Page(s) Lessons Basic Chinese Grammar

汉语
2 1 Basic Units of Word Structure in Chinese
2 2 Morpheme
2 3 Word
2 4 Compounds
3 5 Compound Types I
Hànyǔ
3 6 Compound Types II
3 7 Reduplication

汉语语法
3 8 Affixed
4 9 Word Classes I
4 10 Word Classes II
4 11 Nouns
Hànyǔ Yǔfǎ 4 12 Verbs
Basic Chinese Grammar 5 13 Adjectives: Stative Verbs
5 14 Numerals & Measures
http://mementolangues.com/
5 15 Pronouns
5 16 Adverbs I
6 17 Prepositions & Conjunctions
6 18 Particles
6 19 The Chinese Sentence
6 20 Sentence Structures I
7 21 Subject-Predicate I
7 22 Subject-Predicate II
7 23 Copular Sentence
7 24 Sentence Structures II
8 25 Sentence Structures III
8 26 Complements I
8 27 Complements II
8 28 Prepositional: use Coverbs
9 29 Aspect
9 30 Adverbs II
10-11 1 Nouns
11-13 2 Verbs
13-15 3 Auxiliary Verbs
15-18 4 Adjectives
19-27 - Grammar Index

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汉语 8/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法
Basic Chinese Grammar
A Review in Slides
Author: Richard VanNess Simmons
http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~rsimmon/chingram/

书写纸 Shūxiězhǐ Le bloc-notes

汉语 9/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法

1.作主语。
Zuò zhǔyǔ.
As a subject.

北京是中国的首都。
Běijīng shì Zhōngguó de shǒudū.
中文上网学习 Beijing is the capital of China.
Zhōngwén shàng wǎng xuéxí 夏天热
Learning Chinese On the Net
Xiàtiān rè.
http://chineseon.net/course/grammar/list.php In summer it is hot.
Chinese Grammar
西边是操场。
课 Kè Lesson 标题 Biāotí Title Xībiān shì cāochǎng.
One 名词 Míngcí Nouns The playground lies in the west.

Two 动词 Dòngcí Verbs 老师给我们上课。

Lǎoshī gěi wǒmen shàngkè.
Three 助动词 Zhùdòngcí Auxiliary Verbs
The teacher gave us a course.
Four 形容词 Xíngróngcí Adjectives 2.作宾语。
第一课：名词 Zuò bīnyǔ.
Dì yī kè: Míngcí As an object.
Lesson One: Nouns
小云看书。
A word denoting the name of a person or a thing is called a noun. Generally a noun can
be preceded by a numeral-measure word combination, but can't be modified by Xiǎo Yún kàn shū.
adverbs. Some monosyllabic nouns can be reduplicated to express the meaning of Xiao Yun reads books.
"every". For example, "人人" rénrén (everyone), "天天" tiāntiān (everyday) and so
现在是五点。
on. The suffix "们" men can be added to a personal noun to express the plural. For Xiànzài shì wǔ diǎn.
example, "老师们" lǎoshīmen (teachers). However, if before the noun there are Now it is five o'clock.

numeral-measure words or other words implying the plural, the suffix "们" men can't be 我们家在东边。
added to the noun. For example, we can't say "五个老师们" wǔ ge lǎoshīmen, but Wǒmen jiā zài dōngbiān.

should say "五个老师" wǔ ge lǎoshī (five teachers).

Our house is located in the east.

Generally a noun can serve as a subject, an object or an attributive in a sentence.

汉语 10/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法
我写作业。 Please come in.

Wǒ xiě zuòyè. 我们外边谈。

I do my homework. Wǒmen wàibian tán.
Let's talk outside.
3.作定语。
Zuò dìngyǔ. 第二课：动词
As an attributive. Dì èr kè: Dòngcí

这是中国瓷器。 Lesson Two: Verbs

Words indicating actions, behavior, mental activities, changes and development, etc.
Zhè shì Zhōngguó cíqì. are called verbs. Verbs can be grouped into transitive verbs and intransitive verbs
This is a Chinese porcelain. according to whether they take an object. Verbs that can be followed immediately by an
object are called transitive verbs. Verbs that can't immediately take an object are called
我喜欢夏天的夜晚。 intransitive verbs.
Wǒ xǐhuān xiàtiān de yèwǎn. Verbs are negated by the negative adverbs"不" bù or "没(有)" méi(yǒu).
I like the night in summer.
一.动词的用途：
英语语法比较简单。 Dòngcí de yòngtú:
Yīngyǔ yǔfǎ bǐjiào jiǎndān. Functions:
The grammar of English is comparatively simple.
1.作谓语。
妈妈的衣服在那儿。 Zuò wèiyǔ.
Māma de yīfu zài nàr. As a predicate.
Mother's dress is there.
我喜欢北京。
Time nouns (nouns indicating date, times of the clock, seasons, etc.) and nouns of
locality (nouns showing direction an location) can also serve as adverbial adjuncts, Wǒ xǐhuān Běijīng.
whereas nouns of other kinds cannot. For example: I like Beijing.
他后天来。 我站在长城上。
Tā hòutiān lái. Wǒ zhàn zài Chángchéng shàng.
He will come here the day after tomorrow. I am standing on the Great Wall.
我们晚上上课。 2.作主语。
Wǒmen wǎnshàng shàngkè. Zuò zhǔyǔ.
We have classes in the evening. As a subject.
您里边请。 A verb can be used as a subject on the condition that the predicate of the sentence is
an adjective or a verb expressing the ideas of "stop, start or judge".
Nín lǐbian qǐng.
汉语 11/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法
浪费可耻。 As a complement.

Làngfèi kěchǐ. 我听得懂。

Waste is disgraceful. Wǒ tīng de dǒng.

比赛结束了。 I can understand.

Bǐsài jiéshù le. 他看不见。

The match ended. Tā kàn bú jiàn.
He can't see it.
3.作定语。
Zuò dìngyǔ. 6.作状语。
As an attributive. Zuò zhuàngyǔ.

的 de must be added to a verb used as an attributive. As an adverbial adjunct.

你有吃的东西吗？ 地 de must be added to a verb used as an adverbial adjunct.

Nǐ yǒu chī de dōngxi ma? 他父母热情地接待了我。
Do you have something to eat ? Tā fùmǔ rèqíng de jiēdài le wǒ.

他说的话很正确。 His parents welcomed me with open arms.

Tā shuō de huà hěn zhèngquè. 学生们认真地听老师讲课。

What he said is correct. Xuéshengmen rènzhēn de tīng lǎoshī jiǎngkè.
The students listen to the teacher attentively.
4.作宾语。
Zuò bīnyǔ. 二.使用动词时，要注意下面几个问题。
As an object. Shǐyòng dòngcí shí, yào zhùyì xiàmiàn jǐ ge wèntí.

我喜欢学习。 Points that merit special attention.

1. Chinese verbs have no morphological changes whatsoever resulting from person,
Wǒ xǐhuān xuéxí. gender, number, time, etc.. For example:
I like studying.
我是学生。
我们十点结束了讨论。 Wǒ shì xuésheng.
Wǒmen shí diǎn jiéshù le tǎolùn. I am a student.
We ended the discussion at 10 o'clock. 她是老师。
5.作补语。 Tā shì lǎoshī.
Zuò bǔyǔ. She is a teacher.

汉语 12/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法

他们是工人。 4. The particle "过" guo is suffixed to a verb to place special stress on a certain
Tāmen shì gōngren. experience in the past. For example:

They are workers. 我去过北京。

我正在写作业。 Wǒ qù guo Běijīng
I have been to Beijing.
Wǒ zhèngzài xiě zuòyè.
I am doing my homework. 我曾经看过这本书。
我每天下午写作业。 Wǒ céngjīng kàn guo zhè běn shū.
I have read this book.
Wǒ měitiān xiàwǔ xiě zuòyè.
I do my homework every afternoon. 第三课：助动词
我写了作业。 Dì sān kè: Zhùdòngcí
Lesson Three: Auxiliary Verbs
Wǒ xiě le zuòyè.
Verbs that "help" other verbs to express necessity, possibility and willingness are called
I did my homework. auxiliary verbs. Auxiliary verbs are often used to modify verbs or adjectives. A noun
2. The particle "了" le is suffixed to a verb to emphasize a completed action. cannot immediately follow them. They are negated by 不 bù.
For example:
助动词有以下几类：
我读了一本书。 Zhùdòngcí yǒu yǐxià jǐ lèi:
Wǒ dú le yì běn shū.
Auxiliary verbs include the following kinds:
I finished reading a book.
表示有某种技能、能力的：
他走了。 Biǎoshì yǒu mǒu zhǒng jìnéng, nénglì de:
Tā zǒu le.
1. Those expressing capability:
He left.
能
3. The particle "着" zhe is suffixed to a verb to show a progressive action or continuous
néng
state. For example:
can/may/is capable of
我们正上着课。
Wǒmen zhèng shàng zhe kè.
能够
nénggòu
We are having classes.
can/is capable of/is able to
门开着呢。
Mén kāi zhe ne.
会
huì
The door is opening.

汉语 13/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法

can/be able to
该
表示可能的： gāi
Biǎoshì kěnéng de: should/ought to
2. Those expressing possibility:
要
能 yào
néng must
can/may/is capable of
表示必要的：
能够 Biǎoshì bìyào de:
nénggòu 4. Those expressing obligation:
can/is capable of/is able to
必须
会 bìxū
huì to have to/must
can/be able to
得
可以 děi
kěyǐ to have to/must/to need to
can/may/is able to
表示主观愿望的：
可能 Biǎoshì zhǔguān yuànwàng de:
kěnéng 5. Those expressing willingness:
might happen/is possible/is probable
要
表示情理上需要的: yào
Biǎoshì qínglǐ shàng xūyào de: to want to
3. Those expressing necessity by reason:
想
应该 xiǎng
yīnggāi to wish to/to want to
ought to/should/must
愿意
应当 yuànyì
yīngdāng to wish to/to want to/to be willing to
should/ought to
汉语 14/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法
ǎi
敢
short (not tall)
gǎn
to dare to 红
hóng
肯
red
kěn
to be willing to/to be ready to 绿
lǜ
第四课：形容词
green
Dì sì kè: Xíngróngcí
Lesson Four: Adjectives 齐
Words that describe the shape or property of a person or thing, or the state of a qí
movement or action, are called adjectives. The negative adverb 不 bù is placed before even
an adjective for the negative form.
美丽
一.形容词有以下几类： měilì
Xíngróngcí yǒu yǐxià jǐ lèi: beautiful
Adjectives include the following kinds:
2.表示人或事物的性质的：
1.表示人或事物的形状的： Biǎoshì rén huò shìwù de xìngzhí de:
Biǎoshì rén huò shìwù de xíngzhuàng de: Describing property or quality:
Describing shape:
好
大 hǎo
dà good/well
big/large/wide/old
坏
小 huài
xiǎo bad/spoiled
small/young
冷
高 lěng
gāo cold
high/tall
热
矮 rè
汉语 15/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法
warm
紧张
对 jǐnzhāng
duì nervous/strained/tense
rignt
流利
错 liúlì
cuò fluent
wrong
认真
正确 rènzhēn
zhèngquè earnest/serious
correct
熟练
伟大 shúliàn
wěidà proficient/skilled
great/large
残酷
优秀 cánkù
yōuxiù cruel
outstanding/excellent
二.形容词的用途：
严重 Xíngróngcí de yòngtú:
yánzhòng Functions:
serious/critical/grave/severe
1.作定语：
3.表示动作或行为等的状态的： Zuò dìngyǔ:
Biǎoshì dòngzuò huò xíngwéi děng de zhuàngtài de: As an attributive:
Describing the state of a movement or action:
形容词最主要的用途是修饰中心语。例如：
快 Xíngróngcí zuì zhǔyào de yòngtú shì xiūshì zhōngxīn yǔ. Lìrú:
kuài Adjectives are mainly used as modifying attributive. For example:
fast/quick/swift
红裙子
慢 hóng qúnzi
màn a red skirt
slow
汉语 16/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法
绿帽子 形容词的一个重要用途是在动词前作状语。例如：
lǜ màozi Xíngróngcí de yíge zhòngyào yòngtú shì zài dòngcí qián zuò zhuàngyǔ. Lìrú:
a green cap One of the important use of adjectives is to be placed before a verb as an adverbial
adjunct. For example:
宽广的原野
4.作补语：
kuānguǎng de yuányě
Zuò bǔyǔ:
vast expense of open country
As a complement:
明媚的阳光
形容词常作谓语动词的补语。例如：
míngmèi de yángguāng
Xíngróngcí cháng zuò wèiyǔ dòngcí de bǔyǔ. Lìrú:
bright sunshine
Adjectives often serve as complements to predicate verbs. For example:
2.作谓语：
先在纸上画图形，再选好树叶。
Zuò wèiyǔ:
Xiānzài zhǐ shàng huà tú xíng, zài xuǎn hǎo shù yè
As a predicate:
First, drew a pattern on a piece of paper and then select some leaves.
时间紧迫。
把你自己的衣服洗干净。
Shíjiān jǐnpò.
Bǎ nǐzìjǐ de yīfu xǐ gānjìng.
Someone is being pressed for time.
Clean your clothes.
她很漂亮。
雨水打湿了她的头发。
Tā hěn piàoliàng.
Yǔshuǐ dǎ shī le tāde tóufà.
She is very beautiful.
The rainwater wet her hair.
茉莉花很香。
风吹干了衣服。
Mòlìhuā hěn xiāng.
Fēng chuī gān le yīfu.
Jasmine is very fragrant.
The wind dried the clothes.
他很高。
5.作主语：
Tā hěn gāo.
Zuò zhǔyǔ:
He is very tall.
As a subject:
3.作状语：
谦虚是中国传统的美德。
Zuò zhuàngyǔ:
Qiānxū shì Zhōngguó chuántǒng de měi dé.
As an adverbial adjunct:
Modesty is a traditional virtue of China.

汉语 17/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法

骄傲使人落后。
Jiāo'ào shǐ rén luòhòu.
Proud will make you drop behind.

6.作宾语：
Zuò bīnyǔ:
As an object:

女孩子爱漂亮。
Nǚ háizi ài piàoliàng.
Girls love being pretty.

他喜欢安静。
Tā xǐhuān ānjìng.
He likes quietness.

书写纸 Shūxiězhǐ Le bloc-notes

汉语 18/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法

Centre for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language 他是老师。
University of Oxford Tā shì lǎoshī.
He is a teacher.
牛津大学汉语教学中心 我是学生。
Niújīn dàxué hànyǔ jiāoxué zhōngxīn Wǒ shì xuésheng.
http://www.ctcfl.ox.ac.uk/Chinese/grammarlist.htm I am a student.
Co-Verbs
Grammar Index
This term refers to a verb when its function, used together with its own object, is to
Stative Verbs
A stative verb expresses quality or conditions. In Chinese a stative verb is used where modify the main verb of a sentence. An example is 在 zài, which can be used as a co-
in English one would use the verb ‘to be’ with an adjective. For instance, in: verb meaning to be located in, on or at a place. Please note in this context that
sequence and background are important in Chinese when it comes to describing
他很忙。 actions. The first action in a sequence should come first in an utterance. In:
Tā hěn máng.
He is very busy. 小丁在家看书。
Xiǎo Dīng zài jiā kàn shū.
忙 máng is a stative verb and means to be busy. Xiao Ding is reading a book at home.
the first action in the sequence could be described as the background to the main
Possessive 的 de
action, but it still has to come first, with the co-verb 在 zài followed by the noun 家 jiā
This construction indicates that the noun after 的 de belongs to the noun that comes forming a co-verb clause. In the example given here Xiao Ding would have had to be at
home before he started reading the book
before 的 de, as in 小王的邮票 Xiǎo Wáng de yóupiào Xiao Wang’s stamp.
The particle 吧 ba
Verb + 一下 yíxià
The particle 吧 ba is placed at the end of a sentence to indicate a suggestion.
When 一下 yíxià is preceded by a verb, it has two functions.
Modal Verbs
1. It is used as a time measure to imply that the action lasts for a little while.
2. It is used to soften the tone of voice. Modal verbs are like auxiliary verbs and are placed before main verbs. Examples are:

The Verb 在 zài

应该 yīnggāi should, to be obliged; 得 děi to have to; 可以 kěyǐ to be permitted;
能 néng to be able; 想 xiǎng to want, to intend and 爱 ài to like, to be fond of.
When 在 zài is used as the main verb in a sentence, it means to be located, to be in,
Choice type questions
on, or at a place, as in 在这儿 zài zhèr to be here: One type of choice type questions is formed by following an affirmative verb with a
他在这儿。 negative verb as in: V 不 bù V or V 没 méi V. The following patterns are those most
Tā zài zhèr. commonly used:
He is here.
Subject Verb 不 bú Verb Object
The Linking Verb 是 shì
你 是不是 学生？
The linking verb 是 shì is used to link nouns or pronouns, as in:
Nǐ shì bú shì xuésheng ?

汉语 19/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法

Are you a student or not ? A 没 méi A B
Subject Verb Object 不 Verb 学 没 学 习？
你 做练习 不做？ Xué méi xué xí ?
Nǐ zuò liànxí bu zuò ? Did learn (it) or not ?
Are you going to do the exercises (or not) ? Measure words

Verb 没 méi Verb

Subject Object The word ‘cup’ in a cup of tea and the word ‘bottle’ in a bottle of beer are ‘measure
words'. In Chinese a measure word is used when quantifying or specifying a noun. A
你 做没做 练习？ measure word is preceded by one of the following:
a number word;
Nǐ zuò méi zuò liànxí ?
a specifier such as 这 zhè this, 那 nà that , or 每 měi every;
Did you do the exercises or not ?
or a question word such as 哪 nă Which ? or 几 jĭ How many ?
subject verb 了 le object 没 méi verb
太 tài expresses excessiveness
你 做了练习 没做？
The affirmative form of the 太 tài construction is 太 tài [stative verb] 了 le, which
Nǐ zuòle liànxí méi zuò ?
Did you do the exercises (or not) ? means extremely [stative verb] as in 太好了 tài hăo le extremely good. The negative
If a verb has a double syllable it can be used in the following ways: form is 不太 bú tài [stative verb] without 了 le, which means that something is not
A B 不 bù A B very [stative verb], as in 不太好 bú tài hăo not very good.

喜 欢 不 喜 欢？ The question particle 呢 ne

Xĭ huān bù xĭ huān ?
呢 ne is placed at the end of a sentence. It can be used in the following situations:
Like (it) or not ? 1. To bounce a question or statement back to the person you are having a conversation
with, as in:
A 不 bù A B
A: 你好吗？Nĭ hăo ma ?
喜 不 喜 欢？ How are you ?
Xĭ bù xĭ huān ? B: 我很好。你呢？Wŏ hěn hăo. Nĭ ne ?
Like (it) or not ? I am very well, and you ?
2. To ask the question Where ? as in:
A B 没 méi A B
我的书呢？Wŏ de shū ne ?
Where is my book ?
学 习 没 学 习？ 3. To reinforce questions formed with a question-word [Who ? What ? Which ? When ?
Xué xí méi xué xí ? Why ? Where ?] and to show that a speaker really wants to know the answer, as in:
Did learn (it) or not ? 他是哪国人呢？
Tā shì nă guó rén ne ?
汉语 20/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法
What nationality IS he ?
那 nà is a short for 那么 nàme . If 那(么)nà(me) is placed at the beginning of a
你看的是什么书呢？ sentence it implies if this is the case…
Nĭ kàn de shì shénme shū ne ? Giving the day, month and/or year
What book ARE you reading ?
你去哪儿呢？ When you ask for the time or the date, 是 shì is omitted, as in:
Nĭ qù năr ne ? 今天几号？
Where ARE you going ?
Jīntiān jǐ hào ?
What date is it today ?

不是...是...búshì…shì…sentence construction 今天十五号。

Jīntiān shíwǔ hào.
The 不是...是...búshì…shì…sentence construction is used to deny one Today is the 15th.
statement and confirm another, as in: But the 是 shì in 还是 háishì choice-type questions cannot be omitted.
不是我的语法不好,是语法太难了。 Topic
Búshì wǒ de yǔfǎ bù hǎo, shì yǔfǎ tài nán le.
The object of a sentence is called a topic if it is placed before the verb. It can be a noun,
It is not that my grammar is weak, it is that the grammar is too difficult.
or a noun-functioned phrase in list form. The subject of a sentence in this pattern can be
Use of 以后 yǐhòu placed either before the topic or before the verb.

Pronoun or Name + 这儿 zhèr or 那儿 nàr

以后 yǐhòu is used to form time clauses. So, if 以后 yǐhòu is placed after a noun or
phrase to form a time clause, it defines a time after the action indicated by the noun or When 这儿 zhèr and 那儿 nàr are placed after a pronoun or a name, they identify
predicate, as in: 午饭以后 wǔfàn yǐhòu after having lunch. However, if 以后
a place associated with that person. 这儿 zhèr implies that the speaker is actually in
yǐhòu is placed at the beginning of a phrase and used as a time word, it means later, in
the future, as in: the place to which he refers, while 那儿 nàr implies that the speaker is not in the
以后我想去中国。 place to which he refers:
Yǐhòu wǒ xiǎng qù Zhōngguó. 我那儿 wǒ nàr my place (though I am not in my place as I speak)
Later/one day I would like to go to China.
Telling the time
我这儿 wǒ zhèr my place (I am in my place as I speak).
Duplicate verbs
The linking verb 是 shì to be is not needed when giving the time or the date:
A verb is duplicated to soften the tone of voice, especially when used at the end of a
今天星期天。 sentence, as in:
Jīntiān xīngqī tiān. 请你给他介绍介绍。
Today is Sunday. Qǐng nǐ gěi tā jièshaojièshao.
现在两点零五分。 Please tell him about it.
Xiànzài liǎng diǎn líng wǔ fēn. Resultative verb phrases
It is five past two. A resultative verb phrase is used to describe the result of an action. It is formed by an
action verb and its result, as in:
The adverb 那(么)nà(me)
我吃完了。
汉语 21/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法
Wǒ chī wán le. Position words
I have finished eating.
The verb is to eat, the result of the eating is finished, so the resultative verb phrase is Position words are 前 qián front, 后 hòu back, 旁 páng beside, 右 yòu to the right,
eating to a finish.
左 zuǒ to the left, 上 shàng above,下 xià beneath and 中 zhōng middle/inside.
Attributive clause with 的 de
These position words can all be followed by 边 biān side. The exception is 中 zhōng
An attributive clause is used to modify a noun preceded by 的 de. The clause can be
middle/inside, which cannot be used with 边 biān, but instead is used with 间 jiān .
formed from a word or a phrase, as in:
When position words are used to describe nouns they are placed after the noun, as in
一个很好的朋友 房间里边 fángjiān lǐ biān inside the room.
yí ge hěn hǎo de péngyou
a very good friend Complement of degree construction
我从小王那儿借来的书 A complement of degree construction is used to describe how an action is habitually
carried out, as in:
wǒ cǒng Xiǎo Wáng nàr jiè lái de shū
the book which I borrowed from Xiao Wang 他吃得很快。
Combined directional verb phrases Tā chī de hěn kuài.
A combined directional verb phrase is formed from a verb of action with a directional He eats very fast.

word such as 进 jìn in, 出 chū out, 上 shàng up or 下 xià down and is followed by The verb is placed before 得 de, while the elements which follow 得 de are usually
adverbs describing the outcome of the action.
来 lái or 去 qù (indicating the position of the speaker). 来 lái indicates that the This construction can also be used to describe a particular action. For example, in:

action is moving towards the speaker, and 去 qù indicates that the action is moving 昨天晚上我做饭做得很好。
Zuótiān wǎnshang wǒ zuò fàn zuò de hěn hǎo.
away from the speaker, for instance, 走进来 zǒu jìn lái to walk in (the speaker is Last night I cooked the meal very well.
inside). A simple object is placed between 进 jìn and 来 lái, as in: 很好 hěn hǎo describes the outcome of the cooking.
走进图书馆来 Potential verb phrases
zǒu jìn túshūguǎn lái A potential verb phrase is used to indicate that an action can or cannot be achieved. It is
to walk into the library
formed from a verb of action with 得 de [for affirmative] or 不 bù [for negative] and is
The object 图书馆 túshūguǎn library is placed between the directional word and followed by a resultative or directional word, as in:
来 lái or 去 qù. 吃得完 chī de wán to be able to finish eating;
是...的 shì...de construction 走不进去 zǒu bu jìnqù to be unable to walk in.
Most resultative or directional verb phrases can be turned into potential verb phrases by
The 是...的 shì...de construction is used to emphasise the state or situation of the
inserting 得 de or 不 bù between the verb and its resultative or directional word. But
noun. The emphasised statement is placed between 是 shì and 的 de, as in:
some potential verb phrases such as 对不起 duìbùqǐ are only used as idiomatic
我的书是新的。 expressions.
Wǒ de shū shì xīn de.
My book is the new one.
可 kě
汉语 22/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法
可 kě can be used as an adverb to reinforce a statement or to emphasise desires and 5. 他正在看着电视。Tā zhèngzài kàn zhe diànshì. (without 呢 ne)

feelings. 可 kě can precede the linking verb 是 shì as in: 6. 他在看电视呢。Tā zài kàn diànshì ne. (without 正 zhèng and 着 zhe)

小王可是一个大忙人。 7. 他看电视呢。Tā kàn diànshì ne. (without 正 zhèng , 在 zài and 着 zhe)
Xiǎo Wǎng kě shì yí ge dà máng rén.
Xiao Wang is a really busy person. Aspectual marker 了 le with verbs

A stative verb such as 好 hǎo good or 忙 máng busy, or a modal verb such as 想 When placed after the main verb of a sentence the aspectual marker 了 le is used to
xiǎng intend to or 喜欢 xǐhuān like to can be placed between 可…了 kě...le to indicate that an action has been completed, as in:

form an affirmative construction. The negative form is 可不 kě bù, but 了 le is not

我买了一辆自行车。
Wǒ mǎi le yí liàng zìxíngchē.
used. For instance:
I bought a bike.
今天可冷了。 The aspectual marker 了 le is not used in the following situations:
Jīntiān kě lěng le.
Today is really cold. 1. The aspectual marker 了 le is not used in the negative form, but 没(有)méi(yǒu)
我可想去中国了。 is placed instead before the main verb:
Wǒ kě xiǎng qù Zhōngguó le. 我没买新车，可是我买了一辆旧车。
I really want to go to China. wǒ méi mǎi xīn chē, kěshì wǒ mǎile yí liàng jiù chē.
我可不喜欢吃英国菜。 I didn’t buy a new bike, but I bought an old one.
Wǒ kě bù xǐhuān chī Yīngguó cài. 2. When 是 shì to be, 在 zài to be in or 有 yǒu to have are used as the main verbs
I really don’t like eating English food.
of a sentence, the aspectual marker 了 le is not used with them:
The conditional construction with 要是...就...yàoshi…jiù...
去年我有一辆很好的车。
The 要是...就...yàoshi…jiù...construction is used to form a conditional Qùnián wǒ yǒu yí liàng hěn hǎo de chē.
Last year I had a very good bike.
sentence. The condition is placed after the 要是 yàoshi clause, and the consequence
3. If a sentence contains a modal verb, the aspectual marker 了 le is not used:
is placed after 就 jiù.
去年我想买一辆车。
Use of the 正在 V 着 O 呢 zhènzài V zhe O ne sentence pattern Qùnián wǒ xiǎng mǎi yí liàng chē.
This sentence pattern indicates that an action is under way. Note that some of the Last year I wanted to buy a bike.
elements of this pattern can be omitted. 4. The aspectual marker 了 le is not used in the ‘complement of degree’ construction:
All the following sentences mean: He is watching TV.
1. 他正在看着电视呢。Tā zhènzài kàn zhe diànshì ne. (full version)
昨晚他饭做得很好。
Zuó wǎn tā fàn zuò de hěn hǎo.
2. 他正看着电视呢。Tā zhèng kàn zhe diànshì ne. (without 在 zài) Last night he cooked very well.
5. The aspectual marker 了 le is not used for those verbs which indicate direct and
3. 他在看着电视呢。Tā zài kàn zhe diànshì ne. (without 正 zhèng)
indirect speech:
4. 他正在看电视呢。Tā zhèngzài kàn diànshì ne. (without 着 zhe)
他上个月说要来看我。
汉语 23/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法
Tā shàng ge yuè shuō yào lái kàn wǒ. Tā gāoxìng de chàngle yí ge gē.
He said last month that he would visit me. She happily sang a song.
6. The aspectual marker 了 le is not used in attributive clauses: 学生们都一个一个地回家了。
Xuéshengmen dōu yí ge yí ge de huí jiā le.
我昨天买的车。 The students went home one by one.
Wǒ zuótiān mǎi de chē.
The bike which I bought yesterday. V 着 zhe O

The modal particle 了 le implying a change of situation The V 着 zhe O pattern can be used in the following two situations:
1. It is used to describe how something has been left, as in:
了 le can be placed at the end of a sentence to imply a change of situation or to imply
that something is no longer in the same state as it was: 桌上放着一本书。
Zhuō shàng fàng zhe yì běn shū.
我不是老师了。 there is a book left on the table.
Wǒ bú shì lǎoshī le.
I am no longer a teacher. 墙上写着三个字。
Qiáng shàng xiě zhe sān ge zì.
夏天了。 There are three characters written on the wall.
Xiàtiān le.
It’s summer now. 门开着。
Mén kāi zhe.
他好多了。 The door has been left open.
Tā hǎo duō le. 2. It can also be used to make this action simultaneous with the main verb in the
He is much better now. sentence, as in:
Imminent actions
她唱着歌回家。
The following sentence patterns are used to indicate that an action is about to take Tā chàng zhe gē huí jiā.
place or that a particular time is approaching. She went home singing.
1. 要...了 yào…le Time measures
2. 快要...了 kuàiyào…le A time measure quantifies duration or length of time. A time measure is placed after the
verb in an affirmative sentence, as in:
3. 就要...了 jiùyào…le 我学汉语学了两个月了。
Elements which can be placed between 要 yào and 了 le are V-O patterns; and time Wǒ xué hànyǔ xué le liǎng ge yuè le.
I have been learning Chinese for two months.
words such as 三月 sānyuè March, 春天 chūntiān spring, 中午 zhōngwǔ noon
了 le at the end of the sentence marks a stage in a progressing action.
and 两点 liǎng diǎn 2 o’clock. When describing a future action the time measure is placed after the verb, as in:

The adverbial marker 地 de 明年我要在北京学习三个月汉语。

Míngnián wǒ yào zài Běijīng xuéxí sān ge yuè hànyǔ.
The adverbs or phrases which are placed before 地 de describe the intention, manner I will study three weeks of Chinese in Beijing next spring.
The following three sentence patterns for I learnt Chinese for three years are all
or method with, in or by which an action is carried out, as in:
acceptable:
她高兴地唱了一个歌。
汉语 24/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法
S V O V (了) tm 次 cì is used as an action measure in sentences. Like a time measure, an action
measure is placed after the verb in an affirmative sentence and before the verb in a
我 学 汉语 学了三年。 negative sentence, as in:
Wǒ xué hànyǔ xué le sān nián. 我去过一次中国。
I learnt Chinese for three years. Wǒ qùguo yí cì Zhōngguó.
I have been to China once.
S O V (了) tm
在 zài used in a resultative verb phrase
我 汉语 学了三年。
在 zài can be used as a verb or co-verb. It can also be placed after a verb of action to
Wǒ hànyǔ xué le sān nián. form a resultative verb phrase, so that the action has a direct effect on the object. For
I learnt Chinese for three years. instance, in 放在桌上 fàng zài zhuō shàng to put (it) on the table, the item is on
S V (了) tm 的 O
the table as a result of the action to put. However, in 在中国学习 zài Zhōngguó
xuéxí to study in China the action to study does not have a direct effect on China,
我 学了三年的 汉语。
meaning that 在中国 zài Zhōngguó to be in China is a co-verb clause which gives
Wǒ xué le sān nián de hànyǔ.
the background to an action and/or indicates the sequence of action.
I learnt Chinese for three years.
A time measure is placed near the beginning of a negative sentence, as in: Use of the 正在 V 着 O 呢 zhènzài V zhe O ne sentence pattern

我三年没看见她了。 This sentence pattern indicates that an action is under way. Note that some of the
elements of this pattern can be omitted. All the following sentences mean:
Wǒ sān nián méi kànjiàn tā le. He is watching TV.
I haven’t seen her for three years.
1. 他正在看着电视呢。Tā zhènzài kànzhe diànshì ne.(full version)
The 了 le at the end of the sentence marks a stage in a continuing situation.
2. 他正看着电视呢。Tā zhèng kànzhe diànshì ne.(without 在 zài)
The particle 过 guo
3. 他在看着电视呢。Tā zài kànzhe diànshì ne.(without 正 zhèng)
The particle 过 guo is placed after a verb and is used in the following two situations.
4. 他正在看电视呢。Tā zhèngzài kàn diànshì ne.(without 着 zhe)
1. It is used to indicate that a particular action has been experienced, as in:
我吃过英国菜。 5. 他正在看着电视。Tā zhèngzài kànzhe diànshì.(without 呢 ne)
Wǒ chī guo Yīngguó cài. 6. 他在看电视呢。Tā zài kàn diànshì ne.(without 正 zhèng and 着 zhe)
I have eaten English food.
2. It can also to be used to indicate that a regular action such as the daily eating of a 7. 他看电视呢。Tā kàn diànshì ne.(without 正 zhèng , 在 zài and 着 zhe)
meal has been completed, as in:
V 着 zhe O
你吃过饭了吗。
Nǐ chī guo fàn le ma ? The V 着 zhe O pattern can be used in the following two situations:
Are you finished eating ?
1. It is used to describe how something has been left, as in:
The action measure 次 cì 桌上放着一本书。
Zhuō shàng fàngzhe yì běn shū.
汉语 25/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法
There is a book left on the table.
他 跟 我 吃得一样多。
墙上写着三个字。 Tā gēn wǒ chī de yíyàng duō.
Qiáng shàng xiě zhe sān ge zì.
There are three characters written on the wall. He and I eat the same amount.
门开着。 3. The 有 yǒu construction implies that A is as [stative verb] as B.
Mén kāi zhe.
The door has been left open. A (没)有 B Stative Verb
2. It can also be used to make this action simultaneous with the main verb in the
sentence, as in: 他 有 我 大吗？
她唱着歌回家。 Tā yǒu wǒ dà ma ?
Tā chàng zhe gē huí jiā.
Is he as old as me ?
She went home singing.
Comparatives A (没)有 B Complement of Degree
The following constructions are used to compare one item or action with another.
他 有 我 吃得多吗？
1. The 比 bǐ construction is used to indicate whether A is better or worse than B.
Tā yǒu wǒ chī de duō ma ?
A 比 B (Stative) Verb + Quantity
Does he eat as much as I do ?

他 比 我 大两岁。 是...的 shì...de construction

Tā bǐ wǒ dà liǎng suì.
The 是...的 shì...de construction is used to emphasise the state or situation of the
He is (two years) older than me.
noun. The emphasised statement is placed between 是 shì and 的 de, as in:
A 比 B Complement of Degree + 多了
我的书是新的。
他 比 我 吃得多[多了]。 Wǒ de shū shì xīn de.
My book is the new one.
Tā bǐ wǒ chī de duō [duō le].
The word order in Chinese corresponds to the sequence of action.
He eats (much) more than I do.
1. Sentence with a co-verb clause:
2. The 跟一样 gēn yíyàng construction indicates that A is in the same state as B. 我坐车去学校。
Wǒ zuò chē qù xuéxiào .
A (不)跟 B (不)一样 Stative Verb I go to school by car.
The action of sitting in a car happens before going to school, so:
他 跟 我 一样大。
坐车 zuò chē is placed before 去学校 qù xuéxiào.
Tā gēn wǒ yíyàng dà.
2. Sentence with a complement of degree construction:
He and I are the same age.
房间打扫得干干净净。
A 跟 B Complement of Degree (不)一样 Fángjiān dǎsǎo de gāngānjìngjìng.
The room [has been cleaned so that it] is spotless.
The outcome of the cleaning is that the room is spotless, so:
汉语 26/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法
干干净净 gāngānjìngjìng is placed after 打扫得 dǎsǎo de. inserting 得 de or 不 bù between the verb and its resultative or directional word.

3. Sentence with an adverbial marker 地 de: But some potential verb phrases such as 对不起 duìbùqǐ are only used as idiomatic
expressions.
他一句一句地说。
Tā yíjùyíjù de shuō. The 把 bǎ construction
He said it sentence by sentence.
Sentence by sentence is the manner in which he said what he had to say, so: The 把 bǎ construction is used to indicate what one does to a particular object, or how
一句一句地 yíjùyíjù de is placed before 说 shuō. one does it. Verbs used in the 把 bǎ construction take complex forms, and are verbs
4. Sentence with a resultative verb phrase of action attached to resultative words, directional words or other elements. The
我看懂了。 attached elements refer to the direct object of the sentence. For instance, in:
Wǒ kàn dǒng le. 我把酒喝完了。
I have understood it [by reading]. Wǒ bǎ jiǔ hē wán le.
I understood it because I read it first, so: I have finished the wine.
看 kàn should be placed before 懂 dǒng. The resultative word finish refers to the wine, but not to the action of drinking.
So I have finished drinking would be expressed by the simple utterance:
Complement of degree construction
A complement of degree construction is used to describe how an action is habitually
我喝完酒了。
carried out, as in: Wǒ hē wán jiǔ le.
I have finished drinking.
他吃得很快。
Tā chī de hěn kuài. Passive construction with 被 bèi
He eats very fast.
The passive construction with 被 bèi indicates how a particular object (abstract or
The verb is placed before 得 de, while the elements which follow 得 de are usually physical) is dealt with or disposed of by somebody or something. The verbs in these
adverbs describing the outcome of the action. constructions take complicated forms. They are verbs of method of action, plus other
This construction can also be used to describe a particular action. For example, in:
elements. Most of the elements that are attached to the main verbs in 被 bèi
昨天晚上我做饭做得很好。
Zuótiān wǎnshang wǒ zuò fàn zuò de hěn hǎo. sentences are similar to those used in the 把 bǎ construction. For instance:
Last night I cooked the meal very well. 书已经被他借走了。
很好 hěn hǎo describes the outcome of the cooking. Shū yǐjīng bèi tā jiè zǒu le.
The book has been borrowed by him.
Potential verb phrases
A potential verb phrase is used to indicate that an action can or cannot be achieved. It is In 把 bǎ sentences this will be:

formed from a verb of action with 得 de [for affirmative] or 不 bù [for negative] and is 他已经把书借走了。
followed by a resultative or directional word, as in: Tā yǐjīng bǎ shū jiè zǒu le.
He has already borrowed the book.
吃得完 chī de wán to be able to finish eating,
走不进去 zǒu bu jìnqù to be unable to walk in.
Most resultative or directional verb phrases can be turned into potential verb phrases by

汉语 27/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法

Les jours, les mois et les saisons en chinois Les nombres cardinaux

一 二 三 四 五 六 七 30 三十 sānshí 110 一百一(十) yìbǎiyī(shí)

yī (1) èr (2) sān (3) sì (4) wǔ (5) liù (6) qī (7) 40 四十 sìshí 200 二百 èrbǎi
星期一 星期二 星期三 星期四 星期五 星期六 星期日 50 五十 wǔshí 300 三百 sānbǎi
xīngqīyī xīngqī'èr xīngqīsān xīngqīsì xīngqīwǔ xīngqīliù xīngqīrì
lundi mardi mercredi jeudi vendredi samedi dimanche 60 六十 liùshí 400 四百 sìbǎi

冬天 春天 昨天 70 七十 qīshí 500 五百 wǔbǎi

dōngtiān (hiver) chūntiān (printemps) zuótiān (H)
80 八十 bāshí 600 六百 liùbǎi
一月 二月 三月 四月 五月 六月 今天 90 九十 jiǔshí 700 七百 qībǎi
yīyuè (Janvier) èryuè (Février) sānyuè (Mars) sìyuè (Avril) wǔyuè (Mai) liùyuè (Juin) jīntiān (A)
99 九十九 jiǔshíjiǔ 800 八百 bābǎi
夏天 秋天 明天
xiàtiān (été) qiūtiān (automne) míngtiān (D) 100 一百 yìbǎi 900 九百 jiǔbǎi

七月 八月 九月 十月 十一月 十二月 后天 101 一百〇一 yìbǎilíngyī 999 九百九十九 jiǔbǎijiǔshǐjiǔ

qīyuè (Juillet) bāyuè (Août) jiǔyuè (Sept) shíyuè (Oct) shíyīyuè (Nov) shí'èryuè (Déc) hòutiān (AD)

Les nombres cardinaux (Forme simple/Forme complexe) Les nombres cardinaux

0 〇/零 líng 10 十/拾 shí 20 二十 èrshí 1 000 一千 yìqiān 50 000 五万 wǔwàn

1 一/壹 yī 11 十一 shíyī 21 二十一 èrshíyī 1 001 一千〇一 yìqiānlíngyī 60 000 六万 liùwàn

2 二/贰 èr 12 十二 shí'èr 22 二十二 èrshíèr 1 100 一千一百 yìqiānyìbǎi 70 000 七万 qīwàn

3 三/叁 sān 13 十三 shísān 23 二十三 èrshísān 9 000 九千 jiǔqiān 80 000 八万 bāwàn

4 四/肆 sì 14 十四 shísì 24 二十四 èrshísì 10 000 一万 yíwàn 90 000 九万 jiǔwàn

5 五/伍 wǔ 15 十五 shíwǔ 25 二十五 èrshíwǔ 10 001 一万〇一 yíwànlíngyī 100 000 十万 shíwàn

6 六/陆 liù 16 十六 shíliù 26 二十六 èrshíliù 11 000 一万一千 yíwànyìqiān 900 000 九十九万 jiǔshíjiǔwàn

7 七/柒 qī 17 十七 shíqī 27 二十七 èrshíqī 20 000 二万 èrwàn 1 million 一百万 yìbǎiwàn

8 八/捌 bā 18 十八 shíbā 28 二十八 èrshíbā 30 000 三万 sānwàn 100 millions 一亿 yíyì

9 九/玖 jiǔ 19 十九 shíjiǔ 29 二十九 èrshíjiǔ 40 000 四万 sìwàn 1000 milliards 一兆 yízhào

汉语 28/28 汉语语法 汉语 汉语语法