Structure: Commant + 吧 Meaning: Note that when you have a command with the subject “we,” you’re basically just saying, “let’s (do something).” 吧 makes the suggestion sound more tentative and more polite. Examples: Read More

Meaning: 精气神儿 (Jíng qì shénr) essence, breath, spirit Usage: “精”“气”“神”原是道家术语，古代道家认为精气神是人生命活动得以维持的三件宝,对三者的养护极为重视。现泛指一个人的精神状态。 “精,” ”气,” and “神” are Daoist terms. The ancient Daoists considered these concepts as the three key factors to keep the human body alive Read More

Structure: Subject + 有点 / 有一点  + Adjective Meaning: To say that something is “a little too … ” or “a bit too …”, 有点 or 有一点 are often used (and the Northern versions Read More

Structure: 不要 + Verb + Object Meaning: Negative commands in Chinese (“do not” or “don’t”) are formed with 不要. Usually the subject is omitted, as in English. Examples:     不要 说话！     Búyào shuōhuà Read More

Negating Verbs Structure: Subject + 不 + Verb + Object Meaning: Almost all verbs can be negated with 不 (unless you’re talking about the past). The only verb that can never be negated with Read More

Structure: Subject + Verb + 一下 + Object Meaning: To express that a verb is carried out briefly or “a little bit,” you can add 一下 after it Examples:     你 看 一下。     Read More

Structure: Noun 1 + 是 + Noun 2 Meaning: This is equivalent to “Noun 1 is Noun 2” in English. Chinese does not conjugate verbs. That is, the form of the verb is the Read More

Structure: Subject + 多 + Adjective Meaning: As well as asking about degree, you can also use “多”(duō) to intensify adjectives. Examples: 1. 这 种 啤酒 多 好喝！     Zhè zhǒnɡ píjiǔ duō hǎohē Read More

Structure: Subject + 还 + Adjective Meaning: As well as continuation,”还”(hái) can also be used to weaken positive adjectives. This is similar to saying “quite” or “reasonably” in English. Examples: 1. 那 个 乐队 Read More

Structure: Subject + 没有 + Verb Meaning: Usually verbs can be negated with 不, but that construction is used for habitual or present actions. If the verb is about an action in the past, Read More