居然 and 竟然 mean "wow, I didn't expect that": something happened that the speaker did not expect. They follow the subject and precede the verb or adjective. They often appear with 没想到 "didn't think that…".
Subject + 居然/竟然 + verb / adjective — someone unexpectedly did / turned out to be…
Subject + 居然/竟然 + 不/没 + verb — unexpectedly did not do something
你居然忘了我的生日？ Nǐ jūrán wàng le wǒ de shēngrì? You actually forgot my birthday?
这么难的题，你居然都做对了。 Zhème nán de tí, nǐ jūrán dōu zuò duì le. These questions were so hard, yet you got them all right!
果然 + predicate
果然: "sure enough, as expected"
果然 means "sure enough, as expected": something predicted or mentioned has come true. It follows the subject and precedes the verb, or sometimes starts the second clause. It is the opposite of 居然.
…说 / 以为 …， 果然 + … — they said that…, and that's what happened
他说会来，果然来了。 Tā shuō huì lái, guǒrán lái le. He said he would come, and sure enough, he did.
天气预报说有雨，下午果然下雨了。 Tiānqì yùbào shuō yǒu yǔ, xiàwǔ guǒrán xiàyǔ le. The forecast predicted rain, and sure enough, it rained in the afternoon.
大家都说这家饭店好吃，果然很好吃。 Dàjiā dōu shuō zhè jiā fàndiàn hǎochī, guǒrán hěn hǎochī. Everyone said the food at this restaurant was good, and it really is.
终于 + verb + 了
终于: "finally" after a long wait
终于 means "finally, at last": a desired result comes after a long wait or much effort. It goes before the verb; 了 usually appears at the end because the result has already been achieved.
我终于找到工作了！ Wǒ zhōngyú zhǎo dào gōngzuò le! I finally found a job!
等了一个小时，车终于来了。 Děng le yí ge xiǎoshí, chē zhōngyú lái le. After waiting for an hour, the car finally arrived.
下了三天雨，今天终于晴了。 Xià le sān tiān yǔ, jīntiān zhōngyú qíng le. It rained for three days, and today it finally cleared up.
不但不 / 没……， 反而……
反而: "instead" — a result contrary to expectations
反而 means "on the contrary, instead": one thing was expected, but the opposite happened. It goes in the second clause before the verb; the first clause often contains 不但不 / 不但没 / 不仅没有.
A， 反而 + B — A — but the opposite happened: B
Subject + 不但不/没 + X， 反而 + Y — not only not X, but instead Y
吃了药，他的病反而更严重了。 Chī le yào, tā de bìng fǎn'ér gèng yánzhòng le. He took medicine, but his illness got worse instead.
我想帮他，他反而生气了。 Wǒ xiǎng bāng tā, tā fǎn'ér shēngqì le. I wanted to help him, but he got angry instead.
他不但没有生气，反而笑了。 Tā búdàn méiyǒu shēngqì, fǎn'ér xiào le. Not only did he not get angry, he laughed instead.
毕竟 + reason
毕竟: "after all" — the key reason
毕竟 means "after all, when all is said and done": the speaker uses it to state the key, undeniable fact explaining the situation. It usually appears in the second clause, before the predicate.
Subject + 毕竟 + 是 + … — he is, after all, (a child / a beginner)…
别怪他了，他毕竟还是个孩子。 Bié guài tā le, tā bìjìng hái shì ge háizi. Don't blame him; he is still a child, after all.
做得不好也没关系，毕竟是第一次。 Zuò de bù hǎo yě méi guānxi, bìjìng shì dì-yī cì. It's okay if it didn't turn out well—it is the first time, after all.
他毕竟是新来的，很多事还不了解。 Tā bìjìng shì xīn lái de, hěn duō shì hái bù liǎojiě. He is new here, after all, and still doesn't know a lot of things.
简直 + (是) + exaggeration
简直: "simply, positively" — strong exaggeration
简直 means "simply, positively, literally": the speaker exaggerates for emotional effect. Common patterns include 简直 + 是 / 太…了 / 像… / 不敢相信. It goes before the predicate.
今天简直太热了！ Jīntiān jiǎnzhí tài rè le! It's simply far too hot today!
我简直不敢相信自己的眼睛。 Wǒ jiǎnzhí bù gǎn xiāngxìn zìjǐ de yǎnjing. I simply can't believe my eyes.
这个菜简直跟我妈妈做的一样好吃。 Zhège cài jiǎnzhí gēn wǒ māma zuò de yíyàng hǎochī. This dish is just as delicious as my mom's cooking.
根本 + 不 / 没 + verb
根本不 / 根本没: "not at all, absolutely not"
根本 with a negative means "not at all, absolutely not, not one bit": it expresses complete denial and often challenges someone else's view. 根本不 refers to the present or general situations; 根本没 refers to something that did not happen.
Subject + 根本 + 不 + verb / adj. — does not … at all / is not … at all
Subject + 根本 + 没(有) + verb — did not … at all
我根本不认识他。 Wǒ gēnběn bú rènshi tā. I don't know him at all.
他根本没有来过我家。 Tā gēnběn méiyǒu lái guo wǒ jiā. He has never even been to my home.
这件事我根本不知道。 Zhè jiàn shì wǒ gēnběn bù zhīdào. I know nothing at all about this.
并 + 不 / 没有 + verb
并不 / 并没有: "not at all, actually not"
并 before 不 / 没有 means "not at all, actually not": it refutes someone else's opinion or expectation. 他并不是我的男朋友 — "He isn't my boyfriend at all." 并 is not used in this sense without a negative.
Subject + 并 + 不 + verb / adj. — is not … at all / does not actually…
Subject + 并 + 没有 + verb — did not actually…
他并不是我的男朋友。 Tā bìng bú shì wǒ de nánpéngyou. He isn't my boyfriend at all.
这个问题并不难。 Zhège wèntí bìng bù nán. This question isn't difficult at all.
大家以为他生气了，其实他并没有生气。 Dàjiā yǐwéi tā shēngqì le, qíshí tā bìng méiyǒu shēngqì. Everyone thought he was angry, but he wasn't actually angry.
曾经 + verb + 过
曾经: "once, at one time"
曾经 means "once, at one time": it emphasizes that an action or state existed in the past (and may already have ended). It goes before the verb, often with 过 after the verb.
Subject + 曾经 + verb + 过 + … — once did (before)
Subject + 曾经 + 是 / adj. + … — once was…
Subject + 没有 + verb + 过 — have never done (negative without 曾经)
我曾经在中国工作过。 Wǒ céngjīng zài Zhōngguó gōngzuò guo. I once worked in China.
他曾经是我最好的朋友。 Tā céngjīng shì wǒ zuì hǎo de péngyou. He used to be my best friend.
你曾经学过汉语吗？ Nǐ céngjīng xué guo Hànyǔ ma? Have you ever studied Chinese before?
反正 + …
反正: "anyway, in any case"
反正 means "anyway, either way, in any case": whatever happens, the conclusion stays the same. It often explains a decision: 反正没事，我陪你去 — "I've got nothing to do anyway, so I'll go with you."
反正 + fact， + decision / conclusion — …anyway, so…
不管 / 无论 …， 反正 + … — no matter…, …anyway
decision， 反正 + reason — …, since…anyway
反正今天没事，我们出去散步吧。 Fǎnzhèng jīntiān méishì, wǒmen chūqu sànbù ba. We've got nothing to do today anyway — let's go out for a walk.
不管你怎么说，反正我不去。 Bùguǎn nǐ zěnme shuō, fǎnzhèng wǒ bú qù. Whatever you say, I'm not going anyway.
别着急，反正时间还早。 Bié zháojí, fǎnzhèng shíjiān hái zǎo. Don't rush; it's still early anyway.
adjective / verb + 得 + 不得了
…得不得了: "terribly, incredibly"
Adjective or emotion verb + 得不得了 = "terribly, incredibly, extremely": an extreme degree. 高兴得不得了 — "incredibly happy." On its own, 不得了 also means "oh no! how terrible!"
emotion verb + 得 + 不得了 — to death (scared, delighted…)
不得了 了 ！ — oh no! how terrible! (exclamation)
听到这个消息，她高兴得不得了。 Tīng dào zhège xiāoxi, tā gāoxìng de bùdéliǎo. She was incredibly happy to hear the news.
今天热得不得了。 Jīntiān rè de bùdéliǎo. It's unbearably hot today.
这几天我忙得不得了。 Zhè jǐ tiān wǒ máng de bùdéliǎo. I'm terribly busy these days.
似乎 / 仿佛 + …； 像 / 仿佛 …… 似的
似乎, 仿佛…似的: "seem," "as if, as though"
似乎 means "seem, appear to" (an uncertain guess). 仿佛 means "as if, as though" (a comparison, often figurative). 似的 or 一样 often comes at the end: 像……似的 "as if…".
Subject + 似乎 + predicate — (he) seems to…
Subject + 仿佛 + … — as if, as though…
像 / 仿佛 + … + 似的 / 一样 — as if…, as though…
他似乎不太高兴。 Tā sìhū bú tài gāoxìng. He doesn't seem very happy.
这个人我似乎在哪里见过。 Zhège rén wǒ sìhū zài nǎlǐ jiàn guo. I seem to have seen this person somewhere before.
问题似乎没有那么简单。 Wèntí sìhū méiyǒu nàme jiǎndān. The problem doesn't seem that simple.
尽量 + verb； 尽快 + verb
尽量 / 尽快: "as far as possible, as soon as possible"
尽量 means "as far as possible, as much as one can": trying to do one's best. 尽快 means "as soon as possible." Both come before the verb: 我尽量早点儿来, 请尽快回复.
Subject + 尽量 + verb — try one's best (to do)
尽量 + 不 / 别 + verb — avoid doing if possible
(请) + 尽快 + verb — (do) as soon as possible
明天我尽量早一点儿来。 Míngtiān wǒ jǐnliàng zǎo yìdiǎnr lái. I'll try to come a bit earlier tomorrow.
晚上尽量别喝咖啡。 Wǎnshang jǐnliàng bié hē kāfēi. Try not to drink coffee in the evening.
请尽快给我回电话。 Qǐng jǐnkuài gěi wǒ huí diànhuà. Please call me back as soon as possible.
A 替 B + verb
替: "instead of someone, on someone's behalf"
替 means "instead of, on behalf of (someone)": A does something in B's place or for B. Pattern: A + 替 + B + verb. With feelings, 替……高兴 / 担心 means "be happy for / worry about someone".
A + 替 + B + verb — A does something in B's place / for B
A + 替 + B + 高兴 / 担心 / 难过 — A is happy for / worries about B
A + 不 能 / 没有 + 替 + B + verb — A cannot (did not) do something for B
你忙吧，我替你去。 Nǐ máng ba, wǒ tì nǐ qù. Go ahead with what you're doing; I'll go instead of you.
我真替你高兴！ Wǒ zhēn tì nǐ gāoxìng! I'm so happy for you!
请替我谢谢你妈妈。 Qǐng tì wǒ xièxie nǐ māma. Please thank your mother for me.
把 / 被 + … + 给 + verb
把……给 / 被……给: colloquial emphasis
In conversation, 给 often goes before the verb in sentences with 把 and 被: 我把钥匙给忘了, 杯子被他给打碎了. This 给 adds no meaning, but adds emotion: "went and…, ended up…".
A + 把 + B + 给 + verb + result — A went and (did something) to B
B + 被 + A + 给 + verb + result — B ended up having something done to it
B + 给 + verb + 了 — B ended up affected (without 被)
我把钥匙给忘了。 Wǒ bǎ yàoshi gěi wàng le. I (went and) forgot my keys.
杯子被弟弟给打碎了。 Bēizi bèi dìdi gěi dǎ suì le. The cup was broken by my younger brother.
我的自行车被人给骑走了。 Wǒ de zìxíngchē bèi rén gěi qí zǒu le. Someone rode off on my bike.
把 + A + 当作 / 当成 + B
把…当作 / 当成: "regard A as something, mistake A for B"
把 A 当作 / 当成 B = "treat A as B, use A as B" or "mistake A for B". 当成 is slightly more colloquial, while 当作 is slightly more literary. These verbs do not work without 把.
Subject + 把 + A + 当作 / 当成 + B — regard A as something, treat A as B
Subject + 把 + A + 当成 + 了 + B — mistook A for B
别 / 不要 + 把 + A + 当成 + B — don't mistake A for B, don't regard A as something
A + 被 + (someone) + 当成 + 了 + B — A was mistaken for B
我把她当作自己的妹妹。 Wǒ bǎ tā dàngzuò zìjǐ de mèimei. I treat her like my own younger sister.
你就把这里当成自己的家吧！ Nǐ jiù bǎ zhèlǐ dàngchéng zìjǐ de jiā ba! Make yourself at home!
他把我当成了他的哥哥。 Tā bǎ wǒ dàngchéng le tā de gēge. He mistook me for his older brother.
A + 令 + (人 / someone) + feeling
令人…: "evokes a feeling" — literary 让 / 使
令 (lìng) + person + feeling = "make someone feel something": 这个故事令人感动 — "this story is moving". It is a literary alternative to 让 and 使; the most common pattern is 令人 + adjective.
A + 令 + 人 + feeling — A moves / disappoints / surprises (everyone)
A + 令 + someone + (很 / 十分) + feeling — A makes someone feel something
假如 and 要是 mean "if," like 如果, but 要是 is conversational, while 假如 is literary and often introduces an imaginary "what if." The second clause usually has 就 before the verb; you can add 的话 at the end of the first clause.
带上伞吧，万一下雨呢？ Dài shang sǎn ba, wànyī xiàyǔ ne? Take an umbrella — what if it rains?
万一他不来，怎么办？ Wànyī tā bù lái, zěnme bàn? What if he does not come? What will we do?
万一有问题，就给我打电话。 Wànyī yǒu wèntí, jiù gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà. If any problems come up, call me.
一旦 ……， 就 ……
一旦…就: "once…, then…"
一旦 means "once, as soon as": if something happens, a result follows immediately, often a serious or irreversible one. The second clause usually contains 就 or 会.
一旦 + event， (subject) + 就 + result — once…, then immediately…
一旦养成了坏习惯，就很难改。 Yídàn yǎngchéng le huài xíguàn, jiù hěn nán gǎi. Once you develop a bad habit, it is very hard to break.
一旦失去了信任，就很难再找回来。 Yídàn shīqù le xìnrèn, jiù hěn nán zài zhǎo huílai. Once you lose trust, it is very hard to regain.
他一旦决定了，就不会改变。 Tā yídàn juédìng le, jiù bú huì gǎibiàn. Once he has decided, he will not change his mind.
哪怕 ……， 也 ……
哪怕…也: "even if, no matter if"
哪怕 means "even if": the condition is extreme or unpleasant, but the result still does not change. The second clause must have 也 (or 都) before the verb.
哪怕 + 只有 / 一 + …， 也 + … — even if it is only (one minute), still…
哪怕下雨，我也要去。 Nǎpà xiàyǔ, wǒ yě yào qù. Even if it rains, I'll still go.
哪怕只有十分钟，也要每天练习。 Nǎpà zhǐyǒu shí fēnzhōng, yě yào měi tiān liànxí. Even if it's only ten minutes, you need to practice every day.
哪怕再忙，他也会给妈妈打电话。 Nǎpà zài máng, tā yě huì gěi māma dǎ diànhuà. No matter how busy he is, he still calls his mom.
再 + adj. / verb， 也 ……
再…也: "no matter how…, still"
再 + adjective, followed by 也 + result = "no matter how…, still…": 再忙也要吃饭 — "No matter how busy you are, you still need to eat." Here 再 means "however much," not "again."
再 + 怎么 + verb， 也 + 不 / 没有 … — no matter how hard you try…, still not…
再忙也要吃饭。 Zài máng yě yào chī fàn. No matter how busy you are, you still need to eat.
这件衣服再便宜我也不买。 Zhè jiàn yīfu zài piányi wǒ yě bù mǎi. No matter how cheap this item of clothing is, I won't buy it.
路再远，我们也要去。 Lù zài yuǎn, wǒmen yě yào qù. No matter how far it is, we'll still go.
……， 不然 / 要不 ……
不然 / 要不: "otherwise, or else"
不然 and 要不 mean "otherwise, or else": if you don't do the first thing, something bad will happen. 快走吧，不然要迟到了 — "Let's hurry, or we'll be late." 要不 also means "how about…?" in suggestions.
快走吧，不然要迟到了。 Kuài zǒu ba, bùrán yào chídào le. Let's hurry, or we'll be late.
多穿一点儿衣服，不然会感冒的。 Duō chuān yìdiǎnr yīfu, bùrán huì gǎnmào de. Dress more warmly, or you'll catch a cold.
你最好提前买票，要不就买不到了。 Nǐ zuìhǎo tíqián mǎi piào, yàobù jiù mǎi bu dào le. You'd better buy a ticket in advance, or you won't be able to get one.
不仅 / 不光 ……， 还 / 也 / 而且 ……
不仅…还/也: "not only…, but also"
不仅 and 不光 = "not only"; the second clause uses 还 / 也 / 而且 "but also, and in addition." 不仅 is neutral to literary, while 不光 is colloquial. They are synonyms of 不但 (HSK 3), which you already know.
Subject + 不仅 + A， 还 / 也 + B — not only A, but also B (one subject)
不仅 + A， 而且 + B — not only A, but also (in addition) B
不仅 + X + …， Y + 也 + … — not only X, but also Y (different subjects)
他不仅会说汉语，还会写汉字。 Tā bùjǐn huì shuō Hànyǔ, hái huì xiě Hànzì. He can not only speak Chinese but also write Chinese characters.
这家饭店不仅便宜，而且很干净。 Zhè jiā fàndiàn bùjǐn piányi, érqiě hěn gānjìng. This restaurant is not only cheap but also very clean.
不仅我喜欢这本书，我妈妈也喜欢。 Bùjǐn wǒ xǐhuan zhè běn shū, wǒ māma yě xǐhuan. Not only I but also my mom likes this book.
既 A 又 / 也 B
既…又 / 既…也: "both A and B at once"
既……又…… = "both…and…": a thing or person has two qualities at once. 这件衣服既便宜又好看. 既……也…… means the same, but the second clause feels slightly more like an addition. Both markers go before a verb or adjective.
Subject + 既 + A + 又 + B — both A and B (two qualities at once)
Subject + 既 + verb… ， 也 + verb… — both…and…
既 + 不 + A， 也 + 不 + B — neither A nor B
这件衣服既便宜又好看。 Zhè jiàn yīfu jì piányi yòu hǎokàn. This item of clothing is both cheap and attractive.
她既聪明又努力。 Tā jì cōngming yòu nǔlì. She is both smart and hardworking.
他既会唱歌，也会跳舞。 Tā jì huì chàng gē, yě huì tiàowǔ. He can both sing and dance.
自从 + event + 以后 / 以来， ……
自从…以后/以来: "ever since…"
自从 + past event + 以后 / 以来 = "ever since…": something has been different from that point up to now. 自从搬到这里以后，我每天都跑步. 自从 only refers to the past.
自从 + event + 以来， … — ever since… up to now (literary)
自从 + time / event， … — since (a particular time)…
自从搬到这里以后，我每天都去跑步。 Zìcóng bān dào zhèlǐ yǐhòu, wǒ měi tiān dōu qù pǎobù. Since I moved here, I have gone running every day.
自从生病以后，他就不抽烟了。 Zìcóng shēngbìng yǐhòu, tā jiù bù chōu yān le. He has stopped smoking since he got sick.
自从认识了她，我每天都很开心。 Zìcóng rènshi le tā, wǒ měi tiān dōu hěn kāixīn. Since I met her, I have been happy every day.
time / event + 以来
…以来: "since (a particular time) up to now"
Time or event + 以来 (yǐlái) = "since… up to now": 来中国以来 — "since I came to China". Unlike 以后 "after", 以来 always covers a period extending to today. It sounds literary.
point in time (今年 / 上个月) + 以来， … — from a particular point up to now
period (三年 / 这几年) + 以来， … — over the past … (up to now)
event (来中国 / 毕业) + 以来， … — ever since…
长期 / 一直 + 以来， … — for a long time; all this time
来中国以来，我交了很多朋友。 Lái Zhōngguó yǐlái, wǒ jiāo le hěn duō péngyou. Since I came to China, I have made many friends.
今年以来，我已经搬了两次家。 Jīnnián yǐlái, wǒ yǐjīng bān le liǎng cì jiā. Since the start of this year, I have already moved twice.
三年以来，他每天都坚持跑步。 Sān nián yǐlái, tā měi tiān dōu jiānchí pǎobù. For three years now, he has kept up his daily running.
A、 B 以及 C
以及 / 及: "as well as" — a formal "and"
以及 and 及 are literary versions of "and, as well as". They connect nouns or phrases, usually at the end of a list: 老师、学生以及家长. 及 is even shorter and more formal. In conversation, use 和 instead.
A、 B (、 C) + 以及 + D — A, B, as well as D
A + 及 + B — A and B (formal)
…， 以及 + … — …, as well as… (linking parts of a sentence)
请写上姓名、年龄以及电话号码。 Qǐng xiě shang xìngmíng, niánlíng yǐjí diànhuà hàomǎ. Please provide your name, age, as well as your phone number.
老师、学生以及家长都参加了这次活动。 Lǎoshī, xuésheng yǐjí jiāzhǎng dōu cānjiā le zhè cì huódòng. Teachers, students, as well as parents all took part in this event.
我们讨论了问题的原因，以及解决的办法。 Wǒmen tǎolùn le wèntí de yuányīn, yǐjí jiějué de bànfǎ. We discussed the causes of the problem, as well as ways to solve it.
A， 从而 B； A， 因而 B
从而 / 因而: "thereby", "as a result"
从而 means "thereby, through this": action A made it possible to achieve result B. 因而 means "therefore, as a result": A is the cause, B is the effect. Both are literary and go at the beginning of the second part.
action / method A， 从而 + result B — A, thereby B
cause A， 因而 + effect B — A, as a result B
他每天锻炼身体，从而保持了健康。 Tā měi tiān duànliàn shēntǐ, cóng'ér bǎochí le jiànkāng. He exercises every day, thereby maintaining his health.
公司改进了管理方式，从而提高了效率。 Gōngsī gǎijìn le guǎnlǐ fāngshì, cóng'ér tígāo le xiàolǜ. The company improved its management methods, thereby increasing efficiency.
通过交流，我们了解了对方，从而成为了朋友。 Tōngguò jiāoliú, wǒmen liǎojiě le duìfāng, cóng'ér chéngwéi le péngyou. Through communication, we got to know each other and thus became friends.
facts， 可见 + conclusion
可见: "this shows that, so"
可见 means "this shows that, so, therefore": after presenting facts, the speaker draws a conclusion. 他一天都没吃饭，可见有多忙 — "He hasn't eaten all day — that shows how busy he is." It comes at the start of the clause containing the conclusion.
fact / example， 可见 + conclusion — …, so / this shows that…
由此 可见， + conclusion — this shows that… (literary)
路很湿，可见刚才下过雨。 Lù hěn shī, kějiàn gāngcái xià guo yǔ. The road is wet — so it must have rained just now.
连孩子都会做，可见这个题不难。 Lián háizi dōu huì zuò, kějiàn zhège tí bù nán. Even a child can solve it — so this problem isn't difficult.
他一天都没有吃饭，可见有多忙。 Tā yì tiān dōu méiyǒu chī fàn, kějiàn yǒu duō máng. He hasn't eaten anything all day — that shows how busy he is.
……。 总之， + summary
总之: "in short, all in all"
总之 means "all in all, in short, to sum up": it sums things up after a list or a long explanation. It comes at the start of the concluding statement, usually followed by a comma.
point 1， point 2…， 总之 + summary — …, all in all, …
…。 总之， + main point — In short, …
总之，我不同意。 Zǒngzhī, wǒ bù tóngyì. In short, I disagree.
这里的房子又大又便宜，交通也方便，总之很不错。 Zhèlǐ de fángzi yòu dà yòu piányi, jiāotōng yě fāngbiàn, zǒngzhī hěn búcuò. The apartments here are spacious and cheap, and transport is convenient — all in all, it's very good.
不管你怎么想，总之我明天要走了。 Bùguǎn nǐ zěnme xiǎng, zǒngzhī wǒ míngtiān yào zǒu le. Whatever you think, the bottom line is that I'm leaving tomorrow.
X 分 之 Y； A 之 B
之: fractions, percentages, and a literary "的"
之 is a literary version of 的. Its main everyday use is in fractions and percentages. "Y/X" = X分之Y: 三分之一 "one third", 百分之八十 "80 %". Denominator first, then numerator!
X + 分 + 之 + Y — Y/X (fraction): 三分之二 = 2/3
百 + 分 + 之 + number — a given percentage
之 + 前 / 后 / 间 / 一 — fixed words: 之前, 之后, 之间, …之一
三分之一的学生是外国人。 Sān fēn zhī yī de xuésheng shì wàiguó rén. One third of the students are foreigners.
二分之一就是一半。 Èr fēn zhī yī jiù shì yí bàn. One over two is one half.
百分之八十的人同意这个看法。 Bǎi fēn zhī bāshí de rén tóngyì zhège kànfǎ. Eighty percent of people agree with this view.
以 + method / measure + verb
以: "by means of, through, at (a certain speed)" — literary
以 is a literary preposition meaning "by means of, through, at (a certain speed) / in (a certain capacity)". It comes before the verb: 以最快的速度完成 — "complete at maximum speed". In conversation, 用 is usually used instead.
以 + method / means + verb — do something in a particular way
以 + … + 的 + 速度 / 方式 / 态度 + verb — at a certain speed / in a certain way
以 + 身份 / capacity + 来 + verb — act in a particular capacity
我们要以最快的速度完成这个工作。 Wǒmen yào yǐ zuì kuài de sùdù wánchéng zhège gōngzuò. We need to complete this work as quickly as possible.
他以第一名的成绩毕业了。 Tā yǐ dì-yī míng de chéngjì bìyè le. He graduated at the top of his class.
我们应该以积极的态度对待困难。 Wǒmen yīnggāi yǐ jījí de tàidu duìdài kùnnan. We should face difficulties with a positive attitude.
以 + A + 为 + B
以…为…: "regard A as something, take A as B" — literary
以 A 为 B (yǐ… wéi…) is a literary way to say "take A as B, regard A as something": 以学生为中心 — "put students at the center". Here 为 is pronounced wéi and means "to be". In conversation, use 把 A 当作 B.
以 + A + 为 + 中心 / 目标 / 标准 / 重点 — A is the center / goal / standard / focus
以 + A + 为 + 骄傲 — be proud of A
以 + A + 为 + 理由 / 基础 / 背景 — under the pretext of A / on the basis of A / against the backdrop of A
以 + 什么 + 为 + B ？ — what is taken as B?
我们的课以学生为中心。 Wǒmen de kè yǐ xuésheng wéi zhōngxīn. Our classes are student-centered.
父母一直以你为骄傲。 Fùmǔ yìzhí yǐ nǐ wéi jiāo'ào. Your parents have always been proud of you.
我们以提高汉语水平为目标。 Wǒmen yǐ tígāo Hànyǔ shuǐpíng wéi mùbiāo. Our goal is to improve our Chinese.
V + 来 + V + 去
"Back and forth, over and over": V来V去
V来V去 describes an action repeated many times, "back and forth" or "this way and that": 走来走去 "pace back and forth", 想来想去 "think long and hard." It is often followed by the outcome: 都是… / 就是… / 还是… "it is still the same."
V + 来 + V + 去 — V back and forth, V over and over
V + 来 + V + 去 ， 还是 / 也 + … — no matter how much one Vs, still / in the end…
V + 来 + V + 去 + 都是 / 就是 + … — no matter how much one Vs, it is always the same…
我想来想去，还是决定留在这里。 Wǒ xiǎng lái xiǎng qù, háishi juédìng liú zài zhèlǐ. I thought long and hard and finally decided to stay here.
他在房间里走来走去，看起来很着急。 Tā zài fángjiān li zǒu lái zǒu qù, kàn qǐlai hěn zháojí. He is pacing back and forth in the room, looking very worried.
孩子们在草地上跑来跑去。 Háizi men zài cǎodì shang pǎo lái pǎo qù. The children are running back and forth on the grass.
V + 着 + V + 着 ， (就) + …
"Talking away, and suddenly…": V着V着
V着V着 means "kept doing something, and suddenly / without noticing…": while one action was continuing, something else happened, usually unexpectedly. 她说着说着就哭了 — "She was talking away when she suddenly started crying."
V + 着 + V + 着 ， (就) + V + 了 — kept V-ing, and suddenly / without noticing…
V + 着 + V + 着 ， 突然 + … — while V-ing, suddenly…
她说着说着就哭了。 Tā shuō zhe shuō zhe jiù kū le. She was talking away when she suddenly started crying.
他走着走着，突然停了下来。 Tā zǒu zhe zǒu zhe, tūrán tíng le xiàlai. He was walking along when he suddenly stopped.
我们聊着聊着，天就黑了。 Wǒmen liáo zhe liáo zhe, tiān jiù hēi le. We kept chatting, and before we knew it, it was dark.
说 + V + 就 + V
"No sooner said than done": 说V就V
说V就V means "say V and immediately V": the action happens at once, without preparation or hesitation. 说走就走 — "decide to leave and leave straight away." With weather and things: 天气说变就变 "the weather changes in an instant."
sb / sth + 说 + V + 就 + V — V just like that; V immediately, without preparation
不 是 + 说 + V + 就 + (能) + V + 的 — cannot just V
说 + V + 就 + V + 的 + noun — spontaneous, sudden (describing something)
他说走就走，谁也留不住。 Tā shuō zǒu jiù zǒu, shéi yě liú bu zhù. He decided to leave and left straight away; no one could stop him.
来一次说走就走的旅行吧！ Lái yí cì shuō zǒu jiù zǒu de lǚxíng ba! Let's take a spontaneous trip!
这里的天气说变就变。 Zhèlǐ de tiānqì shuō biàn jiù biàn. The weather here changes in an instant.
用不着 + V / noun
"No need, unnecessary": 用不着
用不着 means "there is no need": 你用不着担心 "you do not need to worry." It is followed by a verb or noun; 这些东西我用不着了 — "I no longer need these things." The rhetorical question 用得着吗？ means "is it really necessary?"
…， 用 得 着 吗 ？ — is that really necessary? is it worth it?
这种小事，用不着你帮忙。 Zhè zhǒng xiǎo shì, yòng bu zháo nǐ bāngmáng. There's no need for your help with such a small matter.
你用不着担心，我自己能行。 Nǐ yòng bu zháo dānxīn, wǒ zìjǐ néng xíng. You don't need to worry. I can manage on my own.
天不冷，用不着穿这么多。 Tiān bù lěng, yòng bu zháo chuān zhème duō. It's not cold. There's no need to wear so much.
从 + … + 来看 / 上看
"Judging by…, from the perspective of…": 从……来看
从……来看 and 从……上看 mean "judging by…, from the perspective of…": they introduce the basis for a conclusion. 从目前的情况来看，问题不大 — "Judging by the current situation, the problem isn't serious." Formal in style and common in the news.
从 + basis + 来 看 ， conclusion — judging by…, …
从 + noun + 上 看 ， conclusion — from the perspective of…; based on…
从 + who / what + 的 角度 + 来 看 — from the perspective of someone / something
从目前的情况来看，问题不大。 Cóng mùqián de qíngkuàng lái kàn, wèntí bú dà. Judging by the current situation, the problem isn't serious.
从调查结果来看，多数人支持这个计划。 Cóng diàochá jiéguǒ lái kàn, duōshù rén zhīchí zhège jìhuà. Judging by the survey results, most people support this plan.
从数据上看，今年的销售比去年好。 Cóng shùjù shang kàn, jīnnián de xiāoshòu bǐ qùnián hǎo. Based on the data, sales are better this year than last year.
A 的 A ， B 的 B
"Some cry, others laugh": A的A，B的B
A的A，B的B describes a group of people doing different things: 大家哭的哭，笑的笑 — "some cry, others laugh." The action is repeated on either side of 的; there can be two or three pairs.
group + V₁ + 的 + V₁ ， V₂ + 的 + V₂ — some V₁, others V₂
group + VO₁ + 的 + VO₁ ， VO₂ + 的 + VO₂ — some do one thing, others do another
things + adj./V + 的 + adj./V ， … + 的 + … — some are broken, others are lost
听到这个消息，大家哭的哭，笑的笑。 Tīng dào zhège xiāoxi, dàjiā kū de kū, xiào de xiào. On hearing the news, some cried and others laughed.
下课以后，学生走的走，留的留。 Xiàkè yǐhòu, xuésheng zǒu de zǒu, liú de liú. After class, some students left and others stayed.
晚会上，大家唱的唱，跳的跳，非常热闹。 Wǎnhuì shang, dàjiā chàng de chàng, tiào de tiào, fēicháng rènao. At the party, some sang and others danced. It was very lively.
X 也 不 是 ， Y 也 不 是 ； V 也 V 不 得
"Neither sitting nor standing feels right": X也不是，Y也不是
X也不是，Y也不是 means "neither X nor Y is right": someone is in an awkward position where every choice is bad (坐也不是，站也不是). V也V不得 means "can't even V": 打也打不得，骂也骂不得.
X + 也 不 是 ， Y + 也 不 是 — neither X nor Y feels right
V + 也 不 是 ， 不 + V + 也 不 是 — doing V is wrong, and not doing V is wrong too
他很紧张，坐也不是，站也不是。 Tā hěn jǐnzhāng, zuò yě bú shì, zhàn yě bú shì. He was so nervous that neither sitting nor standing felt right.
看到这种结果，我哭也不是，笑也不是。 Kàn dào zhè zhǒng jiéguǒ, wǒ kū yě bú shì, xiào yě bú shì. Seeing this result, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
这个礼物，我收也不是，不收也不是。 Zhège lǐwù, wǒ shōu yě bú shì, bù shōu yě bú shì. I feel awkward accepting this gift, but refusing it feels wrong too.
X 的 是 它 ， Y 的 也 是 它
"Behind both joy and trouble": X是它，Y也是它
X的是它，Y的也是它 means the same thing or person is behind both the good and the bad: 让我快乐的是它，让我累的也是它. It sums things up: success and failure have the same cause.
topic ， X + 的 是 它 ， Y + 的 也 是 它 — it is what X, and it is also what Y
X + 的 是 他 / 她 ， Y + 的 也 是 他 / 她 — both X and Y involve the same person
X 是 因为 它 ， Y 也 是 因为 它 — both X and Y are due to the same thing
这份工作，让我快乐的是它，让我累的也是它。 Zhè fèn gōngzuò, ràng wǒ kuàilè de shì tā, ràng wǒ lèi de yě shì tā. This job is what makes me happy, and it is also what makes me tired.
这座城市，我最爱的是它，最想离开的也是它。 Zhè zuò chéngshì, wǒ zuì ài de shì tā, zuì xiǎng líkāi de yě shì tā. This city is the one I love most, and also the one I most want to leave.
手机，给我们带来方便的是它，让我们浪费时间的也是它。 Shǒujī, gěi wǒmen dài lái fāngbiàn de shì tā, ràng wǒmen làngfèi shíjiān de yě shì tā. Mobile phones make our lives easier, but they also make us waste time.
V 着 也 是 V 着 ， …
"Idle anyway": 闲着也是闲着
V着也是V着 means "V anyway": it argues that a state serves no purpose, so why not do something useful? 闲着也是闲着，我来帮你吧 — "I'm not doing anything anyway, so let me help."
V 着 也 是 V 着 ， 不如 + … — V anyway—might as well…
V 着 也 是 V 着 ， (我) + V + 吧 — V anyway—let me…
thing + V 着 也 是 V 着 ， … — the thing is unused anyway—…
反正闲着也是闲着，我来帮你吧。 Fǎnzhèng xián zhe yě shì xián zhe, wǒ lái bāng nǐ ba. I'm not doing anything anyway—let me help.
闲着也是闲着，不如出去走走。 Xián zhe yě shì xián zhe, bùrú chūqu zǒu zou. There's nothing to do anyway—we might as well go for a walk.
房子空着也是空着，不如租出去。 Fángzi kòng zhe yě shì kòng zhe, bùrú zū chūqu. The apartment is empty anyway—we might as well rent it out.
不管 怎样 / 不管 怎么 说 ， ……
"In any case": 不管怎样 / 不管怎么说
不管怎样 means "whatever happens, in any case"; 不管怎么说 means "however you look at it, whatever you say." These are fixed introductory expressions: they come at the start of a clause, followed by a comma and then the main point.
不管 怎样 ， + decision / request — in any case, whatever happens
……， 但 / 不过 + 不管 怎么 说 ， + main point — but however you look at it, still…
不管怎么说，他是你的父亲。 Bùguǎn zěnme shuō, tā shì nǐ de fùqīn. However you look at it, he's your father.
不管怎样，先吃饭吧。 Bùguǎn zěnyàng, xiān chī fàn ba. In any case, let's eat first.
……， 真 有 你 / 他 / 她 的 ！
"You're really something!": 真有你的
真有你的 means "you're really something!, well done!" It expresses admiration when someone achieves something unexpected, or irony at something they've gone and done again. 他 / 她 can replace 你.
what someone did ， 真 有 你 的 ！ — you're really something! (admiration)
真 有 他 / 她 的 ， + what someone did — he / she is really something!
这么难的题你都做出来了，真有你的！ Zhème nán de tí nǐ dōu zuò chūlai le, zhēn yǒu nǐ de! You solved such a difficult problem—you're really something!
真有你的，一个人把这么多工作都做完了。 Zhēn yǒu nǐ de, yí ge rén bǎ zhème duō gōngzuò dōu zuò wán le. Well done—you finished all that work by yourself.
他居然说服了老板，真有他的！ Tā jūrán shuōfú le lǎobǎn, zhēn yǒu tā de! He actually persuaded the boss—he's really something!
什么 + X + 不 + X + 的 ； X + 什么 + X
"Don't talk about money!": 什么钱不钱的 / 哭什么哭
什么X不X的 dismisses X: 什么钱不钱的 means "don't talk about money; money doesn't come into it." X什么X is a sharp "stop X!": 哭什么哭！ Both expressions are colloquial and emotional.
什么 + noun / adjective + 不 + same word + 的 ， + why it doesn't matter — never mind…, don't talk about…
verb + 什么 + same verb ！ — stop …! don't …!
什么钱不钱的，我们是朋友。 Shénme qián bù qián de, wǒmen shì péngyou. Don't talk about money—we're friends.
什么麻烦不麻烦的，你的事就是我的事。 Shénme máfan bù máfan de, nǐ de shì jiù shì wǒ de shì. It's no trouble—your business is my business.
什么客气不客气的，快坐下吃吧。 Shénme kèqi bú kèqi de, kuài zuò xià chī ba. No need to stand on ceremony—sit down and eat.
不 + V + 白 + 不 + V
"Might as well take it": 不吃白不吃
不X白不X means "not doing X would mean missing out; you'd be foolish not to X." Use it for something free or already paid for: 反正是免费的，不吃白不吃. The same verb is repeated twice.
不 + verb + 白 + 不 + same verb — might as well…; would be foolish not to…
reason (免费 / 请客 / 已经 买 了) ， 不 V 白 不 V — if it's free, might as well make use of it
反正是免费的，不吃白不吃。 Fǎnzhèng shì miǎnfèi de, bù chī bái bù chī. It's free anyway, so we might as well eat.
今天公司请客，不吃白不吃！ Jīntiān gōngsī qǐngkè, bù chī bái bù chī! The company is treating us today. We'd be foolish not to eat!
票已经买了，不看白不看。 Piào yǐjīng mǎi le, bú kàn bái bú kàn. The tickets are already bought, so we might as well go and watch.
V1 + 什么 + V2 + 什么 ； 说 什么 就 是 什么
"We eat whatever there is": 有什么吃什么
有什么吃什么 means "we eat whatever there is": two instances of 什么 without 就 describe a habit of taking whatever is available without being picky. 你说什么就是什么 means "whatever you say goes": that person's word is final.
有 + 什么 + verb + 什么 — eat, take… whatever there is
verb 1 + 什么 + verb 2 + 什么 — whatever one…, one…
person + 说 + 什么 + 就 是 + 什么 — whatever he says goes
我不挑，有什么吃什么。 Wǒ bù tiāo, yǒu shénme chī shénme. I'm not picky: I eat whatever there is.
家里有什么就吃什么吧。 Jiā li yǒu shénme jiù chī shénme ba. Let's eat whatever we have at home.
他这个人想什么说什么。 Tā zhè ge rén xiǎng shénme shuō shénme. He's the kind of person who says whatever he thinks.
verb + 不 得
"Must not; should not": 吃不得, 去不得
Verb + 不得 means "must not, should not, it is dangerous to do this": 这种鱼吃不得 — "you must not eat this kind of fish." The object is usually placed first, and 不得 goes directly after the verb.
thing + verb + 不 得 — must not (eat, touch…) this
thing / person + 可 + verb + 不 得 — must not under any circumstances
这种鱼吃不得，会生病的。 Zhè zhǒng yú chī bu de, huì shēngbìng de. You mustn't eat this kind of fish. It'll make you sick.
那个地方太危险，去不得。 Nà ge dìfang tài wēixiǎn, qù bu de. That place is too dangerous. You mustn't go there.
这种事可说不得，他会生气的。 Zhè zhǒng shì kě shuō bu de, tā huì shēngqì de. You absolutely mustn't mention this kind of thing. He'll get angry.
V / adj. + 得 + verb phrase / subject + predicate
"So tired I can't walk": 累得走不动
得 can be followed by a whole situation showing the resulting extent: 我累得走不动了 — "I'm so tired I can't walk"; 笑得肚子都疼了. In English, this is "so… that…"
adj. / verb + 得 + verb + result — so… that (couldn't…)
adj. / verb + 得 + person / thing + 都 + predicate — so… that even…
adj. + 得 + verb + 了 + 起来 — so… that one started (jumping, crying)
我累得走不动了。 Wǒ lèi de zǒu bu dòng le. I am so tired that I cannot walk any further.
听到这个消息，他高兴得跳了起来。 Tīng dào zhè ge xiāoxi, tā gāoxìng de tiào le qǐlai. Hearing the news, he was so happy that he jumped for joy.
她最近忙得饭都没有时间吃。 Tā zuìjìn máng de fàn dōu méiyǒu shíjiān chī. She has been so busy lately that she does not even have time to eat.
A + 有着 + (modifier 的) + noun ； place + V + 有 + what
"Possesses, has": 有着 / 写有
有着 is a literary way to say "has, possesses": 中国有着悠久的历史. Its object is abstract and has a modifier. Verb + 有 (写有, 刻有) means "something is written or carved on something": 石头上刻有几个大字.
A + 有着 + modifier + 的 + abstract noun — A has (a long history, a close connection…)
place + 上 / 里 + verb + 有 + what — something is written, drawn, or installed on / in something
中国有着悠久的历史。 Zhōngguó yǒuzhe yōujiǔ de lìshǐ. China has a long history.
这座城市有着两千多年的历史。 Zhè zuò chéngshì yǒuzhe liǎng qiān duō nián de lìshǐ. This city has a history of over two thousand years.
他们之间有着很深的感情。 Tāmen zhījiān yǒuzhe hěn shēn de gǎnqíng. They have deep feelings for each other.
把 + O + 一 + V ， …… ； 把 + O1 + V + 了 + O2
"He waved his hand": 把手一挥 / 把车加满了油
把 + object + 一 + verb describes a quick movement immediately followed by something else: 他把手一挥，大家马上安静了. 把 + O1 + verb + O2 describes what was done to part of an object or its surface: 把钱花了一半.
who + 把 + body part / object + 一 + verb ， + what happens next — waved / raised / threw — and immediately…
who + 把 + O1 + verb + 了 + O2 — did something to O1 that affected O2 (a part, an amount)
他把手一挥，大家马上安静了。 Tā bǎ shǒu yì huī, dàjiā mǎshàng ānjìng le. He waved his hand, and everyone immediately fell silent.
她把门一关，一个人在房间里哭了起来。 Tā bǎ mén yì guān, yí ge rén zài fángjiān li kū le qǐlai. She shut the door and burst into tears alone in the room.
老师把书往桌子上一放，生气地走了。 Lǎoshī bǎ shū wǎng zhuōzi shang yí fàng, shēngqì de zǒu le. The teacher put the book down on the table and walked away angrily.
A + adj. + B + amount (他 大 我 两 岁)
"Two years older than me": 他大我两岁
A + adjective + B + amount is a comparison without 比: 他大我两岁 "he is two years older than me." The amount at the end is required; this pattern is mainly used with 大, 小, 高, 矮, 重, 早, 晚.
A + adj. + B + number + measure word — A is this much bigger / taller / older than B
A + 早 / 晚 + B + time interval + verb — A did something this much earlier / later than B
= A + 比 + B + adj. + number + measure word — the same meaning using 比
他大我两岁。 Tā dà wǒ liǎng suì. He is two years older than me.
我高他三厘米。 Wǒ gāo tā sān límǐ. I am three centimeters taller than him.
我小姐姐五岁。 Wǒ xiǎo jiějie wǔ suì. I am five years younger than my older sister.
或是 A ， 或是 B
"Either…, or…": 或是……，或是……
或是 means "or", a literary synonym of 或者. The pair 或是 A，或是 B means "either A or B" in statements. In an "A or B?" question, use 还是, not 或是.
A ， 或是 + B — A or B
Subject + 或是 + A ， 或是 + B — either A or B; sometimes A, sometimes B
无论 是 A 或是 B ， 都 …… — whether A or B — either way…
周末我一般在家看书，或是去公园散步。 Zhōumò wǒ yìbān zài jiā kàn shū, huòshì qù gōngyuán sànbù. On weekends, I usually read at home or go for a walk in the park.
你可以坐地铁，或是坐公交车。 Nǐ kěyǐ zuò dìtiě, huòshì zuò gōngjiāochē. You can take the subway or the bus.
有问题可以打电话，或是发邮件。 Yǒu wèntí kěyǐ dǎ diànhuà, huòshì fā yóujiàn. If you have questions, you can call or send an email.
……， 为 的 是 + purpose
"In order to…": ……，为的是……
为的是 means "in order to; so that." First state what was done, then add a comma and 为的是 + purpose. Unlike 为了, it comes in the second part of the sentence.
Action ， 为 的 是 + purpose — did something in order to…
……， 为 的 是 + 让 / 能 + … — …, so that someone can / so that something becomes…
= 为了 + purpose ， action — the same idea, with the purpose first
他每天早上跑步，为的是保持健康。 Tā měi tiān zǎoshang pǎobù, wèi de shì bǎochí jiànkāng. He runs every morning to stay healthy.
我来中国，为的是学好汉语。 Wǒ lái Zhōngguó, wèi de shì xué hǎo Hànyǔ. I came to China to learn Chinese well.
她这么努力地工作，为的是让孩子过上好日子。 Tā zhème nǔlì de gōngzuò, wèi de shì ràng háizi guò shàng hǎo rìzi. She works so hard so that her children can have a good life.
没有 A ， 就 没有 B
"Without A, there would be no B": 没有……就没有……
没有 A，就没有 B means "without A, there will be (would be) no B": A is a necessary condition for B. It is used in expressions of thanks ("without your help…") and in sayings such as 没有付出，就没有收获.
没有 + A ， 就 没有 + B — without A, there will be no B
没有 + someone 的 + help ， 就 没有 + 我 的 今天 — without someone's help, I would not be who I am today
没有你们的帮助，就没有我今天的成功。 Méiyǒu nǐmen de bāngzhù, jiù méiyǒu wǒ jīntiān de chénggōng. Without your help, I would not have achieved the success I have today.
没有父母的支持，就没有我的今天。 Méiyǒu fùmǔ de zhīchí, jiù méiyǒu wǒ de jīntiān. Without my parents' support, I would not be who I am today.
没有健康，就没有一切。 Méiyǒu jiànkāng, jiù méiyǒu yíqiè. Without health, there is nothing.
不 A 不 B (不 去 不行)
"If you don't do it, it won't happen": 不……不……
不 A 不 B is a condensed condition: "if not A, then not B": 不去不行 "not going is not an option," 不说不明白 "it won't be clear unless you say it." There are no conjunctions: the two 不 clauses make up the whole construction.
不 + verb + 不行 — not doing it is not an option; must do it
不 + verb + 不 + know / understand — you won't know / understand until you do it
不 A 不 知道 ， 一 A 才 发现 …… — you won't know until you try; after trying, you discover…
这个会很重要，你不去不行。 Zhège huì hěn zhòngyào, nǐ bú qù bùxíng. This meeting is very important; you must go.
这药你不吃不行。 Zhè yào nǐ bù chī bùxíng. You must take this medicine.
明天考试很难，不复习不行。 Míngtiān kǎoshì hěn nán, bú fùxí bùxíng. Tomorrow's exam will be hard; you have to review.
……， (subject +) 便 + verb
"Then, immediately": 便—the literary 就
便 is a literary version of 就: "then, immediately, already." It comes after the subject and before the verb: 他一下课便回家了. It works in the same pairings as 就: 一……便……, 只要……便…….
Action 1 ， subject + 便 + action 2 — did one thing, then / immediately did another
一 + A ， 便 + B — as soon as A, immediately B
只要 + condition ， 便 + result — all it takes is…, and…
他一下课便回家了。 Tā yí xiàkè biàn huí jiā le. As soon as class ended, he went straight home.
我们吃完饭，便去看电影了。 Wǒmen chī wán fàn, biàn qù kàn diànyǐng le. After dinner, we went to the movies.
听了他的解释，我便明白了。 Tīng le tā de jiěshì, wǒ biàn míngbai le. After hearing his explanation, I understood.
A 由 B 组成 / 构成
"Consists of…": 由……组成 / 构成
A 由 B 组成 / 构成 means "A consists of B." Unlike English, the parts come BEFORE the verb: 公司由三个部门组成. 组成 is more common for people and objects; 构成 for constituent elements.
Whole + 由 + parts + 组成 — a whole consists of parts (people, objects)
Whole + 由 + elements + 构成 — a whole is made up of elements
我们公司由三个部门组成。 Wǒmen gōngsī yóu sān ge bùmén zǔchéng. Our company consists of three departments.
这个小组由五名成员组成。 Zhè ge xiǎozǔ yóu wǔ míng chéngyuán zǔchéng. This group consists of five members.
一个家庭通常由父母和孩子组成。 Yí ge jiātíng tōngcháng yóu fùmǔ hé háizi zǔchéng. A family usually consists of parents and children.
如此 ； 本 + noun / 本人 ； 彼此
"So, this, each other": 如此, 本, 彼此
Three literary pronouns: 如此 "so, to this extent" (= 这样 / 这么), 本 "this, our" before a noun (本公司, 本次) and 本人 "oneself, in person," 彼此 "each other, mutually."
如此 + adjective ； ……如此 — so…; this way (how things stand)
本 + noun (公司 / 店 / 次) ； 本人 — this, our; oneself, in person
彼此 + verb ； 彼此 之间 — each other, mutually; between one another
原来如此，我明白了。 Yuánlái rúcǐ, wǒ míngbai le. So that's it. I understand now.
他的汉语说得如此流利，真让人吃惊。 Tā de Hànyǔ shuō de rúcǐ liúlì, zhēn ràng rén chījīng. He speaks Chinese so fluently—it's truly astonishing.
我没有想到这个问题如此复杂。 Wǒ méiyǒu xiǎng dào zhège wèntí rúcǐ fùzá. I didn't expect this issue to be so complex.
Five literary adverbs of degree placed before an adjective: 相当—"quite, rather," 较—"relatively," 格外—"especially (more than usual)," 极其—"extremely," 过于—"overly" (with a critical tone).
时刻 — "constantly, every moment"; 立刻 — "immediately" (also used in requests); 连忙 — "hurriedly, at once" in response to something, only in narration; 急忙 — "in a hurry," when something is urgent.
时刻 + verb (注意, 关心, 准备…) — constantly, every moment
(请) + 立刻 + verb — immediately, at once
event，subject + 连忙 + verb — hurriedly, at once (in response)
subject + 急忙 + verb — in a hurry, hurriedly (because it is urgent)
开车的时候要时刻注意安全。 Kāi chē de shíhou yào shíkè zhùyì ānquán. When driving, you must pay attention to safety at all times.
妈妈时刻关心着我们的健康。 Māma shíkè guānxīn zhe wǒmen de jiànkāng. Mom is always concerned about our health.
接到电话以后，他立刻回了公司。 Jiē dào diànhuà yǐhòu, tā lìkè huí le gōngsī. After receiving the call, he immediately returned to the office.
始终 / 早已 / 即将 / 渐渐 / 早晚 + verb
"Throughout, long since, about to, gradually, sooner or later": 始终, 早已, 即将, 渐渐, 早晚
始终 — "all along, from beginning to end" (often with 不/没); 早已 — "long since" (+ 了); 即将 — formal "about to"; 渐渐 — "gradually" (+ 了); 早晚 — "sooner or later" (+ 会).
subject + 始终 + (不 / 没有) + verb — all along, never once…
subject + 早已 + verb + 了 — did something long ago
subject + 即将 + verb — about to, soon (formal)
渐渐 + verb / adj. + 了 — gradually became…
subject + 早晚 + 会 + verb — sooner or later…
开会的时候，他始终没有说话。 Kāi huì de shíhou, tā shǐzhōng méiyǒu shuōhuà. He never said a word throughout the meeting.
十年来，她始终坚持每天跑步。 Shí nián lái, tā shǐzhōng jiānchí měitiān pǎobù. For ten years, she has consistently kept up her daily runs.
这个问题我始终不明白。 Zhège wèntí wǒ shǐzhōng bù míngbai. I have never understood this issue.
老是 / 通常 / 时常 + verb
"Always, usually, frequently": 老是, 通常, 时常
老是 — "always, all the time," colloquial and usually expressing annoyance; 通常 — "usually, as a rule," describing the normal routine (can come at the start of a sentence); 时常 — formal "often, frequently."
subject + 老是 + verb — always, constantly (and it is annoying)
(通常) + subject + (通常) + time / place + verb — usually, as a rule
通常 情况 下 ， …… — under normal circumstances, as a rule
subject + 时常 + verb — often, frequently
他老是迟到，老板很不满意。 Tā lǎoshì chídào, lǎobǎn hěn bù mǎnyì. He is always late, and his boss is very unhappy.
你怎么老是忘带钥匙？ Nǐ zěnme lǎoshì wàng dài yàoshi? Why do you always forget to bring your keys?
这几天老是下雨。 Zhè jǐ tiān lǎoshì xiàyǔ. It has been raining all the time these past few days.
亲自 / 绝对 / 的确 + verb / adj.
"Personally, absolutely, indeed": 亲自, 绝对, 的确
亲自 — "personally, oneself" (doing something oneself rather than delegating it); 绝对 — "absolutely, under no circumstances" (绝对不 expresses a firm promise or prohibition); 的确 — "indeed," confirming what was said.
subject + 亲自 + verb — personally, with one's own hands
subject + 绝对 + (不) + verb / adj. — absolutely, under no circumstances
校长亲自给我们上了一节课。 Xiàozhǎng qīnzì gěi wǒmen shàng le yì jié kè. The principal taught us a lesson himself.
这件事很重要，我要亲自去一趟。 Zhè jiàn shì hěn zhòngyào, wǒ yào qīnzì qù yí tàng. This matter is very important. I'll go there in person.
这是妈妈亲自做的蛋糕。 Zhè shì māma qīnzì zuò de dàngāo. This is a cake Mom made herself.
白 + verb ； 刚好 ； 可 + adj. + 了！
"In vain, just right, so…!": 白, 刚好, 可……了
白 before a verb means "in vain, for nothing" (白跑一趟 "made a trip for nothing"); 刚好 means "just right, exactly" (= 正好); 可 + adjective + 了！ means "so…!, how…!", while 可别 / 可要 expresses an insistent request.
someone + 白 + verb + 了 (+ how much) — did something in vain, for nothing
someone / something + 刚好 + …；V + 得 + 刚好 — just, exactly, just right
someone / something + 可 + adjective + 了！ — so …!, how …!
你 + 可 + 别 / 要 + verb — make sure you don't …! / be sure to …!
图书馆今天不开门，我白跑了一趟。 Túshūguǎn jīntiān bù kāi mén, wǒ bái pǎo le yí tàng. The library is closed today. I made the trip for nothing.
他没有来，我们白等了一个小时。 Tā méiyǒu lái, wǒmen bái děng le yí ge xiǎoshí. He didn't come. We waited a whole hour for nothing.
这本书一点儿用也没有，钱白花了。 Zhè běn shū yìdiǎnr yòng yě méiyǒu, qián bái huā le. This book is completely useless. The money was wasted.
朝 / 沿着 / 同 / 凭 / 据 + N + verb
"Toward, along, with, on the basis of, according to": 朝, 沿(着), 同, 凭, 据
朝 means "toward, facing"; 沿(着) means "along"; 同 is a literary "with" (= 跟); 凭 means "relying on, with (a ticket), on what grounds"; 据 means "according to" (据报道, 据调查).
朝 + someone / direction + verb — toward someone, in a direction
沿(着) + road / river + verb — along
同 + someone + verb / 一样 — with someone; like someone
凭 + basis + verb；凭 什么 ……？ — relying on; on what grounds?
据 + 报道 / 调查 / 统计 ， …… — according to…, based on…
他回过头，朝我笑了笑。 Tā huí guo tóu, cháo wǒ xiào le xiào. He turned around and smiled at me.
孩子们朝门口跑去。 Háizi men cháo ménkǒu pǎo qù. The children ran toward the door.
沿着这条路一直走，就能看到银行。 Yán zhe zhè tiáo lù yìzhí zǒu, jiù néng kàn dào yínháng. Walk straight along this road and you'll see the bank.