HSK 4

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.

all全quán + Noun (the whole / all of)

Identify the whole group

• All members of a family arrive at a gathering.
• whole family全家quán jiāall / both都dōuto come来lái(completed / change)了le。 — whole family全家quán jiā includes the entire family being discussed.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is all全quán + Noun (the whole / all of). 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.

the whole family全家quán jiāall都dōucome来lái了le。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, whole family全家quán jiāall / both都dōuto come来lái(completed / change)了le。: whole family全家quán jiā includes the entire family being discussed.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• The group is defined by context.
• whole family全家quán jiā does not refer to every family in the world.

Use the distinction

• whole family全家quán jiā includes the entire family being discussed.
• The group is defined by context. whole family全家quán jiā does not refer to every family in the world.

Try it with help closed

All members of a family arrive at a gathering. 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: whole family全家quán jiāall / both都dōuto come来lái(completed / change)了le。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• The group is defined by context.
• whole family全家quán jiā does not refer to every family in the world.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

Adj + to die死sǐ(completed / change)了le (extremely …)

Recognise an expressive complaint

• After a long walk, a friend exaggerates their tiredness.
• I / me我wǒ累死lèi sǐ(completed / change)了le。 — The speaker means extremely tired in this conversational context.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is Adj + to die死sǐ(completed / change)了le (extremely …). 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wǒhungry饿èto death死sǐ了le。

Read examples in context

today今天jīn tiānhot热rèto death死sǐ了le！

• In the opening example, I / me我wǒ累死lèi sǐ(completed / change)了le。: The speaker means extremely tired in this conversational context.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• This use is hyperbole.
• to die死sǐ can be literal in other contexts, so do not decide meaning from the characters alone.

Use the distinction

• The speaker means extremely tired in this conversational context.
• This use is hyperbole. to die死sǐ can be literal in other contexts, so do not decide meaning from the characters alone.

Try it with help closed

After a long walk, a friend exaggerates their tiredness. 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wǒ累死lèi sǐ(completed / change)了le。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• This use is hyperbole.
• to die死sǐ can be literal in other contexts, so do not decide meaning from the characters alone.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

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.

straight挺tǐng + Adj + (modifier / structural particle)的de (quite / rather)

A common ending is not compulsory

• You give a casual positive evaluation of a dish.
• this这个zhè gevegetable菜cài挺好吃tǐng hǎo chī(modifier / structural particle)的de。 — straight挺tǐng intensifies the pleasant taste in an everyday comment.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is straight挺tǐng + Adj + (modifier / structural particle)的de (quite / rather). 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zhè(measure word)个gedish菜càiquite挺tǐngtasty好吃hǎo chī的de。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, this这个zhè gevegetable菜cài挺好吃tǐng hǎo chī(modifier / structural particle)的de。: straight挺tǐng intensifies the pleasant taste in an everyday comment.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• (modifier / structural particle)的de is common in straight挺tǐng…(modifier / structural particle)的de but can be omitted, as in straight挺tǐnggood好hǎo or straight挺tǐnginteresting有意思yǒu yì si.
• The word does not guarantee a warm or positive evaluation in every context.

Use the distinction

• straight挺tǐng intensifies the pleasant taste in an everyday comment.
• (modifier / structural particle)的de is common in straight挺tǐng…(modifier / structural particle)的de but can be omitted, as in straight挺tǐnggood好hǎo or straight挺tǐnginteresting有意思yǒu yì si. The word does not guarantee a warm or positive evaluation in every context.

Try it with help closed

You give a casual positive evaluation of a dish. 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zhè gevegetable菜cài挺好吃tǐng hǎo chī(modifier / structural particle)的de。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• (modifier / structural particle)的de is common in straight挺tǐng…(modifier / structural particle)的de but can be omitted, as in straight挺tǐnggood好hǎo or straight挺tǐnginteresting有意思yǒu yì si.
• The word does not guarantee a warm or positive evaluation in every context.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

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.

but不过bú guò (a softer “but”)

A qualification can change a purchase decision

• An item is good but costs more than you want.
• thing东西dōng xīcorrect不错bù cuò，but不过bú guòa little有点yǒu diǎnexpensive贵guì。 — but不过bú guò introduces the price qualification to the positive assessment.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is but不过bú guò (a softer “but”). 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.

the thing东西dōng xinice不错bú cuò，but不过bú guòa bit有点yǒu diǎnexpensive贵guì。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, thing东西dōng xīcorrect不错bù cuò，but不过bú guòa little有点yǒu diǎnexpensive贵guì。: but不过bú guò introduces the price qualification to the positive assessment.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• but不过bú guò is often conversational, but its force depends on the argument and tone.
• It is not always weaker than but但是dàn shì in every situation.

Use the distinction

• but不过bú guò introduces the price qualification to the positive assessment.
• but不过bú guò is often conversational, but its force depends on the argument and tone. It is not always weaker than but但是dàn shì in every situation.

Try it with help closed

An item is good but costs more than you want. 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: thing东西dōng xīcorrect不错bù cuò，but不过bú guòa little有点yǒu diǎnexpensive贵guì。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• but不过bú guò is often conversational, but its force depends on the argument and tone.
• It is not always weaker than but但是dàn shì in every situation.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

and so于是yú shì (thereupon / and so)

An event leads to a reaction

• Rain starts and a group responds by returning home.
• to rain下雨xià yǔ(completed / change)了le，and so于是yú shìwe / us我们wǒ mento return home回家huí jiā(completed / change)了le。 — and so于是yú shì connects the rain to the subsequent response.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is and so于是yú shì (thereupon / and so). 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.

rain下雨xià yǔ了le，and so于是yú shìwe我们wǒ mengo home回家huí jiā了le。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, to rain下雨xià yǔ(completed / change)了le，and so于是yú shìwe / us我们wǒ mento return home回家huí jiā(completed / change)了le。: and so于是yú shì connects the rain to the subsequent response.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• It often advances a narrative, while so / therefore所以suǒ yǐ commonly expresses a conclusion.
• These functions overlap; and so于是yú shì is more than a purely chronological then.

Use the distinction

• and so于是yú shì connects the rain to the subsequent response.
• It often advances a narrative, while so / therefore所以suǒ yǐ commonly expresses a conclusion. These functions overlap; and so于是yú shì is more than a purely chronological then.

Try it with help closed

Rain starts and a group responds by returning home. 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 rain下雨xià yǔ(completed / change)了le，and so于是yú shìwe / us我们wǒ mento return home回家huí jiā(completed / change)了le。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• It often advances a narrative, while so / therefore所以suǒ yǐ commonly expresses a conclusion.
• These functions overlap; and so于是yú shì is more than a purely chronological then.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

furthermore还有hái yǒu (also / and / what's more)

Add an item without replacing the first

• You bought books and also pens.
• I / me我wǒto buy买mǎi(completed / change)了lebook书shū，furthermore还有hái yǒupen笔bǐ。 — furthermore还有hái yǒu adds pens to the previously named books.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is furthermore还有hái yǒu (also / and / what's more). 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wǒbuy买mǎi了lebooks书shū，also还有hái yǒupens笔bǐ。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, I / me我wǒto buy买mǎi(completed / change)了lebook书shū，furthermore还有hái yǒupen笔bǐ。: furthermore还有hái yǒu adds pens to the previously named books.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• still / also还hái can also mean remaining or still in other frames.
• Here the added item does not cancel the earlier purchase.

Use the distinction

• furthermore还有hái yǒu adds pens to the previously named books.
• still / also还hái can also mean remaining or still in other frames. Here the added item does not cancel the earlier purchase.

Try it with help closed

You bought books and also pens. 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wǒto buy买mǎi(completed / change)了lebook书shū，furthermore还有hái yǒupen笔bǐ。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• still / also还hái can also mean remaining or still in other frames.
• Here the added item does not cancel the earlier purchase.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

additional另外lìng wài (besides / in addition)

Add a separate issue

• After discussing one matter, you raise one more.
• additional另外lìng wài，I / me我wǒfurthermore还有hái yǒu一件yī jiànmatter事shì。 — additional另外lìng wài signals a distinct additional point.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is additional另外lìng wài (besides / in addition). 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.

besides另外lìng wài，I我wǒstill还háihave有yǒuone一yí(measure word)件jiànmatter事shì。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, additional另外lìng wài，I / me我wǒfurthermore还有hái yǒu一件yī jiànmatter事shì。: additional另外lìng wài signals a distinct additional point.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• additional另外lìng wài一个yí gè uses the word to identify another item instead.
• The connector does not automatically express opposition to the previous point.

Use the distinction

• additional另外lìng wài signals a distinct additional point.
• additional另外lìng wài一个yí gè uses the word to identify another item instead. The connector does not automatically express opposition to the previous point.

Try it with help closed

After discussing one matter, you raise one more. 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: additional另外lìng wài，I / me我wǒfurthermore还有hái yǒu一件yī jiànmatter事shì。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• additional另外lìng wài一个yí gè uses the word to identify another item instead.
• The connector does not automatically express opposition to the previous point.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

to say again再说zài shuō (besides / what's more)

An extra reason differs from postponing speech

• You reject a purchase because it is expensive and you dislike it.
• 太贵tài guì(completed / change)了le，to say again再说zài shuōI / me我wǒalso也yěnot不bùto like喜欢xǐ huan。 — to say again再说zài shuō adds a further reason supporting rejection.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is to say again再说zài shuō (besides / what's more). 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.

too太tàiexpensive贵guì了le，besides再说zài shuōI我wǒalso也yěnot不bùlike喜欢xǐ huan。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 太贵tài guì(completed / change)了le，to say again再说zài shuōI / me我wǒalso也yěnot不bùto like喜欢xǐ huan。: to say again再说zài shuō adds a further reason supporting rejection.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• after以后yǐ hòuto say again再说zài shuō instead means discussing it later.
• The whole construction distinguishes the connector from the literal verb phrase.

Use the distinction

• to say again再说zài shuō adds a further reason supporting rejection.
• after以后yǐ hòuto say again再说zài shuō instead means discussing it later. The whole construction distinguishes the connector from the literal verb phrase.

Try it with help closed

You reject a purchase because it is expensive and you dislike 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: 太贵tài guì(completed / change)了le，to say again再说zài shuōI / me我wǒalso也yěnot不bùto like喜欢xǐ huan。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• after以后yǐ hòuto say again再说zài shuō instead means discussing it later.
• The whole construction distinguishes the connector from the literal verb phrase.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

but可是kě shì / but但是dàn shì (two words for “but”)

Wanting and availability can conflict

• You want to go but lack time.
• I / me我wǒwant / think / miss想xiǎngto go去qù，but但是dàn shìnot / haven't没méi(concept of) time时间shí jiān。 — but但是dàn shì connects the desire with an obstacle to fulfilling it.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is but可是kě shì / but但是dàn shì (two words for “but”). 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wǒwant想xiǎnggo去qù，but但是dàn shìdon't have没méitime时间shí jiān。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, I / me我wǒwant / think / miss想xiǎngto go去qù，but但是dàn shìnot / haven't没méi(concept of) time时间shí jiān。: but但是dàn shì connects the desire with an obstacle to fulfilling it.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• but可是kě shì also fits this ordinary contrast.
• Register preferences do not make one the only correct answer in every but-sentence.

Use the distinction

• but但是dàn shì connects the desire with an obstacle to fulfilling it.
• but可是kě shì also fits this ordinary contrast. Register preferences do not make one the only correct answer in every but-sentence.

Try it with help closed

You want to go but lack time. 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wǒwant / think / miss想xiǎngto go去qù，but但是dàn shìnot / haven't没méi(concept of) time时间shí jiān。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• but可是kě shì also fits this ordinary contrast.
• Register preferences do not make one the only correct answer in every but-sentence.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

and / but而ér (whereas / and yet)

Compare two preferences without asserting a quarrel

• One person prefers tea and another prefers coffee.
• he / him他tāto like喜欢xǐ huantea茶chá，and / but而érI / me我wǒto like喜欢xǐ huancoffee (loanword)咖啡kā fēi。 — and / but而ér balances the contrasting preferences.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is and / but而ér (whereas / and yet). 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.

he他tālike喜欢xǐ huantea茶chá，whereas而érI我wǒlike喜欢xǐ huancoffee咖啡kā fēi。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, he / him他tāto like喜欢xǐ huantea茶chá，and / but而érI / me我wǒto like喜欢xǐ huancoffee (loanword)咖啡kā fēi。: and / but而ér balances the contrasting preferences.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• The contrast is between preferences, not proof of an argument.
• and / but而ér can also join an additional description rather than always opposing the first clause.

Use the distinction

• and / but而ér balances the contrasting preferences.
• The contrast is between preferences, not proof of an argument. and / but而ér can also join an additional description rather than always opposing the first clause.

Try it with help closed

One person prefers tea and another prefers 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: he / him他tāto like喜欢xǐ huantea茶chá，and / but而érI / me我wǒto like喜欢xǐ huancoffee (loanword)咖啡kā fēi。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• The contrast is between preferences, not proof of an argument.
• and / but而ér can also join an additional description rather than always opposing the first clause.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

to use / with用yòng / to pass through通过tōng guò … to come来lái … (by means of …)

Connect the means to the intended use

• A phone serves as the tool for paying.
• we / us我们wǒ mento use / with用yòngcell phone手机shǒu jīto come来láito pay money付钱fù qián。 — to come来lái connects the phone's use with the payment action.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is to use / with用yòng / to pass through通过tōng guò … to come来lái … (by means of …). 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.

we我们wǒ menuse用yòngphone手机shǒu jīto来láipay付钱fù qián。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, we / us我们wǒ mento use / with用yòngcell phone手机shǒu jīto come来láito pay money付钱fù qián。: to come来lái connects the phone's use with the payment action.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• This to come来lái is not movement towards the speaker.
• Naming a method does not by itself report successful payment; intentions and results differ.

Use the distinction

• to come来lái connects the phone's use with the payment action.
• This to come来lái is not movement towards the speaker. Naming a method does not by itself report successful payment; intentions and results differ.

Try it with help closed

A phone serves as the tool for paying. 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: we / us我们wǒ mento use / with用yòngcell phone手机shǒu jīto come来láito pay money付钱fù qián。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• This to come来lái is not movement towards the speaker.
• Naming a method does not by itself report successful payment; intentions and results differ.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.