Structure: Subject + 都 + Verb + Object Meaning: You can use 都 (dōu) to emphasis the large quantity of something, particularly a group of people. The subject should be some sort of large Read More

Structure: Subject + Time + 才 + Verb + Object Meaning: In English this might be expressed with “as late as” or “not until”. This form is often used with a time number of Read More

Meaning: 打头阵 (dǎ tóu zhèn) to do something first or to take the lead Usage: “打头阵”的本义是指打仗时做先锋在前面进攻。引申为第一个或带头去做事。 The original meaning of “打头阵” is to fight in the van. It metaphorically means to do something first Read More

Structure: Adjective + Noun + 之一 Meaning: In order to express “one of the…” in Chinese, “之一” (zhī yī) can be used at the end of the sentence. Examples:    她 是 我 的 Read More

Meaning: In order to express “some”, you can use “一些” (yìxiē). It is mostly used to modify an object, but it can also be used to modify subjects as well. Examples: 1. 她 的 Read More

Structure: Number + 多 + Measure + (noun) Meaning: A number in excess of a certain amount is expressed by adding “多” (duō) to the end of a number. This is usually translated as Read More

Structure: 都 + Verb / Adjective / Quantity + 了 Meaning: “都…了” is used to express that something has already happened, similar to “已经…了”. However it is used more emphatically, implying that the speaker Read More

Structure: Statement + 的 Meaning: The particle 的 (de) is most often a structural particle, but it can also be a sentence-final particle which indicates that the speaker is certain about what he is Read More

Meaning: 打哑谜 (dǎ yǎmí) make puzzling remarks; play dummy Usage: “打哑谜”指说话比较隐晦，不直接说，不容易让人明白。 “打哑谜” means to tell something indirectly and it is not easy to be understood. Examples: 1. 关于房价是否还会继续下降这个问题，政府一直在跟人们打哑谜。 Guānyú fángjià shìfǒu hái huì jìxù Read More

Meaning: 出洋相 (Chū yángxiàng) make an exhibition of oneself Usage: “出洋相”指做事不合常规，让人感到滑稽可笑。可以说“出了个（大）洋相”。 “出洋相”means doing something which is out of normal, which seems ridiculous. We can say “出了个（大）洋相”. Examples: 1. 今天小强害我在大家面前出了个大洋相。     Jīntiān Xiǎo Qiáng hài Read More