Grammar
Chinese Grammar Notes
Clear, original explanations of Chinese grammar points with pattern formulas, example sentences, real dialogues and quick practice. Starting with HSK 1–3.
Each note shows the pattern, an original explanation, examples with pinyin and English, and lines from the everyday dialogue library. Levels follow the HSK 1–6 grammar syllabus; sentence and dialogue levels are tagged separately.
HSK 1
HSK 1 grammar
句子成分/句型
Adjective predicates
形容词谓语句
主语 + (很/太/真) + 形容词
Describe people and things with an adjective, without adding 是.
5 examples · 2 dialogues
Open note句子成分/句型
The 是 (shì) sentence
是字句
A + 是 + B
Identify who someone is, what something is, or where someone is from.
5 examples · 2 dialogues
Open note句子成分/句型
The 有 (yǒu) sentence
有字句
A + 有 + B
Say what someone has, what exists somewhere, or ask about quantity.
5 examples · 3 dialogues
Open noteHSK 2
HSK 2 grammar
句子成分/句型
Actions in progress
正在……呢
主语 + 正在/正 + 动词 (+ 呢)
Say that an action is happening right now, or ask what someone is doing.
5 examples · 2 dialogues
Open note句子成分/句型
The 比 (bǐ) comparison
比字句
A + 比 + B + 形容词
Compare two people or things with 比, including small and large differences.
5 examples · 2 dialogues
Open noteHSK 3
HSK 3 grammar
复句
Besides… also… with 除了
除了……还……
除了 + A + 还/也 + B
Add another item or action besides the first one.
5 examples · 3 dialogues
Open note句子成分/句型
Doing two things at once
一边……一边……
主语 + 一边 + 动词1 + 一边 + 动词2
Say that the same subject does two actions at the same time.
5 examples · 1 dialogues
Open note虚词
More and more with 越来越
越来越
主语 + 越来越 + 形容词/动词短语
Say that something changes continuously and becomes more and more…
5 examples · 2 dialogues
Open note句子成分/句型
The 把 (bǎ) construction
把字句
主语 + 把 + 宾语 + 动词 + 其他
Say what someone does to a specific object, usually with a result or destination.
5 examples · 3 dialogues
Open note句子成分/句型
The 被 (bèi) passive
被字句
主语(受事) + 被 + 施事 + 动词 + 其他
Say that something is done to the subject, often an unexpected or unfortunate event.
5 examples · 1 dialogues
Open note