Structure: Subject + 一向 + Habit / Attitude / etc. Meaning: 一向 (yī xiàng) is generally used to express a habit, attitude, or ‘set way of things’ has continued for a long period of Read More

Structure: Subject + 进一步 +Verb Meaning: 进一步, is an adverb meaning ‘further’ or to ‘go a step forward’. Usually it is used in formal written Chinese, though it can be spoken as well. Examples: Read More

Structure: Adjective + 了（一）点儿 Meaning: 了一点儿(le yīdiǎnr), can be added after an adjective to mean “a little bit too”. It is softer in tone than using 太, and so is often used when the Read More

Structure: Subject + 有的是 + Noun Meaning: In Chinese, there are “a lot” of ways to say “a lot.” “有的是” (yǒudeshì) is one of those ways. However, we need to be very clear: “有的是” Read More

Structure: 原来 + Noun/Adjective/[verb phrase] Meaning: 原来 (yuánlái) means “originally” (similar to 本来) or “former”. It can also mean “all along”, and can be used to indicate a sudden realization of something previously unknown, Read More

Structure: Adjective + 是 + Adjective + 但是 Meaning: “…是…, 但是…” (…shì…, dànshì…) is a pattern often used when conceding a point in an argument or debate. It’s usually indicating that the speaker is Read More

Structure: 任何 + Noun Meaning: 任何 is a modifier that means means “any” or “whichever, whatsoever”. It is also like the English phrase “any and all, no matter what” Examples: 1. 我 的 弟弟 Read More

Structure: Subject + 不是 + Adjective/Noun/Verb# 1+ 是 + Adjective/Noun/Verb#2 Meaning: “不是…, (就)是…” (búshì…, (jiù)shì…) is used to clarify something about a certain noun. What’s being clarified can range from adjectives, verbs and even Read More

Structure: 要我说 + Opinion Meaning: The structure is very simple. All you need to do is put “要我说” in front of your opinion. Context will take care of the rest! Examples: 1. 要我说，这件事先不要告诉爸妈。     Read More

Structure: Subject + 不但 + Adj./Verb, 而且 +Adj./Verb Meaning: “不但⋯⋯，而且⋯⋯” (bùdàn…, érqiě…) is a very commonly used pattern that indicates “not only, … but also….” Examples: 1. 这种菜不但好吃，而且有营养。     Zhè zhònɡ cài bú dàn Read More