Grammar Point:The Chinese grammar structure 自 zì… 以來来 yǐlái is used to express “ever since” in English. This structure indicates that something has been happening continuously from a certain point in the past up to the present. Structure Zì + Time or Event + yǐlái Compared with just using 自 zì, 從从 cóng, or 自從从…
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Expressing “after” with yǐhòu
以後后 yǐhòu Time or Verb + 以後/以后 (After) 我wǒ星期五xīngqíwǔ以後yǐhòu有空yǒukōng我wǒ星期五xīngqīwǔ以后yǐhòu有空yǒukōngI will be available after Friday. 很多hěnduō人rén說shuō1981 年nián以後yǐhòu出生chūshēng的de孩子háizi是shì草莓族cǎoméizú很多hěnduō人rén说shuō1981 年nián以后yǐhòu出生chūshēng的de孩子háizi是shì草莓族cǎoméizúMany people say that children born after 1981 are the “strawberry generation.” FYI草莓族 cǎoméi zú is a slang term in Chinese that is often used to describe the younger generation, specifically those born after 1981. It is derived from…
Chinese emphasis – 是 shì…的 de
Grammar Point: The 是 shì … 的 de structure is used in Chinese to provide emphasis on specific details of a past action or event. It is used to draw attention to the time, place, manner, or other specific details of an action or event, and to give additional information or explanation. This structure is…
First and then in Chinese
Grammar Point:The grammar structure 先 xiān…再 zài… in Chinese is used to express a sequence of actions or events, indicating that one action or event happens before another. Structure (S) 先 VO,(S) 再 VO Remember to place the subject before 再 zài, and when the two subjects are the same, you can drop the second…
“And” in Chinese – 以及 yǐjí & 并 bìng
Grammar Point:In Chinese, 以及 yǐjí and 並并 bìng can be translated as “and,” but they link to slightly different elements. 以及 yǐjí This is a more formal way to express “and,” often used in written or formal contexts. It is used to connect two or more noun phrases. It is also possible to drop 以…
Two Functions of huì
Grammar Point:In Chinese, the character 會会 huì can have two main functions: indicating capability or skill (can) and indicating future actions (will). Skill (can) 會会 huì emphasizes a skill that you have learned or been trained to do. It refers to the ability to do something that has been acquired through training or education, and…
“Otherwise” in Chinese – fǒuzé
Grammar Point:The Chinese word 否則则 fǒuzé means “otherwise.” Unlike 要不然 yàoburán, it carries a slight sense of threat or warning, as it implies that if a certain action is not taken or condition is not met, there will be consequences. Structure Condition + fǒuzé + Result 你nǐ先xiān做zuò完wán作業zuòyè,否則fǒuzé別bié想xiǎng看kàn電視diànshì你nǐ先xiān做zuò完wán作业zuòyè,否则fǒuzé别bié想xiǎng看kàn电视diànshìFinish your homework first, otherwise, forget about watching TV….
Showing Purpose with 来 lái
Grammar Point:The Chinese words 去 qù and 來来 lái are verbs that mean “to go” and “to come.” They are fundamental and commonly used words in the Chinese language, indicating movement from one place to another, such as going to a location, leaving a place, or traveling to a specific destination. In Chinese, you can…
Zero Pronoun
Grammar Point:In Chinese grammar, a zero pronoun (零代詞词 líng dàicí) refers to the omission of a pronoun when the context makes it clear what the pronoun would be. This is common in conversational Chinese and often occurs with personal pronouns like 我 (wǒ – I/me), 你 (nǐ – you), and 他/她/它 (tā – he/she/it). Structure…
Zero Pronoun in Chinese
Grammar Point:In Chinese grammar, a zero pronoun (零代詞词 líng dàicí) refers to the omission of a pronoun when the context makes it clear what the pronoun would be. This is common in conversational Chinese and often occurs with personal pronouns like 我 (wǒ – I/me), 你 (nǐ – you), and 他/她/它 (tā – he/she/it). Structure…