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Grammar Point:The Chinese word 跟 gēn has several functions depending on the context. As a preposition, it is often used to mean “with”, “and”, “from” or “to.” Structure With (Doing something together) When 跟 gēn is used to mean “with” in the sense of accompanying someone or being together, it is often paired with 一起 yìqǐ, which means “together.” If…
Grammar Point:按照 ànzhào is a Chinese preposition often used to indicate following a certain method, guideline, or pattern. It conveys the idea of “following according to” or “in accordance with.” Structure 按照 ànzhào + a prescribed method, rule, or guideline You can use 按 àn on its own, to make the sentence more formal. 按照ànzhào你的nǐde意見yìjiàn，…
Grammar Point:The verb phrase 想起來来 xiǎngqǐlái is a resultative compound verb that expresses the idea of “recalling” or “remembering” something after some effort or realization. Structure S + 想起來来 xiǎngqǐlái + O 我wǒ想起來xiǎngqǐlái你nǐ的de名字míngzi了le我wǒ想起来xiǎngqǐlái你nǐ的de名字míngzi了leI just remembered your name. 他tā想xiǎng不bù起來qǐlái昨天zuótiān吃chī了le什麼shénme他tā想xiǎng不bù起来qǐlái昨天zuótiān吃chī了le什么shénmeHe can’t recall what he ate yesterday. 你nǐ想起來xiǎngqǐlái他tā住zhù在zài哪裡nǎlǐ了le嗎ma？ 你nǐ想起来xiǎngqǐlái他tā住zhù在zài哪里nǎlǐ了le吗ma？ Do you remember where he lives? 我wǒ想xiǎng不bù起來qǐlái他tā的de電話diànhuà號碼hàomǎ我wǒ想xiǎng不bù起来qǐlái他tā的de电话diànhuà号码hàomǎI can’t remember his phone…
Grammar Point:到 dào… 為为止 wéizhǐ is a common structure for expressing ‘until’ in Chinese. Unlike English, where ‘until’ is a single word, Chinese uses 到 dào as a starting marker and 為为止 wéizhǐ as an endpoint, framing the time, condition, or event. Structure 到 dào + Time/Event/Action + (為为止 wéizhǐ) 為为止 wéizhǐ is optional, but…
Grammar Point:過於过于 guòyú, 稍微 shāowéēi, and 尤其 yóuqí are three adverbs that express degree in Chinese. They help convey different levels of intensity, slight changes, and emphasis in a sentence. Structure 過於过于 guòyú / 稍微 shāowéēi + V or Adj 稍微 shāowéēi can be used with a verb with or without 一下 yíxià or 一點点 yìdiǎn. However, adding 一下 yíxià or 一點点 yìdiǎn makes the…
Grammar Point:The ABAB form is a common way to soften the tone of an action, making it sound more casual, tentative, or informal. It is frequently used in spoken Chinese to suggest trying something out or doing it briefly. Structure Two-Syllable Verbs – ABAB 我們wǒmen先xiān討論tǎolùn討論tǎolùn， 再zài決定juédìng吧ba我们wǒmen先xiān讨论tǎolùn讨论tǎolùn， 再zài决定juédìng吧baLet’s discuss a little first, then decide! 這zhè次cì聚會jùhuì有yǒu很hěn多duō新xīn朋友péngyǒu， 大家dàjiā可以kěyǐ互相hùxiāng認識rènshì認識rènshì！ 这zhè次cì聚会jùhuì有yǒu很hěn多duō新xīn朋友péngyou， 大家dàjiā可以kěyǐ互相hùxiāng认识rènshi认识rènshi！ There are many new…
Grammar Point:The ABAB form is a common way to soften the tone of an action, making it sound more casual, tentative, or informal. It is frequently used in spoken Chinese to suggest trying something out or doing it briefly. Structure Two-Syllable Verbs – ABAB 我們wǒmen先xiān討論tǎolùn討論tǎolùn， 再zài決定juédìng吧ba我们wǒmen先xiān讨论tǎolùn讨论tǎolùn， 再zài决定juédìng吧baLet’s discuss a little first, then decide! 這zhè次cì聚會jùhuì有yǒu很hěn多duō新xīn朋友péngyǒu， 大家dàjiā可以kěyǐ互相hùxiāng認識rènshì認識rènshì！ 这zhè次cì聚会jùhuì有yǒu很hěn多duō新xīn朋友péngyou， 大家dàjiā可以kěyǐ互相hùxiāng认识rènshi认识rènshi！ There are many new…
Chinese New Year — OneDotDot Chinese (Part 1) Chinese Festivals · 中國節日中国节日 Chinese New Year 過年过年 guònián 過年过年 guònián is the most important traditional festival in China, celebrated by Chinese communities worldwide — a season of reunion dinners, red envelopes, firecrackers, and fresh beginnings that stretches five to nine days depending on the year. People…
Story · HSK 3+ · Part 2 鼠 The Mouse Marries His Daughter — Part 2 老鼠嫁女兒（下) 老鼠嫁女儿（下） Posted Feb 2, 2025 Author Tiffany Reading time 8 mins “The Mouse Marries His Daughter” is a story for HSK3+ learners. Some stories I share are Chinese folk tales, and some are my own creations. According to…
Story · HSK 3+ 鼠 The Mouse Marries His Daughter 老鼠嫁女兒 (上)老鼠嫁女儿 (上) Posted Feb 2, 2025 Author Tiffany Reading time 8 mins “The Mouse Marries His Daughter” is a story for HSK3+ learners. Some stories I share are Chinese folk tales, and some are my own creations. According to an old Chinese legend, mice…