Chinese grammar lessons

A-not-A questions

Repeat the verb or adjective with the negative part between the two copies to ask a yes/no question without a final question particle.

Yes/no questions with 吗 (ma)

Add the yes/no question particle to the end of a statement to turn it into a neutral question.

Giving affirmative answers

Answer yes/no questions by repeating the main verb or adjective instead of relying on a single yes word.

Negative replies with 不 (bu)

Use the negative marker before the repeated predicate to give a short negative answer.

Using 是 (shi) as "to be"

Use the equating verb to identify or equate nouns, roles, names, and categories.

Adjective predicates with 很 (hen)

Use the linking adverb before many simple adjective predicates, often without a strong very meaning.

Questions with 呢 (ne)

Use the contrastive question particle to bounce a question back, ask about a known topic, or keep a question soft and contextual.

Possessive 的 (de)

Use the possessive marker after a person or noun phrase to show possession or close association.

Modifier 的 (de)

Use the modifier marker to attach a description before a noun.

Possession with 有 (you)

Use the possession verb to say that someone has a thing, person, or amount.

Totality with 都 (dou)

Use the totality adverb after the subject or topic to say all, both, or every one is included.

Measure words 个 (ge) and 张 (zhang)

Use measure words between numbers or demonstratives and nouns.

Time word placement

Put time words before the verb phrase, usually before or after the subject depending on focus.

Going to do something with 去 (qu)

Place the motion verb before another verb to say someone goes to do that action.

Topic-comment sentences

Put a known topic first, then say a comment about it. This creates the common topic-comment sentence shape.

Word order for 也, 都, and 常

Put common adverbs such as also, all, and often before the verb or adjective they modify.

Suggestion particle 吧 (ba)

Add the suggestion particle at the end to make a proposal, softened command, or tentative suggestion.

Measure words 块, 杯, 支, and 种

Use these measure words with common beginner nouns for pieces, cups, long thin items, and kinds.

Doing something for someone with 帮 (bang)

Use the benefactive coverb before a person to say an action is done for or on behalf of them.

Omitting the noun after 的 (de)

Use the marker by itself when the noun is already understood from context, like saying the red one or mine.

Too much with 太…了 (tai...le)

Use this frame around an adjective to say something is excessive or strongly more than expected.

能 (neng) for capability

Use the capability modal for ability or possibility in a specific situation.

Degree questions with 多 (duo)

Use the degree question word before certain adjectives to ask how tall, old, far, or long something is.

Slightly with 有一点 (you yidian)

Use this phrase before an adjective to say something is somewhat, often with a mildly negative feeling.

Degree complements with 得 (de)

Use the degree complement marker after a verb to describe how well, badly, quickly, or intensely an action happens.

会 (hui) for learned skills

Use the learned-skill modal for abilities someone knows how to do.

Destination marker 到 (dao)

Use the destination marker after a movement verb to show the place reached.

在 (zai) for location

Use the locative marker before a place to say where someone or something is located.

There is with 有 (you)

Use the existential verb after a place or time to say that something exists there or then.

Softened actions with V（一）V

Repeat a verb, sometimes with one between the copies, to make an action sound brief or casual.

Negating identity with 不是 (bushi)

Use not plus the equating verb to deny identity, category, or role.

Location word order for activities

Put the place before the action when saying where an activity happens.

Time and place before events

Place time before place, and put both before the main event in clear beginner sentences.

From... to... with 从…到

Use this pair to mark a starting point and ending point in space, time, or a range.

在 (zai) for ongoing actions

Use the progressive marker before a verb to show that an action is happening right now or was in progress.

Each and every with 每 (mei)

Use each or every before a measure word or time word to describe repeated or inclusive situations.

可以 (keyi) for permission

Use the permission modal to ask for or give permission, and sometimes to say something is acceptable or possible.

Doing things with someone using 跟 (gen)

Use the companionship coverb before a person to say who someone does an action with.

How questions with 怎么 (zenme)

Use the how question word before the verb to ask about method, manner, or what to do.

Relatively with 比较 (bijiao)

Use this adverb before an adjective to make a softer or implicit comparison, like relatively or rather.

Both... and... with 又…又

Use this paired pattern before two adjectives or stative descriptions that are both true at the same time.

比 (bi) comparisons

Use the comparison marker to compare two things, placing the standard of comparison after it.

Time when vs. time duration

Distinguish the time an event happens from how long the event lasts, because they occupy different sentence positions.

Time duration after actions

Put duration after the verb pattern to say how long an action lasts or lasted.

When... with 的时候 (de shihou)

Attach this time phrase after a noun, time word, or clause to mean when or at the time of.

Sometimes... sometimes... with 有时候…有时候

Use the repeated phrase to contrast two things that happen at different times.

If... then... with 要是…就

Use this paired frame for simple conditions, with the condition first and the result after then.

Trying something with V V 看

Repeat a verb before the try marker to suggest trying an action and seeing the result.

Reduplicated stative verbs for vivid description

Repeat certain adjective-like state verbs to make a description sound more vivid or intensified.

Clauses as noun modifiers

Place a whole descriptive clause before the noun it modifies, using the modifier marker before the noun.

Change of state with 了 (le)

Use the sentence-final particle to show that a new situation has come about or is now true.

Cause and effect with 因为…所以

Use this pair to connect a reason and its result in a clear because-so structure.

Coming to do something with 来 (lai)

Place the motion verb before another verb to say someone comes in order to do that action.

Sooner than expected with 就 (jiu)

Use this adverb before the verb to suggest that something happens earlier, faster, or more readily than expected.

Existential subjects with 有 (you)

Use this pattern when something exists and then performs or receives the following action.

Meanings of 会 (hui)

Recognize the main beginner uses of this modal: learned skill, likelihood, and future possibility.

Omitting repeated nouns

Leave out a noun on second mention when the context already makes the referent clear.

First... then... with 先…再

Use this pair to order two planned actions, with the first action before the later one.

Focus construction 是…的 (shi...de)

Use this frame to highlight details such as when, where, how, or with whom a known event happened.

After with 以后 (yihou)

Place this time word after a phrase or event to mean after that or later.

Easy and hard to do with 好 / 难

Put these words before a verb to say an action is easy or hard to do.

As soon as with 一…就 (yi...jiu)

Use this paired pattern to show that the second action happens immediately after the first.

了 (le) for completed actions

Use the completed-action marker after a verb to mark that an action is completed in a specific situation.

不 (bu) vs 没 (mei)

Use general negation for habits, states, and choices; use event negation for completed actions that did not happen.

Question words meaning every or any

Use question words with the right adverb or negative pattern to mean everyone, everything, anywhere, or no one.

Extra or short by an amount with 多 / 少

Use these words before a verb to show that the amount is extra or missing.

Questions with 是不是 (shi bu shi)

Use the confirmation question pattern before a statement to ask whether an assumption is true.

Equal comparison with 跟…一样

Use this frame to say two people or things are the same in some way.

Duration so far with 了 (le)

Use this pattern to say an action has lasted for a period of time up to now or up to a reference point.

Duration up to now with 了…了

Use one marker after the verb and one at the end to show an ongoing state has reached a duration.

About to happen with 快…了 (kuai...le)

Use this frame to say something is about to happen soon.

Even more with 更 (geng)

Use this adverb before an adjective to raise the degree compared with another state or option.

Not as... as with 没有

Use this comparison pattern to say one thing does not reach the same degree as another.

Question words for non-specific meaning

Use question words in statements when the exact person, thing, place, or time is left open.

把 (ba) sentences

Use the disposal construction to bring a known object before the verb when the action changes, moves, or handles that object.

Immediately after with V 了…就

Use this pattern to show that one action follows right after another is completed.

A bit after adjectives with 一点

Use this phrase after an adjective to ask for or describe a small increase or adjustment.

Comparing actions with 得 (de)

Use a degree complement after a verb to compare how well, fast, or clearly actions are done.

Degree complements in comparisons

Combine comparison patterns with degree complements to compare the result or quality of an action.

Separable verbs

Recognize verb-object compounds that split when aspect markers, durations, or modifiers are added.

From a point toward a direction with 从…往

Use this frame to say movement starts from one place and heads toward another direction or place.

Judging how something seems with 起来

Use this complement after perception or evaluation verbs to say how something seems when experienced.

Ongoing states with 着 (zhe)

Use this aspect marker after a verb to show that the resulting state continues.

Doing two actions at once with 一边…一边

Use this paired pattern when two actions happen at the same time.

Distance from a point with 离 (li)

Use this coverb to say how far something is from a place, time, or reference point.

Not at all with 一点也不

Use this pattern before an adjective or state to strongly deny even a small degree.

Suggesting the better option with 还是…吧

Use this frame to suggest that one option is probably better or safer.

Softening degree with 点 (dian)

Use this small degree word after adjectives or adverbs to request or describe a slight adjustment.

Reduplicating two-syllable adjectives

Repeat the parts of a two-syllable adjective to make a description more vivid or descriptive.

Not very with 不太 (bu tai)

Use this phrase before adjectives or some mental-state verbs to soften a negative judgment.

Location words with 部 and 边

Use these parts in place words to talk about sides, areas, sections, or positions.

Almost or about the same with 差不多

Use this phrase to say that something is almost, nearly, or roughly the same.

Past experience with 过 (guo)

Use this aspect marker after a verb to say someone has had an experience before.

Only or merely with 才 (cai)

Use this adverb before a number or amount to emphasize that it is smaller or less than expected.

Remembering with 想起来

Use this result complement to say that someone remembers or calls something to mind.

Later than expected with 才 (cai)

Use this adverb before the verb to show that something happened only after a later point.

Tentative actions with ABAB reduplication

Repeat a two-syllable verb to make an action sound brief, tentative, or low-pressure.

In addition with 除了…还

Use this pair to add something beyond the first item or situation mentioned.

According to with 按照

Use this coverb before a rule, plan, method, or instruction that guides an action.

Common uses of 跟 (gen)

Recognize this word as with, and, or a comparison marker depending on the sentence pattern.

Common uses of 给 (gei)

Recognize this word as give, to, for, or a marker introducing a recipient or beneficiary.

Toward or regarding with 对 (dui)

Use this coverb before a person, topic, or object that an attitude or action is directed toward.

Still or also with 还 (hai)

Use this adverb before the predicate to say something is still true, also true, or additionally true.

Doing one action while another continues with V 着

Use this marker after the first verb when that action or posture continues during another action.

Multiple verb phrases in one sentence

Put related verb phrases together when one subject performs connected actions in the same sentence.

When... then... with 等…就

Use this pair to say that one action will happen when another time or event arrives.

Unexpected change while doing with V 着 V 着

Repeat a verb with this marker to show that something changes or happens during an ongoing action.

Marking the recipient with 给 (gei)

Use this marker before the person who receives something or receives the effect of an action.

Resulting location with verb + 在

Use this complement after a verb to show where something ends up after the action.

Moving an object somewhere with 把

Use this object-fronting pattern when an action moves or places a known object somewhere.

Furthermore with 而且

Use this conjunction to add a second point that strengthens or continues the first point.

Directional complements

Use direction words after verbs to show movement toward, away, in, out, up, down, back, or over.

Using 把 with directional complements

Use this pattern when a known object is moved in a direction by the action.

Challenging questions with 吗 (ma)

Use the question particle with the right tone and context to challenge or push back on what someone said.

Existential sentences with posture verbs

Use a place first, then a posture or placement verb, to describe what is located there.

Purpose with 为了

Use this phrase before a goal or purpose to explain why someone does something.

Perceptual results with 见

Use this result complement after perception verbs to show that seeing or hearing successfully happened.

Understanding as a result with 懂

Use this result complement after listening, reading, or looking to show that understanding succeeds.

Learning to do something with 会

Use this result meaning to show that someone has successfully learned how to do something.

Potential complements with 得 and 不

Insert these markers before a result or direction complement to show whether the result can happen.

Can or cannot finish with 得了 / 不了

Use this complement to say whether an action can be completed, handled, or endured.

So... that... complements with 得

Use this complement after a verb or adjective to describe a result or degree caused by it.

Continuing with 下去

Use this complement after a verb to show that an action or state continues onward.

Finishing completely with 完

Use this result complement after a verb to show that an action is finished.

Completing something properly with 好

Use this result complement after a verb to show that something is done and ready.

Reaching a result with 到

Use this result complement after a verb to show that the action reached its target or succeeded.

Comparing overall with 比起来

Use this comparison frame to introduce a general contrast between two choices or situations.

Just like with 像…一样

Use this comparison pattern to say that one person, thing, or action is like another.

Strong degree complements with 极了, 得不得了, and 得很

Use these complements after adjectives or stative verbs to intensify a description.

Affording or bearing something with 得起 / 不起

Use this potential complement to say whether someone can afford, bear, or live up to something.

Figuring out or recognizing with 出来

Use this complement after perception or thinking verbs when something becomes clear.

Having room for something with 得下 / 不下

Use this complement to say whether something can fit, contain, or be taken in.

Using 把 with brief repeated actions

Use this pattern when a known object receives a short, light action.

Using 把 with result complements

Use this pattern to show what result an action produces on a known object.

Seizing a moment with 趁

Use this coverb before a favorable time or situation to mean taking the chance to do something.

Choosing among 其他的, 别的, and 另外的

Distinguish three ways to say other, another, or additional in practical noun phrases.

Counting actions with 下, 趟, 遍, and 次

Use these action measure words to count attempts, trips, full passes, and times.

Sequencing with 然后, 后来, and 以后

Choose the right time connector for then, later in a story, or after a reference point.

Only then with 才

Use this adverb before the second action when it happens only after a condition or earlier event.

Passive sentences with 被

Use this pattern to make the affected person or thing the topic of what happened.

Trying briefly with V 了 V

Repeat a verb with the completed-action marker to show a short attempt or brief action.

Making contact with 上

Use this result complement after a verb to show contact, attachment, or successful connection.

Letting or making someone do something with 让

Use this pattern to say someone lets, has, or makes another person do an action.

Urging someone with 快点

Use this expression before a command or by itself to urge someone to hurry up.

Bringing something up with 起

Use this complement after verbs of speaking or thinking when a topic is brought up.

As long as with 只要…就

Use this condition pattern when one sufficient condition is enough for the result.

The more... the more... with 越…越

Use this paired pattern when one degree increases or changes together with another.

Contrastive topics

Put one topic first to contrast it with another topic or expectation.

Going through or past with V 过

Use this complement to show an action crosses, passes, or goes through something.

Taking or moving away with 走

Use this result complement after a verb to show that something moves away or is taken away.

Telling someone to do something with 叫

Use this pattern to say that someone tells or asks another person to do an action.

Telling someone to stop with 别再…了

Use this pattern to tell someone not to continue or repeat an action anymore.

Assurance with 会…的

Use this pattern to reassure someone that something will happen or be okay.

By means of with 透过

Use this coverb before a method, channel, or medium used to achieve something.

Only just... and already... with 才…就

Use this pair when something happens sooner or faster than expected after a first event.

Frequency with 每 + time expression

Use this pattern with time words to say every day, every week, or each time period.

Only with 只有

Use this word to limit a statement to only one person, thing, amount, or condition.

About to happen with 就要…了

Use this pattern when an event is going to happen very soon.

Speaking of with 说到 and 谈到

Use these discourse markers to introduce or return to a topic in conversation.

Having an effect on someone with 对 A 有 B

Use this pattern to say something has an effect, benefit, influence, or meaning for someone.

Even with 连…都

Use this pattern to emphasize that even an unlikely or extreme item is included.

Not only... but also... with 不但…而且

Use this paired conjunction to add a second point that builds on the first.

Accidental results with 把

Use this pattern when an action accidentally causes an unwanted result to a known object.

Doing something until a point with 到

Use this postverbal marker to show the time, place, or point an action continues to.

One by one with 一 + measure word + 一 + measure word

Repeat yi plus a measure word to show items appearing or moving one at a time.

Intensifying states with 一 + measure word + 一 + measure word

Use this repeated measure-word pattern to describe a vivid state spread across many items.

Starting up with 起来

Use this complement after a verb or adjective to show an action or state beginning.

Recognizing four-character phrases

Learn how compact four-syllable expressions work as descriptive chunks in beginner reading.