Structure: 总 + [negative word] + Verb Meaning: When 总 is used together with a negating word (like 不 or 没), it often has a tone of speculation, judgement or suggestion. The sentence often ends with a 吧. Examples: 1. Continue Reading

Structure: 在+ Person + 看来 + Perspective Meaning: 看来 can also be used to highlight a specific person(s) or type of person(s) point of view. This is like saying “the way he/she sees it…” You can also say 在我看来, which Continue Reading

Structure: 就是+focus Meaning: 就是 can be used before verbs and adjectives to limit the scope of what the speaker is talking about, eliminating options in order to focus in on something. This is a bit like “only”, or “just” in Continue Reading

Structure: 就是 + verb Meaning: Used before a verb, this usage has the feeling that the speaker is being stubborn and is unwilling to change their mind. Examples: 1. 我 就是 不 去，我 一向 都 不 爱 去 酒吧。   Continue Reading

Structure: 甚至 + supplementary thought Meaning: In this structure, the 甚至 takes things up another degree. Examples: 1. 他 是 个 探险家，他 甚至 去 过 北极。 Tā shì ɡè tàn xiǎn jiā ， tā shèn zhì qù ɡuò běi jí Continue Reading

Structure: 原来 + Noun/Adjective/ [verb phrase] Meaning: Here 原来 means “originally” or “former”. Examples: 你 原来 的 发型 很 可爱， 剪 了 太 可惜 了！ Nǐ yuán lái de fā xínɡ hěn kě ài ， jiǎn le tài kě xī Continue Reading

Structure: Subject+看起来+Predicate Meaning: 看起来 is the opposite in that it emphasizes subjectivity, paying close attention to how the observer feels. Examples: 你 今天 看起来 很 高兴。 nǐ jīn tiān kàn qǐ lái hěn ɡāo xìnɡ 。 You seem very happy Continue Reading

Structure: 到底+question phrase Meaning: 到底 can be used to mean “on earth”, where it is used to emphasize a question. In this sense, 到底 is similar to 究竟. Examples: 1. 内奸 到底 是 谁？ nèijiān dàodǐ shì shuí？ Who on Continue Reading

Structure: 虽然 + A + 但 + 到底 + B + C Meaning: In this structure, A and B are reasons or characteristics, and C is a result or conclusion. Examples: 1. 虽然 他 做错 了 事情，但是 他 到底 还是 Continue Reading

Structure: 总 + [negative word] + Verb Meaning: When 总 is used together with a negating word (like 不 or 没), it often has a tone of speculation, judgement or suggestion. The sentence often ends with a 吧. Example: 1. Continue Reading