Adverbs — time, focus & frequency

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.

又 + Verb + 了 (again, in the past)

A familiar problem happens again

• A classmate arrives late today after being late previously.
• 你又迟到了。 — 又 marks today's lateness as a recurrence.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 又 + Verb + 了 (again, 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.

you你nǐagain又yòulate迟到chí dào了le。

Read examples in context

again又yòurain下雨xià yǔ了le！

• In the opening example, 你又迟到了。: 又 marks today's lateness as a recurrence.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• This finished-event example uses 了, but 又 is not confined to past events.
• 明天又是星期一了 anticipates a known recurrence; 我又不知道 uses another meaning. Choose from the whole sentence.

Use the distinction

• 又 marks today's lateness as a recurrence.
• This finished-event example uses 了, but 又 is not confined to past events. 明天又是星期一了 anticipates a known recurrence; 我又不知道 uses another meaning. Choose from the whole sentence.

Try it with help closed

A classmate arrives late today after being late previously. 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: 你又迟到了。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• This finished-event example uses 了, but 又 is not confined to past events.
• 明天又是星期一了 anticipates a known recurrence; 我又不知道 uses another meaning. Choose from the whole sentence.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

一直 (all along, continuously)

Waiting lasts through a time span

• You wait throughout the morning for news.
• 我一直在等你的消息。 — 一直 describes the continuing wait across that span.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 一直 (all along, continuously). 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wǒall along一直yì zhívery很hěnlike喜欢xǐ huanyou你nǐ。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 我一直在等你的消息。: 一直 describes the continuing wait across that span.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• 一直 also describes enduring habits or a spatial direction, such as 一直往前走.
• It need not mean continuous physical activity every second: 我一直喜欢音乐 describes a lasting preference.

Use the distinction

• 一直 describes the continuing wait across that span.
• 一直 also describes enduring habits or a spatial direction, such as 一直往前走. It need not mean continuous physical activity every second: 我一直喜欢音乐 describes a lasting preference.

Try it with help closed

You wait throughout the morning for news. 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: 我一直在等你的消息。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• 一直 also describes enduring habits or a spatial direction, such as 一直往前走.
• It need not mean continuous physical activity every second: 我一直喜欢音乐 describes a lasting preference.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

总是 (always — a habit)

A classmate is usually late

• A classmate arrives late often enough for you to describe it as a habit.
• 他总是迟到。 — 总是 generalises a recurring pattern of lateness.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 总是 (always — a habit). 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tāalways总是zǒng shìlate迟到chí dào。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 他总是迟到。: 总是 generalises a recurring pattern of lateness.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• 总是 can sound critical here; it is not automatically neutral.
• Adjectives often take 很, but 他总是忙 is possible. A recurring habit is a speaker's generalisation, not a measured guarantee of no exception.

Use the distinction

• 总是 generalises a recurring pattern of lateness.
• 总是 can sound critical here; it is not automatically neutral. Adjectives often take 很, but 他总是忙 is possible. A recurring habit is a speaker's generalisation, not a measured guarantee of no exception.

Try it with help closed

A classmate arrives late often enough for you to describe it as a habit. 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: 他总是迟到。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• 总是 can sound critical here; it is not automatically neutral.
• Adjectives often take 很, but 他总是忙 is possible. A recurring habit is a speaker's generalisation, not a measured guarantee of no exception.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

终于 (finally, at last)

A long wait finally ends

• After waiting for a friend, you see the friend arrive.
• 你终于到了！ — 终于 presents arrival as the endpoint of a wait.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 终于 (finally, at last). 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.

you你nǐfinally终于zhōng yúarrived到dào了le！

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 你终于到了！: 终于 presents arrival as the endpoint of a wait.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• Finally need not be a happy result: 他终于还是失败了 can mark an eventual failure.
• 了 often occurs with completed events, but 终于明白了 and 终于能够独立工作 show different predicate shapes.

Use the distinction

• 终于 presents arrival as the endpoint of a wait.
• Finally need not be a happy result: 他终于还是失败了 can mark an eventual failure. 了 often occurs with completed events, but 终于明白了 and 终于能够独立工作 show different predicate shapes.

Try it with help closed

After waiting for a friend, you see the friend arrive. 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: 你终于到了！

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• Finally need not be a happy result: 他终于还是失败了 can mark an eventual failure.
• 了 often occurs with completed events, but 终于明白了 and 终于能够独立工作 show different predicate shapes.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

几乎 (nearly, almost)

Check an almost-full group

• Most of a class have phones, but a few do not.
• 几乎每个人都有手机。 — 几乎 makes the claim almost universal rather than fully universal.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 几乎 (nearly, almost). 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.

almost几乎jī hūeveryone每个人měi ge rénall都dōuhas有yǒua phone手机shǒu jī。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 几乎每个人都有手机。: 几乎 makes the claim almost universal rather than fully universal.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• 几乎 can also precede an event without 都 or a negative, as in 我几乎忘了.
• Keep the scope clear: 几乎都知道 is almost all know, while 几乎不知道 is hardly know.

Use the distinction

• 几乎 makes the claim almost universal rather than fully universal.
• 几乎 can also precede an event without 都 or a negative, as in 我几乎忘了. Keep the scope clear: 几乎都知道 is almost all know, while 几乎不知道 is hardly know.

Try it with help closed

Most of a class have phones, but a few do not. 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: 几乎每个人都有手机。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• 几乎 can also precede an event without 都 or a negative, as in 我几乎忘了.
• Keep the scope clear: 几乎都知道 is almost all know, while 几乎不知道 is hardly know.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

只 (only)

State the limit of a family's size

• You have one older brother and no other older brothers.
• 我只有一个哥哥。 — 只 limits the number of older brothers to one.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 只 (only). 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wǒonly只zhǐhave有yǒuone一个yí geolder brother哥哥gē ge。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 我只有一个哥哥。: 只 limits the number of older brothers to one.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• In this frame 只 precedes 有, but its scope is supplied by the predicate and context.
• 只有他知道 means only he knows; do not turn the common position into a claim that 只 always limits the verb's action alone.

Use the distinction

• 只 limits the number of older brothers to one.
• In this frame 只 precedes 有, but its scope is supplied by the predicate and context. 只有他知道 means only he knows; do not turn the common position into a claim that 只 always limits the verb's action alone.

Try it with help closed

You have one older brother and no other older brothers. 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: 我只有一个哥哥。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• In this frame 只 precedes 有, but its scope is supplied by the predicate and context.
• 只有他知道 means only he knows; do not turn the common position into a claim that 只 always limits the verb's action alone.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

Duration + 没 + Verb + 了 (how long you haven't …)

Friends meet after a long gap

• Two friends have not met for ten years and are now greeting each other.
• 我们已经十年没见了。 — 十年 measures the period with no meeting.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is Duration + 没 + Verb + 了 (how long you haven't …). 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 menalready已经yǐ jīngten years十年shí niánhaven't没méimet见jiàn了le。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 我们已经十年没见了。: 十年 measures the period with no meeting.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• Compare 我们见面谈了两个小时, where the duration follows the completed talking.
• Final 了 marks the current relevance of the gap; this greeting does not promise that the gap will continue after the reunion.

Use the distinction

• 十年 measures the period with no meeting.
• Compare 我们见面谈了两个小时, where the duration follows the completed talking. Final 了 marks the current relevance of the gap; this greeting does not promise that the gap will continue after the reunion.

Try it with help closed

Two friends have not met for ten years and are now greeting each other. 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: 我们已经十年没见了。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• Compare 我们见面谈了两个小时, where the duration follows the completed talking.
• Final 了 marks the current relevance of the gap; this greeting does not promise that the gap will continue after the reunion.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

Time + 才 (not until — lateness)

Arrival feels late against a schedule

• You expected to be home by eight, but arrived at eleven.
• 我十一点才到家。 — 才 evaluates the eleven-o'clock arrival as late in this context.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is Time + 才 (not until — lateness). 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wǒyesterday昨天zuó tiāneleven o'clock十一点shí yī diǎnnot until才cáigot home到家dào jiā。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 我十一点才到家。: 才 evaluates the eleven-o'clock arrival as late in this context.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• The expectation is essential; eleven is not intrinsically late for every schedule.
• Time+才 often omits 了 in basic examples, but do not extend that tendency to a ban on all constructions with 才 and 了.

Use the distinction

• 才 evaluates the eleven-o'clock arrival as late in this context.
• The expectation is essential; eleven is not intrinsically late for every schedule. Time+才 often omits 了 in basic examples, but do not extend that tendency to a ban on all constructions with 才 and 了.

Try it with help closed

You expected to be home by eight, but arrived at eleven. 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: 我十一点才到家。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• The expectation is essential; eleven is not intrinsically late for every schedule.
• Time+才 often omits 了 in basic examples, but do not extend that tendency to a ban on all constructions with 才 and 了.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

先 … ，再 … (first …, then …)

A meal has an order of actions

• Before eating, someone tells you to wash your hands.
• 先洗手，再吃饭。 — The instruction puts washing before eating.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 先 … ，再 … (first …, then …). 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.

first先xiānwash hands洗手xǐ shǒuthen，再zàieat吃chī。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 先洗手，再吃饭。: The instruction puts washing before eating.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• 再 links the second step; it does not require a second meal.
• The sentence specifies order but not the exact delay between actions. 然后 can link later steps too.

Use the distinction

• The instruction puts washing before eating.
• 再 links the second step; it does not require a second meal. The sentence specifies order but not the exact delay between actions. 然后 can link later steps too.

Try it with help closed

Before eating, someone tells you to wash your hands. 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: 先洗手，再吃饭。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• 再 links the second step; it does not require a second meal.
• The sentence specifies order but not the exact delay between actions. 然后 can link later steps too.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

一边 … 一边 … (doing two things at once)

Two activities overlap

• You listen to music while preparing a meal.
• 我一边做饭，一边听音乐。 — The two activities overlap in time.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 一边 … 一边 … (doing two things at once). 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wǒoften常常cháng chángwhile一边yì biānshowering洗澡xǐ zǎo，一边yì biānsing唱歌chàng gē。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 我一边做饭，一边听音乐。: The two activities overlap in time.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• This does not mean every small movement occurs at exactly the same instant.
• 一边笑一边哭 can describe overlapping reactions without claiming deliberate control over both; do not impose intention as a universal condition.

Use the distinction

• The two activities overlap in time.
• This does not mean every small movement occurs at exactly the same instant. 一边笑一边哭 can describe overlapping reactions without claiming deliberate control over both; do not impose intention as a universal condition.

Try it with help closed

You listen to music while preparing a meal. 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: 我一边做饭，一边听音乐。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• This does not mean every small movement occurs at exactly the same instant.
• 一边笑一边哭 can describe overlapping reactions without claiming deliberate control over both; do not impose intention as a universal condition.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

老是 (always — a complaint)

A complaint names a recurring interruption

• A friend keeps interrupting you during conversations.
• 你怎么老是打断我？ — 老是 presents the repeated interruption with frustration.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 老是 (always — a complaint). 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.

you你nǐwhy怎么zěn mealways老是lǎo shìlate迟到chí dào？

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 你怎么老是打断我？: 老是 presents the repeated interruption with frustration.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• 老是 often occurs in complaints but is not forbidden with positive predicates: 他老是帮我 can express appreciation in context.
• 总是 can also be used critically.

Use the distinction

• 老是 presents the repeated interruption with frustration.
• 老是 often occurs in complaints but is not forbidden with positive predicates: 他老是帮我 can express appreciation in context. 总是 can also be used critically.

Try it with help closed

A friend keeps interrupting you during conversations. 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: 你怎么老是打断我？

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• 老是 often occurs in complaints but is not forbidden with positive predicates: 他老是帮我 can express appreciation in context.
• 总是 can also be used critically.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

才 + Number (only — a small amount)

A fare seems surprisingly small

• You expected a ticket to cost more than twenty yuan.
• 这张票才二十块。 — 才 presents the price as only twenty yuan against that expectation.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 才 + Number (only — a small amount). 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.

you你nǐonly才cáitwenty二十岁èr shí suì？

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 这张票才二十块。: 才 presents the price as only twenty yuan against that expectation.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• The price is a small amount from the speaker's viewpoint.
• 二十块才够 instead means only twenty yuan is sufficient; word position and predicate change the scope.

Use the distinction

• 才 presents the price as only twenty yuan against that expectation.
• The price is a small amount from the speaker's viewpoint. 二十块才够 instead means only twenty yuan is sufficient; word position and predicate change the scope.

Try it with help closed

You expected a ticket to cost more than twenty yuan. 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: 这张票才二十块。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• The price is a small amount from the speaker's viewpoint.
• 二十块才够 instead means only twenty yuan is sufficient; word position and predicate change the scope.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

才 vs 就 (late vs early)

One clock time supports two reactions

• An early worker expects arrival at six; a late worker expects arrival at nine.
• 他八点就到了。她八点才到。 — 就 and 才 present the same arrival time as early or late against different expectations.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 才 vs 就 (late vs early). 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tāsix o'clock六点liù diǎnalready就jiùget up起床qǐ chuáng了le。

Read examples in context

he他tānine o'clock九点jiǔ diǎnnot until才cáiget up起床qǐ chuáng。

• In the opening example, 他八点就到了。她八点才到。: 就 and 才 present the same arrival time as early or late against different expectations.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• Check the expected time, not only the clock number.
• 了 is common in the completed 就 example; the words themselves do not assign a tense to every sentence.

Use the distinction

• 就 and 才 present the same arrival time as early or late against different expectations.
• Check the expected time, not only the clock number. 了 is common in the completed 就 example; the words themselves do not assign a tense to every sentence.

Try it with help closed

An early worker expects arrival at six; a late worker expects arrival at nine. 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: 他八点就到了。她八点才到。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• Check the expected time, not only the clock number.
• 了 is common in the completed 就 example; the words themselves do not assign a tense to every sentence.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

刚 vs 刚才 (just now: adverb vs time-word)

Place a recent-time expression correctly

• A friend left shortly before you arrived.
• 他刚走。刚才他还在这儿。 — 刚 modifies the leaving; 刚才 names the earlier time when he was here.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 刚 vs 刚才 (just now: adverb vs time-word). 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tājust刚gāngleave走zǒu。

Read examples in context

a moment ago刚才gāng cáihe他tābe at在zàihere这儿zhèr。

• In the opening example, 他刚走。刚才他还在这儿。: 刚 modifies the leaving; 刚才 names the earlier time when he was here.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• 刚 can describe a short interval relative to a stated event, as in 刚到学校就下雨了.
• 刚才 can occur before or after the subject and in 刚才的电话; it is a time expression, not merely a longer 刚.

Use the distinction

• 刚 modifies the leaving; 刚才 names the earlier time when he was here.
• 刚 can describe a short interval relative to a stated event, as in 刚到学校就下雨了. 刚才 can occur before or after the subject and in 刚才的电话; it is a time expression, not merely a longer 刚.

Try it with help closed

A friend left shortly before you arrived. 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: 他刚走。刚才他还在这儿。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• 刚 can describe a short interval relative to a stated event, as in 刚到学校就下雨了.
• 刚才 can occur before or after the subject and in 刚才的电话; it is a time expression, not merely a longer 刚.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

有点 vs 一点 (a bit too… vs a little …er)

An evaluation becomes a request

• A coat costs more than you want to pay, so you ask for a small reduction.
• 这件衣服有点贵。便宜一点吧。 — 有点贵 evaluates the price; 便宜一点 asks for a lower price.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 有点 vs 一点 (a bit too… vs a little …er). 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)件jiànclothes衣服yī fua bit有点yǒu diǎnexpensive贵guì。

Read examples in context

cheap便宜pián yia little一点yì diǎn吧ba！

• In the opening example, 这件衣服有点贵。便宜一点吧。: 有点贵 evaluates the price; 便宜一点 asks for a lower price.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• 有点 precedes the adjective and 一点 follows it here.
• 有点 often expresses an unwanted state but can express mild surprise or feelings such as 有点高兴; negative evaluation is usual, not compulsory.

Use the distinction

• 有点贵 evaluates the price; 便宜一点 asks for a lower price.
• 有点 precedes the adjective and 一点 follows it here. 有点 often expresses an unwanted state but can express mild surprise or feelings such as 有点高兴; negative evaluation is usual, not compulsory.

Try it with help closed

A coat costs more than you want to pay, so you ask for a small reduction. 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: 这件衣服有点贵。便宜一点吧。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• 有点 precedes the adjective and 一点 follows it here.
• 有点 often expresses an unwanted state but can express mild surprise or feelings such as 有点高兴; negative evaluation is usual, not compulsory.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

再 vs 又 (again: future vs past)

Distinguish a new plan from a known recurrence

• A visitor came today and plans another visit tomorrow.
• 今天他又来了，明天再来。 — 又 marks today's recurrence; 再 proposes the next visit.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 再 vs 又 (again: future vs 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.

he他tāagain又yòulate迟到chí dào了le。

Read examples in context

tomorrow明天míng tiānagain再zàicome来lái吧ba！

• In the opening example, 今天他又来了，明天再来。: 又 marks today's recurrence; 再 proposes the next visit.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• This is a useful basic contrast, not a past/future tense system.
• 明天又是星期一 is a known recurrence in the future; 再 also links subsequent steps, as in 先看再说.

Use the distinction

• 又 marks today's recurrence; 再 proposes the next visit.
• This is a useful basic contrast, not a past/future tense system. 明天又是星期一 is a known recurrence in the future; 再 also links subsequent steps, as in 先看再说.

Try it with help closed

A visitor came today and plans another visit tomorrow. 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: 今天他又来了，明天再来。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• This is a useful basic contrast, not a past/future tense system.
• 明天又是星期一 is a known recurrence in the future; 再 also links subsequent steps, as in 先看再说.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.