Use the examples with their context and limits. Recall a sentence before reading the model. Original teaching additions accompany examples adapted from Chinese Grammar Wiki (AllSet Learning, CC BY-NC-SA); see the course reference provenance.
Time / Verb + avant以前 (before …)
A deadline comes before a named time
- You ask a friend to return before three o'clock.
- 三点avant以前to return回来。 — The return should happen before the stated three-o'clock boundary.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is Time / Verb + avant以前 (before …). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
three o'clock三点avant以前come back回来。
Read examples in context
sleep睡觉avant以前brush teeth刷牙。
- In the opening example, 三点avant以前to return回来。: The return should happen before the stated three-o'clock boundary.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- avant以前 follows its reference time or action.
- to go to bed睡觉avant以前to brush one's teeth刷牙 places brushing before sleeping, not after it; separate a deadline from a duration.
Use the distinction
- The return should happen before the stated three-o'clock boundary.
- avant以前 follows its reference time or action. to go to bed睡觉avant以前to brush one's teeth刷牙 places brushing before sleeping, not after it; separate a deadline from a duration.
Try it with help closed
You ask a friend to return before three o'clock. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: 三点avant以前to return回来。
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- avant以前 follows its reference time or action.
- to go to bed睡觉avant以前to brush one's teeth刷牙 places brushing before sleeping, not after it; separate a deadline from a duration.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
avant以前，… (in the past, …)
An earlier home differs from a current one
- You explain that you used to live in Beijing but now live elsewhere.
- avant以前I / me我to live住at / in在Beijing, capital of the…北京。 — avant以前 introduces an earlier period of residence.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is avant以前，… (in the past, …). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
in the past以前，I我live住in在Beijing北京。
Read examples in context
- In the opening example, avant以前I / me我to live住at / in在Beijing, capital of the…北京。: avant以前 introduces an earlier period of residence.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- The current contrast comes from context.
- The sentence alone need not tell us the exact dates or all later homes. Compare 三点avant以前, where avant以前 follows a specific reference point.
Use the distinction
- avant以前 introduces an earlier period of residence.
- The current contrast comes from context. The sentence alone need not tell us the exact dates or all later homes. Compare 三点avant以前, where avant以前 follows a specific reference point.
Try it with help closed
You explain that you used to live in Beijing but now live elsewhere. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: avant以前I / me我to live住at / in在Beijing, capital of the…北京。
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- The current contrast comes from context.
- The sentence alone need not tell us the exact dates or all later homes. Compare 三点avant以前, where avant以前 follows a specific reference point.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
just now (variant of 刚才)刚才 (a moment ago)
A friend asks you to repeat the earlier news
- You did not hear a friend's last sentence clearly.
- you你just now (variant of 刚才)刚才variant of 说说quoi什么？ — just now (variant of 刚才)刚才 asks about speech in the recent past.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is just now (variant of 刚才)刚才 (a moment ago). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
a moment ago刚才he他come来了。
Read examples in context
you你a moment ago刚才say说quoi什么？
- In the opening example, you你just now (variant of 刚才)刚才variant of 说说quoi什么？: just now (variant of 刚才)刚才 asks about speech in the recent past.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- just now (variant of 刚才)刚才 is a time expression: just now (variant of 刚才)刚才he / him他at / in在ici这儿 et he / him他just now (variant of 刚才)刚才at / in在ici这儿 both work.
- It can describe a state or a negated action, as in just now (variant of 刚才)刚才not / haven't没to hear听见; (completed / change)了 is not compulsory.
Use the distinction
- just now (variant of 刚才)刚才 asks about speech in the recent past.
- just now (variant of 刚才)刚才 is a time expression: just now (variant of 刚才)刚才he / him他at / in在ici这儿 et he / him他just now (variant of 刚才)刚才at / in在ici这儿 both work. It can describe a state or a negated action, as in just now (variant of 刚才)刚才not / haven't没to hear听见; (completed / change)了 is not compulsory.
Try it with help closed
You did not hear a friend's last sentence clearly. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: you你just now (variant of 刚才)刚才variant of 说说quoi什么？
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- just now (variant of 刚才)刚才 is a time expression: just now (variant of 刚才)刚才he / him他at / in在ici这儿 et he / him他just now (variant of 刚才)刚才at / in在ici这儿 both work.
- It can describe a state or a negated action, as in just now (variant of 刚才)刚才not / haven't没to hear听见; (completed / change)了 is not compulsory.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
Time / Verb + o'clock时 (when …)
Attach an event to a time
- You reached a friend's home when the friend was out.
- I / me我来时，he / him他non不at / in在。 — o'clock时 ties the absence to the time of your arrival.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is Time / Verb + o'clock时 (when …). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
I我come来when时，he他non不be in在。
Read examples in context
- In the opening example, I / me我来时，he / him他non不at / in在。: o'clock时 ties the absence to the time of your arrival.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- o'clock时 is a shorter, often more formal version of (modifier / structural particle)的temps时候.
- It can also occur in a future instruction, as in you你来时to tell告诉I / me我; it does not itself supply past tense.
Use the distinction
- o'clock时 ties the absence to the time of your arrival.
- o'clock时 is a shorter, often more formal version of (modifier / structural particle)的temps时候. It can also occur in a future instruction, as in you你来时to tell告诉I / me我; it does not itself supply past tense.
Try it with help closed
You reached a friend's home when the friend was out. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: I / me我来时，he / him他non不at / in在。
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- o'clock时 is a shorter, often more formal version of (modifier / structural particle)的temps时候.
- It can also occur in a future instruction, as in you你来时to tell告诉I / me我; it does not itself supply past tense.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
après以后 (after / in the future)
Class ends before the trip home
- You plan to go home after class.
- to finish class下课après以后to return home回家。 — Class ending is the reference point before going home.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is après以后 (after / in the future). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
in the future以后，I我want想être当teacher老师。
Read examples in context
finish class下课après以后go home回家。
- In the opening example, to finish class下课après以后to return home回家。: Class ending is the reference point before going home.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- après以后 may relate two past events too: graduation毕业après以后，I / me我to go去(completed / change)了Shanghai municipality…上海.
- Alone, après以后 often means in the future; after a reference event it means after that event.
Use the distinction
- Class ending is the reference point before going home.
- après以后 may relate two past events too: graduation毕业après以后，I / me我to go去(completed / change)了Shanghai municipality…上海. Alone, après以后 often means in the future; after a reference event it means after that event.
Try it with help closed
You plan to go home after class. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: to finish class下课après以后to return home回家。
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- après以后 may relate two past events too: graduation毕业après以后，I / me我to go去(completed / change)了Shanghai municipality…上海.
- Alone, après以后 often means in the future; after a reference event it means after that event.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
… ，afterwards后来 … (afterwards / later — past)
A past story has a later turn
- You tell someone that you visited Beijing and later visited Shanghai.
- early先to go去(completed / change)了Beijing, capital of the…北京，afterwards后来to go去(completed / change)了Shanghai municipality…上海。 — afterwards后来 links the later part of the past story to the earlier visit.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is … ，afterwards后来 … (afterwards / later — past). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
I我premier先go去了Beijing北京，later后来go去了Shanghai上海。
Read examples in context
- In the opening example, early先to go去(completed / change)了Beijing, capital of the…北京，afterwards后来to go去(completed / change)了Shanghai municipality…上海。: afterwards后来 links the later part of the past story to the earlier visit.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- For a future plan prefer then / after然后 ou après以后.
- Later does not require immediate succession; afterwards后来 can cover a gap whose length the sentence leaves unspecified.
Use the distinction
- afterwards后来 links the later part of the past story to the earlier visit.
- For a future plan prefer then / after然后 ou après以后. Later does not require immediate succession; afterwards后来 can cover a gap whose length the sentence leaves unspecified.
Try it with help closed
You tell someone that you visited Beijing and later visited Shanghai. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: early先to go去(completed / change)了Beijing, capital of the…北京，afterwards后来to go去(completed / change)了Shanghai municipality…上海。
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- For a future plan prefer then / after然后 ou après以后.
- Later does not require immediate succession; afterwards后来 can cover a gap whose length the sentence leaves unspecified.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
Approximation avec des nombres séquentiels
An estimate differs from a sum
- You did not count the visitors exactly but saw roughly five or six.
- to come来(completed / change)了五六个person人。 — 五六 estimates about five or six people.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is Approximation avec des nombres séquentiels. Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
come来了five or six五六(measure word)个people人。
Read examples in context
ici这儿have有ten-something十几(measure word)本book书。
- In the opening example, to come来(completed / change)了五六个person人。: 五六 estimates about five or six people.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- Adjacent-number estimates are not addition: 五六 is not eleven.
- The common estimate 两三个 utilise two两. Learn established forms instead of concatenating any pair of numerals.
Use the distinction
- 五六 estimates about five or six people.
- Adjacent-number estimates are not addition: 五六 is not eleven. The common estimate 两三个 utilise two两. Learn established forms instead of concatenating any pair of numerals.
Try it with help closed
You did not count the visitors exactly but saw roughly five or six. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: to come来(completed / change)了五六个person人。
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Adjacent-number estimates are not addition: 五六 is not eleven.
- The common estimate 两三个 utilise two两. Learn established forms instead of concatenating any pair of numerals.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
Big numbers: ten thousand万 / 100 million亿
Convert a large population by groups of four digits
- A city has ten million residents in this invented example.
- this这个city城市to have / there is有一千万person人。 — 一千万 equals 1,000 groups of 10,000, or 10,000,000.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is Big numbers: ten thousand万 / 100 million亿. Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
this这(measure word)个city城市have有ten million一千万people人。
Read examples in context
- In the opening example, this这个city城市to have / there is有一千万person人。: 一千万 equals 1,000 groups of 10,000, or 10,000,000.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- ten thousand万 is 10,000 and 100 million亿 is 100,000,000.
- 一百万 is 1,000,000; read the multiplier and unit together instead of importing English three-digit grouping.
Use the distinction
- 一千万 equals 1,000 groups of 10,000, or 10,000,000.
- ten thousand万 is 10,000 and 100 million亿 is 100,000,000. 一百万 is 1,000,000; read the multiplier and unit together instead of importing English three-digit grouping.
Try it with help closed
A city has ten million residents in this invented example. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: this这个city城市to have / there is有一千万person人。
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- ten thousand万 is 10,000 and 100 million亿 is 100,000,000.
- 一百万 is 1,000,000; read the multiplier and unit together instead of importing English three-digit grouping.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
Times to the minute (point点 … partie分)
A meeting starts halfway through the hour
- A meeting begins at 2:30 rather than lasting for half an hour.
- meeting会议两点la moitié半to start开始。 — 两点la moitié半 names the clock time 2:30.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is Times to the minute (point点 … partie分). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
maintenant现在three o'clock三点fifteen minutes十五分。
Read examples in context
- In the opening example, meeting会议两点la moitié半to start开始。: 两点la moitié半 names the clock time 2:30.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- la moitié半 après point点 means half past the hour.
- half of sth半个hour小时 is a duration of thirty minutes; 三点十五分 is 3:15. Do not confuse a clock time with elapsed time.
Use the distinction
- 两点la moitié半 names the clock time 2:30.
- la moitié半 après point点 means half past the hour. half of sth半个hour小时 is a duration of thirty minutes; 三点十五分 is 3:15. Do not confuse a clock time with elapsed time.
Try it with help closed
A meeting begins at 2:30 rather than lasting for half an hour. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: meeting会议两点la moitié半to start开始。
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- la moitié半 après point点 means half past the hour.
- half of sth半个hour小时 is a duration of thirty minutes; 三点十五分 is 3:15. Do not confuse a clock time with elapsed time.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
Telling the hour (Number + point点)
Read the hour in a natural spoken form
- You tell a friend that class finishes at three o'clock.
- 三点to finish class下课。 — 三点 gives the clock hour, not the duration of class.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is Telling the hour (Number + point点). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
I我three o'clock三点finish class下课。
Read examples in context
maintenant现在two o'clock两点。
- In the opening example, 三点to finish class下课。: 三点 gives the clock hour, not the duration of class.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- Use 两点 as the usual spoken form for two o'clock and 三点钟 as a full form for three.
- Numbers read as digits in codes are a different task from ordinary clock speech.
Use the distinction
- 三点 gives the clock hour, not the duration of class.
- Use 两点 as the usual spoken form for two o'clock and 三点钟 as a full form for three. Numbers read as digits in codes are a different task from ordinary clock speech.
Try it with help closed
You tell a friend that class finishes at three o'clock. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: 三点to finish class下课。
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Use 两点 as the usual spoken form for two o'clock and 三点钟 as a full form for three.
- Numbers read as digits in codes are a different task from ordinary clock speech.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
Verb + (ongoing -ing)着 (ongoing state)
A door remains in a state
- You describe a door that is standing open, without saying who opened it.
- 门开(ongoing -ing)着。 — (ongoing -ing)着 presents the continuing open state.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is Verb + (ongoing -ing)着 (ongoing state). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
door门ouvrir开(state)着。
Read examples in context
he他sit坐(state)着read看书。
- In the opening example, 门开(ongoing -ing)着。: (ongoing -ing)着 presents the continuing open state.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- Comparer he / him他in the middle of正在to open a door (lit. and…开门, which focuses on the opening action.
- (ongoing -ing)着 is not restricted to still positions: he / him他to laugh笑(ongoing -ing)着variant of 说说 describes speaking while smiling. Its neutral-tone reading zhe differs from to fall asleep睡着(modifier / structural particle)的 zháo.
Use the distinction
- (ongoing -ing)着 presents the continuing open state.
- Comparer he / him他in the middle of正在to open a door (lit. and…开门, which focuses on the opening action. (ongoing -ing)着 is not restricted to still positions: he / him他to laugh笑(ongoing -ing)着variant of 说说 describes speaking while smiling. Its neutral-tone reading zhe differs from to fall asleep睡着(modifier / structural particle)的 zháo.
Try it with help closed
You describe a door that is standing open, without saying who opened it. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: 门开(ongoing -ing)着。
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Comparer he / him他in the middle of正在to open a door (lit. and…开门, which focuses on the opening action.
- (ongoing -ing)着 is not restricted to still positions: he / him他to laugh笑(ongoing -ing)着variant of 说说 describes speaking while smiling. Its neutral-tone reading zhe differs from to fall asleep睡着(modifier / structural particle)的 zháo.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
Sentence-final (completed / change)了 (change of state)
Hunger becomes a new situation
- You were not hungry before, but now want food.
- I / me我to be hungry饿(completed / change)了。 — Final (completed / change)了 marks hunger as a new relevant state.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is Sentence-final (completed / change)了 (change of state). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
pluie下雨了。
Read examples in context
I我hungry饿了。
- In the opening example, I / me我to be hungry饿(completed / change)了。: Final (completed / change)了 marks hunger as a new relevant state.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- This (completed / change)了 does not mean finished being hungry.
- Verb-(completed / change)了 marks perfective aspect in other uses; do not translate every (completed / change)了 as a past-tense or completed-action ending.
Use the distinction
- Final (completed / change)了 marks hunger as a new relevant state.
- This (completed / change)了 does not mean finished being hungry. Verb-(completed / change)了 marks perfective aspect in other uses; do not translate every (completed / change)了 as a past-tense or completed-action ending.
Try it with help closed
You were not hungry before, but now want food. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: I / me我to be hungry饿(completed / change)了。
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- This (completed / change)了 does not mean finished being hungry.
- Verb-(completed / change)了 marks perfective aspect in other uses; do not translate every (completed / change)了 as a past-tense or completed-action ending.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
Questions with (and …? / softener)呢 (and you? / where?)
A short follow-up relies on context
- A friend says where they live and then asks about you.
- I / me我to live住at / in在Shanghai municipality…上海，you你(and …? / softener)呢？ — you你(and …? / softener)呢 asks where you live, borrowing the topic from the preceding clause.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is Questions with (and …? / softener)呢 (and you? / where?). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
I我fine很好，you你呢？
Read examples in context
my我的keys钥匙呢？
- In the opening example, I / me我to live住at / in在Shanghai municipality…上海，you你(and …? / softener)呢？: you你(and …? / softener)呢 asks where you live, borrowing the topic from the preceding clause.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- The same you你(and …? / softener)呢 can ask about your health after I / me我degree / adjective linker很bonne好.
- I / me我(modifier / structural particle)的clé钥匙(and …? / softener)呢 can ask where the keys are. The noun and (and …? / softener)呢 do not determine the full question without context.
Use the distinction
- you你(and …? / softener)呢 asks where you live, borrowing the topic from the preceding clause.
- The same you你(and …? / softener)呢 can ask about your health after I / me我degree / adjective linker很bonne好. I / me我(modifier / structural particle)的clé钥匙(and …? / softener)呢 can ask where the keys are. The noun and (and …? / softener)呢 do not determine the full question without context.
Try it with help closed
A friend says where they live and then asks about you. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: I / me我to live住at / in在Shanghai municipality…上海，you你(and …? / softener)呢？
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- The same you你(and …? / softener)呢 can ask about your health after I / me我degree / adjective linker很bonne好.
- I / me我(modifier / structural particle)的clé钥匙(and …? / softener)呢 can ask where the keys are. The noun and (and …? / softener)呢 do not determine the full question without context.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
(modifier / structural particle)的 / (degree marker)得 / (adverb -ly)地 (the three “de”)
One pronunciation fills three different roles
- You describe a careful student's careful reading.
- conscientious认真(modifier / structural particle)的étudiant学生conscientious认真(adverb -ly)地to read a book读书，读得degree / adjective linker很effacer清楚。 — (modifier / structural particle)的 modifies étudiant学生; (adverb -ly)地 marks the manner of to read out读; (degree marker)得 introduces the quality of reading.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is (modifier / structural particle)的 / (degree marker)得 / (adverb -ly)地 (the three “de”). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
my我('s)的book书。
Read examples in context
he他run跑(degree)得very很rapide快。
- In the opening example, conscientious认真(modifier / structural particle)的étudiant学生conscientious认真(adverb -ly)地to read a book读书，读得degree / adjective linker很effacer清楚。: (modifier / structural particle)的 modifies étudiant学生; (adverb -ly)地 marks the manner of to read out读; (degree marker)得 introduces the quality of reading.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- Find the grammatical role rather than relying only on the next character.
- I / me我variant of 说说(modifier / structural particle)的to be / is是truth实话 contains (modifier / structural particle)的 avant to be / is是, because (modifier / structural particle)的 closes a noun-like phrase; the simple before-noun rule is a beginner guide.
Use the distinction
- (modifier / structural particle)的 modifies étudiant学生; (adverb -ly)地 marks the manner of to read out读; (degree marker)得 introduces the quality of reading.
- Find the grammatical role rather than relying only on the next character. I / me我variant of 说说(modifier / structural particle)的to be / is是truth实话 contains (modifier / structural particle)的 avant to be / is是, because (modifier / structural particle)的 closes a noun-like phrase; the simple before-noun rule is a beginner guide.
Try it with help closed
You describe a careful student's careful reading. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: conscientious认真(modifier / structural particle)的étudiant学生conscientious认真(adverb -ly)地to read a book读书，读得degree / adjective linker很effacer清楚。
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Find the grammatical role rather than relying only on the next character.
- I / me我variant of 说说(modifier / structural particle)的to be / is是truth实话 contains (modifier / structural particle)的 avant to be / is是, because (modifier / structural particle)的 closes a noun-like phrase; the simple before-noun rule is a beginner guide.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的 (some / some…, others…)
A group contains different preferences
- Several classmates prefer tea while other classmates prefer coffee.
- to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的to study at the same school同学to like喜欢tea茶，to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的to like喜欢coffee (loanword)咖啡。 — to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的 divides the understood group into subsets.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的 (some / some…, others…). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
some有的people人like喜欢tea茶。
Read examples in context
some有的expensive贵，some有的cheap便宜。
- In the opening example, to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的to study at the same school同学to like喜欢tea茶，to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的to like喜欢coffee (loanword)咖啡。: to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的 divides the understood group into subsets.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- It does not give their sizes, and more than two groups are possible: to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的to read看书，to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的to chat聊天，to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的to listen to听music音乐.
- Do not infer that each group is half the class.
Use the distinction
- to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的 divides the understood group into subsets.
- It does not give their sizes, and more than two groups are possible: to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的to read看书，to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的to chat聊天，to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的to listen to听music音乐. Do not infer that each group is half the class.
Try it with help closed
Several classmates prefer tea while other classmates prefer coffee. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的to study at the same school同学to like喜欢tea茶，to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的to like喜欢coffee (loanword)咖啡。
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- It does not give their sizes, and more than two groups are possible: to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的to read看书，to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的to chat聊天，to have / there is有(modifier / structural particle)的to listen to听music音乐.
- Do not infer that each group is half the class.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
la moitié半 (half / and a half)
A duration adds half an hour
- You studied for ninety minutes.
- I / me我to learn学习(completed / change)了one and a half一个半hour小时。 — one and a half一个半hour小时 measures one and a half hours.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is la moitié半 (half / and a half). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
la moitié半(measure word)个apple苹果。
Read examples in context
une一(measure word)个and a half半hour小时。
- In the opening example, I / me我to learn学习(completed / change)了one and a half一个半hour小时。: one and a half一个半hour小时 measures one and a half hours.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- half of sth半个hour小时 is half an hour.
- Comparer 两点la moitié半, a clock time, with 两个half hour半小时, a duration. Keep the measure word position: one and a half一个半hour小时, not la moitié一半(measure word)个hour小时.
Use the distinction
- one and a half一个半hour小时 measures one and a half hours.
- half of sth半个hour小时 is half an hour. Compare 两点la moitié半, a clock time, with 两个half hour半小时, a duration. Keep the measure word position: one and a half一个半hour小时, not la moitié一半(measure word)个hour小时.
Try it with help closed
You studied for ninety minutes. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: I / me我to learn学习(completed / change)了one and a half一个半hour小时。
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- half of sth半个hour小时 is half an hour.
- Comparer 两点la moitié半, a clock time, with 两个half hour半小时, a duration. Keep the measure word position: one and a half一个半hour小时, not la moitié一半(measure word)个hour小时.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.
après以后 vs then / after然后 vs afterwards后来 (then / after)
A plan's next step differs from a later story
- You first eat and then plan to study; later you describe what actually happened.
- early先to have a meal吃饭，then / after然后to learn学习。afterwards后来we / us我们again又variant of 复习复习(completed / change)了one time (all the way…一遍。 — then / after然后 gives the next step, while afterwards后来 introduces the later part of the account.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is après以后 vs then / after然后 vs afterwards后来 (then / after). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
premier先eat吃饭，then然后sleep睡觉。
Read examples in context
later后来we我们non没go去。
- In the opening example, early先to have a meal吃饭，then / after然后to learn学习。afterwards后来we / us我们again又variant of 复习复习(completed / change)了one time (all the way…一遍。: then / after然后 gives the next step, while afterwards后来 introduces the later part of the account.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Know the boundary
- après以后 can follow a reference event: to have a meal吃饭après以后to learn学习.
- A future plan does not normally use afterwards后来 to mean next; choose from temporal relationship, not the shared English word then.
Use the distinction
- then / after然后 gives the next step, while afterwards后来 introduces the later part of the account.
- après以后 can follow a reference event: to have a meal吃饭après以后to learn学习. A future plan does not normally use afterwards后来 to mean next; choose from temporal relationship, not the shared English word then.
Try it with help closed
You first eat and then plan to study; later you describe what actually happened. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
One possible response: early先to have a meal吃饭，then / after然后to learn学习。afterwards后来we / us我们again又variant of 复习复习(completed / change)了one time (all the way…一遍。
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- après以后 can follow a reference event: to have a meal吃饭après以后to learn学习.
- A future plan does not normally use afterwards后来 to mean next; choose from temporal relationship, not the shared English word then.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
Practise this pattern step by step.