Structure: Subject + 那么 / 这么 + Adjective Meaning: All you have to do to use this grammar structure is put the 那么 or 这么 in front of the adjective Examples: 1. 你 怎么 这么 漂亮！ Nǐ zěnme zhème piàoliɑnɡ！ Continue Reading

Structure: Object + 不怎么 + adjective Meaning: When used together with an adjective, 不怎么 becomes similar to 不太, which means that the degree of the adjective is not very high Examples: 1. 你的 孩子 不怎么 可爱。 Nǐde háizi bùzěnme kěài. Continue Reading

Structure: 就 + topic + 来说/而言 + comment Meaning: This emphasizes that the speaker is just commenting on that particular topic and nothing else, like “just with regards to” in English. In this sense it is similar to 至于, but Continue Reading

Structure: Subject + 不停 + 地 + Verb Meaning: “不停” is a little more versatile and can be placed both before the verb as an adverb, or after the verb as something that is somewhat like a complement. Either way, Continue Reading

Structure: 老是 + (Adverb +) Adjective Meaning: When it is used together with an adjective, it usually has an adverb before it, such as “很, 非常, 这么, 那么” etc. Examples: 1. 他 的 脸 老是 很 红，很 可爱。 Tā de 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. 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