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

Structure: 所有的 + Noun + 都 + Adjective Meaning: “所有的… 都…” (suǒyǒu… dōu…) is a pattern used to refer to “every” or “all” of a noun, with the quantity of said noun usually being fairly Read More

Structure: Subject + 总算/终于 + Verb Meaning: Grammatically, 总算 and 终于 are basically used the same way. They are both adverbs, and they can be placed before the subject or after the subject. However, Read More

Structure: Part A, 后来, Part B Meaning: 后来 is a time noun, and it can only be used on its own. It describes a certain time period in the past to the present, and Read More

Structure: Subject + Verb + 以后/的时候, Comment Meaning: The complicated thing about “以后” and “的时候” is that they both appear in the same place in the sentence. That is, after the verb Examples: 1. Read More

Structure: 以后 + Subject +Verb + Object Meaning: 以后 is used when talking about things that happen at some unspecified point in the future. Examples: 1. 他 以后 不 想 住 在 日本 。 Read More