Set Phrases "看上去/看起来" (kàn shàng qù / kàn qǐ lái)
The set phrases 看上去 (kàn shàng qù) and 看起来 (kàn qǐ lái) can be used to describe the appearance or condition of a person or an object.
他们看上去有点儿像。
They look a bit alike.
这些菜看起来都很好吃。
All these dishes look delicious.
那个新来的老师看上去很年轻。
That newly arrived teacher looks very young.
Non-Interrogative Use of Interrogative Pronouns (1)
Interrogative pronouns such as 哪儿 (nǎr), 什么 (shén me), 谁 (shéi), and 哪 (nǎ) can be used in declarative sentences to indicate unspecified places, things, or people.
我好像在哪儿看到过这个箱子。
I seem to have seen this case somewhere.
你吃点儿什么再走吧。
Eat something before you leave.
我们哪天一起去踢足球吧。
Let's go play football together sometime.
Multiple Attributives
A nominal head can be modified by multiple attributives simultaneously. They are generally arranged in the order of time/location, action/state, and characteristic. The position of numeral-measure word phrases or demonstrative-measure word phrases is relatively flexible; they can be placed either before or after the attributive indicating an action or state.
李文是那个穿着黑衣服的短头发的年轻人吗？
Is Li Wen that young person with short hair wearing black clothes?
昨天和家月一起看电影的两个人是我的朋友。
The two people who watched a movie with Jiayue yesterday are my friends.
我那件新买的白色的衣服在哪儿？
Where is that newly bought white piece of clothing of mine?
Coordinate Complex Sentence "又……又……" (yòu...yòu...)
The coordinate complex sentence 又……又…… (yòu...yòu...) is used before adjectives to indicate that a person or thing possesses two characteristics at the same time. Basic structure: 又+Adjective₁+又+Adjective₂.
我现在还真是又饿又渴。
I'm really both hungry and thirsty right now.
那个女孩儿又高又漂亮。
That girl is both tall and pretty.
这个饭馆的菜又便宜又好吃。
The food at this restaurant is both cheap and delicious.
Non-Interrogative Use of Interrogative Pronouns (2)
Interrogative pronouns such as 哪 (nǎ), 哪儿 (nǎr), 什么 (shén me), 谁 (shéi), and 怎么 (zěn me) can also be used to express general reference. For example, 谁 refers to any person, while 什么 refers to any thing. The adverb 都 (dōu) is often used in these sentences in combination with them.
哪个菜都好吃。
Every dish is delicious.
这次旅游，我去哪儿都可以。
For this trip, I'm fine going anywhere.
我下午有时间，你想什么时候来都没问题。
I'm free this afternoon — anytime you want to come is fine.
Non-Interrogative Use of Interrogative Pronouns (3)
Two identical interrogative pronouns can be used for general reference. They echo each other and refer to the same person, the same thing, the same manner, the same time, or the same place. When the subjects of the two clauses are the same, the subject of the second clause may be omitted. When the subjects of the two clauses are different, the second subject should be placed before 就 (jiù).
你们想吃什么就点什么。
Order whatever you feel like.
你觉得哪个好看就买哪个。
Buy whichever one you think looks good.
你想去哪儿，我们就去哪儿。
Wherever you want to go, we'll go there.
Adverb of Degree "挺" (tǐng)
The adverb of degree 挺 (tǐng) is used before adjectives or psychological verbs to indicate a relatively high degree. It is often used in colloquial speech. Basic structure: 挺+Adjective/Psychological Verb+的 (de).
这个小区环境挺好的。
The environment in this neighborhood is quite nice.
这家饭馆的菜挺好吃的。
The food at this restaurant is quite delicious.
买这个吧，我挺喜欢这个颜色的。
Buy this one — I quite like this color.
Complement of Degree (1)
The complement of degree 坏了 (huài le) is used after adjectives to indicate an extremely high degree, often with an exaggerated tone. It is typically used in negative situations.
我这几天忙坏了。
I've been terribly busy these past few days.
我渴坏了，哪里能买水？
I'm desperately thirsty — where can I buy water?
这几天非常忙，大家都累坏了。
These days have been extremely busy — everyone is exhausted.
Comparison of "就" and "才" (jiù / cái)
The adverbs 就 (jiù) and 才 (cái) are used as adverbials before verbs. 就 indicates that the speaker perceives the action as happening early, or progressing quickly and smoothly, while 才 indicates that the speaker perceives the action as happening late, progressing slowly, or not going smoothly.
中国银行很近，走路几分钟就能到。
The Bank of China is very close — just a few minutes' walk gets you there.
我下午要去医院，很晚才能回来。
I have to go to the hospital this afternoon — I won't be back until very late.
我早上五点就起床了。
I got up at 5 in the morning (so early).
坐火车去北京，五个小时才能到。
Taking the train to Beijing takes as long as five hours.
Fixed Pattern "一……也/都+不/没……" (yī...yě / dōu + bù / méi...)
The fixed pattern 一……也/都+不/没…… (yī...yě / dōu + bù / méi...) expresses complete negation. Sometimes 一+Measure Word can be replaced by 一点儿 (yī diǎnr). When the predicate is an adjective, the pattern 一点儿也/都+不/没+Adjective is commonly used.
她一件衣服都不想买。
She doesn't want to buy a single piece of clothing.
我一个中国电影也没看过。
I haven't seen a single Chinese movie.
我一点儿东西也不想吃。
I don't want to eat anything at all.
他对打球一点儿兴趣都没有。
He has no interest in playing ball at all.
草原一点儿也不冷。
The grasslands aren't cold at all.
他们一点儿也没着急。
They weren't anxious at all.
Comparative Sentences (9)
The comparative sentence A跟B一样 (gēn...yí yàng) indicates that A and B are the same after comparison. An adjective can follow 一样 to specify the aspect being compared. Basic structure: A跟B一样+Adjective. In the negative form, 不 (bù) is placed before 一样.
这家宾馆跟别的都不一样。
This hotel is unlike any other.
他买的新手机跟我的一样。
The new phone he bought is the same as mine.
这个房间跟那个房间一样大。
This room is the same size as that room.
Fixed Pattern "除了……（以外），……都/还/也……" (chú le...(yǐ wài)...dōu / hái / yě...)
The pattern 除了……（以外），……都…… (chú le...(yǐ wài)...dōu...) indicates that within a certain scope, a part is excluded while all the others share the same situation. 以外 can be omitted. The pattern 除了……（以外），……还/也…… (hái / yě) indicates excluding a part and adding others. The subject is placed at the beginning of the sentence or before 还/也.
除了我以外，大家都在玩手机。
Everyone except me was playing with their phones.
除了这个汉字，别的汉字我都会写。
I can write all the Chinese characters except this one.
除了这个行李箱以外，还有别的东西吗？
Besides this suitcase, is there anything else?
除了唱歌以外，他也喜欢跳舞。
Besides singing, he also likes dancing.
Complement of Degree (2)
The complement of degree 得很 (dé hěn) is used after an adjective to indicate a high degree. It is commonly used in colloquial speech.
现在天气好得很。
The weather is really great right now.
房间里面热得很。
It's really hot inside the room.
我觉得爬山累得很。
I find hiking really tiring.
Reduplication of Measure Words
In Chinese, many measure words can be reduplicated to emphasize that each member within a certain scope has a certain characteristic. The word 都 (dōu) is usually used after them.
这些照片张张都非常好看。
Every single one of these photos is very beautiful. (=每张照片都非常好看。)
这些苹果个个都很大。
Every apple here is very big. (=每个苹果都很大。)
我想出去拍照，但是天天下雨。
I want to go out and take photos, but it rains every day. (=每天都下雨。)
Existential Sentences (3)
In Chinese, existential sentences are used to describe the appearance or disappearance of people or things in a certain place. Basic structure: Locative Word/Phrase + Verb + Complement of Direction/Complement of Result + (Aspect Particle) + Numeral-Measure Word Phrase + Person/Thing.
后边走过去两个人。
Two people walked past in the back.
前面开过来很多车。
A lot of cars came driving from the front.
楼上下来了几个人。
A few people came down from upstairs.
树上飞来了几只鸟。
A few birds flew onto the tree.
Contracted Complex Sentence "……了……就……" (...le...jiù...)
The contracted complex sentence ……了……就…… (...le...jiù...) indicates that two actions occur in immediate succession. If the second action is also completed, another 了 should be added at the end of the sentence. Basic structure: Verb₁ + 了 + … + 就 + Verb₂ + ….
你听完了音乐会就来我家吃饭。
Come to my place for dinner right after the concert.
我吃了早饭就去学校了。
I went to school right after breakfast.
昨天我们下了课就回家了。
Yesterday we went home right after class.
Fixed Pattern "该……了" (gāi...le)
The fixed pattern 该……了 (gāi...le) indicates that it is time to do something, and it is often used in colloquial speech.
咱们该买去上海的票了。
It's time for us to buy tickets to Shanghai.
八点了，该上课了。
It's eight o'clock — time to start class.
已经很晚了，我该睡觉了。
It's already very late — I should go to sleep.
Hypothetical Complex Sentence "如果……，就……" (rú guǒ...jiù...)
In the hypothetical complex sentence 如果……，就…… (rú guǒ...jiù...), the clause following 如果 is a hypothesis, while the clause following 就 is the result under that condition. Note that the subject of the second clause is placed before 就.
如果没走错，二十分钟以前就到了。
If we hadn't gone wrong, we would have arrived twenty minutes ago.
如果你需要帮忙，就给我打电话。
If you need help, give me a call.
如果有时间，我就去上海玩几天。
If I have time, I'll go spend a few days in Shanghai.
Set Phrase "越来越" (yuè lái yuè)
The set phrase 越来越 (yuè lái yuè) is followed by an adjective or a psychological verb, indicating a change in degree over time. No adverb of degree can be added before the adjective or psychological verb.
前面的人越来越多。
There are more and more people up ahead.
我越来越喜欢这里的生活了。
I like life here more and more.
她越来越高，也越来越漂亮了。
She's getting taller and taller, and more and more beautiful.
Serial Verb Sentences (2)
The aspect particle 着 (zhe) is used after the first verb in a serial verb sentence to indicate the state or manner of the second action. Basic structure: Verb₁ + 着 + (Object₁) + Verb₂ + (Object₂).
咱们可以走着去。
We can walk there.
弟弟吃着苹果写作业。
My younger brother does homework while eating an apple.
他们坐着看电视。
They watch TV while sitting down.
Comparative Sentences (10)
The pattern A不比B+Adjective (bù bǐ) means that A and B are about the same. It is often used to emphasize that the two situations are close, or to refute someone else's statement.
裙子不比短裤贵多少。
The skirt isn't that much more expensive than the shorts.
他的中文不比你好。
His Chinese isn't any better than yours.
他跑得不比我快多少。
He doesn't run that much faster than me.
Complement of Degree (3)
The complement of degree 极了 (jí le) is used after an adjective or a psychological verb to indicate that the nature or state of a person or thing, or a person's psychological feeling, reaches a very high degree.
这块冰西瓜甜极了。
This chilled watermelon is incredibly sweet.
今年夏天热极了。
This summer is incredibly hot.
这本书我喜欢极了。
I absolutely love this book.
Progressive Complex Sentence "不但……，而且……" (bú dàn...ér qiě...)
The progressive complex sentence 不但……，而且…… (bú dàn...ér qiě...) connects two clauses to indicate a progressive relationship. If the subjects of the two clauses are the same, 不但 is placed after the first subject. If the subjects are different, 不但 should be placed before the first subject.
现在的电视不但便宜，而且用着非常方便。
Nowadays TVs are not only affordable but also very easy to use.
家月不但喜欢唱歌，而且唱得很好听。
Jiayue not only likes singing but also sings very well.
不但家月会说汉语，而且天中也会说汉语。
Not only does Jiayue speak Chinese, but Tianzhong does too.
Extended Use of the Complement of Direction (1)
When the complement of direction 〝下去〞 (xià qù) is used after a verb or an adjective, it indicates that an action or a state that has already started is to continue.
我今年胖了十多斤，不能再胖下去了。
I've gained over ten jin this year, I can't keep getting fatter.
她读完了第一个问题，后面的你读下去。
She finished reading the first question, you continue reading the rest.
这几天太热了，如果再热下去就不能出门了。
It's been so hot these past few days, if it keeps getting hotter we won't be able to go out.
Separable Words (2)
Separable words generally cannot directly take an object. If there is a complement in a sentence with a separable word, it is generally placed between the two parts of the separable word.
昨天游完泳以后，我的耳朵一直有点儿疼。
After swimming yesterday, my ear has been hurting a bit.
今年夏天只下了两次雨。
It only rained twice this summer.
小张下个月跟他女朋友结婚。
Xiao Zhang is getting married to his girlfriend next month.
Complement of Duration (2)
The complement of duration is used after a verb to indicate the duration of actions or states. For non-durative verbs, the complement of duration following the verb indicates how long it has been from the completion of the action up to the moment of speaking.
我上次来医院已经过去差不多两年了。
It's been almost two years since I last came to the hospital.
她回家两个月了。
It's been two months since she went home.
开学已经三个多星期了。
It's been more than three weeks since school started.
Fixed Pattern "……以前/以后/前/后" (...yǐ qián / yǐ hòu / qián / hòu)
〝Time/Event+以前/前〞 (yǐ qián / qián) indicates the time before a certain time or event. 〝Time/Event+以后/后〞 (yǐ hòu / hòu) indicates the time after a certain time or event.
这种药需要每天睡前吃一次。
This medicine needs to be taken once a day before sleeping.
我们决定下班后一起去看个电影。
We decided to go watch a movie together after work.
考完试以后，咱们一起去旅游吧。
After the exam is over, let's go travel together.
Purpose Complex Sentence "为了……，……" (wèi le...)
In the purpose complex sentence 〝为了……，……〞 (wèi le...), the clause following 〝为了〞 indicates the purpose, while the other clause indicates the action taken to achieve that purpose.
听说为了准备运动会，你们几个男生每天都练球。
I heard that to prepare for the sports meet, you guys practice ball every day.
为了考上大学，她每天努力学习。
To get into university, she studies hard every day.
为了早点儿到家，我打算坐飞机回去。
To get home earlier, I plan to fly back.
Complement of Potentiality
Inserting 〝得〞 (dé) or 〝不〞 (bù) between a verb and a complement of result or complement of direction forms a complement of potentiality. This indicates whether a condition allows a particular result or direction to be realized. The affirmative form is 〝Verb+得+Complement〞, the negative form is 〝Verb+不+Complement〞, and the interrogative forms are 〝Verb+得+Complement+Verb+不+Complement〞 or 〝Verb+得+Complement+吗〞 (ma).
打不好没关系。
It's okay if you don't play well.
这本书你看得懂看不懂？
Can you understand this book or not?
你只有一个星期的时间，学得会游泳吗？
You only have one week — can you learn to swim in time?
Fixed Pattern "越A越B" (yuè A yuè B)
In the fixed pattern 〝越A越B〞 (yuè A yuè B), A and B can both be verbal phrases or adjectival phrases; or one can be a verbal phrase and the other an adjectival phrase. This pattern indicates that B changes along with the change of A.
今天的足球比赛我越看越着急。
The more I watch today's soccer match, the more anxious I get.
妈妈越说，他越不高兴。
The more Mom talks, the more upset he gets.
我想认识中国朋友，越多越好。
I want to make Chinese friends, the more the better.
"把" Sentence (1) (bǎ)
The 〝把〞 (bǎ) sentence indicates performing an action on a definite person or thing, resulting in a change in position. Adverbs of negation 〝不/没〞 (bù / méi) and modal verbs should be placed before 〝把〞 in a sentence. Basic structure: Subject+(不/没/Modal Verb)+把+Object+Verb+在/到+Location.
我会把这些题都记在本子上。
I write all these problems down in my notebook.
老师把作业本放到桌子上了。
The teacher put the homework notebook on the desk.
你不能把名字写在这里。
You can't write your name here.
Fixed Pattern "在……上/中/下" (zài...shàng / zhōng / xià)
The fixed pattern 〝在……上/中/下〞 (zài...shàng / zhōng / xià), formed by the preposition 〝在〞 (zài) and the positional words 〝上〞 (shàng), 〝中〞 (zhōng), and 〝下〞 (xià), can indicate scope, time, condition, and so on.
"把" Sentence (2) (bǎ)
The 〝把〞 (bǎ) sentence indicates the relational transfer of a definite thing through an action. Basic structure: Subject+把+Object₁+Verb+给+Object₂.
你明天再把书还给我。
You can return the book to me tomorrow.
我把礼物送给她了。
I gave the gift to her.
请你把这本书带给老师。
Please bring this book to the teacher.
Comparison of "还是" and "或者" (hái shì / huò zhě)
〝还是〞 (hái shì) is typically used in interrogative sentences to present two or more options, asking the listener to choose one. 〝或者〞 (huò zhě) is usually used in declarative sentences, not in interrogative ones.
Set Phrase "看来" (kàn lái)
The set phrase 〝看来〞 (kàn lái) is used to introduce a conclusion expressing the speaker's analysis or inference of the current situation, based on observation or reflection.
看来我没办法解决这个问题。
It seems I can't solve this problem.
这么晚了，看来他今天不会来了。
It's so late, it seems he won't come today.
电梯坏了，看来咱们只能走下去了。
The elevator is broken, it seems we'll just have to walk down.
"把" Sentence (3) (bǎ)
The 〝把〞 (bǎ) sentence is used to indicate that an action performed on a definite person or thing produces a certain result. Basic structure: Subject+把+Object+Verb+Complement of Result.
我跟您一起把这些工作做完。
I'll finish this work together with you.
妈妈把衣服洗干净了。
Mom washed the clothes clean.
他还没把笔记本电脑接好呢。
He hasn't gotten the laptop set up yet.
Fixed Pattern "对……来说" (duì...lái shuō)
The fixed pattern 〝对……来说〞 (duì...lái shuō) indicates the person or group to whom a viewpoint, feeling, or situation applies.
对我来说，生活也很重要，我不愿意为工作或学习离开家人。
For me, life is also very important, I'm not willing to leave my family for work or study.
对她来说，学习汉语很有意思。
For her, learning Chinese is very interesting.
对孩子来说，玩也是一种学习。
For children, playing is also a form of learning.
Alternative Complex Sentence "或者……，或者……" (huò zhě...huò zhě...)
The alternative complex sentence 〝或者……，或者……〞 (huò zhě...huò zhě...) indicates a choice between two or more possibilities. It is commonly used in colloquial speech.
或者明天去，或者后天去，我给你打电话。
Either we go tomorrow or the day after; I'll call you.
我们或者今天去电影院看电影，或者明天在家看电影。
We can either go to the cinema today or watch a movie at home tomorrow.
晚饭你自己选，或者吃中国菜，或者吃日本菜，或者吃泰国菜。
You choose dinner yourself — either Chinese food, Japanese food, or Thai food.
Extended Use of the Complement of Direction (2)
The complement of direction 〝起来〞 (qǐ lái) is used after a verb or an adjective to indicate the start of an action or the entry into a new state. If the verb takes an object, the object should be placed between 〝起〞 (qǐ) and 〝来〞 (lái).
雨已经下起来了。
It has already started to rain.
最近天气热起来了。
The weather has gotten hot recently.
怎么突然刮起风来了？
Why has the wind suddenly started to blow?
Adverb of Scope "就" (jiù)
The adverb of scope 〝就〞 (jiù) is used before a verb accompanied by a numeral-measure word to indicate that the speaker considers the quantity to be small, the degree low, or the duration short. 〝就〞 is also placed before a noun or a nominal subject to indicate an exception.
Extended Use of the Complement of Direction (3)
The complement of direction 〝下来〞 (xià lái) is used after a verb to indicate the completion of an action requiring considerable time, effort, or the overcoming of difficulties.
这一年多住下来，我还是更喜欢北京的四季。
After living here for more than a year, I still prefer Beijing's four seasons.
这半年练下来，他画画的水平提高了不少。
After half a year of practice, his painting skills have improved considerably.
5000米的长跑比赛，没想到我跑下来了。
I never thought I would make it through the 5,000-meter race.
Hypothetical Complex Sentence "……的话，就……" (...de huà...jiù...)
In the hypothetical complex sentence 〝……的话，就……〞 (...de huà...jiù...), the first clause presents a hypothetical situation, while the second clause expresses the result or conclusion. It is mainly used in colloquial speech.
你们有时间的话，就来我家做客。
If you have time, come visit my home.
你觉得满意的话，咱们就买。
If you're satisfied, let's buy it.
明天天气好的话，我就去爬山。
If the weather is good tomorrow, I'll go hiking.
"把" Sentence (4) (bǎ)
In a 〝把〞 (bǎ) sentence, a complement of direction or a complement of state is used after the verb to indicate that the action causes a change in the position or state of a definite person or thing. Basic structure: Subject+把+Object+Verb+Complement of Direction/Complement of State.
你把声音开得太大了。
You turned the volume up too loud.
他把球踢进去了吗？
Did he kick the ball in?
你把字写得太小了，我看不清楚。
You wrote the characters too small; I can't see them clearly.
Coordinate Complex Sentence "一边……，一边……" (yì biān...yì biān...)
The coordinate complex sentence 〝一边……，一边……〞 (yì biān...yì biān...) indicates that two actions take place simultaneously. It can be shortened to 〝边……边……〞 (biān...biān...).
咱们一边吃蛋糕，一边聊天儿吧。
Let's eat cake and chat at the same time.
我喜欢一边跑步，一边听音乐。
I like to listen to music while jogging.
你不应该边开车边打电话。
You shouldn't talk on the phone while driving.
Passive Sentences (1)
In Chinese, sentences with 〝被〞 (bèi) express the passive voice, emphasizing that the subject is affected by an action. These sentences often convey a sense of passivity, helplessness, or negativity. Adverbs and modal verbs are placed before 〝被〞, and the object following 〝被〞 can be omitted. Basic structure: Subject+被+Object+Verb+Other Elements.
这本书被别人借走了。
This book was checked out by someone else.
水果可能被弟弟吃了。
The fruit may have been eaten by my younger brother.
我们俩经常被叫错名字。
The two of us often have our names mixed up.
Successive Complex Sentence "先……，再/然后……" (xiān...zài / rán hòu...)
In a successive complex sentence 〝先……，再/然后……〞 (xiān...zài / rán hòu...), the clauses indicate the chronological order of actions.
我要先去图书馆借书，然后去游泳。
I want to go to the library to borrow a book first, then go swimming.
你先去买门票，再来这里找我。
You go buy a ticket first, then come find me here.
你们先回房间休息一会儿，然后再出来吃晚饭。
Go back to your room and rest for a while first, then come out for dinner.
Fixed Pattern "×什么（啊）" (× shén me (a))
The fixed pattern 〝×什么（啊）〞 (× shén me (a)) is often used to dismiss someone's concerns or doubts, or to emphasize a fact. It carries a tone of refutation or reassurance.
A：一想到要在校长、老师和这么多同学面前表演，我就有点儿紧张。B：紧张什么啊，我们都爱听你唱歌，你要相信自己。
A: Just thinking about performing in front of the principal, teachers, and so many classmates makes me somewhat nervous. B: What's there to be nervous about — we all love listening to you sing; you need to believe in yourself.
A：我最近胖了很多，都不想拍照了。B：胖什么啊，你一点儿也不胖不瘦。
A: I've gained a lot of weight lately and don't want to take photos anymore. B: What do you mean fat — you look neither fat nor thin.
A：还有十分钟，我们快点儿吧。B：着急什么啊，我们马上就到了。
A: There are still ten minutes; let's hurry up. B: What's the rush — we'll be there soon.
Preposition "根据" (gēn jù)
The preposition 〝根据〞 (gēn jù) is used to introduce the basis or reason for an action in a sentence.
这几年小区根据他们的需要，有了很多变化。
In recent years, the residential community has undergone many changes based on residents' needs.
根据要求，我们必须参加明天的会议。
According to the requirements, we must attend tomorrow's meeting.
老师根据每个学生的兴趣，选择了不一样的书。
The teacher selected different books based on each student's interests.
Reduplication of Numeral-Measure Word Phrases "Numeral+Measure Word+Numeral+Measure Word"
Numeral-measure word phrases can be reduplicated and used as adverbials. The reduplication usually indicates the manner of an action and adds a vivid, descriptive effect. Basic structure: Numeral+Measure Word+Numeral+Measure Word+(地 (de))+Verb.
我得一点儿一点儿给您讲。
I have to explain it to you bit by bit.
学生们的汉语水平一天一天地提高了。
The students' Chinese proficiency has been improving day by day.
他们两个两个地走进去了。
They walked in two by two.
Set Phrase "在……看来" (zài...kàn lái)
The set phrase 〝在……看来〞 (zài...kàn lái) is used to express the viewpoint of an individual or a group.
在我们中国人看来，黄河像妈妈一样，养了我们几千年。
From the perspective of us Chinese people, the Yellow River is like a mother who has nourished us for thousands of years.
在同事们看来，她工作非常认真。
In the eyes of her colleagues, she works very diligently.
在我看来，每天读书是一种很好的习惯。
In my opinion, reading every day is a very good habit.
Set Phrase "不一会儿" (bù yí huì er)
The set phrase 〝不一会儿〞 (bù yí huì er) means 〝in a short while〞. It functions as an adverbial in sentences and is commonly used in colloquial speech.
难过的事情不一会儿就忘了。
Troubles are forgotten in no time at all.
不一会儿，张校长就来了。
In a short while, Principal Zhang arrived.
两个小时看起来长，但是不一会儿就过去了。
Two hours seems long, but it passes in no time.
Coordinate Complex Sentence "一会儿……，一会儿……" (yí huì er...yí huì er...)
The coordinate complex sentence 〝一会儿……，一会儿……〞 (yí huì er...yí huì er...) indicates different actions occurring within a short period, or alternating states.
它一会儿在你脚边睡觉，一会儿在你身上爬。
One moment it's sleeping by your feet, the next it's climbing on you.
他一会儿进来，一会儿出去，忙得很。
He comes in one moment and goes out the next — he's very busy.
最近天气变化很快，一会儿冷，一会儿热。
The weather has been changing quickly lately — one moment cold, the next hot.
Preposition "关于" (guān yú)
The preposition 〝关于〞 (guān yú) is typically followed by a noun to introduce a topic or subject.
关于这个问题，我得慢慢给你讲。
About this question, I'll need to tell you slowly.
关于他的要求，我们还要开会以后再决定。
Regarding his request, we still need to have a meeting before deciding.
关于比赛的时间，我明天一定告诉大家。
About the competition time, I will definitely let everyone know tomorrow.
Set Phrase "一般来说" (yì bān lái shuō)
〝一般来说〞 (yì bān lái shuō) is a set phrase that means 'generally speaking' or 'in most cases'. It is often used at the beginning of a sentence.
一般来说，熊猫每天要睡很多次觉。
Generally speaking, pandas sleep many times a day.
一般来说，这种树每年开一次花。
Generally speaking, this type of tree blooms once a year.
一般来说，学习外语需要多练习。
Generally speaking, learning a foreign language requires a lot of practice.
Comparative Sentences (11)
In comparative sentences using 〝比〞 (bǐ), when the predicate is a general verb, 〝多〞 (duō), 〝少〞 (shǎo), 〝早〞 (zǎo), or 〝晚〞 (wǎn) can be placed before the verb to indicate a difference in quantity or time between two things. Basic structure: A比B+多/少/早/晚+Verb+Numeral-Measure Word Phrase.
冬天比夏天早关门一个小时。
In winter it closes one hour earlier than in summer.
哥哥比弟弟多吃了三个饺子。
The older brother ate three more dumplings than the younger brother.
我比他晚到了十分钟。
I arrived ten minutes later than him.
Preposition "向" (xiàng)
The preposition 〝向〞 (xiàng) is followed by a pronoun, noun, or nominal phrase to indicate the direction or target of an action.
别再向前走了。
Don't keep walking forward.
以后我要多向认真的人学习。
From now on I want to learn more from people who are careful.
孩子一看见妈妈，就向她跑过去了。
The moment the child saw Mom, he ran toward her.
Rhetorical Question "不是……吗？" (bú shì...ma?)
The rhetorical question 〝不是……吗？〞 (bú shì...ma?) is generally used to express the speaker's confusion or dissatisfaction, and sometimes to remind or confirm. It is negative in form but expresses an affirmative meaning.
你不是喜欢玩电脑吗？你可以去看看跟电脑有关系的书。
Aren't you into computers? You could go look at some books related to computers.
你不是说今天有事吗？为什么来了？
Didn't you say you had something on today? Why did you come?
考试不是下个月吗？你怎么今天就开始复习了？
Isn't the exam next month? How come you're already starting to review today?
Progressive Complex Sentence "……，更……" (...gèng...)
In a progressive complex sentence 〝……，更……〞 (...gèng...), the second clause expresses a deeper degree of meaning.
我还没想好学什么，更没想好去哪个国家。
I haven't decided what to study yet, and even less have I decided which country to go to.
想提高中文水平要多听多看，更要多说多练。
To improve your Chinese level you need to listen and read more, and even more importantly speak and practice more.
来中国学习，我学会了中文，更了解了中国文化。
By coming to China to study, I learned Chinese and gained an even deeper understanding of Chinese culture.
Conditional Complex Sentence "只有……，才……" (zhǐ yǒu...cái...)
In a conditional complex sentence 〝只有……，才……〞 (zhǐ yǒu...cái...), the clause following 〝只有〞 (zhǐ yǒu) presents the sole condition for the result. Without this condition, the result after 〝才〞 (cái) cannot occur.
只有想清楚自己真正喜欢什么，才能做出最合适的选择。
Only by figuring out what you truly enjoy can you make the most suitable choice.
只有每天锻炼身体，才会越来越健康。
Only by exercising every day will you become healthier and healthier.
只有多听、多说、多看，你的中文水平才能提高。
Only by listening, speaking, and reading more can your Chinese level improve.
Approximate Numbers
In Chinese, two adjacent numbers used together indicate an approximate quantity.
春节大概放七八天假。
Spring Festival has approximately seven or eight days off.
教室里来了五六个学生。
Five or six students came into the classroom.
这些照片是三四年前照的吧？
These photos were taken three or four years ago, right?
Comparison of "刚才" and "刚刚" (gāng cái / gāng gāng)
〝刚才〞 (gāng cái) is a time noun that refers to the immediate past, usually just a few minutes ago. It can be placed at the beginning of a sentence, or between the subject and the verb. 〝刚刚〞 (gāng gāng) is an adverb of time indicating that an event happened not long ago from the speaker's perspective — it could be minutes, days, or even months ago. It is placed after the subject, before the verb.
Conditional Complex Sentence "只要……，就……" (zhǐ yào...jiù...)
In the conditional complex sentence 〝只要……，就……〞 (zhǐ yào...jiù...), the clause after 〝只要〞 (zhǐ yào) presents a sufficient condition that guarantees the result following 〝就〞 (jiù). The subject can be placed either before or after 〝只要〞. If there are two subjects, the second subject must be placed before 〝就〞.
我只要几天不跟他视频，就很想他。
Whenever I go even a few days without video calling him, I miss him terribly.
只要你同意，我们就这么决定了。
As long as you agree, we'll settle on this.
只要你坚持每天早睡，身体就一定会好起来。
As long as you go to bed early every day, your health will definitely improve.
Fixed Pattern "从……起" (cóng...qǐ)
The fixed pattern 〝从……起〞 (cóng...qǐ) means 〝从……开始〞 (cóng...kāi shǐ) (starting from...) and is often used to indicate time. It is usually placed at the beginning of a sentence as an adverbial.
他从那时起就努力学习。
From that point on, he worked hard at his studies.
从那天起，我们就变成了好朋友。
From that day on, we became good friends.
从那次旅游起，我对中国文化更有兴趣了。
Since that trip, I've become even more interested in Chinese culture.