了（一）点儿
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…
有的是
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…
原来
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…
是
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…
任何
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:…
不是
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…
要我说
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!…
不但⋯⋯而且⋯⋯
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…
