Learn a little Chinese every day
Grammar Point:明明 míngmíng in Chinese is an adverb used to emphasize that something is clear, obvious, or certain, often carrying a tone of dissatisfaction, frustration, or pointing out a contradiction. It roughly translates to “obviously,” “clearly,” or “plainly” in English. When Do We Use It Structure 明明 míngmíng + Fact Situation + (but) + Unexpected Result 他tā明明míngmíng答應dāyìng了le，…
Grammar Point:The phrase 不太 bútài in Chinese grammar is a combination of the negation word 不 bù (not) and the degree adverb 太 tài (too/very). Together, they create a structure that expresses a mild negation or conveys the idea of “not very” when describing a certain degree or extent of something. Structure 不太 + Adjective When used with adjectives, 不太 bútài expresses a degree…
Grammar Point:The phrase 不太 bútài in Chinese grammar is a combination of the negation word 不 bù (not) and the degree adverb 太 tài (too/very). Together, they create a structure that expresses a mild negation or conveys the idea of “not very” when describing a certain degree or extent of something. Structure 不太 + Adjective When used with adjectives, 不太 bútài expresses a degree…
Grammar Point:The Chinese word 畢毕竟 bìjìng is commonly used to emphasize a fact or reason, often suggesting that something is understandable or inevitable because of certain circumstances. It can be translated into English as “after all,” “in the end,” or “as expected.” It is used both in spoken and written Chinese. Structure 畢毕竟 bìjìng + Fact + ConclusionConclusion…
I’ll get straight to the point here. Chinese does not have specific words for “yes” and “no” that directly translate into English. Instead, Chinese language relies on context, repetition of verbs, or affirmative/negative expressions to convey agreement or disagreement. If you’re interested in the details, keep reading! No Direct “Yes” or “No” Words Unlike English, which uses…
Grammar Point:The Chinese grammar pattern 從从 cóng…往 wǎng… is used to describe movement or direction. It is commonly used to explain the starting point and the direction of an action, especially in describing physical movement. Structure 從从 cóng + starting point + 往 wǎng + direction + V 從cóng學校xuéxiào往wǎng東dōng走zǒu， 你nǐ會huì看到kàndào一個yíge公園gōngyuán从cóng学校xuéxiào往wǎng东dōng走zǒu， 你nǐ会huì看到kàndào一个yíge公园gōngyuánFrom the school, walk east, and you…
Grammar Point:In Chinese, 將将 jiāng is used to indicate something that will happen in the future. It’s more formal and commonly appears in writing, official speeches, or announcements. It can also be combined with 會会 huì or 要 yào to express someone’s willingness. Structure S + 將将 jiāng / 將将要 jiāngyào / 將将會会 jiānghuì + V Generally, when 將将 jiāng is combined with 會会…
Introduction:還还 hái, 仍然 réngrán, 依然 yīrán, 仍舊旧 réngjiù and 依舊旧 yījiù share a similar meaning of “still,” but there are some differences in their usages and connotations. 還还 hái (HSK 2) Still, also, or yet. It implies that something continues, but in a more casual or neutral way. Commonly used in spoken language and can…
Grammar Point:In Chinese, both 仍舊旧 réngjiù and 依舊旧 yījiù mean “still” or “as before,” but they are used slightly differently in terms of nuance, formality, and context. Structure S + 仍舊旧 réngjiù + Adj or V Common in both spoken and written language, though it leans slightly more formal. It often emphasizes the continuation of something despite expectations or…
Grammar Point:In the context of subjective evaluation, Verb + 起來 qǐlái is used to express how something feels, looks, tastes, or seems based on the speaker’s perception. This structure helps describe an impression or an initial judgment about something. Structure S + V 起來 + adj or descriptive phrase 這zhè蛋糕dàngāo看kàn起來qǐlái很hěn甜tián这zhè蛋糕dàngāo看kàn起来qǐlái很hěn甜tiánThis cake looks very sweet. 他tā聽tīng起來qǐlái很hěn聰明cōngmíng他tā听tīng起来qǐlái很hěn聪明cōngmingHe sounds very smart. 這zhè首shǒu歌gē聽tīng起來qǐlái很hěn輕快qīngkuài这zhè首shǒu歌gē听tīng起来qǐlái很hěn轻快qīngkuàiThis song sounds very relaxed. 這zhè衣服yìfú穿chuān起來qǐlái不bú太tài舒服shūfú这zhè衣服yìfú穿chuān起来qǐlái不bú太tài舒服shūfuThis…