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

Structure: 可+verb Meaning: 可 used to emphasize a verb Example: 1. 哇，这 个 糖醋 里脊 可 好吃 了！ wā，zhè ɡè tánɡcù lǐjǐ kě hǎochī le！ (The speaker never dreamt that sweet and sour pork could taste this good) Wow! This Continue Reading

Structure: 不如 + Verb/[verb phrase] Meaning: When facing a choice, 不如 can also be used to mean “might as well” to emphasize the choice is the better of two options. When used like this, it is similar in meaning to Continue Reading

Structure: A (verb) + 不如 + B + adjective/verb Meaning: When an adjective or verb is added to the structure it can then be used to mean A is not as ‘adjective’ as B, or A does not ‘verb’ as Continue Reading

Structure: 虽然 + A + 但 + 毕竟 + B + C Meaning: A and B are reasons or characteristics, and C is a result or conclusion.It’s a bit more complex, so pay attention to the different parts in the Continue Reading

Structure: Number + 多 + Measure word + (noun) Meaning: A number in excess of a certain amount is expressed by adding “多” (duō) to the end of a number. This is usually translated as “more than…” in English. Examples: Continue Reading