Learn a little Chinese every day
In this article, we will discuss the features of Chinese verbs. Verbs in Chinese, like in English, can be divided into three major categories: the verb 是 shì meaning “to be,” the verb 有 yǒu meaning “to have,” and a broad set of verbs that can be loosely referred to as action verbs. * Some…
If you are not familiar with how to use passive sentences in Chinese, I suggest you read the following articles first. This will help you understand the usage of advanced passive sentences. Structure S + 被 + O + 所 + V Phrase This is a highly formal expression of the passive voice, typically used…
就 jiù and 才 cái have many similar functions, but not the same, which confuses many Chinese learners. In this article, we are going to talk about 7 common comparisons of 就 jiù and 才 cái. 1. Time + 就/才 就 jiù 才 cái Earlier than expectedIf the action happened, you need to put 了…
Grammar Point:There are 3 functions of 把 bǎ in Chinese. Determination, command, and doing a movement on something that makes a change to it. If you’re not familiar with the basic foundation of 把 structure, I suggest reading the following articles first. Structure 1 The following structures are all about doing a movement on something…
Grammar Point:A “程度補語补语 chéngdù bǔyǔ” or “degree complement” is used to intensify or modify the degree of an action, the nature of a thing, or the degree reached in a state. Why do we need it Structure Adj. or Mental verbs + Degree Complements It is used to suggest that a situation is serious or…
What is Stative Verb? Stative verbs (also known as Chinese adjectives) are used to describe the mood, weather, appearance, or characteristics of a person or an object. For example: 累lèi累lèi tired 漂亮piàoliàng漂亮piàoliang pretty 熱rè热rè hot 開心kāixīn开心kāixīn happy 難過nánguò难过nánguò sad 興奮xīngfèn兴奋xīngfèn excited The Difference Between Chinese and English In English, we describe people or things using…
Grammar Point:There are 3 functions of 把 bǎ in Chinese. Determination, command, and doing a movement on something that makes a change to it. If you’re not familiar with the basic foundation of 把 structure, I suggest reading the following articles first. Structure Things + 把 + O + Verb + Something 這zhè雙shuāng鞋xié把bǎ我的wǒde腳jiǎo磨mó破pò了le这zhè双shuāng鞋xié把bǎ我的wǒde脚jiǎo磨mó破pò了leThese shoes have…
Grammar Point:To express the order of several actions can involve many different options in Chinese, but the basic structure is 先 xiān… 再 zài…, which can translate into first… and then… in English. Basic Structure S1 + 先… + S2 + 再… When both subjects are the same, it is ok to drop the S2….
Grammar Point:The “you sentence” is known as 有字句 yǒuzìjù in Chinese. The word 有 yǒu serves multiple functions, including expressing estimates and constructing comparative sentences, which will be the focus of this article. you sentence Structure S + 有 yǒu + Number When you are trying to express an approximation or rough estimate of a…
Grammar Point:A “數量補語数量补语 shùliàng bǔyǔ” (Quantitative Complement) indicates the quantity, frequency, or duration of an action or state. In this article, we will focus on discussing the frequency or quantity of an action or state.hinese Quantitative Complement Chinese Quantitative Complement Structure Adj. + Quantity Complement 我wǒ比bǐ弟弟dìdi大dà三sān歲suì我wǒ比bǐ弟弟dìdi大dà三sān岁suìI am three years older than my brother. 他的tāde錢qián比bǐ我wǒ多duō一些yìxiē他的tāde钱qián比bǐ我wǒ多duō一些yìxiēHe has…