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Grammar Point:The Chinese grammar particle 得 děi is used to express the necessity or obligation to do something. It can be translated into English as “must,” “have to,” or “should.” I know it can be very confusing because it is the same character as 得 de, but actually, you can distinguish between them based on…
Grammar Point:反而 fǎn’ér is an adverb that introduces an action or a situation that is contrary to the expectations of the speaker. It is often translated as “on the contrary,” “instead,” or “but rather.” Structure Clause A + S + 反而 + Clause B The first clause (Clause A) presents an expectation or assumption, while…
Story · HSK 4+ · Part 4 鳥鸟 The Taiwan Barbet That Likes To Travel 愛旅行的五色鳥爱旅行的五色鸟 Posted March 30, 2023 Author Tiffany Reading time 6 mins “The Taiwan barbet that likes to travel” is a story for HSK4 learners. Stories I share are some Chinese folk tales, and some are my own creations. Listen to…
Story · HSK 4+ · Part 3 鳥鸟 The Taiwan Barbet That Likes To Travel 愛旅行的五色鳥爱旅行的五色鸟 Posted March 29, 2023 Author Tiffany Reading time 6 mins “The Taiwan barbet that likes to travel” is a story for HSK4 learners. Stories I share are some Chinese folk tales, and some are my own creations. Listen to…
Story · HSK 4+ · Part 2 鳥鸟 The Taiwan Barbet That Likes To Travel 愛旅行的五色鳥爱旅行的五色鸟 Posted March 28, 2023 Author Tiffany Reading time 6 mins “The Taiwan barbet that likes to travel” is a story for HSK4 learners. Stories I share are some Chinese folk tales, and some are my own creations. Listen to…
OneDotDot Chinese Grammar · HSK 4 Grammar Point · HSK 4 10 Measure Words — 打打 dǎ, 袋袋 dài, 棵棵 kē, 台台 tái, 幅幅 fú, 臉脸 liǎn, 手手 shǒu, 盒盒 hé, 屋子屋子 wūzi, 桌子桌子 zhuōzi Ten more measure words at HSK4 level — six for everyday counting (dozens, bags, trees, machines, artwork, boxes), and four…
Grammar Point: 的確的确 díquè is a commonly used phrase in Chinese that means “indeed” or “certainly”. It is often used to express agreement or confirmation of a fact or statement. Structure 的確确 díquè + Statement 的確的确 díquè is used to re-affirm the truth or accuracy of a statement previously presented, and to indicate that there…
OneDotDot Chinese Grammar · HSK 4 Grammar Point · HSK 4 既然 jìrán — “Since / Now That” 既然 jìrán is a conjunction that can be translated as “since” or “now that.” It implies the speaker has acknowledged a situation — usually one that’s already a fact — and is now making a suggestion or…
Grammar Point:The adverb 究竟 jiùjìng is very similar to the first function of 到底 dàodǐ. It expresses the speaker’s desire to find out the truth or the actual situation. 究竟 jiùjìng is more formal, while 到底 dàodǐ is more colloquial. Structure 究竟 jiùjìng + Question Word This structure is used to express a question that…
OneDotDot Chinese Grammar · HSK 4 Grammar Point · HSK 4 竟然 jìngrán — “Surprisingly” 竟然 jìngrán is an adverb of surprise or disbelief at an unexpected outcome. In English it usually isn’t translated word-for-word — the surprise comes through in tone instead. It always follows the subject, and it can shorten to 竟 jìng…