Each one who has tried to study a brand new language has in all probability skilled the frustration of eager to say one thing, figuring out all the suitable phrases, however simply not with the ability to put them collectively in the suitable method. Chinese language isn’t any exception with inflexible grammar constructions and phrases like 了 (le) that appear like they’re designed to be complicated. And the way on earth do you inform the distinction between 有 and 的?
Okay. Take a deep breath. Keep in mind that EVERYONE will get confused about just a few (or many) issues when beginning to study Chinese language. That will help you keep sane, listed here are just a few grammar suggestions and explanations!
Prime 10 Suggestions For Studying Chinese language Grammar
When beginning to study Chinese language the big variety of grammar patters might be overwhelming. This record of suggestions ought to aid you perceive a few of the most typical grammar patterns and provide you with some further concepts to spice up your language journey!
1. Normal Sentence Construction
Earlier than we attempt to implement any new grammar patterns, let’s determine what the construction of a Chinese language sentence appears like. Happily for native English audio system, and most audio system used to romance languages, Chinese language makes use of a really acquainted sentence construction of Subject–Verb–Object or SVO for brief. An English instance of SVO is “I ate fish.” the place “I” is the topic, “ate” is the verb, and “fish” is the item. This sentence in Chinese language is basically an identical, “我吃鱼” (wǒ chī yú). “我” is the topic, “吃” is the verb, and “鱼” is the item. Fairly easy!
A delicate distinction in sentence construction that you’ll encounter pretty usually is the place you place phrases pertaining to time. Many people are used to the flexibleness of English the place it is smart to say each “Yesterday, I ate fish.” and “I ate fish yesterday.” Nonetheless in Chinese language it’s higher to place the time phrases at first of the sentence like this “昨天我吃鱼” (zuótiān wǒ chī yú) or “Yesterday, I ate fish.”
Listed here are some easy sentences:
- 下个周末我开车 (xià gè zhōumò wǒ kāichē): I drive subsequent weekend
- 她出去学校 (tā chūqù xuéxiào): She goes to highschool
- 上周我的爸爸做饭 (shàng zhōu wǒ de bàba zuò fàn): final week my dad made meals
2. Formal Names and Titles
That is easy nevertheless it journeys up quite a lot of freshmen. In a proper setting Chinese language audio system state an individual’s household title, or surname, earlier than the person’s first title. Primarily they swap the order of the names. John Doe would turn out to be Doe John. Titles work a lot the identical method. As an alternative of claiming Dr. Wang, or Professor Li you’d say 王医生 (Wáng yīshēng) and 李老师 (Lǐ lǎoshī). It is fairly easy however might be powerful to recollect so don’t really feel unhealthy in the event you neglect every so often! For those who occur to be the curious kind, Chinese naming conventions are actually attention-grabbing!
3. Measure Phrases
Subsequent let’s discuss measure phrases. These can get a bit sophisticated however they’re vital to cowl since you’ll be seeing quite a lot of them. They’re all over the place in Chinese language. What’s a measure phrase? Put merely, they’re a phrase that’s positioned earlier than a noun to assist describe the standard and/or amount of that noun. They’re used to attach a amount to a noun.
It sounds daunting at first however when you get some apply they aren’t fairly so intimidating. Plus, they’re fairly simple to position in a sentence. They go between a quantifier/quantity, and the noun being quantified.
Right here is the fundamental construction with some examples:
quantifier + measure phrase + noun
- 一个人(yīgè rén): Measure phrase 个
one individual or an individual - 六条鱼(liùtiáo yú): Measure phrase 条
six fish - 三张床(sānzhāng chuáng): Measure phrase 张
three beds
You might be questioning why the measure phrase modified in these totally different examples. It is because sure measure phrases can perform like adjectives to explain one thing concerning the noun they’re modifying. The phrase 条 is used to explain issues which are lengthy and thin, and 张 is used to explain issues which are lengthy and flat. Sadly there isn’t any simple trick to studying these, however with apply and memorization they’ll come to you a lot simpler.
Listed here are some extra examples of some frequent measure phrases and their pairings:
- 条 (tiáo): describes lengthy skinny issues
小路 (xiǎolù) path，路 (lù) highway，蛇 (shé) snake, 鱼 fish, - 只 (zhǐ): describes smaller animals
狗 (gǒu) canine，猫 (māo) cat，鸡 (jī) hen, 鼠 (shǔ) mouse - 张 (zhāng): describes large flat issues
床 mattress, 纸 (zhǐ) paper，桌子 (zhuōzi) desk，幅画 (fúhuà) portray - 个 (gè): describes folks
人 (rén) individual，朋友 (péngyǒu) buddy，妹妹 (mèimei) youthful sister，弟弟 (dìdì) youthful brother - 本 (běn): describes issues discovered/made in volumes
书 (shū) guide, 字典 (zidiǎn) dictionary，杂志 (zázhì) journal,
期刊 (qíkān) journals - 杯 (bēi): describes issues that are available in bottles
水 (shuǐ) water，酒 (jiǔ) wine，茶 (chá) tea，果汁 (guǒzhī) juice
4. Plurals
In Chinese language, plurality might be achieved in just a few methods. The primary and simplest way is so as to add 们 (males) when utilizing a noun or pronoun that refers to folks. One other method is to specify the amount of the noun through the use of a quantity and the proper measure phrase.
Utilizing 们 may be very easy. If you wish to discuss with a gaggle of individuals simply add 们 after the noun. To show individual into folks change “人” into “人们!” Wish to say howdy to everybody as an alternative of only one individual? You possibly can add 们 to 你好 (nǐ hǎo)and say 你们好 (nǐmen hǎo)! You will need to be aware that 们 is used with teams that aren’t counted. For those who wished to offer a particular variety of folks, as an instance three, you’d simply say 三个人 (sǎn gě rén).
Now let’s use numbers and measure phrases. You’ve truly already seen an instance of this earlier within the article! It is fairly easy: you say the quantity, then the measure phrase, then the noun. Some easy examples are “七条鱼” (qītiáo yú) or “五只狗” (wǔ zhǐ gǒu)
Portions might be expressed via measure phrases as properly! As an example you wish to discuss sneakers that are normally referred to in pairs. There’s a measure phrase for that! 双 is usually used to explain issues that are available in pairs. In case you are making an attempt to inform somebody you have got 9 pairs of sneakers you possibly can say “我有九双鞋子” (wǒ yǒu jiǔ shuāng xiézi).
If you wish to know extra about counting usually take a look at this nice weblog put up on Speechling’s web site!
5. How you can Specific Possession and Possession
There are two primary phrases freshmen ought to know when making an attempt to specific that they’ve one thing. You should use the phrase 的 (de) to point that one thing belongs to you, or you should use the phrase 有 (yǒu) to point that you’re in possession of one thing even when it would not essentially belong to you.
的 is normally used whenever you wish to say that one thing belongs to somebody. “我的车” (wǒ de chē) says “My automotive.” “他的车” (tā de chē) means “His automotive.”
Listed here are some examples of the best way to use 的:
- 我的朋友 (wǒ de péngyǒu): My buddy
- 她的家 (wǒ de jiā): Her household
- 他们的妈妈 (tāmen de māmā): Their Mother
有, alternatively, is much less possessive. It greatest interprets to the phrase “have” and simply exhibits that somebody is holding or protecting one thing with out essentially proudly owning it. “我有两本书” (wǒ yǒu liǎng běn shū) says that the speaker is in possession of two books, however doesn’t point out whether or not they personal the books or not.
An instance of how 有 signifies possession and never possession is:
李旺有我的书 (Lǐ Wàng yǒu wǒ de shū): Wang Li has my guide
On this sentence the guide is owned by the speaker, however Wang Li is in possession of it.
Listed here are some extra examples of 有:
- 我有一个朋友 (wǒ yǒu yīgè péngyǒu): I’ve a buddy
- 他有五双鞋子 (tā yǒu wǔshuāng xiēzi): He has 5 pairs of sneakers
To negate possession you possibly can add 没 in entrance of 有. Some examples of 没有 are:
- 我没有我的功课 (wǒ méiyǒu wǒ de gōngkè): I don’t have my homework
- 她没有一只狗 (tā méiyǒu yī zhǐ gǒu): She doesn’t have a canine
6. How you can Use 了
It’s superb that such slightly phrase could cause a lot confusion. There are quite a lot of makes use of for 了 (le) however for now let’s give attention to two of them. The primary use is to display completion, and second is to emphasise a change in situation.
To display completion put 了 after the motion that was accomplished：
- 我吃了晚饭 (wǒ chīle wǎnfàn): I ate dinner.
- 他写了他的名字 (tā xiěle tā de míngzì): He wrote his title
In each these examples 了 emphasizes the completion of an motion and to allow them to even be learn as “I completed consuming dinner” and “He completed writing his title”.
To display a change in state use 了 after the clause that signifies the brand new state:
- 她是大学生了 (tā shì dàxuéshēngle): She is a school pupil now.
- 妈妈没有一只狗了 (māmā méiyǒu yī zhǐ gǒule)：Mother doesn’t have a canine anymore.
With out 了 the sentences learn as easy statements however by including 了 you point out that the assertion demonstrates a change.
Hopefully this helps to make clear a few of the ways in which you’ve possible encountered 了！
7. Grammar Patterns for Giving Your Opinion
What’s the level of studying a brand new language in the event you aren’t capable of categorical your self! These are nice methods to reply questions in a category setting, or to supply your viewpoint to a buddy:
- 觉得 (juédé): to suppose
我觉得你的家很漂亮 (Wǒ juédé nǐ de jiā hěn piàoliang): I feel your own home may be very fairly - 知道 (zhīdào): to know
我知道我的电脑号码 (Wǒ zhīdào wǒ de diànnǎo hàomǎ): I do know my telephone quantity - 同意 (tóngyì): to agree
我同意，我也喜欢这本书 (Wǒ tóngyì, wǒ yě xǐhuān zhè běn shū): I agree, I additionally like this guide - 比 (bǐ): utilized in easy comparisons
你的头比我的头大 (Nǐ de tóu bǐ wǒ de tóu dà): Your head is greater than mine
There are tons of the way to get your opinion on the market however these are some stable methods to get your self began! For those who simply do not know what to debate possibly look into some Chinese history, even some philosphy!
8. How you can Say Thank You
This one isn’t as easy as you may suppose! Sure you possibly can merely say thanks utilizing 谢谢(xièxiè). It’s excellent if somebody has simply achieved you slightly favor, nevertheless, within the unsuitable context a easy thank you may make you appear ungrateful and even smug. In a tradition that holds humility in such excessive esteem, having all kinds of the way to display thanks is a good suggestion.
Listed here are some enjoyable methods to say thanks:
- 哪里哪里(nǎlǐ nǎlǐ): The place? The place?
That is one among my favourite phrases in Chinese language. It’s used when somebody presents you a sort praise like saying you’re good-looking or fairly. In simply two phrases you’re mainly saying “The place is that this individual you’re saying such good issues about as a result of it actually can’t be me!” - 你太好了(nǐ tài hǎole): You’re too good!
It is a nice strategy to categorical gratitude whereas drawing consideration to the generosity of the individual you’re thanking. - 不是不是(bùshì bùshì):No! No!
That is one other cute strategy to settle for a praise. It emphasizes humility by mainly outright denying no matter good factor was stated about you. - 多谢(duōxiè):Thanks a lot!
You’ll normally encounter this in casual settings or amongst youthful crowds. 多 is usually used to specific the thought of heaps or many so it is also like saying, “Many thanks!”
There are many methods to say thanks however hopefully these enjoyable decisions will preserve you sounding grateful when you do extra exploring!
If the considered dialog or interplay sounds daunting take a look at some extra of Speechling’s information like this one on the best way to speak to strangers or this one about the best way to make associates in Chinese language!
9. Greetings and Goodbyes
Giving the usual 你好 can sound stiff after some time. Plus native Chinese language audio system usually use different greetings which are both extra enjoyable or pertinent to a given state of affairs. For those who meet a brand new group of individuals, as an alternative of sounding a like a robotic and saying 你好 15 occasions in a row you possibly can merely say 大家好 or 你们好. If you wish to greet somebody and ask how their day goes you would say 你好今天怎嘛样 otherwise you you would be tremendous hip and ask “你好吗?” as an alternative!
Listed here are some alternative ways to say howdy:
- 大家好 (dàjiā hǎo): Hey everybody
- 你们好 (nǐmen hǎo): Hey you all
- 您好 (nín hǎo): Hey, however needs to be used solely when in formal settings
- 上午好 (shàngwǔ hǎo): Good Morning
While you’re at it, strive discovering some new methods to say goodbye. This is an inventory to get you began:
- 再见 (zàijiàn)：So long
- 我来了 (wǒ láile): I’m heading out
- 明天见 (míngtiān jiàn): See you tomorrow
- 拜拜 (bàibài): Bye bye
10. Widespread query phrases
Final however not least let’s check out some query phrases! Having the ability to ask the suitable query can actually assist to get you out of a pinch whether or not you are attempting to ask your trainer in the event you can go to the lavatory, or if you wish to know the best way to get to your lodge from the airport.
Listed here are some examples of frequent query phrases and the best way to use them:
- 谁 (shéi): Who
他是谁? (tā shì shéi): Who’s she? - 什么 (shénme)：What
大家最喜欢的东西是什么? (nǐ zuì xīhuān de diànyǐng shì shénme): What’s everybody’s favourite film? - 什么时候 (shénme shíhòu)：When
我们什么时候去上班? (wǒmen shénme shíhòu qù shàngbān): When will we go to work? - 哪里 (nǎlǐ)：The place
你的家在哪里? (nī de jiā zài nǎlǐ): The place is your house? - 为什么 (wèishénme): Why
你为什么不喜欢这部电影? (nī wèishénme bù xǐhuān zhè bù diànyǐng): Why do you not like this film? - 怎么样 (zěnme yàng): How
你怎么样写你的名字? (nǐ sěnme yàng xiě nǐ de míngzì): How do you write your title?
In fact, there are different methods to ask questions moreover simply the query phrases! These are some extra nuanced methods to ask a query:
- 好不好 (hǎobù hǎo): How you can ask if one thing was good or not
他们的菜好不好? (tāmen de cài hǎobù hǎo): Is there meals good? - 吗 (ma): Used to point a sentence is posed as a sure or no query. An improtant be aware is that 吗 can’t be used with different query phrases.
你看书吗? (Nǐ kànshū ma): Do you learn books?
Now you need to have a device belt full of fine methods to ask questions, however there are tons of phrases and phrases that can aid you pursue your curiosities so do not be afraid to get on the market!
You Simply Realized Some Chinese language!
Congratulations! You made all of it the way in which to the tip and hopefully you discovered a factor or two about Chinese language grammar.
One very nice factor about Chinese language is that the principles are usually fairly uniform in contrast to English which has a by no means ending record of grammatical exceptions. Now sit again, pat your self on the again, and congratulate your self for sitting down and making an attempt to determine all these grammar guidelines out.
If recommendation columns and blogs aren’t sufficient take a look at Speechling’s Chinese language program. You will get personalised suggestions provided by actual language professionals!