他的人了。
Lián jiārén dōu bù lǐjiě nǐ, ggèng bùyòng shuō qítā de rén le.
Even your family doesn't understand you, let alone other people.
连周末都要加班，更不用说工作日了。

Lián zhōumò dōu yào jiābān, gèng bùyòng shuō gōngzuòrì le.
I have to work overtime even on weekends, not to mention work days.
这里连我都住不下去，更不用说你了。
Zhèlǐ lián wǒ dōu zhù bù xiàqù, gèng bùyòng shuō nǐ le.
I can't even keep living here, let alone you.
妹妹连 80 分也没有得过，更不用说 100分了。
Mèimei lián bāshí fēn yě méiyǒu dé guo, gèng bùyòng shuō yībǎi fēn le.
My sister didn't even score 80 points, let alone 100 points.
连老员工也走了，更不用说那些新员工了。
Lián lǎo yuángōng yě zǒu le, gèng bùyòng shuō nàxiē xīn yuángōng le.
Even the old employees have left, not to mention the new ones.
小明连他自己都照顾不好，更不用说照顾小朋友了。
Xiǎo Míng lián tā zìjǐ dōu zhàogu bù hǎo, gèng bùyòng shuō zhàogu xiǎopéngyou le.
Xiao Ming can't even take care of himself, let alone take care of children.
他连自己国家的国旗都不认识，更不用说其他国家的了。
Tā lián zìjǐ guójiā de guóqí dōu bù rènshí, gèng bùyòng shuō qítā guójiā de le.
He can't even recognize his own country's flag, not to mention any other countries' flags.
Some sentences will deviate from the structure a little bit, dropping the 连
or even both the 连 and the 都:
他都不会煮鸡蛋，更不用说做一大桌子的菜了。
Tā dōu bù huì zhǔ jīdàn, gèng bùyòng shuō zuò yī dà zhuōzi de cài le.
He can't even boil an egg, let alone prepare a banquet.
他从来没有出过远门，更不用说出国了。
Tā cónglái méiyǒu chū guo yuǎnmén, gèng bùyòng shuō chū guó le.
He's never traveled very far, let alone out of the country.
Unless the first action is negated with 没有, 更不用说 generally sounds
more natural followed by a 了.
Similar to
Many types of "not only... but
also..." (B2)
We've seen 不但⋯⋯而且 (bùdàn... érqiě) at the B1 level, but there are a
number of other structures which can be used to express the same thing.
不但 can be substituted with 不仅 (bùjǐn) or 不只 (bùzhǐ), both meaning
"not only," and can be followed by 而且 (érqiě), 还 (hái), or 也 (yě).
Other than 不但⋯⋯而且 being more common than the others, they are all
similar in usage and formality.
Structure
Subj. + 不仅 / 不但 / 不只 + ⋯⋯，而且 / 还 / 也 + ⋯⋯
Mix and match! Knock yourself out...
Examples
我不只对排球感兴趣，而且对足球也很感兴趣。
Wǒ bùzhǐ duì páiqiú gǎnxìngqù, érqiě duì zúqiú yě hěn gǎnxìngqù.
I am not only interested in volleyball, but also in soccer.
王师傅不但会开车，还会修车。
Wáng Shīfu bùdàn huì kāichē, hái huì xiū chē.
Not only does Master Wang drive a car, he also repairs cars.
我不仅知道他，我而且认识他。
Wǒ bùjǐn zhīdào tā, wǒ hái rènshi tā.
I've not only heard of him, but I also know him.
他不只会唱歌，也会跳舞。
Tā bùzhǐ huì chànggē, yě huì tiàowǔ.
He can not only sing, but dance as well.
我们不仅完成了任务，而且比规定日期提前了十天。
Wǒmen bùjǐn wánchéng le rènwù érqiě bǐ guīdìng rìqí tíqiánle shí tiān.
We not only completed the task, but we did so ten days ahead of schedule.
这家餐厅的食物不但好吃，也便宜。

Zhè jiā cāntīng de shíwù bùdàn hǎochī, yě piányi.
The food in this restaurant is not only good, but is also cheap.
他不仅懒，还馋。
Tā bùjǐn lǎn, hái chán.
He is not only lazy, but also greedy.
这篇文章不仅结构清楚，而且思想先进。
Zhè piān wénzhāng bùjǐn jiégòu qīngchǔ, érqiě sīxiǎng xiānjìn.
This essay is not only written clearly, but is also well-developed.
他不但喜欢吃中国菜，也会做几个中国菜！
Tā bùdàn xǐhuan chī Zhōngguó cài, yě yě huì zuò jǐ gè Zhōngguó cài!
He not only likes to eat Chinese food, but he can make some as well!
这家超市不仅种类多，价格也不贵。
Zhè jiā chāoshì bùjǐn zhǒnglèi duō, jiàgé yě bù guì.
This supermarket not only has a wide variety of products, but also low prices.
这个外国人不只会唱民歌，还会说方言，真是了不起！

Zhège wàiguó rén bùzhǐ huì chàng míngē, hái huì shuō fāngyán, zhēn shì liǎobuqǐ!
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！
Tā bùdàn cōngming hái hěn shànliáng. Nánguài tā zhème shòu dàjiā de xǐ'ài!
He's not only smart, but also kind. No wonder everyone loves him.
Similar to
Using "budan... geng" to express "not only... but also"
Expressing "not only..., even..." using "budan..., shenzhi lian"
Comparing "benlai" and "yuanlai"
(B2)
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.
本来 + 是 for 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。
Wǒ běnlái shì yào qù cānjiā nǐ de shēngrì pàiduì de, kěshì zhōumò tūrán yào jiābān.
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。
Tā běnlái shì yīnggāi kǎo de gèng hǎo de, kěshì nà tiān tā shēngbìng le.
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。
Wǒmen běnlái bù dǎsuàn qù de, hòulái yīnwèi tāmen dǎ le hǎo jǐ cì diànhuà jiù qù le.
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。
Zhèxiē gōngzuò běnlái kěyǐ míngtiān zuò de, bùguò rúguǒ nǐ xiǎng jīntiān zuò wán yě kěyǐ.
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。
Wǒ běnlái shì yào gēn tā jiéhūn de, kěshì hòulái fāxiàn le wǒmen zhēn de bù héshì.
I was originally going to marry him, but then I found that we are just not meant for each
other.
本来 + 就 for Common Sense

Statements
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。
Shēnghuó běnlái jiù hěn bù róngyì.
Life isn't supposed to be very easy.
搬家本来就很麻烦。
Bānjiā běnlái jiù hěn máfan.
Moving is supposed to be very troublesome.
照顾孩子本来就是父母的责任。
Zhàogù háizi běnlái jiùshì fùmǔ de zérèn.
Taking care of children is supposed to be the responsibility of parents.
老师本来就应该好好备课。
Lǎoshī běnlái jiù yīnggāi hǎohāo bèikè.
Teachers are supposed to prepare their lessons well.
本来 + 就 for Emphasis
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？
Nǐ běnlái jiù gòu shòu le, hái yào jiǎnféi ma?
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？
Tā jiǎng de běnlái jiù bùduì, wèishénme hái yào wǒ tīng tā de?
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？
Tā běnlái jiù bù shì gè hǎorén, nǐ zěnme hái yào bāng tā?
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。
Tā běnlái jiù bù xǐhuan nǐ, nǐ bié zài zhuī tā le.
She never liked you in the first place, so stop pursuing her.
他说话的方式本来就很容易让人不舒服，你别介意。
Tā shuōhuà de fāngshì běnlái jiù hěn róngyì ràng rén bú shūfu, nǐ bié jièyì.
The way he talks oten makes people uncomfortable, so don't take it personally.
原来 + 是 for “It turns out”

原来 is more used to emphasize what you accidentally find out or realize
in a situation. It's similar to "as it turns out..." or "...all along." For this
usage, 原来 is normally located at the beginning of the sentence.
Structure
原来 + 是 + [Fact / Truth / Reason / Purpose]
怪不得 + [Observation / Situation]，原来 + 是 [因为 / 为了 / 想⋯⋯]
Examples
原来是你啊！我刚才真没看出来。
Yuánlái shì nǐ a! Wǒ gāngcái zhēn méi kàn chūlái.
It was you all along! I didn't recognize you until just now.
怪不得你中文说得这么好，原来你在中国住了三十多年。
Guàibùdé nǐ Zhōngwén shuō de zhème hǎo, yuánlái nǐ zài Zhōngguó zhù le sānshí duō
nián.
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。
Yuánlái tāmen zhù zài yīqǐ, guàibùdé tāmen chángcháng yīqǐ shàng xiàbān.
It turns out that they're living together. 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.
Guàibùdé zǒng shì duì tā nàme hǎo, yuánlái nǐ yīzhí dōu xǐhuan tā.
No wonder you treat him so well. You've had feelings for him the whole time.
原来 + 的 for "Previous" or "Former"

Structure
原来 + 的 + Noun
Examples
这是我原来的家。
Zhè shì wǒ yuánlái de jiā.
This is my old house.
他原来的公司关门了。
Tā yuánlái de gōngsī guānmén le.
His former company closed down.
你们原来的看法不是这样的。
Nǐmen yuánlái de kànfǎ bù shì zhèyàng de.
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。

Wǒ xiànzài de nán péngyǒu bǐ yuánlái de nán péngyǒu shuài duō le.
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。
Nǐ yuánlái de tóufǎ nàme hēi, xiànzài bái le hěn duō.
Your hair was so black before, but now it's become a lot grayer.
Similar to
Expressing "all along" with "yuanlai"
Expressing "originally" with "benlai"
Comparing "cai" and "jiu" (B2)
Both 才 (cái) and 就 (jiù) are adverbs that have to do with expressing
time, and they are both placed before verbs. However, they typically have
opposite effects on the tone of the sentence, with 才 (cái) implying a
sense of lateness, and 就 (jiù) imparting a sense of earliness.
Emphasis with 才
Expressing Lateness with 才
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。
Wǒ děng le liǎng gè xiǎoshí cái mǎi dào piào.
I waited two hours before I could buy the ticket.
老板十一点才到办公室。
Lǎobǎn shíyī diǎn cái dào bàngōngshì.
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。
Zhège xiàngmù zuì shǎo yào huā liǎng gè yuè cái néng zuò wán.
It's going to take at least two months to complete this project.
Expressing Small Quantity with 才
才 can also mean "only" in the sense of a small quantity.
Structure
才 ( + Verb) + Measure Word + Noun
The key thing to pay attention to here is that the 才 goes before the verb ,
and not the "small quantity" that follows it.
Examples
我们有这么多人，你才点了三个菜。
Wǒmen yǒu zhème duō rén, nǐ cái diǎn le sān gè cài.
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。
Wǒ mǎi le zhème duō dōngxi, cái huā le wǔ bǎi kuài.
I bought this many things, and I only spent 500 RMB.
Expressing "Not Late" with 才 and Time

When 才 is followed by a time, it can express the idea of "only," as in,
"it's only 9 o'clock," expressing the idea that "9 o'clock is not late." This
would seem to be the opposite of the 才 expressing "lateness," but it's
important to remember that this 才 precedes a time , and not an action .
Structure
(现在) + 才 + Time
Examples
现在才九点，再玩一会儿。
Xiànzài cái jiǔ diǎn, zài wán yīhuìr.
It's only nine o'clock. Stay and hang out a little bit more.
才六点，起那么早干吗？
Cái liù diǎn, qǐ nàme zǎo gànmá?
It's only six. Why did you get up so early?
Emphasis with 就
Expressing Earliness with 就
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
她十九岁就结婚了。
Tā shíjiǔ suì jiù jiéhūn le.
She got married when she was only 19.
你妹妹十五岁就上大学了？
Nǐ mèimei shíwǔ suì jiù shàng dàxué le?
Your younger sister started college when she was only fifteen?
他下午四点就吃晚饭了。
Tā xiàwǔ sì diǎn jiù chī wǎnfàn le.
He ate dinner at four in the afternoon.
你们这么早就下班了？
Nǐmen zhème zǎo jiù xiàbān le?
You guys getting off work this early?
我八点就出门了，路上堵车，我还是迟到了十分钟。

Wǒ bā diǎn jiù chūmén le, lùshang dǔchē, wǒ háishi chídào le shí fēnzhōng.
I left at eight o'clock, but there was a traffic jam, so I was still ten minutes late.
Expressing Small Quantity with 就
就 can be used to mean "only," in the sense of a small quantity.
If you're thinking, "didn't we just learn to use 才 to also mean small
quantity?? " then you're very perceptive, and the answer is yes . For this
"small quantity" emphasis, both 才 and 就 can be used before the verb to
express essentially the same thing. (If you really want to split hairs,
native speakers might say that there's a tiny difference in emphasis
between the two, but that level of nuance goes beyond the scope of this
grammar point.)
Structure
Subj. + 就 + (＋Verb) ＋ Measure Word ＋ Noun
Examples
我们有这么多人，你就买了一瓶可乐？
Wǒmen yǒu zhème duō rén, nǐ jiù mǎi le yī píng kělè?
We have all these people, and you just bought that one bottle of cola?
你们每天就睡四个小时？
Nǐmen měi tiān jiù shuì sì gè xiǎoshí?
Do you only sleep four hours every day?
每个人都写了五页纸，你就写了一页纸！
Měi gè rén dōu xiě le wǔ yè zhǐ, nǐ jiù xiě le yī yè zhǐ!
Everyone wrote five pages, but you wrote just one?
那时候中国人都生四五个孩子，他们家就一个孩子？

Nà shíhou Zhōngguó rén dōu shēng sì wǔ gè háizi, tāmen jiā jiù yī gè háizi?
At that time Chinese people all had four or five children, but their family only had one?
Using 才 and 就 Together

They're not matter and anti-matter; these two "opposite" words can
actually be used together. When used together, they're the "just recently"
meaning of 才 and the "early" meaning of 就. Together, they indicate that
one thing just happened recently , and then the other happened soon after
.
Structure
Subj + 才 + Verb + 就 + Verb Phrase
Examples
你才来就要走？不多坐一会儿？
Nǐ cái lái jiù yào zǒu? bù duō zuò yīhuìr?
You only just came and you‘re leaving already? Are you not going to sit a little longer?
电影才开始你就不想看了？
Diànyǐng cái kāishǐ nǐ jiù bù xiǎng kàn le?
The movie just started and you don't want to watch it anymore?
他才毕业就找到了这么好的工作？
Tā cái bìyè jiù zhǎodào le zhème hǎo de gōngzuò?
He just graduated and already found such a good job?
Similar to
Expressing earliness with "jiu"
Expressing lateness with "cai"
Comparing "zai" and "you" (B2)
Both 再 (zài) and 又 (yòu) express the repeating 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. In addition, each word has a few special usages.
再 Expresses 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。
Wǒmen xiàcì zài lái ba.
We will come here again next time.
我想再看一下。
Wǒ xiǎng zài kàn yīxià.
I want to take another look.
You need to use 再 for this usage; you can't use 又:

请又说一次。 ☞ Since it is asking about a future action, you can't use "又"
Qǐng yòu shuō yī cì.
请再说一次。
Qǐng zài shuō yī cì.
Please say it one more time.
再 Can Express "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。
Wǒ yào zài kàn yī bù diànyǐng.
I want to watch another movie.
你可以再做一碗面条吗？
Nǐ kěyǐ zài zuò yī wǎn miàntiáo ma?
Can you make another bowl of noodles?
我得又写一篇作文。 ☞ Since it is about the future, you can't use "又"

Wǒ děi yòu xiě yī piān zuòwén.
I have to write another essay.
我要又吃一块蛋糕。 ☞ Since it is about the future, you can't use "又"

Wǒ yào yòu chī yī kuài dàngāo.
I want to eat another piece of cake.
再 Can Express "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
我们先做作业再去爬山。
Wǒmen xiān zuò zuòyè zài qù páshān.
First we'll do our homework, then we'll go hiking in the mountains.
我先买房子再结婚。
Wǒ xiān mǎi fángzi zài jiéhūn.
First I'll buy a house, then I'll get married.
我们吃完饭再看电影。
Wǒmen chī wán fàn zài kàn diànyǐng ba.
We'll finish eating, then go see a movie.
我们回家再讨论，好吗？
Wǒmen huíjiā zài tǎolùn, hǎo ma?
We can discuss it after we get 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.
Wǒ yào kàn wán shū yòu shuìjiào.
I want to finish reading the book and then go to sleep.
你先吃饭又打电话给父母。 ☞ "又" does not sequence events.

Nǐ xiān chīfàn yòu dǎ diànhuà gěi fùmǔ.
You should eat before you call your parents.
又 Expresses 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
Examples
你怎么又给我打电话了，什么事？
Nǐ zěnme yòu gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà le, shénme shì?
Why do you keep calling me? What it it?
这个人又来了。
Zhège rén yòu lái le.
This guy is here again.
他又不来上课了，老师可能罚他。
Tā yòu bù lái shàngkè le, lǎoshī kěnéng fá tā.
He didn't come to class again. The teacher is probably going to punish him.
你为什么又看这本书了？你已经看过了。
Nǐ wèishénme yòu kàn zhè běn shū le? nǐ yǐjīng kàn guò le.
Why are you reading that book again？You've already read it.
昨天他再看了一天电视。 ☞ "再" is not used for past events.

Zuótiān tā zài kàn le yī tiān diànshì.
He watched TV all day long again yesterday.
昨天我再申请谷歌开发职位了。 ☞ "再" is not used for past events.

Zuótiān wǒ zài shēnqǐng Gǔgē kāifā zhíwèi le.
I applied for a developer position at Google again yesterday.
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 + (Aux. +) Verb + Obj.
Examples
明天又是星期一！
Míngtiān yòu shì Xīngqīyī!
Tomorrow is Monday again.
明天又要开会，真烦人。
Míngtiān yòu yào kāi huì , zhēn fán rén.
We're having another meeting tomorrow. So annoying!
你又要辞职了？为什么？
Nǐ yòu yào cízhí le? wèishénme?
You're going to resign again? Why?
夏天快到了，又可以吃冰淇淋了！
Xiàtiān kuài dào le, yòu kěyǐ chī bīngqílín le!
It's almost summer, and we can eat ice cream again!
如果我能瘦一些，我就又能穿我最喜欢的牛仔裤啦！
Rúguǒ wǒ néng shòu yīxiē, wǒ jiù yòu néng chuān wǒ zuì xǐhuan de niúzǎikù la!
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
Similar to
Expressing "again" in the future with "zai"
Expressing "again" in the past with "you"
Sequencing with "xian" and "zai"
Repeated actions in the past with "you"
Comparing "zongsuan" and
“zhongyu" (B2)
Adverbs is 总算 (zǒngsuàn) and 终于 (zhōngyú) both can be translated as
"finally" or "in the end," but they subtly different in tone.
Same Grammatical Structure

Grammatically, 总算 and 终于 are used basically 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. In the simple sentences given below, however, they are fully
interchangeable.
Subj. + 总算 / 终于 + Verb
Examples
你总算来了！
Nǐ zǒngsuàn lái le!
You finally came!
我终于懂了。
Wǒ zhōngyú dǒng le.
I finally understood it.
雨总算停了。
Yǔ zǒngsuàn tíng le.
The rain finally stopped.
我终于找到你了！
Wǒ zhōngyú zhǎodào nǐ le!
I finally found you!
飞机总算起飞了！
Fēijī zǒngsuàn qǐfēi le!
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。
Xiè tiān xiè dì, nǐ zǒngsuàn lái le.
Thank God, you finally came.
总算没迟到。
Zǒngsuàn méi chídào.
You finally didn't arrive late.
她的感冒总算好了。
Tā de gǎnmào zǒngsuàn hǎo le.
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 the speaker
isn't just being impatient and there was indeed a very long wait for this
thing that finally happened).
你终于决定了！
Nǐ zhōngyú juédìng le!
You finally decided!
终于要放假了，开心吧？
Zhōngyú yào fàngjià le, kāixīn ba?
You're finally going on vacation. You're happy about it, aren't you?
你们合作的项目终于成功了!
Nǐmen hézuò de xiàngmù zhōngyú chénggōng le!
This project you've been working on together has finally succeeded!
Similar to
Expressing "finally" with "zhongyu"
Comparing "gen" and "dui" (B2)
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.
Used with 说 in the Same Way

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。
Wǒ gēn tā shuō le, dànshì tā bù xìn.
I told her, but she didn't believe me.
我对她说了，但是她不信。
Wǒ duì tā shuō le, dànshì tā bù xìn.
I told her, but she didn't believe me.
他对我说他爱我。
Tā duì wǒ shuō tā ài wǒ.
He told me he loved me.
他跟我说他爱我。
Tā gēn wǒ shuō tā ài wǒ.
He told me he loved me.
刚才你对他说什么了？
Gāngcái nǐ duì tā shuō shén me le?
What did you just tell him?
刚才你跟他说什么了？
Gāngcái nǐ gēn tā shuō shén me le?
What did you just tell him?
Similar Structures but Different

Meanings
跟 and 对 can both be verbs, and they are often used with 着, however
their meanings are different.
Structure
Subj. + 跟 / 对 + Obj.
Examples for 跟
跟 can be a verb, and its simplest meaning is "follow." Often it is used as
a verb phrase, such as 跟着, 跟上, 跟不上, or 跟得上.
这只小猫总是跟着我。
Zhè zhǐ xiǎo māo zǒng shì gēnzhe wǒ.
This little cat always follows me.
你走得太快，我跟不上。
Nǐ zǒu de tài kuài, wǒ gēn bu shàng .
You walk too fast, I can't keep up.
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。
Qiāng kǒu bùyào duìzhe rén.
Don't point guns at people.
我喜欢对着镜子笑。
Wǒ xǐhuan duìzhe jìngzi xiào.
I like to laugh at myself in the mirror.
这两本账对不上。
Zhè liǎng běn zhàng duì bu shàng .
These two accounts don't match up.
When to Use 跟 and Not 对

跟 is a preposition, and it can be used in comparison patterns. 对 cannot
be used this way.
Comparison Structure with 一样

This structure is used to explain that two things are (or aren't) similar.
A + 跟 + B + （不）一样
我跟你们不一样，我还有孩子呢。
Wǒ gēn nǐmen bù yīyàng , wǒ hái yǒu háizi ne.
I am not like you guys. I still have kids.
上海跟纽约一样，都是国际大都市。
Shànghǎi gēn Niǔyuē yīyàng , dōu shì guójì dà dūshì.
Shanghai and New York are alike; they are both international cities.
Comparison Structure with 一样 + Adj.

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.
我现在跟我爸一样高。
Wǒ xiànzài gēn wǒ bà yīyàng gāo .
Now I'm as tall as my dad.
你跟你妈一样喜欢买衣服。
Nǐ gēn nǐ mā yīyàng xǐhuan mǎi yīfu .
You like to buy clothes just like your mother.
跟 as "And" or "With"
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.
你要跟我一起去吗？
Nǐ yào gēn wǒ yīqǐ qù ma?
Are you going to go with me?
鲜花跟巧克力是最好的礼物。
Xiānhuā gēn qiǎokèlì shì zuì hǎo de lǐwù.
Flowers and chocolate are the best gifts.
When to Use 对 and not 跟

Structure
When 对 as a preposition, it points to a certain target, since it can mean
"facing" or "toward." 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。
Nàge měinǚ zhèng duì wǒ xiào ne.
That pretty girl is laughing at me.
不要对老板发脾气，不然后果很严重。
Bùyào duì lǎobǎn fā píqì, bùrán hòuguǒ hěn yánzhòng.
Don't lose your temper with the boss, otherwise there will be serious consequences.
Similar to
Expressing "with" with "gen"
Comparing "chao" "xiang" and
"wang" (B2)
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
before a verb, the three have the same structure and their meaning is the
same. Although they are often interchangeable, there are also cases when
they are not.
When 朝, 向, and 往 Are All

Appropriate
Structure
Just put one of the three before the direction and the verb!
向 / 朝 / 往 + Direction + Verb
Examples
The three are interchangeable in these types of "purely directional" usage.
从这里向 / 朝 / 往北走两百米就到了。
Cóng zhèlǐ xiàng / cháo / wǎng běi zǒu liǎng bǎi mǐ jiù dào le.
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。
Zhège xiǎo nǚhái xiàng zuǒ kànkan yòu xiàng yòu kànkan cái guò mǎlù.
This little girl looked left and then looked right before crossing the street.
我看见他朝你们家去了。
Wǒ kànjiàn tā cháo nǐmen jiā qù le.
I saw him going towards your house.
往前走十分钟。
Wǎng qián zǒu shí fēnzhōng.
Walk forward for ten minutes.
When to Use 向 and 往

向 and 往 can sometimes be placed after a verb, however not just any
verb will do. Oft-used verbs are 开, 飞, 发, 运, 送, 寄, 带, 驶 etc. As you
can see, these are words that imply some sort of motion. In addition,
compared to 向, 往 is used more often with those verbs, because 往
indicates the destination while 向 merely expresses a direction,. 朝 is not
used this way.
Structure
Verb + 向 / 往 + Direction
Examples
这趟火车开往沈阳。
Zhè tàng huǒchē kāi wǎng Shěnyáng.
This train is heading towards Shenyang.
这趟航班飞往纽约。
Zhè tàng hángbān fēi wǎng Niǔyuē.
This plane is bound for New York.
一辆黑色的小轿车慢慢地从东驶向西。
Yī liàng hēisè de xiǎo jiàochē mànmàn de cóng dōng shǐ xiàng xī.
A small black sedan slowly drove from east to west.
像鸟儿一样飞向蓝天。
Xiàng niǎoér yīyàng fēi xiàng lántiān.
Like a bird, it flew into the blue yonder.
When to Use "向" and "朝"

When a concrete action has a specific target (not a destination ), use 向 or
朝. 往 cannot be used this way.
Structure
向 / 朝 + Target + Concrete Verb
Examples
他向 / 朝我笑了笑。
Tā xiàng / cháo wǒ xiào le xiào.
He chuckled at me.
我朝他开了一枪。
Wǒ cháo tā kāi le yī qiāng.
I took a shot at him.
他已经向全体员工解释过了。
Tā yǐjīng xiàng quántǐ yuángōng jiěshì guo le.
He has already explained it to all the employees.
When Only "向" Is Correct

When a verb and or the target of the verb is abstract, you can only use 向
to indicate the target, and cannot use 朝.
Structure
向 + Target + Abstract Verb
Examples
他是优秀员工，我们都要向他学习。
Tā shì yōuxiù yuángōng, wǒmen dōu yào xiàng tā xuéxí.
He is an exemplary employee, we should all learn from him.
我们要向环保部门要求严查工厂排污。
Wǒmen yào xiàng huánbǎo bùmén yāoqiú yán chá gōngchǎng páiwū.
We are going to demand that the Environmental Safety Department closely inspect the
factory's sewage.
Common Mistakes
这个地铁是开朝浦东机场的吗？
Zhège dìtiě shì kāi cháo Pǔdōng jīchǎng de ma?
这个地铁是开往浦东机场的吗？
Zhège dìtiě shì kāi wǎng Pǔdōng jīchǎng de ma?
Is this subway heading towards Pudong Airport?
你要多往雷锋同志学习。
Nǐ yào duō wǎng Léi Fēng tóngzhì xuéxí.
你要多朝雷锋同志学习。
Nǐ yào duō cháo Léi Fēng tóngzhì xuéxí.
你要多向雷锋同志学习。
Nǐ yào duō xiàng tā xuéxí xuéxí.
You need to go to him to learn.
帅哥往我笑了一下。
Shuàigē wǎng wǒ xiào le yīxià.
When the handsome guy headed my way I smiled.
帅哥朝我笑了一下。
Shuàigē cháo wǒ xiào le yīxià.
When the handsome guy headed my way I smiled.
帅哥向我笑了一下。
Shuàigē xiàng wǒ xiào le yīxià.
The cute guy smiled at me.
Example dialog
A: 他往南走了。
A: Tā wǎng nán zǒu le.
He walked south.
B: 笨蛋！你怎么让他往南走呢？南边很危险！
B: Bèndàn! Nǐ zěnme ràng tā wǎng nán zǒu ne? Nánbiān hěn wēixiǎn!
Idiot! Why did you let him go south? Going south is dangerous!
A: 你朝我发什么火？我说了他不听。
A: Nǐ cháo wǒ fā shénme huǒ? Wǒ shuō le tā bù tīng.
Why are you getting mad at me? I told him but he didn't listen
B: 不好意思，我应该向你道歉。
B: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ yīnggāi xiàng nǐ dàoqiàn.
I'm sorry. I should apologize to you.
Similar to
Expressing "toward" with "wang"
Comparing "dui" and "duiyu" (B2)
对 (duì) and 对于 (duìyú) can be confusing because they overlap quite a
bit in usage, but they are not entirely interchangeable.
对 and 对于 Are Equivalent When

Used as Prepositions
When 对 and 对于 are used as prepositions to modify a verb, they are
basically the same. As a matter of fact, when used this way 对 is just the
simplification of 对于! 对于 sounds a bit more formal.
Structure
对／对于 + Object + Verb
Examples
In the following example sentences, 对 and 对于 are interchangeable.
对(于) 这种事情，你有什么看法？

Duì(yú) zhè zhǒng shìqing, nǐ yǒu shénme kànfǎ?
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。
Wǒ duì(yú) Shànghǎi cónglái méi xǐhuan guo yě méi tǎoyàn guo.
I've never liked or disliked Shanghai.
对 Is More Versatile within a
Sentence
Both 对 and 对于 can be placed before or after the subject in a sentence.
Unlike 对, however, 对于 cannot be placed after the adverb in the middle
of a sentence.
Examples
They can both go in the very front:
对这个问题，我们都很感兴趣。
Duì zhège wèntí, wǒmen dōu hěn gǎn xìngqù.
对于这个问题，我们都很感兴趣。
Duìyú zhège wèntí, wǒmen dōu hěn gǎn xìngqù.
They can both go right after the subject:
我们对这个问题都很感兴趣。
Wǒmen duì zhège wèntí dōu hěn gǎn xìngqù.
我们对于这个问题都很感兴趣。
Wǒmen duìyú zhège wèntí dōu hěn gǎn xìngqù.
Only one can go right before the predicate:
我们都对这个问题很感兴趣。
Wǒmen dōu duì zhège wèntí hěn gǎn xìngqù.
我们都对于这个问题很感兴趣。
Wǒmen dōu duìyú zhège wèntí hěn gǎn xìngqù.
All of the above examples mean "we are all interested in this problem."
对 Can Be Used as a Verb

As a Verb Meaning "to face"
When 对 is used as a verb, it expresses "to face" or "to point at," and you
will often see it in the form 对着. It can also be used in verb phrases
which refer to "matching," like 对上 and 对不上.
Subj. + 对着／对上／对不上
Examples
枪口不要对着人。
Qiāng kǒu bùyào duìzhe rén.
Don't point the gun at people.
我喜欢对着镜子笑。
Wǒ xǐhuan duìzhe jìngzi xiào.
I like to laugh at the mirror.
这两个数字对上了吗？
Zhè liǎng gè shùzì duì shàng le ma?
Did the two numbers match up?
这两本账对不上。
Zhè liǎng běn zhàng duì bu shàng .
These two accounts don't match up.
对 Can Be Used with Emotional

Adjectives
To indicate to whom an emotional response is directed, you can use 对
but not 对于.
Structure
A + 对 + B + Adj.
Examples
他对工作很认真。
Tā duì gōngzuò hěn rènzhēn.
He treats his work very seriously.
我的男朋友对我很好。
Wǒ de nán péngyǒu duì wǒ hěn hǎo.
My boyfriend is very good to me.
Common Mistakes
我们都对于这个人很怀疑。
Wǒmen dōu duìyú zhège rén hěn huáiyí.
我们都对这个人很怀疑。
Wǒmen dōu duì zhège rén hěn huáiyí.
We are all very suspicious of this guy.
他对于工作很认真。
Tā duìyú gōngzuò hěn rènzhēn.
他对工作很认真。
Tā duì gōngzuò hěn rènzhēn.
He's very serious about his work.
Example Dialog
A: 对于这件事，你怎么看？
A: Duìyú zhè jiàn shì, nǐ zěnme kàn?
What do you think about this?
B: 我对她很了解，她不会这么做的。
B: Wǒ duì tā hěn liǎojiě, tā bù huì zhème zuò de.
I understand her completely. She can't do it like this.
Similar to
(B2)
The differences between 对于 (duìyú) and 至于 (zhìyú) can be confusing.
They both have similar meanings like "concerning," "regarding" or "as
for," and differences are subtle.
Use 对于 to Emphasizes the Object

对于 usually emphasizes the thing that it is pointing to. Usually where
you use 对 you can also use 对于.
Structure
As an adverb or adverbial clause, you can place 对于 before or after the
subject. It cannot be an attributive modifier (coming before a noun).
Subj. + 对于 + Object + Predicate
对于 + Object， Subj. + Predicate
Examples
对于电脑，我什么都不懂。
Duìyú diànnǎo, wǒ shénme dōu bù dǒng.
With regards to computers, I don't understand anything.
我对于电脑什么都不懂。
Wǒ duìyú diànnǎo shénme dōu bù dǒng.
I don't understand anything about computers.
对于这种人，就不该跟他们讲道理。
Duìyú zhè zhǒng rén, jiù bù gāi gēn tāmen jiǎng dàolǐ.
With this kind of person, you shouldn't try to reason with them.
Use 至于 to Change the Topic

Note that to change a topic, there needs to be another topic first. So you
don't use 至于 to start an entirely new discussion free of any existing
topic.
Structure
As a preposition, 至于 points to another topic, serving to change 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。
Wǒmen yào kāishǐ zhège xiàngmù le, zhìyú shénme shíhou kāishǐ, hái méi dìng.
We're going to start this project, but as for when to start, we still haven't decided.
至于这个问题，我们还需要进一步讨论。

Zhìyú zhège wèntí, wǒmen hái xūyào jìnyībù tǎolùn.
As for this issue, we still need further discussion.
Use 至于 to Emphasize Degree

Structure
As an adverb, it expresses "having reached a certain degree." After it you
can add 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？
Zhè diǎn xiǎo shìqing, zhìyú zhème shēngqì ma?
Over such a small thing, why are you so angry?
我是不高兴，但不至于不跟你说话。
Wǒ shì bù gāoxìng, dàn bù zhìyú bù gēn nǐ shuōhuà.
I'm not happy, but not to the point that I won't talk with you.
至于吗？ ☞ Questioning someone's overreaction, perhaps

Zhìyú ma?
Is it that serious?
Common Mistakes
你至于这个问题怎么看？
Nǐ zhìyú zhège wèntí, zěnme kàn?
至于这个问题，你怎么看？
Zhìyú zhège wèntí, nǐ zěnme kàn?
Regarding this issue, what do you think?
至于他的无礼，你是不是不太高兴？

Zhìyú tā de wúlǐ, nǐ shì bu shì bù tài gāoxìng?
对于他的无礼，你是不是不太高兴？
Duìyú tā de wúlǐ, nǐ shì bu shì bù tài gāoxìng?
Are you not to happy about his rude behavior?
Similar to
Comparing "dui" and "duiyu"
Comparing "gei" and "wei" (B2)
Both 给 and 为 can mean "for." They seem to be arbitrarily assigned to
different verbs, and to make matters worse, some verbs (but not all!) can
use either one. There are a few principles you can use to keep them
straight, but also a few exceptions you need to memorize. As always, lots
of examples help!
The Core Meaning of 给

As you know, 给 is also a verb meaning "to give." As such, 给 is often
used with verbs to express an action done out of kindness or friendship.
Think of all the things a mother does for a child, or a generous friend
does for her bestie. These would use 给.
Structure
Subj. + 给 + Recipient + [Verb Phrase]
Examples
请给我拿一双筷子。
Qǐng gěi wǒ ná yī shuāng kuàizi.
Please get me a pair of chopsticks.
下飞机以后，我给你打电话。
Xià fēijī yǐhòu, wǒ gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.
After getting off the plane, I'll give you a call.
你别忘了给我回邮件。
Nǐ bié wàng le gěi wǒ huí yóujiàn.
Don't forget to reply to my email.
同事给我介绍了公司的情况。
Tóngshì gěi wǒ jièshào le gōngsī de qíngkuàng.
My coworker explained the company's situation to me.
这件事是你做得不对，给他道歉。
Zhè jiàn shì shì nǐ zuò de bù duì, gěi tā dàoqiàn .
What you did was wrong. Apologize to him.
老板给我提了很多建议。
Lǎobǎn gěi wǒ tí le hěn duō jiànyì.
The boss gave me a lot of suggestions.
上海给我留下了很深的印象。
Shànghǎi gěi wǒ liúxià le hěn shēn de yìnxiàng.
Shanghai left a deep impression on me.
The Core Meaning of 为

The word 为 automatically feels more formal than 给, due to its
association with classical Chinese. Besides being more formal, it is also
often associated with obligatory actions or responsibilities. The typical
example of this is "to work for Company A": 为A公司工作.
One other common usage of 为 is for uncontrollable emotional reactions
that result from relationships with other people. These reactions aren't
really done out of kindness; they're spontaneous and not a result of a
conscious choice.
Structure
为 + Person + Verb / Adj.
Examples
我现在为谷歌公司工作。
Wǒ xiànzài wèi Gǔgē gōngsī gōngzuò .
I currently work for Google.
你为国家做过贡献吗？
Nǐ wèi guójiā zuò guò gòngxiàn ma?
Have you made a contribution to our country?
我真的为你高兴。
Wǒ zhēnde wèi nǐ gāoxìng .
I'm truly happy for you.
父母为孩子付出了很多。
Fùmǔ wèi háizi fùchū le hěn duō.
The parents did a lot for their child.
父母管孩子总是说是为孩子好。
Fùmǔ guǎn háizi zǒngshì shuō shì wèi háizi hǎo .
When parents micro-manage their kids, they always say it's for their children's own good.
我们都是成年人了，应该为自己的行为负责。
Wǒmen dōu shì chéngniánrén le, yīnggāi wèi zìjǐ de xíngwéi fùzé .
We've all adults now, and ought to be responsible for our own actions.
政府为公司提供了保障。
Zhèngfǔ wèi gōngsī tígōng le bǎozhàng.
The government provides companies certain protections.
Comparison of 给 and 为 by
Collocation
The examples below should help you establish a bit of a feeling regarding
the difference between 给and 为. You can see that the ones at the top feel
more like something especially done for one person, whereas the ones at
the end feel more like duty or obligation. The double yeses in the middle
could be either, depending on context.
Verb Pairs with 给? Pairs with 为?
发邮件 YES no
打电话 YES no
做菜 YES YES
做 YES YES
服务 no YES
牺牲 no YES
工作 no YES
Similar to
Expressing "for" with "gei"
Expressing "for" with "wei"
(B2)
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

Examples with 对于
对于 points to an object being specifically referred to, and usually the
speaker has adopted a certain attitude or has come to some kind of
conclusion about the person or object.
对于那个人我并不了解。
Duìyú nàge rén wǒ bìng bù liǎojiě.
As for that person, I just don't know him very well at all.
对于我们的工作表现，老板很满意。
Duìyú wǒmen de gōngzuò biǎoxiàn, lǎobǎn hěn mǎnyì.
The boss is very satisfied with our work performance.
对于这件事情他没什么看法。
Duìyú zhè jiàn shìqing tā méi shénme kànfǎ.
He doesn't really have any opinion about this matter.
Examples with 关于
关于 names a topic, and often emphasizes a range , then introduces a
comment related to it.
他昨天发表了一个关于中国经济的演讲。
Tā zuótiān fābiǎo le yī gè guānyú Zhōngguó jīngjì de yǎnjiǎng.
Yesterday he made a speech about the Chinese economy.
我需要写一篇关于中美文化差异的文章。
Wǒ xūyào xiě yī piān guānyú Zhōng-Měi wénhuà chāyì de wénzhāng.
I need to write an article about the differences between Chinese and American culture.
关于你辞职的申请，公司还在考虑。
Guānyú nǐ cízhí de shēnqǐng, gōngsī hái zài kǎolǜ.
With regards to your application for resignation, the company is still considering it.
关于孩子的教育，她跟丈夫的看法很不一样。
Guānyú háizi de jiàoyù, tā gēn zhàngfu de kànfǎ hěn bù yīyàng.
On children's education, her opinion is very different from her husband's.
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
Guānyú Bùmén Tiáozhěng hé Rénshì Ānpái
"Regarding Department Adjustments and Human Affairs"
关于新年放假的通知
Guānyú Xīnnián Fàngjià de Tōngzhī
A Notification Regarding New Year Holidays
Situations Where 关于 and 对于 Are

Interchangeable
When the point emphasized is pretty clear (whether it be a range or a
specific thing), then you can use either.
关于这份决议，大家还有什么补充吗？
Guānyú zhè fèn juéyì, dàjiā hái yǒu shénme bǔchōng ma?
Is there anything that anyone wants to add to this decision?
对于这个问题，你们还有什么意见？
Duìyú zhège wèntí, nǐmen hái yǒu shénme yìjiàn?
As for this issue, what other thoughts do you all have?
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。
A: Wǒmen jīntiān de huìyì nèiróng shì tǎolùn yīxià guānyú kāifā Zhōngguó shìchǎng de
wèntí.
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，最好再等等。
B: Wǒ de yìjiàn shì duìyú Zhōngguó shìchǎng wǒmen hái bù liǎojiě, zuìhǎo zài děng děng.
My opinion towards the Chinese markets is that we still don't understand. The best thing is
to wait a bit longer.
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。
A: Duìyú shì bu shì kāifā Zhōngguó shìchǎng wǒmen yǐjīng juédìng le, xiànzài de wèntí shì
shénme shíhou kāifā.
We've already decided about developing the markets, the issue now is when to start.
B：那么，关于这个议题，我没有什么可说的了。
B: Nàme, guānyú zhège yìtí, wǒ méiyǒu shénme kě shuō de le.
Then, as for this topic, I have nothing more to say.
Similar to
Comparing "dui" and "duiyu"
Comparing "shihe" and "heshi"
(B2)
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 should take an object.
Structure
Subj. + 适合 + Obj.
Examples
这个工作很适合我。
Zhège gōngzuò hěn shìhé wǒ.
This job really suits me.
你的中文名字真适合你！
Nǐ de Zhōngwén míngzì zhēn shìhé nǐ!
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.
Zhè bù diànyǐng bù shìhé értóng kàn.
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
在办公室里抽烟有点不合适吧。
Zài bàngōngshì lǐ chōuyān yǒudiǎn bù héshì ba.
Inside the office, it's not really appropriate to smoke, right?
他就是最合适的，他完全符合我们的招聘要求。
Tā jiùshì zuì héshì de, tā wánquán fúhé wǒmen de zhāopìn yāoqiú.
He is just the most suitable. He totally fulfills our hiring requirements.
iPad 虽然好用，但是对我来说价格不太合适！
IPad suīrán hǎo yòng, dànshì duì wǒ lái shuō jiàgé bù tài héshì !
Although iPads are fun to use, the price is not so suitable for me.
Don't Confuse the Two

这个合适我。 ☞ This would be treating 合适 like a verb
Zhège héshì wǒ.
这个适合我。 ☞ 适合 is a verb!
Zhège shìhé wǒ.
This suits me.
这个鞋码很适合。 ☞ This would be treating 适合 like an adjective

Zhège xiémǎ hěn shìhé .
这个鞋码很合适。 ☞ 合适 is an adjective!
Zhège xiémǎ hěn héshì .
This shoe size fits you well.
Example Dialog
A: 你知道穿什么衣服最适合参加这个聚会吗？
A: Nǐ zhīdào chuān shénme yīfu zuì shìhé cānjiā zhège jùhuì ma?
Do you know what kind of clothes would be appropriate for this party?
B: 我不知道。但是穿牛仔裤一定不合适。
B: Wǒ bù zhīdào. Dànshì chuān niúzǎikù yīdìng bù héshì .
I don't know, but wearing jeans is definitely not appropriate.
Comparing "pingshi" and
"pingchang" (B2)
平时 (píngshí) and 平常 (píngcháng) look very similar (after all, they do
start with 平), and they have similar meanings of "often" or "usually," but
they have slightly different uses.
Both 平时 and 平常 Are Used as

Adverbs
Both 平时 and 平常 can be used as adverbs. They are interchangeable in
this case.
Structure
Subj. + 平常 + Verb
Examples
你平常会健身吗？
Nǐ píngcháng huì jiànshēn ma?
Do you often work out?
我平常不吃零食。
Wǒ píngcháng bù chī língshí.
I usually don't eat snacks.
你平时看新闻吗？
Nǐ píngshí kàn xīnwén ma?
Do you usually watch the news?
她平时不买奢侈品。
Tā píngshí bú mǎi shēchǐpǐn.
She usually doesn't buy luxury goods.
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。
Qīngjiégōng de gōngzuò hěn píngcháng , dànshì yě hěn zhòngyào.
The work of sanitary workers is very ordinary, but it is also very important.
这种事很平常。
Zhè zhǒng shì hěn píngcháng .
This kind of thing is very common.
对中国来说，2008 年是很不平常的一年。
Duì Zhōngguó lái shuō, èr-líng-líng-bā nián shì hěn bù píngcháng de yī nián.
For China, 2008 was not an ordinary year.
在中国，去酒吧是不是很平常的娱乐活动？
Zài Zhōngguó, qù jiǔbā shì bu shì hěn píngcháng de yúlè huódòng?
In China, is it common to go to a bar for entertainment?
Example Dialog
A: 你平时做什么菜？
Nǐ píngshí zuò shénme cài?
What do you usually cook?
B: 都是很平常的菜。
Dōu shì hěn píngcháng de cài.
They're all just ordinary dishes.
Similar to
Comparing "changchang" and "jingchang"
Comparing "yihou" and "zhihou"
(B2)
Both "以后" (yǐhòu) or "之后" (zhīhòu) mean "after," but there are a few
tiny differences in usage.
Similarities between 以后 and 之后

Both can indicate another event happened after a specific time .
Structure
Subj. + Specified Time + 以后／之后 + Verb
In situations something happens after something else , you can use 以后.
The stipulation with this is that "after WHAT " needs to be explicitly
stated. That is, there has to be a "specified time" for 以后 to modify.
Otherwise 以后 won't work in those sentences.
Examples
以后 and 之后 may be freely interchanged in any of the below sentences.
下过雨以后空气会好很多。
Xià guo yǔ yǐhòu kōngqì huì hǎo hěn duō.
After it rains, the air will be a lot better.
结婚之后他们有了两个宝宝。
Jiéhūn zhīhòu tāmen yǒu le liǎng gè bǎobao.
After getting married, they had two babies.
等我涨工资以后请你吃饭。
Děng wǒ zhǎng gōngzī yǐhòu qǐng nǐ chīfàn.
After I get a raise, I will treat take you out to eat.
听到这个消息之后，我高兴得一晚上没睡。
Tīngdào zhège xiāoxi zhīhòu , wǒ gāoxìng de yī wǎnshang méi shuì.
After I heard this news, I was so happy I couldn't sleep the whole night.
Differences between 以后 and 之后

The key to understanding 以后 here is that if it doesn't come immediately
after something else, then it's being used by itself . And when 以后 is
used by itself, it doesn't mean "after;" it means "in the future."
以后 by Itself Means "In the Future"

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
terrible.
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 issues in the future.
之后 by Itself Means "After that"

Compared to 以后, 之后 is a little more flexible. Not only can it be used
just like 以后, modifying the time, but it can also appear independently,
meaning something along the lines of "after that." While 以后 must come
after a specific time to mean "after," it cannot can stand by itself like this.
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, after that 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.
Common Mistakes with 以后 and 之

后
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.
Wǒ liù diǎn xiàbān. Yǐhòu , wǒ qù gēn péngyou chīfàn.
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. After that, I will meet a friend for dinner.
昨天我跟朋友吃完饭以后去打篮球了。
Zuótiān wǒ gēn péngyou chī wán fàn yǐhòu qù dǎ lánqiú le.
昨天我跟朋友吃完饭之后去打篮球了。 ☞ When a time is specified,
both are fine.
Zuótiān wǒ gēn péngyou chī wán fàn Zhīhòu qù dǎ lánqiú le.
Yesterday after finishing eating with my friends, we played basketball.
昨天我跟朋友去吃饭了。以后，我们去了宠物店。 ☞ Again,
since there is nothing for "以后" to modify, it's a bad sentence.
Zuótiān wǒ gēn péngyou qù chīfàn le. yǐhòu , wǒmen qù le chǒngwù diàn.
昨天我跟朋友去吃饭了。之后，我们去了宠物店。 ☞ "之后"
works in this sentence.
Zuótiān wǒ gēn péngyou qù chīfàn le, zhīhòu , wǒmen qù le chǒngwù diàn.
Yesterday I ate dinner with a friend, and afterward we went to a pet shop.
Similar to
After a specific time with "yihou"
Expressing "before" and "after" with "zhiqian" and "zhihou"
Comparing "yihou" "ranhou"
"houlai" (B2)
While both 以后 (yǐhòu) and 后来 (hòulái) can mean "later," they have
distinct uses. 然后 (ránhòu) means "and then." Don't let yet another 后
word confuse you!
然后 as "And Then"
然后 is a conjunction, which is always used in the middle of a sequence
of events. It is often used with 先 (xiān, meaning "first"). Neither 以后
nor 后来 can 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 review first and then study a new lesson.
Common Mistakes
我们先复习一下，以后上新课。
Wǒmen xiān fùxí yīxià, yǐhòu shàng xīn kè.
Let's do some review first and then study 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 after that we'll go to Europe on vacation.
Simply swapping 以后 for 然后 in each of these sentences would make

them correct.
然后 without 先
我们在楼下见，然后一起走。
Wǒmen zài lóuxià 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 here 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."
Structure
[Past Event 1] ，后来 + [Past Event 2]
Examples
他在我们公司干过两年，以后跳槽了。
Tā zài wǒmen gōngsī gàn guo liǎng nián, yǐhòu tiàocáo le .
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.
以后他去了美国，然后他的父母也搬过去了。
Yǐhòu tā qù le Měiguó. Ránhòu tā de fùmǔ yě bān guòqù le .
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 .
Afterwards he moved to the US. 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.
他们大学的时候在一起过，后分手了。
Tāmen dàxué de shíhou zài yīqǐ guo, hòulái fēnshǒu le.
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。我好久没见她了！她出国以后你们见过面吗
？
Hǎo de. Wǒ hǎojiǔ méi jiàn tā le! Tā chūguó yǐhòu nǐmen jiàn guo miàn
ma?
Sure. I haven't seen her in so long! 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.
We met once, but I haven't seen her since then.
Similar to
After a specific time with "yihou"
Sequencing past events with "houlai"
Comparing "kanqilai" and
"kanlai" (B2)
Both 看起来 (kànqilai) and 看来 (kànlái) are related to how something
"looks," but they are used in different ways. Whereas 看起来 indicates an
appraisal of a physical situation, 看来 expresses a user's understanding of
a situation.
看起来 Describes a Physical

Appearance
看起来 is used to describe physical appearances. In other words, one can
use 看起来 to literally describe what something "looks like ."
Structure
Subj. + 看起来 ⋯⋯
Examples
女儿今天看起来很开心。
Nǚér jīntiān kànqǐlái hěn kāixīn.
Our daughter looks really happy today.
这道菜看起来很好吃。
Zhè dào cài kànqǐlái hěn hǎochī.
This dish looks really tasty.
这两件衣服看起来差不多一样。
Zhè liǎng jiàn yīfu kànqǐlái chàbuduō yīyàng.
These two pieces of clothing look pretty much the same.
老板最近太忙了，他看起来很累。
Lǎobǎn zuìjìn tài máng le, tā kànqǐlái hěn lèi.
The boss has been too busy lately. He looks really tired.
看起来 + 像 for Direct Visual

Comparisons
看起来 can also be used to express how something "looks like"
something else. But unlike the previous usage of 看起来, and with the
help of 像, we can explicitly state what the object looks like.
Structure
Subj. + 看起来 + 像 ⋯⋯
Examples
你姐姐真漂亮！看起来像明星。
Nǐ jiějie zhēn piàoliang! Kànqǐlái xiàng míngxīng.
Your big sister is so pretty! She looks like a celebrity.
这件事看起来像骗人的。
Zhè jiàn shì kànqǐlái xiàng piàn rén de .
This whole thing looks like it's meant to scam people.
他们看起来不像好人。
Tāmen kànqǐlái bù xiàng hǎo rén.
They don't look like good people.
他看起来像不像我的那个朋友？
Tā kànqǐlái xiàng bu xiàng wǒ de nàge péngyou?
Does he look like that friend of mine?
看来 When Assessing a Situation
看来 can be used to express one's interpretation of a situation. Note that
when 看来 is used in a manner, the speaker isn't usually commenting on
the visual or physical appearance of anything. Rather, 看来 indicates the
speaker's perspective or conclusion about how a situation "looks."
Structure
看来 + Perspective
Examples
雨这么大，看来他不来了。
Yǔ zhème dà, kànlái tā bù lái le.
It's raining so hard. It seems he's not coming.
这家餐厅人很少，看来不太好吃。
Zhè jiā cāntīng rén hěn shǎo, Kànlái bù tài hǎochī.
There aren't many people at this restaurant. It seems the food isn't so good.
现在看来，他没有那么喜欢你。
Xiànzài kànlái , tā méiyǒu nàme xǐhuan nǐ.
It seems now that he's just not that into you.
看来 as "From X's Perspective"

看来 can also be used to make a subjective statement from a particular
person's perspective. A more literal translation would be "the way
[Person] sees it...." This full form is more common in formal writing and
speaking.
Structure
在 + Person + 看来 + Perspective
Examples
在我看来，最好的办法是大家一起合作。
zài wǒ kànlái , zuìhǎo de bànfǎ shì dàjiā yīqǐ hézuò.
The way I see it, the best solution is for everyone to cooperate.
在他看来，这件事情很简单。
zài tā kànlái , zhè jiàn shìqing hěn jiǎndān.
From his perspective, this is a very simple matter.
Similar to
Appearance with "kanqilai"
Assessing situations with "kanlai"
Comparing "xiande" and "kanqilai"
Comparing "xiande" and
"kanqilai" (B2)
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 subtly
different.
显得 Emphasizes Objectivity
显得 is used for objective descriptions and comparisons. Use it when you
want to say that something "appears" a certain way without emphasizing
that it's just your own viewpoint.
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 appear 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 very impolite.
这么做会显得你很小气。
Zhème zuò huì xiǎnde nǐ hěn xiǎoqì.
Doing this makes you appear stingy.
那样说显得她很笨。
Nàyàng shuō xiǎnde tā hěn bèn.
Saying that made her appear 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 Emphasizes Subjectivity

看起来 is the opposite of 显得 in that it emphasizes subjectivity,
emphasizing 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 seems pretty good. Let's try it out.
她看起来有点生气。
Tā kànqǐlái yǒudiǎn 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 look quote expensive.
你女朋友看起来像我的中文老师。
Nǐ nǚpéngyou kànqǐlái xiàng wǒ de Zhōngwén lǎoshī.
Your girlfriend looks like my Chinese teacher.
Example Dialog
A: 你今天看起来很苗条。
Nǐ jīntiān kànqǐlái hěn miáotiao.
You look very slim today.
B: 可能是这件衣服显得我很苗条。
Kěnéng shì zhè jiàn yīfu xiǎnde wǒ hěn miáotiao.
It's probably these clothes that makes me appear that way.
Similar to
Comparing "kanqilai" and "kanlai"
Acknowledgments-B2
AllSet Interns
The following AllSet interns made significant contributions to this book:
Jenna Salisbury, Jake Liu, Natalia Tun, Jocelyn Kwong, Audrey Brady,
Callan Mossman, Amanda Gilbride, Amani Core, Jacob Rodgers,
Michael Moore, Erick Garcia, Natalie Kuan, Ashlyn Weber, Logan
Pauley, Ben Slye, Dan Emery, Parry Cadwallader, Pavel Dvorak,
Jonathan Pope, Hugh Grigg, Lucas Simons.
Special thanks to intern Jenna Salisbury for all the help with translating,
as well as pinyin and typo checking.
Volunteer Editors
Of the volunteer editors, Benedikt Rauh in particular was a huge help,
sending in feedback and corrections for B2 grammar points as he found
them. He saved our editors a lot of time. Also thanks to:
Matthew Moisen, Jörn Loviscach, Jim Thomson, Laura Anderson, Nigel
Carter, Nicholas Fiorentini, Noémi Németh, Betsy, HuaWei, Kryby, Jay,
Luolimao, Trackpick, Morris, Philip Harding, Gintaras Valentukonis
AllSet Teachers and Staff

Of course, our own staff (past and present) cannot be forgotten: 马丽华
(Mǎ Lìhuá), 李炯 (Lǐ Jiǒng), 陈世霜 (Chén Shìshuāng), Parry
Cadwallader, Michael Moore, John Pasden.
马丽华 (Mǎ Lìhuá) edits the wiki on a regular basis, and her contribution
can't be overstated.
Art & Design

Our awesome book cover was designed by Anneke Garcia, someone we
would never had met had her husband Erick not interned at AllSet
Learning in Shanghai, once upon a time. Thanks so much for contributing
your artistic touch to our products, Anneke!
The Chinese Grammar Wiki website and ebook both make use of the Silk
icon set FamFamFam.com . The Chinese Grammar Wiki BOOK (print
edition) uses a "structure" icon from Pixeden.com , as well as several
icons from Icomoon.io . The HSK Grammar series uses graphics from
Pablo Stanley's outstanding Humaaans vector art library.
References
This page is a bibliography for the Chinese Grammar Wiki. It lists all
sources referenced extensively when researching the content of the
Chinese Grammar Wiki grammar points.
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AllSet Learning

The Chinese Grammar Wiki

Published by AllSet Learning, Shanghai, China.

1st print edition, 2021.

Beijing Capital Normal University

Editor-in-Chief and CEO

AllSet Learning, Shanghai, China

As with many other grammar patterns, -得不得了 works with both

得不得了 vs. 不得不

稍微 (shāowēi) can also be added before the adjective to further soften

Noun + Subj. + 有的是 。

都 Meaning "To the Point That"

Verb + 都 + Verb 了，...

都 Adding a Tone of Complaint

Expressing a Tone of Surprise

Expressing a Tone of Sarcasm

Subj. + 还 + Noun Phrase (+ 呢)

Used in a Rhetorical Question

Used with Auxiliary Verb

Used with 不 and 没

看来 as "From X's Perspective"

可 Used to Intensify an Adjective

The 了 is almost always there, but it's not 100%.

这 只 小 狗 可 淘气 了！ ☞ The speaker never expected puppies to be this

哇 ，这 个 糖醋 里脊 可 好吃 了！ ☞ The speaker never dreamt that sweet and

可 Used to Emphasize a Verb

了 is not needed in this pattern, but may be present.

你 可 别 喝 太 多 酒。 ☞ I know you usually drink a lot, but NOT THIS TIME

话 可 不 能 这样 说。 ☞ What you said doesn't accord with my own beliefs

了 will pretty much always be needed when you're talking about

In this structure, the parts after 虽然 (suīrán) and 毕竟 are reasons or

虽然 我 小时候 奶奶 对 我 不 好，但 毕竟 她 是 我 奶奶，所以 我 还

我 差点 没 赶 上 火车。 ☞ I almost missed it, but I didn't.

他 差点 没 通过 考试。 ☞ He did pass it, but almost didn't.

排队 的 人 太 多 了，差点儿 没 买到。 ☞ I did get it.

In this pattern, the "Verb Phrase" part is an un desired result . So in terms

反正 as "No Matter What"

反正 + Reason ，Decision / Suggestion

Decision / Suggestion ，反正 + Reason

反正 可以 刷卡 ，没有 现金 没什么 大不了 的 。

恐怕 is also often used in conjunction with 吧. When it is used with 吧, it

Adverbial Structure with 才

Subj. + 好 (不) 容易 + 才 + [Result]

The "result" part can be a simple phrase or a whole clause.

我 好不容易 才 到 市中心， 发现 没 带 手机，只好 回去 拿。

Adjectival Structure (without 才)

In this simpler structure we use 好(不)容易 by itself to express “with

甚至 Used to Emphasize a Noun

[Noun or Group of Nouns] + 甚至 + [Emphasized Noun] + 都 / 也

他 很 喜欢 玩 手机，吃饭 的时候，坐 地铁 的时候，甚至 上 厕所 的

为了 以后，我 不得不 努力 学习。

不好意思 ，时间 有限 ，我 不得不 打断 你 。

情况 紧急，我们 不得不 马上 想 个 主意。

因为 生病 的 关系，他 不得不 放弃 这 次 旅行。

我的 腿 受伤 了，我 不得不 退出 比赛。

到底 as 毕竟 or "In the End"

Using 究竟 in Yes/No Questions

Using 究竟 in Affirmative Sentences

生意人 究竟 是 生意人，对 他们 来说，赚钱 是 最 重要 的 。

家人 究竟 是 家人，也许 你 不 喜欢 他们，但 你 还是 会 爱 他们。

Used before the Subject

Used before the Predicate

Subj. + 再也 + 不 (+ Auxiliary Verb) + Verb Phrase + 了

Noun + Subj. + 有的是。

这只小狗可淘气了！ ☞ The speaker never expected puppies to be this

哇，这个糖醋里脊可好吃了！ ☞ The speaker never dreamt that sweet and

你可别喝太多酒。 ☞ I know you usually drink a lot, but NOT THIS TIME

话可不能这样说。 ☞ What you said doesn't accord with my own beliefs

虽然我小时候奶奶对我不好，但毕竟她是我奶奶，所以我还

我差点没赶上火车。 ☞ I almost missed it, but I didn't.

他差点没通过考试。 ☞ He did pass it, but almost didn't.

排队的人太多了，差点儿没买到。 ☞ I did get it.

反正可以刷卡，没有现金没什么大不了的。

我好不容易才到市中心，发现没带手机，只好回去拿。

他很喜欢玩手机，吃饭的时候，坐地铁的时候，甚至上厕所的

为了以后，我不得不努力学习。

不好意思，时间有限，我不得不打断你。

情况紧急，我们不得不马上想个主意。

因为生病的关系，他不得不放弃这次旅行。

我的腿受伤了，我不得不退出比赛。

生意人究竟是生意人，对他们来说，赚钱是最重要的。

家人究竟是家人，也许你不喜欢他们，但你还是会爱他们。

生活本来就很不容易。 ☞ Literally, "Life was never supposed to be easy."

他是羽毛球冠军，和你打羽毛球简直是太简单了。

中国的经济一向都在快速发展。 ☞ It must have started developing at

他一向都在学汉语. ☞ He must have started, right?

他没有来，我在飞机场白白等了他四个小时。

这两件衣服看起来差不多，但是质量差很多。

小王啊，小李啊，小张啊，他们都在公司，你可以找他们。

手机有很多功能，比如说拍照啊，看视频啊，听歌啊，都可

春节啊，中秋节啊，端午节啊，都是中国重要的节日。

这首歌太火了，路上啊，车上啊，电视上啊，都在放这首

《中文听说读写》啊，《发展汉语》啊，《实用汉语课本》啊

他经常随便开玩笑，于是，大家都不喜欢跟他说话。

这么多项目，其中最难做的就是环境的项目。

你去不去逛街呢？ ☞ Less intense, just asking a question.

牛奶你喝不喝呢？ ☞ Perhaps said to a friend, with no implication of coercion.

你周末加不加班？ ☞ Perhaps a manager asking a subordinate. This seems like

你周末能不能加班？ ☞ Perhaps a manager asking a subordinate. This is not

你周末能不能加班呢？ ☞ Much more indirect than the above example,

我们出差都住三星级以上的酒店。 ☞ This could possibly be inclusive of

以下就谈谈这个问题应该怎么解决。 ☞ This could be written or spoken.

以上只是我个人的看法。 ☞ This could be written or spoken.

从明天开始，我要认真看书。 ☞ 从 can be used for future times.

从我家到机场的距离是一百公里。 ☞ 从 can be used for physical

对消费者而言，促销活动很有吸引力。

对小明而言，这不仅仅是一个奖品，更是一种肯定。

对同性恋而言，告诉家人自己真正的性取向不容易。