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 time until the present. Examples: 1. Continue Reading

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: 1. 这 件 事情 需要 进一步 Continue Reading

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 speaker doesn’t want to insult the Continue Reading

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” is not the same as “有的+是”. Continue Reading

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, a bit like “so it’s been Continue Reading

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 conceding a point, but they still Continue Reading

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 特别 顽固，任何 的 人 都 不 Continue Reading

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 noun phrases Examples: 1. 那 不是 Continue Reading

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。     Yào wǒ shuō， zhè jiàn shì Continue Reading

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 hǎo chī ， ér qiě yǒu Continue Reading