HSK.li 🍐

1.1 Initials and Finals of Chinese Pinyin (1)

1.2 Tones (Four Tones)

There are four basic tones in Chinese, respectively called the 1st tone (第一声), the 2nd tone (第二声), the 3rd tone (第三声) and the 4th tone (第四声). They make difference in meaning.

1.3 Chinese Syllables

A Chinese syllable is usually made up of an initial, a final and a tone. Generally speaking, one Chinese character corresponds to one syllable. A Chinese syllable can have no initial, but must have a final and a tone.

• 猫 māo = m + ao + ā
• 鱼 yú = ü + ú
• 姐 jiě = j + ie + ě
• 二 èr = er + è

When i or ü acts as a syllable by itself, y is added before it, with the two dots on the top of ü being removed; when u acts as asyllable by itself, w is added before it.

1.4 Tone Sandhi: 3rd tone + 3rd tone

When two third-tone syllables are read in sequence, the first syllable turns into the second tone, i.e., the 3+3 sequence becomes a 2+3 one. For example, "nǐ" (你) + "hǎo" (好) is read "ní hǎo". However, when put in the written form, the original tone is kept.

• 你 nǐ 好 hǎo : ní hǎo
• 可 kě 以 yǐ : ké yǐ
• 辅 fǔ 导 dǎo : fú dǎo

2.1 Initials and Finals of Chinese Pinyin (2)

2.2 The Neutral Tone

Apart from the four tones mentioned previously, there is another tone in Chinese, which is short and light, known as "the neutral tone".

• 妈妈 māma
• 爷爷 yéye
• 奶奶 nǎinai
• 爸爸 bàba

2.3 Rules of Pinyin (1): Tone Marking and Abbreviation

Tone marks in Chinese pinyin are put above vowels. When there are two or more vowels in the final of a syllable, the tone should be marked on the one that is pronounced with the mouth more wide-open, the sequence being "a, o, e, i, u, ü" in the descending order. The compound final "iu" is an exception to this rule, in which the tone mark is put on "u" rather than "i" as "iu" is the abbreviation of "iou". The neutral tone is unmarked.

When iou, uei or uen follows an initial, they are written as iu, ui and un respectively, for example niu, gui, lun.

3.1 The Interrogative Pronoun “什么”

The interrogative pronoun "什么" is used in interrogative sentences, serving as the object by itself or together with a nominal element following it.

• 你叫什么名字？
• 这 (zhè，this) 是什么？
• 这 (zhè, this)是什么书(shū, book)？

3.2 The “是”Sentence

A "是" sentence is a determinative sentence with "是", indicating what somebody or something equals or belongs to. The negative sentence is formed by adding the negative adverb "不" before "是".

• 李月是老师。
• 我是美国人。
• 我不是老师。

3.3 Tone Sandhi of “不(bù)"

When "不" is followed by a syllable in the first, second or third tone, its tone doesn't change.

• bù chī (to not eat)
• bù xíng (not OK)
• bù hǎo (not good)
• bù hē (to not drink)
• bu néng (can't)
• bù xiǎng (don't want)

3.4 Rules of Pinyin (2): ü or finals led by ü with j, q, x

When ü or a final beginning with ü follows j, q or ,x the two dots on the top of ü should be removed, for example, ju, qu, xu. However, if the initial is l or n, the form is lü and nü respectively.

4.1 The Interrogative Pronouns "谁" and "哪"

The interrogative pronoun "谁" is used to ask about the name or identity of a person.

• 谁是李月？
• 他是谁？
• 她是谁？

When the interrogative pronoun "哪" is used in a question, the structure is "哪 + measure word/noun + noun"

• 哪本 (bēn, a measure word for books) 书 (shū, book)？
• 哪个 (gè, a general measure word) 人？
• 你是哪国人？

4.2 The Structural Particle "的"

The structure "noun/pronoun + 的 + noun" indicates possession. When the noun following "的" is a term of kinship or indicates a person, "的" can be omitted.

• 李月是我的老师。
• 这 (zhè，this) 是我的书 (shū, book)。
• 她不是我同学，她是我朋友。

4.3 The Interrogative Particle “呢” (1)

The interrogative particle "呢" is used after a noun or pronoun, forming a question about the situation mentioned previously. The commonly used sentence pattern is "A。。。B 呢？" (A.... What about B?).

• 我不是老师，我是 学生。你呢？
• 她叫李月。他呢？
• 我是美国人。你呢？

4.3 Tone Sandhi of "一 (yī)"

When "一" is followed by a syllable in the first, second or third tone, it changes into the fourth tone.

• yì zhāng (one sheet/piece)
• yì tiáo (one (long) piece)
• yì zhǒng (one type)

When "一" is followed by a syllable in the fourth, it changes into the second tone.

• yídìng (sure, certainly)
• yí kuài (one piece)

When "一" is used alone or in a number, its tone doesn't change.

• dìyī (first)
• yī èr sān (one, two, three)
• xīngqī yī (Monday)
• shíyī (eleven)
• bǎifēnzhī yī (one percent)

4.4 Rules of Pinyin (3): use of y and W

If a final beginning with i, u or ü has no initial before it, "y" or "w" is used inni the written form.

• i, in, ing : yi, yin, ying
• ia, ie, iao, ian, iang, iong : ya, ye, yao, yan, yang, yong
• iu : you
• u : wu
• ua, uo, uai, uan, uang, ueng : wa, wo, wai, wan, wang, weng
• ui, un : wei, wen
• ü, üe, üan, ün : yu, yue, yuan, yun

5.1 The Interrogative Pronoun “几”

The interrogative pronoun "几" is used to ask about a number, usually less than 10.

• 你有几个汉语老师？
• 李老师 家有几又人？
• 你女儿几岁了？

5.2 Numbers below 10

• 19 : shíjiǔ
• 23 : èrshísān
• 56 : wǔshíliù
• 88 : bāshíbā
• 99 : jiǔshíjiǔ

5.3 “了” Indicating a Change

"了" is used at the end of a sentence to indicate a change or the occurrence of a new situation.

• 李老师今年50岁了。
• 我朋友的女儿今年四岁了。
• 你女儿几岁了？

5.4 The Interrogative Phrase “多+大”

"多+大" is used to ask about one's age.

• 你多大了？
• 你女儿今年多大了？
• 李老师多大了？

5.4 Rules of Pinyin (4): syllable-dividing mark

When a syllable beginning with a, o or e follows another syllable, the syllable-dividing mark (' ) is used to separate the two syllables, for example, pí'ǎo (皮袄 fur-lined jacket).

• piāo (to float) - pí'ǎo (fur-lined jacket)
• xiān (earlier, before) - Xī'ān (City of Xi'an)
• jiē (to receive) - jī'è (hungry)
• jiāng (will, shall) - jī'áng (excited and impassioned)
• fānàn (to launch an attack) - fān'àn (to reverse a verdict)
• fǎngǎn (to loathe) - fāng'àn (work plan)

6.1 The Modal Verb “会” (1)

The modal verb "会" is used before a verb, indicating acquiring an ability through learning. Its negative form is "不会" .

• 我会写汉宇。
• 我不会做中国菜。
• 你妈妈会说汉语吗？

6.2 Sentences withan Adjectival Predicate

Used in the structure "subject + adverb of degree + adjective", the adjective describes the nature or state of somebody or something, usually following the adverb of degree "很". Thenegativeform is "subject + 不 + adjective".

• 我很好。
• 我妈妈的汉语不好。
• 中国菜很好妤吃。

6.3 The Interrogative Pronoun “怎么” (1)

The interrogative pronoun "怎么" is used before a verb to ask about the manner of an action.

• 这个汉宇怎么读？
• 你的汉语名字怎么写？
• 这个字怎么写？

7.1 Expression of a Date (1): month, date, day of the week

The way to say a date in Chinese observes the principle of "the bigger unit coming before the smaller one". The month is said first, then the date and finally the day of the week. In spoken Chinese, "号" is often used instead of "日" ot express the date.

• 9月1号，星期三。
• 9月2号，星期四。
• 8月31号，星期二。

7.2 Sentences with a Nominal Predicate

A sentence with a nominal predicate is a sentence whose predicate is a nominal element. It is usually used to indicate age, time, date and so on.

• 我的汉语老师33岁。
• 明天星期三。
• 今天9月1号。

7.3 Sentences with a Serial Verb Construction (1): 去 + place + to do sth.

The predicate of a sentence with a serial verb construction consists of two or more verbs. The latter verb can be the purpose of the former. The object of the first verb, i.e. the place, can sometimes be omitted.

• 我去(中国)学习汉语。
• 我们去(中国饭馆儿)吃中国業。
• 我去(学校)看书。

8.1 The Modal Verb “想”

The modal verb "想" is usually used before a verb to express a hope or plan.

• 我想学汉语。
• 明天我想去学校看书。
• 我想买一个杯子。

8.2 The Interrogative Pronoun “多少”

The interrogative pronoun "多少" is used to ask about numbers larger than 10. The measure word following it can be omitted. "多少" can also be used to inquire about prices, usually in the sentence pattern "..... 多少？".

• 你们学校有多少(个)学生？
• 你有多少(个)汉语老师？
• 这个杯子多少钱？

8.3 The Measure Words "个" and "口"

"个" is the most common measure word in Chinese, usually used before a noun without a specific measure word of its own.

• 三个老师。
• 五个学生。
• 一个杯子。

"口" is a measure word, too, usually used for members of a family.

• 李老师家有六口人。
• 你家有几口人？
• 我家有三口人。

8.4 Expression of the Amount of Money

The basic unit of Renminbi (Chinese currency) is "元", usually replaced by "块" in spoken Chinese.

• 一元(块) one yuan/kuai
• 五元(块) five yuan/kuai
• 十元(块) ten yuan/kuai
• 五十元(块) fifty yuan/kuai
• 一百元(块) one hundred yuan/kuai

9.1 The Verb “在”

"在" is a verb. When it is followed by a word of locality and acts as the predicate of a sentence, it indicates the location of somebody or something.

• 我朋友在学校。
• 我妈妈在家。
• 小狗在椅子下面。

9.2 The Interrogative Pronoun "哪儿"

The interrogative pronoun "哪儿" is used to ask about the location of somebody or something.

• 我的杯子在哪儿？
• 你的中国朋友在哪儿？
• 小猫在哪儿？

9.3 The Preposition “在”

"在" can also act as a preposition, used before a word of locality to introduce the place where an action or behavior takes place.

• 我在朋友家喝茶。
• 他们在学校看书。
• 我儿子在医院工作。

9.4 The Interrogative Particle "呢" (2)

Used at the end of a sentence, the interrogativeparticle "呢" asks about the location of somebody or something.

• 我的小猫呢？
• 我的杯子呢？
• 他在哪儿呢？

10.1 The “有” Sentence: indicating existence

The verb "有" can be used in an existential sentence to indicate a person or thing exists somewhere.

• 椅子下面有一只小狗。
• 学校里有一个商店。
• 桌子上有一个电脑和一本书。

10.2 The Conjunction “和”

The conjunction "和" is used to connect two or more elements, indicating a parallel relationship.

• 我有一个中国朋友和一个美国朋友。
• 我家有三又人，爸爸、妈妈和我。
• 桌子上有一个电脑和一本书。

10.3 The Modal Verb "能"

The modal verb "能" is usually used before a verb to form the predicate indicating an ability or a possibility. The interrogative sentence structure "能。。。。。吗？" is often used to indicate a request or hope for permission.

• 明天下午我能去商店。
• 你能在这儿写你的名宇吗？
• 我能坐这儿吗？

10.4 Imperative Sentences with “请”

When the verb "请" is used before another verb, an imperative sentence is formed, indicating a polite suggestion or hope.

• 请写您的名宇。
• 请喝茶。
• 请坐。

11.1 Expression of Time

"点" and "分" are used to express time in Chinese, observing the principle of "the bigger unit preceding the smaller unit".

"点" means "o'clock", indicating a whole hour.

• 9:00 --> 九点
• 11:00 --> 十一点
• 2:00 --> 两点 (liǎng diǎn)

The counterpart of 2 o'clock in Chinese is "两点 (liǎng diǎn)" instead of "二点 (èr diǎn)".

If it is not a "whole-hour" time, "分" is used. The pattern is "。。。点。。。分".

• 5:30 --> 五点三十分
• 11:10 --> 十一点十分
• 2:05 --> 两点零 (líng, zero) 五分

To distinguish a time before noon from one afternoon, the pattern "上午(morning)。。。点。。。分" or "下午(afternoon)。。。点。。。分" is used.

• 8:00 am --> 上午八点
• 3:10 pm --> 下午三点十分
• 5:25 pm --> 下午五点二十五分

11.2 Time Word Used as an Adverbial

When a time word serves as an adverbial modifier in a sentence, it often follows the subject. Sometimes it can be used before the subject.

• 妈妈六点做饭。
• 李老师上午八点去学校。
• 我星期一去北京。

• 七点我吃饭。
• 中午十二点我们回家。
• 下午五点他们去看电影。

11.3 The Noun "前"

The noun "前" can be used to refer to a period prior to the present time or the time being mentioned.

• 三天前，一个星期前，四点前，星期五前
• A: 你什么时候去学校？B: 八点前。
• A: 你什么时候回北京？B: 星期六前。
• A: (你)星期五前能回家吗？B: 能。

12.1 The Interrogative Pronoun “怎么样”

“怎么样” is used to ask about the condition of something or someone.

• 你的汉语怎么样？
• 你妈妈身体怎么样？
• 明天天气怎么样？

12.2 Sentences with a Subject-Predicate Phrase as the Predicate

In Chinese, there is such a kind of sentence in which the predicate is a subject-predicate phrase. The structure is: Subject of the Sentence + Predicate of the Sentence (Subject + Predicate).

• 我身体 不太好。
• 明天天气 很好。
• 你身体 怎么样？

The subject in the subject-predicate phrase is usually part of the subject of the sentence or related to it.

12.3 The Adverb "太"

The adverb "太" indicates a high degree. "了" is often used at the end of the sentences with "太", but not in negative sentences.

• 太热了。
• 天气太冷了。
• 我身体不太好。

12.4 The Modal Verb “会” (2)

"会" indicates the possibility of the situation mentioned.

• A: 爸爸八点前会回家吗？B: 会。
• A: 明天她会来吗？B: 她会来。
• A: 今天会下雨吗？B: 今天不会下雨。

13.1 The Interjection “喂”

The word is often used when calling someone or answering a phone call.

• A: 喂，李老师在家吗？B: 她不在家，去学校了。
• A: 喂，你是张小姐吗？B: 对，您是？
• A: 喂，你在做什么呢？B: 我在看书呢？

13.2 "在...呢" Used to Indicate an Action in Progress

An action in progress can be expressed by adding the adverb "在" before a verb or by using the modal particle "呢" at the end of a sentence.

• 我在睡觉呢。
• 你在做什么呢？
• 小王在学习汉语。

The negative form is "没(在) + Verb/Verb Phrase", without "呢" at the end of the sentence.

• 我没在看电视。
• 他们没在工作。
• 他没看书。

13.3 Expresion of Telephone Numbers

Telephone numbers are read in a different way than general numbers. They are read digit by digit. The number "1" in a telephone number is read "yāo".

• 806 9478 : bā líng liù jiǔ sì gī bā
• 138 5189 7623 : yāo sān bā wǔ yāo bā jiǔ qī liù èr sān
• 823 04156 : bā èr sān líng sì yāo wǔ liù

13.4 The Modal Particle “吧”

When used at the end of an imperative sentence, the modal particle "吧" indicates a suggestion or command with a softened mood.

• A: 这儿没有人，请坐吧。B: 谢谢。
• A: 今天我们在家吃饭吧。B: 好。
• A: 我现在给她打电话。B: 她在 工作呢，你下午打吧。

14.1 “了” Indicating Occurrence or Completion

"了" can be used at the end of a sentence.

• 我去商店了。
• 他去学开车了。
• 你买什么了？

"了" can also be used between a verb and its object. There is usually a modifier before the object of the verb, such as a numeral classifier, an adjective or a pronoun, etc.

• 他买了一点儿苹果。
• 我买了不少衣服。
• 你看见了几个人？

The negative form of "了" in both cases above is "没 + verb + (object)". In the negative form, "了" should be omitted.

• 她没去商店。
• 我没买。
• 我没看见张先生。

14.2 The Noun “后”

The noun "后" indicates a period after the present time or the time being mentioned.

• 五点后，40分钟后，星期三后
• A: 你几点去工作？B: 八点后。
• A: 你什么时候回家？B: 五点后。
• A: 他什么时候能回来？B: 40分钟后回来。

14.3 The Modal Particle "啊"

The modal particle "啊" is used at the end of a declarative sentence to set the mood. The pronunciation of "啊" varies with the finals of the syllables before it, and in written Chinese, the variants are represented by different characters sometimes.

• A: 你是王小姐吗？B: 是啊。
• A: 你想去吃中国菜吗？B: 好啊。
• A: 王方的衣服大漂亮了！B: 是啊，她买了不少衣服。

14.4 The Adverb "都"

"都" means "both/all". The people or objects included are put before "都".

• 我们都是中国人。
• 他们都喜欢喝茶。
• 这些都是王方的东西。

15.1 The Structure "是。。。的": used to emphasize time, place or manner

When the occurrence of something is known, "是。。的" can be used to emphasize when, where and in which manner it occurred. "是" can be omitted in positive and interrogative sentences, but not in negative sentences.

• 我是昨天来的。
• 这是在北京买的。
• 你们是怎么来饭店的。
• 我不是昨天来的。
• 这不是在北京买的。
• 我们不是做出租车来的。

15.2 Expression of a Date (2): year, month, date, day of the week

Chinese dates are written and read from the bigger unit to the smaller. A year is read digit by digit, followed by the character "年". A month or date is read the whole number followed by "月" and "日/号" respectively. A day of the week is expressed by the word "星期" plus a specific number. For example, "August 8th of 2008, Friday" is read as "èr líng líng bā nián bā yuè bā hào, xīngqī wǔ"

• 明天是2014年5月11号。
• A: 今天几号？星期几？B: 今天9月10号，星期三。
• 我们是2011年9月认识的。

1.1 The Auxiliary verb “要”

When used before a verb, it indicates the desire to do something.

• 王方要学习英语
• 我要吃米饭
• 我们要不要买几个新的椅 子?

Its negative form is usualy "不想".

• 小王要去，我不想去。
• A: 你要吃米饭吗？B: 我不想吃米饭。
• A: 我要去商店买椅子，你去吗？B: 我不去，我不想买椅子。

1.2 The Adverb of Degree “最”

It means being the first among things of the same kind or in a certain aspect.

• 大卫的汉语最好。
• 我最喜欢吃米饭。
• 它的眼睛最漂亮。

1.3 “几” and “多”: expresions of approximate numbers

"几" can indicate an indefinite number less than 10, followed by a measure word.

• 车上有几个人。
• 我想买几本书。
• 我们要不要买几个新的椅子？

When "几" is used after "十", it indicates a number greater than 10 but less than 20, for example, "十几个人" (a dozen people or so); when used before "十", it indicates a number greater than 20 while less than 100, for example, "几十个人" (dozens of people).

"多" can be used together with numeral-measure word phrases. When the numeral is less than 10, "多" should be put behind the measure word.

• 三个多星期
• 五年多
• 六个多月

When the numeral is an integer greater than 10, "多" is put before the measure word. In this case, "多" and "几" are interchangeable.

• 十多个月
• 二十多块钱
• 八十多个人

2.1 Questions Using “是不是”

If one raises a question and is somehow certain about a fact or situation, they can use this kind of question to confirm their guess. "是不是" (literally "yes or no") is usually used before the predicate or at the beginning or end of a sentence.

• 你很少生病，是不是喜欢运动？
• 是不是明天爸爸休息？
• 我们星期一去北京，是不是？

2.2 The Pronoun “每”

"每" is used before a measure word, indicating each or every individual or group in the whole, for example, "每天" (every day), "每年" (every year), "每月" (every month) and “每个星期" (every week).

• 山姆每年都去中国旅游。
• 你每个星期六都工作吗？
• 我海天六点起床。

2.3 The Interrogative Pronoun "多"

The interrogative pronoun "多" is used before an adjective, asking about the degree of something. A specific quantity should be given to answer the question.

• A: 你多大？B: 我16岁。
• A: 王医生的儿子多高？B: 他儿子一米七。
• A: 他多高？B: 一米八ル。

3.1 The "的" Phrase

"的" can be used after a pronoun, an adjective or a verb to form a phrase which is equivalent to a nominal phrase with its headword omitted.

• 这本书不是我的。(= 我的书)
• 返介杯子是昨天天的。(= 昨天天的杯子)
• 这块手表是你的吗？(= 你的手表)

3.2 The Numeral Classifier “一下”

"一下" is used after a verb to indicate a short action, similar to the reduplicative form (AA) of a verb. The object of the verb can be omitted.

• 我看一下。
• 你休息一下吧。
• 我问一下老师。

3.3 The Modal Adverb "真"

The structure "真 + adjective" expresses an exclamatory mood, meaning "really, indeed".

• 你真好！
• 今天天气真好！
• 你女儿的房间真漂亮！

4.1 The Structure "是。。。的": emphasizing the agent of an action

When the occurrence of an action is known, "是。。。的" can be used to emphasize the agent of the action.

• 这本书是我买的。
• 晚饭是妈妈做的。
• 电话是谁打的？

In the negative form, "不" is added before "是".

• 这个汉字不是大卫写的。
• 苹果不是王方买的。
• 电话不是我接的。

4.2 “。。。的时候” Indicating Time

"Num-M + 的时候" indicates time.

• 今天早上八点的时候我没在家。
• 我十八岁的时候一个人来到北京。
• 我十一岁的时候开始踢足球。

"V + 的吋候" also indicates time.

• 我睡觉的时候，我妈妈在做饭。
• 麦克到学校的吋候下雨了
• 王老师工作的时候，她丈夫开车去医院了。

4.3 The Adverb of Time "巳经"

"巳经" indicates that an action has been completed or having reached a certain degree.

• 王老师已经回家了。
• 我的身体已经好了。
• (足球我)已经踢了十年了。

5.1 The Adverb "就"

The structure "就 + verb" indicates a conclusion or a resolution made on the basis of what's been mentioned previously.

• 你不想去，就在家休息吧。
• 这儿的咖啡不错，就喝咖啡吧。
• 就做你爱吃的鱼吧。

Attention: In the sentence “顾色还可以，就是有点儿大”，“就是” indicates concesion.

5.2 The Modal Adverb “还” (1)

The structure "还 + Adj" means that something is passable or acceptable.

• A: 你身体怎么样？B: 还好。
• A: 这件衣服大吗？B: 还行，不太大。
• A: 昨天的考试怎么样？B: 我觉得听和说还可以，读和写不好。

5.3 The Adverbial Modifier “有点儿“

The structure "有点儿 + adjective/verb" indicates the speaker's negative mood or complaint.

• 今天天气有点儿冷。
• 我昨天有点儿累。
• （这件衣服）有点儿大。

6.1 The Interrogative Pronoun “怎么”

The structure "怎么 + verb/adjective" is used to ask about the reason for something, indicating surprise or astonishment.

• 你怎么不高兴？
• 今天怎么这么热？
• 昨天你们怎么都没去打篮球？

6.2 Reduplication of Measure Words

When a measure word is reduplicated, it means "every/each", emphasizing that a specific feature is shared by every member in a certain group, usually followed by "都".

• 同学们个个都很高兴。
• 这个商店的衣服件件都很漂亮。
• 这个星期（我）天天都吃羊肉。

6.3 The Pair of Conjunctions “因为...，所以... ”

The two conjunctions are used to connect two clauses in a causative relation, the first clause being the cause and the second being the effect. One can use both or either of them in a sentence.

• 因为她生病了，所以没去学校。
• 因为他每天跑步，所以身体很好。
• 因为昨天下雨，所以我们都没去（打篮球）。

7.1 The Modal Adverb “还” (2)

It indicates the continuation of an action or a state. Its negative form is "还没".

• 八点了，他还在睡觉。
• 你怎么还没吃饭？
• 他还在教室学习呢。

7.2 The Adverb of Time "就"

It is used for emphasis, indicating that the speaker thinks something happened early or went fast and well.

• 同学们七点牛就来教室了。
• 我坐飞机一个牛小时就到北京了。
• （我）二十分钟就到。

7.3 The Verb “离”

It indicates the distance from a place, moment or purpose.

• 我家离学校很远。
• 学校离机场有20多公里。
• 离我的生日还有一个多星期呢！

7.4 The Modal Particle "呢"

It is used at the end of a declarative sentence or after a sentence with an adjectival or verbal predicate to confirm a fact and convince someone in an exaggerative mood.

• 八点上课，时间还早呢。
• 医院离我们这儿还远呢。
• 坐公共汽车要一个多小时呢！

8.1 The Interrogative Sentence "..., 好吗"

It is used to ask about another person's idea or opinion.

• 我们一起去吃饭，好吗？
• 你明天下午给我打电话，好吗？
• 我们下午去看电影，好吗？

8.2 The Adverb “再”

It indicates the repetition or continuation of an action or a state. It can also indicate that an action will happen under a certain circumstance.

• 你再看看这本书吧。
• 你（明天）再给我打电话吧。
• （你）（让我想想）再告诉你。

8.3 Pivotal Sentences

The predicate of a pivotal sentence is made up of two verbal phrases, the object of the first verb being the subject of the second. The first verb is often a causative verb, such as "请" (to invite), "让" (to let) and "叫" (to ask).

• 我请你吃饭。
• 你让我再想想。
• 我叫人去看看。

8.4 Reduplication of Verbs

The reduplicative form of a verb indicates a short time, a small quantity, a slight degree or an attempt, conveying a relaxed and casual mood. It is often used in spoken Chinese.

• 说说 / 说一说
• 听听 / 听一听
• 看看 / 看一看
• 学习学习
• 准备准备
• 运动运动

9.1 Complements of Result

Some verbs or adjectives can be used after a verb to add remarks about the result of an action. They are called complements of result.

• 我看见你的女朋友了。
• 我听懂今天的汉语课了。
• 我做好饭了。
• 大卫找到工作了。

"没 (有)" is added before the verb to form the negative form of a complement of result, in which case "了" cannot appear at the end of the sentence.

• 我没有看见你的女朋友。
• 我没听懂他说的话。
• 我没做完(考试題)。

To form a question, "(了) 没有" is often added at the end of the sentence.

• 你看见我的女朋友了没有？
• 你听懂他说的话没有？
• 你(都)做完(考试題)了没有？

9.2 The Preposition “从”

The preposition "从" introduces the starting point of a period of time, a distance, a process or a sequence, often used together with "到".

• 从北京到上海要坐几个小时的飞机？
• 从老人到孩子都喜欢吃苹果。
• 从下个星期一开始（上班）。

9.3 "第~" Indicating Order

"第" is often used before a numeral-measure-word phrase to indicate order.

• 第一本书
• 第二个工作
• 第一次跳舞

10.1 The Imperative Sentence “不要...了/别...了”

This sentence structure is used to dissuade or forbid somebody from doing something.

• 不要玩手机了。
• 不要做饭了。
• 不要看电视了。
• 别睡觉了。
• 别看书了。
• 别看报纸了。

10.2 The Preposition "对"

The preposition "对" can indicate a subject-target relation between people or things.

• 跑步对身体很好。
• 老师对学生非常好。
• 看电视对学汉语有帮助。

11.1 A Verb (Phrase) Used as an Atrtibutive Modifier

When a verb or verb phrase is used as an attributive modifier, "的" should be put between the modifier and the word modified.

• 新买的自行车
• 我妈妈做的饭
• 和你一起唱歌的人

11.2 The “比” Sentence (1)

A "比" sentence is a sentence using "比" to make a comparison. The predicate of the sentence can be an adjective.

• 哥哥比姐姐高。
• 今天比昨夭热。
• （今天的西瓜）比昨天便宜。

"A没有B..." is the negative form of a "比" sentence.

• 哥哥没有姐姐高。
• 今天没有昨天热。
• 西瓜没有苹果便宜。

When describing the difference between things, a specific number is used to specify the difference, "一点儿" or "一些" indicates the difference is slight, and "多" or "得多" indicates the difference is significant.

• 西瓜比苹果贵两块钱。
• 我的学习比他好一点儿。
• 今天比昨夭热得多。
• 她比我们老师小两岁。

11.3 The Auxiliary Verb “可能”

It means "maybe" indicating an estimation. It can be used before the verb or subject of a sentence.

• 他可能早就知道这件事情了。
• 可能我明天不来上课了。
• 你可能不认识她。

12.1 Complements of Degree

A complement of degree describes the degree of something. The structural particle "得" is often used to introduce a complement of degree which makes remarks on the extent or degree an action or the quality or state of something has reached. Sometimes "得" is not used.

• 他说得很好。
• 我起得很早。
• 我睡得也早。

If the verb takes an object, the object should be put before the verb, or the verb be reduplicated.

• 他（说）汉语说得很好。
• 我（写）汉字得很好。
• 姐姐（唱）歌唱得不错。

In the negative form, the negative word should be put after the structural particle "得".

• 他说得不好。
• 我起得不早。
• 我住得不远。
• 他（说）汉语说得好不好？
• 姐姐走得早不早？
• 你住得远不远？

In the interrogative form, "得" is followed by the structure "Adj + 不 + Adj", forming an affirmative-negative sentence.

• 他说得好不好？
• 姐姐得早不早？
• 你住得远不远？

12.2 The "比" Sentence (2)

If a verb takes a complement of degree, "比" can be put before the verb or the complement.

• 他比我学得好。
• 姐姐比我跑得快。
• 我妻子比我做得好。
• 他学得比我好。
• 姐姐跑得比我快。
• 我妻子做得比我好。

13.1 The Structural Particle “着”

A verb followed by the structural particle "着" can indicate the continuation of a certain state.

• 门开着。
• 他们穿着红色的衣服。
• （她）拿着铅笔。

In the negative form, "没" is added before the verb.

• 门没开着。
• 他们没穿着红色的衣服。
• （她）没拿着铅笔。

In the interrogative form, "没有" is added at the end of the sentence.

• 门开着没有？
• 他们穿着红色的衣服没有？
• （她）拿着铅笔没有？

13.2 The Rhetorical Question "不是...吗"

"不是...吗" is often used to remind someone of something or to show confusion or dissatisfaction.

• 不是说今天有雨吗？怎么没下？
• 你不是北京人吗？怎么不会说北京话？
• （她是你的女朋友？）她不是有男朋友了吗？

13.3 The Preposition "往"

The preposition "往" is often used to indicate direction.

• 从这儿往前走，就是我们学校。
• 你看，往左走是医院，往右走是银行。
• 从这儿一直往前走，到了前面的路又再往右走。

14.1 The Structural Particle "过"

A verb followed by the structural particle "过" usually indicates a past experience action which hasn't lasted to the present.

• 他们来过我家。
• 我看过那个电影。
• 我去过中国。

In the negative form, "没(有)" is added before the verb.

• 他们没（有）来过我家。
• 我没（有）看过那个电影。
• 我没（有）去过中国。

In the interrogative form, "没有" is added at the end of the sentence.

• 他们来过你家没有？
• 你看过那个电影没有？
• 你去过中国没有？

14.2 The Pair of Conjunctions “虽然...，但是...”

The conjunctions “虽然...，但是...” connect two clauses, forming a complex sentence indicating an adversative relation.

• 虽然外面很冷，但是房间里很热。
• 虽然汉宇很难，但是我很喜欢写汉宇。
• 虽然是晴天，但是很冷。

14.3 The Complement of Frequency “次”

The complement of frequency "次" is usually used after the predicate verb, indicating the number of times that an action has taken place.

• 我们看过三次电影。
• 他们坐过一次飞机。
• 我（在这个商店）买过一次（东西）。

When the object of a verb is a place, the complement of frequency can be put either before or after the object.

• 我们去过三次北京。
• 他们来过一次中国。
• 我（上星期）去过一次医院。
• 我们去过北京三次。
• 他们来过中国一次。
• 我（上星期）去过医院一次。

When the object is a personal pronoun, the complement of frequency should be put after the object.

• 我们找过他三次。
• 他们看过我一次。
• 老师叫过我两次。

15.1 "要...了" Indicating the State of an Action

The structure "快要/快/就要/要。。。了" indicates that something is going to happen.

• 火车快要来了。
• 要下雨了。
• 新的一年快要到了。

If there is an adverbial of time in the sentence, then only "就要...了" can be used.

• 下个月我们就要回国了。
• 明天姐姐就要走了。
• 下个星期我们就要考试了。

15.2 The Structure "都...了"

The structure "都...了" means "already", usually conveying an emphatic or a complaining tone.

• 都8点了，快点儿起床吧。
• 你都十岁了，可以自己洗衣服了。
• 都等她半个小时了。

1.1 The Complement of Result "好"

The complement of result "好" follows a verb as in "吃好" and "准备好" to indicate that the action is satisfactorily completed. Compared with "我吃完了" (I've finished eating), which only indicates the completion of the action, "我吃好了" means both "I've finished eating" and "I've enjoyed the meal".

• 今晚的电彩小刚已经买好票了。
• 饭还没做好，请你等一会儿。
• 去旅游的东西准备好了吗？
• 我还没想好要不要跟你去呢。

1.2 The Negative Structure "一。。。也/都 + 不/没。。。"

Indicates complete negation (not... at all).

• 我一个苹果也不想吃。
• 昨天他一件衣服都没买。
• 小丽一杯茶也没喝。
• 手机、电脑、地图，一个也不能少(带)。

Sometimes the "一 + Measure Word" used in the structure above is "一点儿".

• 我一点儿东西也不想吃。
• 这个星期我很忙，一点儿时间也没有。
• 今天早上我一点儿咖啡都没喝。
• 我一点儿钱都没带，所以不能买衣服。

When the predicate is an adjective, the structure 一点儿 也/都 + 不 + Adj indicate complete negation.

• 他一点儿也不累。
• 南方一点儿都不冷。
• 那个地方一点儿也不远。
• 你怎么一点儿也不着急？

1.3 The Conjunction "那"

Used at the beginning of a sentence, "那" indicates the result obtained from what's said previously.

• A: 我不想去看电影。 B: 那我也不去了。
• A: (明天的考试)我早就复习好了。 B: 那也不能一直玩儿啊。

2.1 Simple Complements of Direction

I Chinese, Verb + "来"/"去" indicates the direction of an action, with "来" indicating the direction towards the speaker and "去" the direction away from the speaker. The most frequently used verbs include “上”，“下”，“进”，“出”，“回”，“过” and “起” as well as some verbs we've learned, such as "", "" and "".

• 我们在楼上等你呢，你上来吧。(说话的人在楼上)
• 谁在外边?你出去看看吧。(“你”在屋里)
• 汉语书你带来了吗?
• 那边树多，我们过去坐一下吧。

If the object is a place, it should precede "来"/"去".

• 小狗下楼来吃东西。
• 老师进教室来上课。
• 朋友回家去了。
• 我上楼去。

If the object is a thing, it can be put before or after "来"/"去".

• 明天要带作业来。
• 帮我买来点儿面包。
• 你搬这把椅子去吧。
• 这次旅游，我想带去这本书。

2.2 The Successive Occurrence of Two Actions

In Chinese, "V1了...就V2..." can be used to indicate two actions which occur successively, with the second immediately following the first.

• 我下了课就吃饭。
• 妈妈起了床就做早饭。
• 小刚拿了伞就下来。
• 你每天晚上吃了饭就睡觉。

In a sentence with two subjects, the second subject should be put right before "就".

• 你下了课我们就去书店。
• 老师进了教室我们就对她说“生日快乐”。
• 爸爸回来了我们就吃饭。
• 他到了办公室我就告诉他。

2.3 The Rhetoric Question “能...吗?”

"能...吗" is used in a rhetorical question in Chinese, with its positive form meaning the negative and the negative form meaning the positive.

• A:为什么我的汉语学得不好? B: 你不做作业，也不练习，能学好吗?(不能学好)
• A: 你看我这么胖，怎么办呢? B: 你每天晚上吃了饭就睡觉，也不出去走走，能不胖吗?(会胖)

3.1 Comparison of “还是” and “或者”

Both “还是” and “或者” are used to connect choices. “还是” is used in interrogative sentences, and “或者” in declarative sentences.

• 你要喝咖啡还是喝茶?
• 明天是晴天还是阴天
• 今天晚上吃米饭或者面条都可以。
• 天冷了或者工作累了的时候，喝杯热茶很舒服。

For sentences with an interrogative clause, only “还是” can be used in the clause.

• 周太大40岁还是50岁，我们不知道。
• 小丽还没想好周末去爬山还是去看电影。
• 他的生日是10月还是11月，我不记得了。
• 我不知道这个人是男的还是女的。

3.2 Location Word + V着 + Numeral + Measure Word + N

In Chinese, the structure "Location Word + V着 + NP" means there is something somewhere. In this structure, the verb "放", "写", "坐", or "住" etc. is often used, and the noun phrase is usually an indefinite object, for example "一本书" (a book) and "几个人" (several people) rather than "这本书" (this book) and "周经理" (Manager Zhou).

• 来子上放着一杯咖啡。
• 我家楼上住着一个老师。
• 上面写着320元。
• 桌子上放着很多饮料。

The negative form of the structure is "Location Word + 没V看 + NP", without a measure word before the noun phrase.

• 桌子上没放着咖啡。
• 我家楼上没放着老师。
• 上面没放着多少钱。
• 桌子上没放着饮料。

3.3 “会” Indicating the Possibility

The auxiliary verb "会" is used in a sentence to indicate the possibility, usually referring to something that hasn't happened.

• 你穿得那么少，会感冒的。
• 别担心，我会照顾好自己。
• 你不给他打电话吗，他会不高兴的。
• 喝杯热茶会很舒服。

4.1 TheStructure “又...又..."

In Chinese, "又 + Adj1 + 又 + Adj2", is used to describe two qualities existing in the same person or thing, such as "又高又漂亮" (both tall and pretty).

• 这个西瓜又大又甜。
• 外边又黑又冷。
• 服务员又年轻又漂亮。
• 她工作又认真又热情。

4.2 The Accompanying Action: V1着(O1)+V2(O2)

In Chinese, "V1着(O1)+V2(O2)" indicates two actions taking place at the same time, V1, being the accompanying state or manner of V2. For example, "他们站着聊天儿" means "they are talking" while "standing" rather than "siting".

• 弟弟吃着苹果写作业。
• 周先生和周太太坐着看电视。
• 很多人拿着鲜花站在门又。
• 她总是笑着跟客人说话。

5.1 “了” Indicating a Change

Used at the end of a declarative sentence, the modal particle "了" indicates a change in the situation or the occurrence of a new situation. For example, "我现在没钱了" means "I used to have money, but now I don't", implying a change.

• 上个月很冷，现在天气不那么冷了。
• 我前几天有点儿发烧，现在好多了。
• 我现在喜欢夏天了。
• 这条裙子是去年买的，今年就不能穿了。

5.2 The Structure "越来越+ Adj/Mental V"

Followed by an adjective or a mental verb as in "越来越冷" (colder and colder) and “越来越喜欢” (like...more and more)，“越来越” indicates the change in degree occurs as time passes by. Note that no adverb of degree is used before the adjective or mental verb, so phrases like “越来越很热” and “越来越非常想” are unacceptable.

• 我认识的汉字越来越多。
• 你越来越漂亮。
• 我越来越喜欢运动。
• 我做的饭越来越好吃。

6.1 Complements of Possibility Introduced by "V得/不"

In Chinese, "V得 + Complements" or "V不 + Complements" can be used to indicate whether or not a result can be obtained or a goal be reached. "V得 + Complements" is the positive form, and "V不 + Complements" is the negative form. The complements used in this structure are usually complements of result or direction, and certain adjectives or verbs. The interrogative form is "V得 + Complements V不 + Complements" or "V得 + Complements 吗".

• 我看得清楚那个汉宇。
• 楼太高了，我上不去。
• 老师说的话你听得见听不见？
• 我找不到好饭馆。

6.2 "N+呢" Used to Ask about Location

In Chinese, "Noun + 呢" is used to ask about where somebody or something is. For example, “妈妈呢 ? ”means“ where is mom?”, and “小狗呢?” means “where is the dog?”.

• A: 你的书呢？放在哪儿了？B: 就在桌子上啊。
• A: 我的眼镜呢？你看见了吗？B: 我没看见啊。

6.3 Comparison of “刚” and “刚才”

The adverb "刚" and the noun "刚才" both indicate that the action has happened not long ago. However, "刚才" usually means several minutes ago, while "刚" means a short time from the speaker's point of view, which can be several minutes, a few days, even months. For example, "我刚来中国两个月" (I've been in China for only two months) shows that the speaker considers two months a short period of time. "刚" is only used right before the verb, while "刚才" can be used before the verb or at the beginning of the sentence.

• 爸爸刚出去。/ 爸爸刚才出去。
• 我刚喝完一杯咖啡。/ 刚才我喝了一杯咖啡。
• 我刚放在桌子上，现在就没了。/ 眼镜周明刚才放在来子上了。
• 儿子刚做完作业。/ 刚才儿子在做作业。

7.1 To Express a Period of Time

A period of time refers to the length of time that an action or a state lasts, usually indicated by a complement of duration, such as "一刻钟" (a quarter), "半个小时" (half an hour), "两天" (two days), or "三个月" (three months) etc.

"S + V + 了 + Duration + O" indicates the duration of an action.

• 她工作了三年。
• 我们坐了一个小时公共汽车。
• 你怎么晚到了一刻钟？
• 我们唱了两个小时歌。

"S + V + 了 + Duration + O + 了" indicates the duration of an action which is still going on. For example, "看了一个小时书了" means one has already read for an hour and is still reading.

• 我学习了一年汉语了。
• 她看了半个小时电视了。
• 他们游了二十分钟泳了。
• 我都在这儿坐了半个小时了。

7.2 To Express an Interest

In Chinese, one can use “对......感兴趣” or “对... 有兴趣” to express an interest in something. The negative form is “对...••不感兴趣” or “对•••• 没(有)兴趣”. The adverb of degree should be put before “感兴趣” or “有兴趣” if there is any, such as “很感兴趣” and “非常有兴趣”.

• 他们对电影感兴趣。
• 我儿子对打篮球不感兴趣。
• 同学们对汉语有兴趣。你们都对音乐感兴趣吗？
• 我对她更感兴趣。

7.3 To Indicate Time Using “半” “刻” or “差”

"一刻钟" is a period of time, meaning a quarter, i.e. 15 minutes. For example, "我等了你一刻钟” means “I've waited for you for 15 minutes".

• 13:30 : 一点半
• 12:15 : 十二点一刻
• 12:45 : 十二点三刻 / 差一刻一点
• 11:55 : 差五分十二点

8.1 Comparison of “又” and “再”

The adverbs "又" and "再" can both be put before a verb to indicate the recurrence of an action or a situation. "又 + V" usually means the recurrence has already happened, while "再 + V" means the recurrence has not happened yet.

• 上个星期我买了一条裤子，昨天又买了一条。
• 你上午已经喝了一杯咖啡，下午怎么又喝了一杯？
• 小刚，你前天迟到，昨天迟到，今天怎么又迟到了？
• 我昨天看了一个电影，今天又看了一个。
• 你只吃了一点儿饭，再吃一点儿吧。
• 家里只有一个面包了，我们再买一些吧。
• 那个饭馆我昨天去了一次，明天还想再去一次。
• 昨天去看了看，今天又去看了看，明天还要再去看看。

8.2 Flexible Use of Interrogative Pronouns 1

In Chinese, "就" is used to connect two same interrogative pronouns, indicating an uncertain person, thing or manner. The interrogative pronoun appears twice in the sentence, referring to the same thing. When the two clauses of a sentence share one subject, the subject of the second clause can be left out; when the two clauses have different subjects, the second subject is put right before "就".

• 什么东西便宜我就买什么。
• 你哪天有时问就哪天来我家吧。
• 谁喜欢他他就喜欢谁。
• 你坐哪儿我就坐哪儿。

9.1 The Structure “越A越B”

"越A越B" (the more A, the more B) means B changes with A.

• 雨越下越大。
• 你的中文越说越好。
• 越往南，天气越热。
• 山越高，路越难走。

9.2 Comparative Sentences 1: A跟B一样 ( + Adj)

"A跟B一样" means A and B are the same after comparison. The structure can take an adjective to indicate the aspect being compared, for example, "一样大" means "the same in size". In the negative form, "不" is added before "一样".

• 这本书跟那本书一样。
• 儿子跟爸爸一样高。
• 这辆车的颜色跟那辆车不一样。
• 她的汉语说得跟中国人一样好。

10.1 Comparative Sentences 2: A比B + Adi + 一点儿一些/得多/多了

“一点儿” ，“一 些” ，“得多” or “多了” etc. can follow an adjective in a comparative sentence, indicating the degree of difference between things, among which "一点儿" and “一 些” indicate a slight difference, while "得多" and "多了" " indicate a big difference.

• 大山比大卫矮一点儿。
• 我今天起得比昨天晚一些。
• 今天的作业比昨天多得多。
• 数学比历史难多了。

The negative form is "A没有B (+ 这么/那么) + Adj".

• 咖啡没有茶好喝。
• 他没有我这么高。
• 这个电影没有那个电影那么有意思。
• 学校里边的（房子）没有学校外边的那么安静。

10.2 Expression of Approximate Numbers 1

In Chinese, two adjacent numerals can be used together to indicate an approximate number, for example, "一二 (两) (one or two)", "两三 (two or three)", "三四 (three or four)", "四五 (five or six)", "七八 (seven or eight)", and "八九 (eight or nine)".

• 我每天学习一两个小时汉语。
• 你都喝了三四杯咖啡了，别再喝了！
• 从小丽家到公司骑车七八分钟就能到。
• 学校里边比学校外边方便，附近有三四个车站。

11.1 The Ba-Sentence 1: A把B + V + ......

In Chinese, a ba-sentence can be used to indicate a certain action done on a definite person or thing, the structure being "A把B + V + .....". This type of ba-sentence is often used to request or order other people to do something. It is noteworthy that A is the agent of the action, and B is the patient. Both A and B should be specific or known to the speaker and the listener.

• 请你把衣服洗了。
• 帮我把这本词典还了。
• 你把灯关了吧。
• 我把爸爸的生日忘了。

If there is a negative adverb or a modal verb et., it should be precede "把".

• 你没把书给我。
• 你别把手机忘了。
• 我不能把电脑给你。
• 你可以把空调关了吗？

11.2 Expresion of Approximate Numbers 2: 左右

In Chinese, "左右" can be used after a numeral to indicate an approximate number, such as “三点左右” (around three o'clock)，“五个左右” (about five), and “十年左右” (ten years or so).

• 周末我一般十点左右起床。
• 我们公司有五百人左右。
• 王经理两点左右来了个电话 。
• 这个笔记本电脑我去年买的时候要五千块左右。

12.1 Comparison of “才” and “就”

"就" indicates that in the speaker's opinion, the action happened early, or went on fast or smoothly.

• 我早上五点就起床了。
• 坐飞机一个小时就到了。
• 我很容易就找到了他的家。
• 你怎么这么早就要睡觉了？

"才" indicates that in the speaker's opinion, the action happened late, or went on slowly or unsatisfactorily.

• 八点上课，他九点才起床。
• 坐火车八个小时才能到。
• 弟弟三个小时才做完作业。
• 来机场的路上我才发现忘带护照了。

12.2 The Ba-Sentence 2: A把B + V + 在/到/给.....

In Chinese, a ba-sentence is often used to indicate a certain action is done on a definite person or thing and has changed the location of the person or thing, the structure being "A把B + V + 在/到 + location".

• 我把照片放在你包里了。
• 老师把作业放在桌子上了。
• 我没把裤子放到椅子上。
• 我帮你把衣服放到行李箱里吧。

If an action has changed the owner or user of a definite object, the structure "A把B + V + 给 + sb." is used.

• 我把鲜花送给老师了。
• 我朋友把书借给我了。
• 弟弟没把钱还给哥哥。
• 你帮我把这本书带给小刚。

13.1 Compound Complements of Direction

In Chinese, a compound complement of direction is formed by a verb and a simple complement of direction following the verb, describing the direction of an action.

• 老师拿出一本书来。
• 小狗从房问跑出来。
• 我给你拿过去吧。
• 坐久了还可以沾起来休息一会儿。

When the object is a place, it should be put before "来/去".

• 老师走进教室来。
• 弟弟跑下楼去。
• 周太太走进咖啡店去。
• 下课了，同学们走出救室去。

When the object is a general item, it can be put either before or after "来/去".

• 哥哥买回一个西瓜来。= 哥哥买回来一个西瓜。
• 请大家拿出笔记本来。= 请大家拿出来笔记本。
• 爸爸从国外带回一些礼物来。= 爸爸从国外带回来一些礼物。
• 小刚买回来很多东西。= 小刚买回很多东西来。

If the action has already been completed and realized, the object is usually put after “来/去”. For example, “哥哥买回来了一个西瓜。(My elder brother has bought a watermelon.)” and “爸爸带回来了一些礼物。(Dad has brought some gifts home.)".

13.2 The Structure "一边...一边..."

In Chinese, "一边...一边..." is used to indicate two actions taking place at the same time. For example, “一边听音乐一边做作业” means the two actions “Listening to music" and "doing homework" happen simultaneously. "一" can be left out.

• 妈妈一边唱歌一边做饭。
• 老师边说边笑。
• 小丽和老同学边喝咖啡边聊天儿。
• 我文夫喜欢一边吃早饭一边看报纸。

14.1 The Ba-Sentence 3: A把B + V + Complement of Result/Direction

In Chinese, the structure "A把B + V + Complement of Result/Direction" can be used to indicate an action which is done on a definite person or thing and has brought a result to or has changed the position of the person or thing.

• 我把衣服洗千净了。
• 妈妈还没把饭做好呢。
• 请同学们把铅笔拿出来。
• 你把水果拿过来。

14.2 The Structure “先...，再/又...，然后...”

The structure “先...，再/又...，然后... (first...,then...,and then..)” indicates the sequence of a series of actions. "再" indicates the action has not happened yet, while "又" indicates the action has already happened.

• 回家以后，我先做作业，然后吃饭。
• 我先坐了一个小时公共汽车，又坐了一会儿地铁才到小刚家。
• 你先把电视节目看完吧，然后再给我回电话。
• 先把米饭做好，然后再把一块块新鲜的水果放进去。

15.1 The Structure “除了.....以外，都/还/也.....”

"除了.....以外，都..... (all...except...)" indicates that except the part being mentioned, all the others in a specific scope are the same in a certain way. " 以外" can be left out.

• 除了这个汉字以外，别的汉宇我都认识。
• 除了我以外，大家都听懂了。
• 除了这个句子意思有些不清楚外，其他都没什么问題。
• 除了小云，其他人都来了。

“除了.....以外，还/也... (besides...)” indicates that there are still others besides the part being mentioned. The subject is put at the beginning of the sentence or right before “还/也”.

• 除了唱歌以外，他还喜欢跳舞。
• 除了汉语以外，我还会说英语。
• 上网除了看新闹，还可以听音乐。
• 除了春节，中秋节以外，啤酒节也是这里很重要的一个节日。

15.2 Flexible Use of Interrogative Pronouns 2

In Chinese, "什么" can be used as a demonstrative pronoun instead of an indefinite person or thing, making the tone politer. The meaning of the sentence won't change if "什么" is left out.

• 这个饭馆有没有什么特别好吃的菜？
• 周末你有没有什么打算？
• 你写得很好，没什么问題。
• 以后有什么不明白的地方，可以给我打电话或者发电子邮件。

15.3 “极了” Used to Indicate Degree

In Chinese, the superlative degree can be expressed using "Adj/Mental V + 极了".

• 我的小狗可愛极了。
• 今天天气冷极了。
• 那件衣服我喜欢极了。
• 他满意极了。

16.1 The Structure "如果..... (的话), (S) 就....."

The clause following "如果" is a hypothesis, and the clause after "就" is the result based on the hypothesis. Note that the subject of the second clause should be put right before "就".

• 如果你太累了，就休息一会儿。
• 如果你喜欢，我就给你买。
• 如果有钱的话，我就去旅游。
• 如果不舒服，就去医院检查一下吧。

16.2 Complex Complements of State

In Chinese, "得" can be used to form a complement to describe a certain state. Usualy "得" is preceded by an adjective or a verb and followed by a verb phrase.

• 孩子们玩儿得不想回家。
• 弟弟高兴得跳了起来。
• 儿子累得下了班就睡觉了。
• 人们忙得没时问跟別人见面。

16.3 Reduplication of Monosyllabic Adjectives

In Chinese, a monosyllabic adjective is often reduplicated in the form "AA的" to describe the characteristics of a person or thing, indicating a deep degree.

• 你送的花红红的，我很喜欢。
• 这些草绿绿的，真漂亮。
• 他界子小小的，长得像谁？
• 你女儿长得白白的，胖胖的，真可爱！

17.1 Reduplication of Disyllabic Verbs

The form of a reduplicated disyllabic verb is "ABAB", such as "休息休息", indicating a short action or an attempt.

• 他是谁？你介绍我们认识认识吧。
• 他是新来的，有时间你帮助帮助他吧。
• 这是本新书，你学习学习吧。
• 我真应该多锻炼镀炼了。

17.2 Flexible Use of Interrogative Pronouns 3

In Chinese, interrogative pronouns such sa "谁", "什么", "怎么" and "哪儿" can be used to refer to every member in a certain scope, indicating all of them are the same in a certain way without exception.

• 谁都喜欢小丽。
• 小刚什么都喜欢吃。
• 我们怎么去公园都可以。
• 最近我觉得哪儿都不舒服。

18.1 The Structure "只要..., 就..."

"只要..., 就..." is used to connect the two clauses of a conditional complex sentence, with "只要" introducing a necessary condition and "就" followed by the consequent result. The subject can be put before or after "只要". If there is a second subject in the sentence, it is put right before "就".

• 只要我有时问，就一定跟你去旅游。
• 我只要喜欢，就一定会买。
• 只要你想去，我就跟你去。
• 只要你给我买，我就能照顾好它。

18.2 The Preposition “关于”

"关于" is used before a noun, introducing the object to be talked about.

• 我最近看了一些关于中国文化的电影。
• 关于这件事，我们还没有 决定呢。
• 关于出国学习的事，妈妈已经同意了。
• 关于这个工作，还有什么问题吗？

19.1 Extension of the Complements of Direction

In Chinese, a complement of direction can be used after a verb or an adjective to mean different things.

"出来" can be used after a verb to indicate the emergence of something new.

• 这个字你能写出来吗？
• 朋友想出来一个学汉语的好办法。
• 你画得真快，一会儿就画出来了。
• 照片我选了几张洗出来了。

When used after a verb, "出来" can also indicate the recognition of something implicit.

• 你听出来了吗?这是谁的声音？
• 我看出来了，这是二年级的那个女孩子。
• 我吗不出来这两杯咖啡有什么不一样。
• 你没看出来吗？他是小刚啊。

When used after certain adjectives or verbs, "下来" indicates a change from movement to stillness, from being strong to being weak, or from being fast to being slow.

• 前边的车越开越慢，停下来了。
• 天黑下来了，孩子们要回家了。
• 我真布望时间能慢下来，不要过得那么快。
• 只要他爸爸学小鸟叫，她马上就安静下来了。

When used after a verb, "起来" indicates the act of recalling has reached a result.

• 你记起来我是谁了吗？
• 你能想起来那是什么时候的事吗？
• 对不起，我想不起来你的名宇了。
• 我想起来了，她小时候像个男孩子。

"看上去" and "看起来" (to seem) are similar to each other. Both are used to make an estimation or evaluation of someone or something in a certain aspect by looking.

• 把头发放在耳朵后边，可以使脸看上去漂亮一些。
• 他今天穿蓝西服，看上去像40多岁。
• 这是你做的饭吗? 看起来很好吃。
• 他今天一句话也没说，看起来有点儿不高兴。

19.2 Comparison of “使”，“叫” and “让”

The Chinese words "使", "叫" and "让" can all be followed by a pivotal element to mean "to cause". The three of them basically mean the same thing, with "使" usually used in written Chinese, while "叫" usually used in spoken Chinese.

• 读书使我快乐。
• 考试让我很紧张。
• 穿运动服让他更年轻。
• 我想快，点儿把照片发给大家，叫朋友们也高兴高兴。

20.1 The Bei-Sentence

In Chinese, a sentence with "被" can express the passive voice, its structure being "S + 被 + O + V + Other Elements", in which the subject is the patient of the action and the object the agent. The object following "被" can be left out, while the object after "叫" or "让" cannot.

• 我被男朋友影响了。
• 帽子被刮跑了。
• 蛋糕让弟弟了。
• 我的照相机被谁拿走了？

Note that negative adverbs and modal verbs should precede "被" if there are any.

• 问题还没有被解決呢。
• 病人还没被送到医院呢。
• 下个月她会被妈妈送到美国。
• 我们经常被别人认错。

20.2 The Structure "只有... 才..."

"只有... 才..." is used to connect the two clauses of a conditional complex sentence, with "只有" introducing the one and only condition and "才" followed by the result which will be reached only if the said condition is met.

• 只有写完作业，才能看电视。
• 只有妈妈做的饭，她才爱吃
• 只有爸爸，妈妈才能分出来。
• 看来只有爱，才能让人有变化。