1000 High Frequency Words

Question 1

Zhè shì wǒ [de] shū.

Answer 1

(This is my book.)

Breakdown:
- [de] – (shows possession, like ’s or “my/your” in English)
- Zhè – (this)
- shì – (is)
- wǒ – (I/me)
- shū – (book)

Grammar Tips:
1. “Wǒ de” = “My”: Always put “de” after the owner (e.g., “nǐ de” = your, “tā de” = his/hers).
2. Drop “de” for close relationships:
- ✅ “Wǒ māma” (My mom) → More natural in spoken Chinese.
- ❌ “Wǒ de māma” → Correct but sounds formal.

Real-Life Use:
- Point to your stuff and say: “Zhè shì wǒ de [phone/pen/bag]!” 😊

Question 2

Tā [shì] wǒ de lǎoshī.

Answer 2

(He/She is my teacher.)

Breakdown:
- [shì] – (the verb “to be,” like “is/am/are” in English)
- Tā – (he/she)
- wǒ de – (my)
- lǎoshī – (teacher)

Grammar Tips:
1. Basic sentence structure:
A [shì] B = “A is B” (for nouns, not adjectives!)
- ✅ “Wǒ [shì] xuésheng” (I am a student).
- ❌ “Wǒ [shì] hǎo” → Wrong! Use “hěn” for adjectives (“Wǒ hěn hǎo”).

2. “Shì” is often omitted in answers:
   
   • Q: “Nǐ shì lǎoshī ma?” (Are you a teacher?)
   • A: “Shì!” (Yes!) or “Bù shì.” (No.)

Real-Life Use:
- Introduce yourself: “Wǒ [shì] [name]!”
- Point and ask: “Zhè [shì] shénme?” (What is this?)

Question 3

Wǒ [zài] jiā.

Answer 3

(I am at home.)

Breakdown:
- [zài] – (at/in/on, shows location or ongoing action)
- Wǒ – (I/me)
- jiā – (home)

Grammar Tips:
1. Location marker:
- “Zài” + Place = “To be at [place]”
- ✅ “Tā [zài] xuéxiào” (He/She is at school).
- ✅ “Māma [zài] chāoshì” (Mom is at the supermarket).

2. Action in progress:
   
   • “Zài” + Verb = “In the middle of doing something”
   • ✅ “Wǒ [zài] kàn diànyǐng” (I am watching a movie).
   • ❌ Don’t confuse with “yǒu” (有) for possession!

Real-Life Use:
- Call a friend: “Nǐ [zài] nǎr?” (Where are you?)
- Text your location: “[Zài] gōngyuán!” (At the park!)

1. Location
   Wǒ zài jiā.
   (I’m at home.)
2. Action in Progress
   Tā zài chīfàn.
   (He’s eating.)
3. Duration
   Tā zài Běijīng zhù le 2 nián.
   (She’s lived in Beijing for 2 years.)
4. Simultaneous Action
   Zài gōngzuò de shíhou…
   (While working…)
5. Negative Progressive
   Wǒ méi zài shuōhuǎng!
   (I’m not lying!)

Tip: Remember “ZAI” =
Zone (location)
Action (doing)
In progress (continuous)

6. Avoid Overthinking with This Cheat Sheet
   Situation Use 在? Example
   Action is happening now ✅ 我在喝茶。 (I’m drinking tea.)
   Habit or general fact ❌ 我喝茶。 (I drink tea.)
   With 呢 (ne) ❌ 他喝茶呢。 (He’s drinking tea.)
   Negative (不/没) ❌ 他不喝茶。 (He doesn’t drink tea.)

Question 4

“yǒu” (有)

Answer 4

1. Possession (Most Common)
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ yǒu liǎng ge háizi.”
   (I have two kids.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - yǒu: have
   - liǎng ge: two (general measure word)
   - háizi: kids
2. Existence (Everyday Use)
   Sentence:
   “Bēizi li yǒu shuǐ.”
   (There’s water in the cup.)
   Breakdown:
   - bēizi li: in the cup
   - yǒu: there is
   - shuǐ: water
3. Experience (With “guò”)
   Sentence:
   “Nǐ yǒu méiyǒu qùguò Chángchéng?”
   (Have you ever been to the Great Wall?)
   “Nǐ qùguò Chángchéng ma?”
   Breakdown:
   - nǐ: you
   - yǒu méiyǒu: have (ever)
   - qùguò: been (verb + experience marker)
   - Chángchéng: Great Wall
4. Immediate Notice (Spoken Alert)
   Sentence:
   “Yǒu rén dǎ diànhuà zhǎo nǐ!”
   (Someone’s calling for you!)
   Breakdown:
   - yǒu: there is
   - rén: person
   - dǎ diànhuà: make a phone call
   - zhǎo nǐ: looking for you
5. Negative (Must-Know)
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ méiyǒu WeChat.”
   (I don’t have WeChat.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - méiyǒu: don’t have
   - WeChat: (no translation needed in China)

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Top 3 Must-Remember Rules:
1. Always use “méiyǒu” (没有) for negatives – never “bù yǒu”
2. Drop “yǒu” in answers:
- Q: “Nǐ yǒu shíjiān ma?” → A: “Méiyǒu!” (Not “Wǒ méiyǒu”)
3. “Yǒu méiyǒu” = “Do you have…?” (super common shortcut)

Real-Life Bonus:
Next time in China, ask:
“Zhèr yǒu méiyǒu wifi?” (Is there wifi here?)

Question 5

“shàng” (上)

Answer 5

1. Go Up (Physical Movement)
   Sentence:
   “Qǐng shàng lóu.”
   (Please go upstairs.)
   Breakdown:
   - qǐng: please
   - shàng: go up
   - lóu: floor/building
2. Attend (Classes/Work)
   Sentence:
   “Míngtiān wǒmen shàng kè.”
   (We have class tomorrow.)
   Breakdown:
   - míngtiān: tomorrow
   - wǒmen: we
   - shàng: attend
   - kè: class
3. Get On (Transportation)
   Sentence:
   “Kuài shàng chē!”
   (Hurry up and get in the car!)
   Breakdown:
   - kuài: hurry
   - shàng: get on
   - chē: vehicle
4. Previous (Time Reference)
   Sentence:
   “Shàng gè yuè wǒ qùle Shànghǎi.”
   (Last month I went to Shanghai.)
   Breakdown:
   - shàng gè: last (one)
   - yuè: month
   - wǒ: I
   - qùle: went
   - Shànghǎi: Shanghai
5. Upload (Digital Context)
   Sentence:
   “Nǐ bǎ zhàopiàn shàngchuán dào wǎngshàng.”
   (Upload the photos online.)
   Breakdown:
   - nǐ: you
   - bǎ: (grammar particle)
   - zhàopiàn: photos
   - shàngchuán: upload
   - dào: to
   - wǎngshàng: online

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Top 3 Must-Remember Rules:
1. “Shàng” + place = go to (school/work):
- “shàng xué” (go to school)
- “shàng bān” (go to work)
2. “Shàng” vs “xià” (下):
- “shàng chē” (get on vehicle) ↔ “xià chē” (get off)
3. Time phrases:
- “shàng gè…” (last…)
- “shàng zhōu” (last week)

Real-Life Bonus:
At a store:
“Zhège shàng ge xīngqī mái duōshao qián?”
(How much was this last week?)

Question 6

“yě” (也)

Answer 6

1. Basic “Also” (Most Common)
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ xǐhuan chī píngguǒ, tā yě xǐhuan.”
   (I like eating apples, he also likes.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - xǐhuan: like
   - chī: eat
   - píngguǒ: apples
   - tā: he/she
   - yě: also
2. Agreement in Conversation
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ juéde hěn lèi.” — “Wǒ yě shì.”
   (“I feel very tired.” — “Me too.”)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ juéde: I feel
   - hěn lèi: very tired
   - yě shì: also am (common short response)
3. Negative “Neither” Structure
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ bù xǐhuan, tā yě bù xǐhuan.”
   (I don’t like it, he doesn’t like it either.)
   Breakdown:
   - bù xǐhuan: don’t like
   - yě bù: also not (negative agreement)
4. Multiple Subjects
   Sentence:
   “Xiǎo Míng yě, Xiǎo Hóng yě, dōu lái le.”
   (Both Xiao Ming and Xiao Hong came.)
   Breakdown:
   - [Name] yě: [Person] also
   - dōu: all
   - lái le: came
5. Emphasizing Similarity
   Sentence:
   “Zhège yě hěn hǎo chī!”
   (This one is also very delicious!)
   Breakdown:
   - zhège: this one
   - yě: also
   - hěn hǎo chī: very delicious

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. Position: Always before the verb/adjective
- ✅ “Tā yě lái” (correct)
- ❌ “Tā lái yě” (incorrect)
2. Short Responses:
- “Wǒ yě shì” = “Me too”
- “Wǒ yě yào” = “I want it too”
3. Double Subjects:
- “A yě, B yě, dōu…” = “Both A and B…”

Real-Life Bonus:
When ordering food:
“Wǒ yào yí ge, tā yě yào yí ge.”
(I’ll have one, he wants one too.)

Question 7

“rén” (人)

Answer 7

1. Basic Meaning (Person/People)
   Sentence:
   “Zhèr yǒu sān ge rén.”
   (There are three people here.)
   Breakdown:
   - zhèr: here
   - yǒu: there is/are
   - sān ge: three (general measure word)
   - rén: people
2. Nationality/City Origin
   Sentence:
   “Tā shì Běijīng rén.”
   (He/She is a Beijing native.)
   Breakdown:
   - tā: he/she
   - shì: is
   - Běijīng: Beijing
   - rén: person (used for origin)
3. Profession
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ xiǎng dāng yīshēng, yīnwèi wǒ xiǎng jiù rén.”
   (I want to be a doctor because I want to save people.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - xiǎng dāng: want to be
   - yīshēng: doctor
   - jiù: save
   - rén: people
4. Common Compound Word
   Sentence:
   “Rénmen dōu shuō zhè ge hěn hǎo.”
   (People all say this is very good.)
   Breakdown:
   - rénmen: people (plural)
   - dōu: all
   - shuō: say
   - zhè ge: this
   - hěn hǎo: very good
5. Idiomatic Expression
   Sentence:
   “Tā shì ge hǎo rén.”
   (He/She is a good person.)
   Breakdown:
   - tā: he/she
   - shì ge: is a
   - hǎo rén: good person

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. Measure Words:
- Always use “ge” for counting people: “yí ge rén”, “liǎng ge rén”
2. Origin:
- “[Place] + rén” = person from [place]
- “Shànghǎi rén”, “Měiguó rén”
3. Plural Form:
- “Rénmen” = people (general plural)

Real-Life Bonus:
When meeting someone new:
“Nǐ shì nǎ guó rén?”
(What country are you from?)

Question 8

jiù” (就)

Answer 8

1. Immediacy (“Right away”)
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ jiù lái!”
   (I’m coming right now!)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - jiù: immediately
   - lái: come
2. Emphasis (“Exactly/Precisely”)
   Sentence:
   “Zhè jiù shì wǒ yào de.”
   (This is exactly what I want.)
   Breakdown:
   - zhè: this
   - jiù: exactly
   - shì: is
   - wǒ yào de: what I want
3. Early Occurrence (“As early as”)
   Sentence:
   “Tā zǎoshang qī diǎn jiù qǐchuáng le.”
   (He got up as early as 7am.)
   Breakdown:
   - tā: he
   - zǎoshang: morning
   - qī diǎn: 7 o’clock
   - jiù: as early as
   - qǐchuáng: get up
4. Contrast (“Then/In that case”)
   Sentence:
   “Nǐ bù qù, wǒ jiù zìjǐ qù.”
   (If you’re not going, then I’ll go by myself.)
   Breakdown:
   - nǐ: you
   - bù qù: not going
   - wǒ: I
   - jiù: then
   - zìjǐ: myself
   - qù: go
5. Minimizing (“Just/Only”)
   Sentence:
   “Zhè jiù shì ge xiǎo wèntí.”
   (This is just a small problem.)
   Breakdown:
   - zhè: this
   - jiù: just
   - shì: is
   - ge: (measure word)
   - xiǎo wèntí: small problem

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Core Patterns:
1. “jiù” + verb = do immediately (“Wǒ jiù chī” = I’ll eat right away)
2. “yào…jiù…“ = “if…then…” (“Yào xià yǔ jiù dài sǎn” = If it rains, then bring an umbrella)
3. “jiù shì” = “exactly/precisely” (for emphasis)

Real-Life Tip:
At restaurants:
“Wǒ jiù yào zhège.”
(I’ll just have this [nothing else].)

Question 9

“duì” (对)

Answer 9

1. Correct/Right (Most Common)
   Sentence:
   “Nǐ shuō de hěn duì.”
   (What you said is very right.)
   Breakdown:
   - nǐ: you
   - shuō de: what was said
   - hěn: very
   - duì: correct
2. Agreement (“Yes/That’s right”)
   Sentence:
   “Duì, wǒ yě zhèyàng xiǎng.”
   (Yes, I think so too.)
   Breakdown:
   - duì: yes/that’s right
   - wǒ: I
   - yě: also
   - zhèyàng xiǎng: think this way
3. Preposition (“Towards”)
   Sentence:
   “Duì zhè jiàn shì nǐ zěnme kàn?”
   (What’s your opinion about this matter?)
   Breakdown:
   - duì: regarding
   - zhè jiàn shì: this matter
   - nǐ: you
   - zěnme kàn: how see (opinion)
4. Response to Thanks (“You’re welcome”)
   Sentence:
   “Duì bu qǐ!” — “Méi guānxi!”
   (Sorry! — It’s okay!)
   Breakdown:
   - duì bu qǐ: sorry (literally “can’t face”)
   - méi guānxi: no problem
5. Opposition (“Against”)
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ duì zhè ge jiàn yì yǒu bù tóng yì jiàn.”
   (I have different opinions about this suggestion.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - duì: regarding/against
   - zhè ge jiàn yì: this suggestion
   - yǒu: have
   - bù tóng yì jiàn: different opinions

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. “Duì le” = “Oh right!” (sudden realization)
2. “Duì…lái shuō” = “For…to say” (“Duì wǒ lái shuō” = For me)
3. “Duì bu qǐ” vs “Bù hǎo yìsi”:
- “Duì bu qǐ” = proper apology
- “Bù hǎo yìsi” = mild embarrassment

Real-Life Bonus:
When agreeing:
“Duì duì duì, jiù shì zhèyàng!”
(Yes yes yes, exactly like this!)

Question 10

“shuō” (说)

Answer 10

1. Basic Meaning (To Speak/Say)
   Sentence:
   “Qǐng nǐ shuō màn yīdiǎn.”
   (Please speak a little slower.)
   Breakdown:
   - qǐng: please
   - nǐ: you
   - shuō: speak
   - màn: slow
   - yīdiǎn: a little
2. Reported Speech
   Sentence:
   “Tā shuō tā míngtiān bù lái le.”
   (He said he’s not coming tomorrow.)
   Breakdown:
   - tā: he/she
   - shuō: said
   - míngtiān: tomorrow
   - bù lái: not coming
   - le: (change of status)
3. Language Ability
   Sentence:
   “Nǐ huì shuō Zhōngwén ma?”
   (Can you speak Chinese?)
   Breakdown:
   - nǐ: you
   - huì: can
   - shuō: speak
   - Zhōngwén: Chinese
   - ma: (question particle)
4. Explain/Clarify
   Sentence:
   “Qǐng nǐ zài shuō yībiàn.”
   (Please say it again.)
   Breakdown:
   - zài: again
   - shuō: say
   - yībiàn: one time
5. Express Opinion
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ xiǎng shuō yījù huà.”
   (I want to say something.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - xiǎng: want
   - shuō: say
   - yījù huà: one sentence/a word

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. “Shuō huà” = to talk (“Tā zhèngzài shuō huà” = He’s talking)
2. “Tīng shuō” = “I heard that…” (“Tīng shuō yào xià yǔ” = I heard it’s going to rain)
3. “Shuō bu qǐng” = unclear speech (“Tā shuō de bu qǐng” = He speaks unclearly)

Real-Life Bonus:
When interrupting politely:
“Ràng wǒ shuō yījù.”
(Let me say one thing.)

Question 11

“yào” (要)

Answer 11

1. Basic Meaning (Want/Need)
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ yào yī bēi kāfēi.”
   (I want a cup of coffee.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - yào: want
   - yī bēi: one cup
   - kāfēi: coffee
2. Future Intention (Going To)
   Sentence:
   “Míngtiān wǒ yào qù Shànghǎi.”
   (Tomorrow I’m going to Shanghai.)
   Breakdown:
   - míngtiān: tomorrow
   - wǒ: I
   - yào: going to
   - qù: go
   - Shànghǎi: Shanghai
3. Necessity (Must/Should)
   Sentence:
   “Nǐ yào zǎodiǎn shuìjiào.”
   (You should sleep earlier.)
   Breakdown:
   - nǐ: you
   - yào: should
   - zǎodiǎn: earlier
   - shuìjiào: sleep
4. Request (Polite Command)
   Sentence:
   “Yào bǎ mén guānshàng.”
   (Please close the door.)
   Breakdown:
   - yào: please (implying necessity)
   - bǎ: (grammar particle)
   - mén: door
   - guānshàng: close
5. Important Matter
   Sentence:
   “Zhè jiàn shì hěn yàojǐn.”
   (This matter is very important.)
   Breakdown:
   - zhè jiàn shì: this matter
   - hěn: very
   - yàojǐn: important

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. “Yào…le” = “About to…” (“Yào xià yǔ le” = It’s about to rain)
2. “Bù yào” = “Don’t…” (“Bù yào chōuyān” = Don’t smoke)
3. “Yào shì” = “If…” (“Yào shì xià yǔ jiù bù qù” = If it rains we won’t go)

Real-Life Bonus:
At a store:
“Wǒ yào zhège, bù yào nàge.”
(I want this one, not that one.)

Question 12

dào” (到

Answer 12

1. Arrive (Most Common Use)
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ yǐjīng dào jiā le.”
   (I’ve already arrived home.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - yǐjīng: already
   - dào: arrive
   - jiā: home
   - le: (completed action marker)
2. Until (Time)
   Sentence:
   “Shàngbān shíjiān shì cóng jiǔ diǎn dào wǔ diǎn.”
   (Work hours are from 9am to 5pm.)
   Breakdown:
   - shàngbān: work
   - shíjiān: time
   - cóng…dào: from…to
   - jiǔ diǎn: 9 o’clock
   - wǔ diǎn: 5 o’clock
3. Achieve/Reach (Goal)
   Sentence:
   “Jīntiān wǒmen yào dào dá yīwàn bù.”
   (Today we need to reach 10,000 steps.)
   Breakdown:
   - jīntiān: today
   - wǒmen: we
   - yào: need to
   - dào dá: reach
   - yīwàn bù: 10,000 steps
4. Come to (Visit)
   Sentence:
   “Míngtiān nǐ huì dào wǒ jiā lái ma?”
   (Will you come to my house tomorrow?)
   Breakdown:
   - míngtiān: tomorrow
   - nǐ: you
   - huì: will
   - dào: come to
   - wǒ jiā: my home
   - lái: come
   - ma: (question particle)
5. Result Complement
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ kàn dào nǐ le!”
   (I saw you!)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - kàn: look
   - dào: (result complement - successful action)
   - nǐ: you
   - le: (completed action marker)

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. “Dào…qù” = “Go to…” (“Dào Běijīng qù” = Go to Beijing)
2. “Dào le” = “Have arrived” (“Dào le gōngsī” = Have arrived at company)
3. Verb + dào = Successful completion (“Tīng dào” = Heard successfully)

Real-Life Bonus:
When meeting friends:
“Nǐ dào nǎr le? Wǒ dào le!”
(Where are you? I’ve arrived!)

Question 13

“dà” (大)

Answer 13

flashcard for “dà” (大)**, featuring
1. Basic Meaning (Big/Large)
Sentence:
“Zhè ge fángzi hěn dà.”
(This house is very big.)
Breakdown:
- zhè ge: this
- fángzi: house
- hěn: very
- dà: big

2. Age (Older)
   Sentence:
   “Tā bǐ wǒ dà liǎng suì.”
   (He/She is two years older than me.)
   Breakdown:
   - tā: he/she
   - bǐ: than
   - wǒ: me
   - dà: older
   - liǎng suì: two years
3. Important
   Sentence:
   “Míngtiān yǒu ge hěn dà de huìyì.”
   (There’s a very important meeting tomorrow.)
   Breakdown:
   - míngtiān: tomorrow
   - yǒu: there is
   - ge: (measure word)
   - hěn: very
   - dà: important
   - de: (modifier)
   - huìyì: meeting
4. Weather (Hot)
   Sentence:
   “Jīntiān tiānqì hěn dà.”
   (The weather is very hot today.)
   Breakdown:
   - jīntiān: today
   - tiānqì: weather
   - hěn: very
   - dà: hot (colloquial usage)
5. Volume (Loud)
   Sentence:
   “Qǐng shuō huà shēngyīn dà yīdiǎn.”
   (Please speak a little louder.)
   Breakdown:
   - qǐng: please
   - shuō huà: speak
   - shēngyīn: voice
   - dà: loud
   - yīdiǎn: a little

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. “Dà + noun” = Big [noun] (“dà chéngshì” = big city)
2. “Dà + time” = Major [time] (“dà xīngqī” = major week/busy week)
3. “Dà bu dà” = “Is it big?” (common question form)

Real-Life Bonus:
When shopping:
“Yǒu méiyǒu dà yīdiǎn de?”
(Do you have a bigger one?)

Question 14

“duō” (多)

Answer 14

Basic Meaning (Many/Much)**
Sentence:
“Zhèr yǒu hěn duō rén.”
(There are many people here.)
Breakdown:
- zhèr: here
- yǒu: there are
- hěn: very
- duō: many
- rén: people

2. Asking About Quantity
   Sentence:
   “Nǐ yào duōshao qián?”
   (How much money do you want?)
   Breakdown:
   - nǐ: you
   - yào: want
   - duōshao: how much/many
   - qián: money
3. Comparative Degree (More)
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ xiǎng yào duō yīdiǎn.”
   (I want a little more.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - xiǎng yào: want
   - duō: more
   - yīdiǎn: a little
4. Exclamation (How…)
   Sentence:
   “Zhè ge chéngshì duō piàoliang a!”
   (How beautiful this city is!)
   Breakdown:
   - zhè ge: this
   - chéngshì: city
   - duō: how
   - piàoliang: beautiful
   - a: (exclamation particle)
5. Approximate Number (About)
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ děngle duō bàn ge xiǎoshí.”
   (I waited for about half an hour.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - děngle: waited
   - duō: about
   - bàn ge xiǎoshí: half an hour

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. “Hěn duō” = very many/much (“hěn duō shíjiān” = a lot of time)
2. “Duō + adj” = how [adj] (“duō dà” = how big)
3. “Duōshao” = how much/many (for countable and uncountable nouns)

Real-Life Bonus:
When ordering food:
“Qǐng gěi wǒ duō yīdiǎn fàn.”
(Please give me a little more rice.)

Question 15

“bǎ” (把)

Answer 15

1. Disposal Construction (Most Common)
   Sentence:
   “Qǐng bǎ mén guānshàng.”
   (Please close the door.)
   Breakdown:
   - qǐng: please
   - bǎ: (disposal marker)
   - mén: door
   - guānshàng: close
2. Handling Objects
   Sentence:
   “Bǎ shū fàng zài zhuōzi shàng.”
   (Put the book on the table.)
   Breakdown:
   - bǎ: (object marker)
   - shū: book
   - fàng: put
   - zài: on
   - zhuōzi: table
   - shàng: on
3. Changing State
   Sentence:
   “Tā bǎ fángjiān dǎsǎo gānjìng le.”
   (He cleaned the room.)
   Breakdown:
   - tā: he
   - bǎ: (change marker)
   - fángjiān: room
   - dǎsǎo: clean
   - gānjìng: clean (result)
   - le: (completed action)
4. Casual Command
   Sentence:
   “Bǎ nǐde shǒujī gěi wǒ kànkan.”
   (Show me your phone.)
   Breakdown:
   - bǎ: (object marker)
   - nǐde: your
   - shǒujī: phone
   - gěi: give
   - wǒ: me
   - kànkan: look
5. Negative Form
   Sentence:
   “Bié bǎ dōngxi luàn fàng.”
   (Don’t put things randomly.)
   Breakdown:
   - bié: don’t
   - bǎ: (object marker)
   - dōngxi: things
   - luàn: randomly
   - fàng: put

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. Structure: Subject + bǎ + Object + Verb + Complement
2. Common Verbs: fàng (put), ná (take), gěi (give), guān (close)
3. Avoid With: Perception verbs (kàn, tīng), existence verbs (yǒu)

Real-Life Bonus:
When helping someone:
“Wǒ bǎ xíngli bān shàngqù ba!”
(Let me carry the luggage upstairs!)

Question 16

“lái” (来)

Answer 16

1. Basic Meaning (Come)
   Sentence:
   “Nǐ shénme shíhou lái?”
   (When are you coming?)
   Breakdown:
   - nǐ: you
   - shénme shíhou: when
   - lái: come
2. Direction Towards Speaker
   Sentence:
   “Kuài guòlái!”
   (Come over here quickly!)
   Breakdown:
   - kuài: quickly
   - guòlái: come over (compound verb)
3. Purpose (Come to Do)
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ lái bāng nǐ.”
   (I’ll come help you.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - lái: come to
   - bāng: help
   - nǐ: you
4. Future Tense Marker
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ lái zuò ba.”
   (Let me do it.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - lái: (future action marker)
   - zuò: do
   - ba: (suggestion particle)
5. General Verb Complement
   Sentence:
   “Jìnlái zuò ba.”
   (Come in and sit down.)
   Breakdown:
   - jìnlái: come in
   - zuò: sit
   - ba: (invitation particle)

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. “Lái + place” = Come to [place] (“lái Běijīng” = come to Beijing)
2. “Lái + verb” = Come and do (“lái chī” = come eat)
3. “Verb + lái” = Action towards speaker (“ná lái” = bring over)

Real-Life Bonus:
When offering help:
“Ràng wǒ lái!”
(Let me do it!)

Question 17

“děng” (等)

Answer 17

1. Basic Meaning (Wait)
   Sentence:
   “Qǐng děng yīxià.”
   (Please wait a moment.)
   Breakdown:
   - qǐng: please
   - děng: wait
   - yīxià: a moment
2. Waiting for Someone
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ zài ménkǒu děng nǐ.”
   (I’ll wait for you at the entrance.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - zài: at
   - ménkǒu: entrance
   - děng: wait for
   - nǐ: you
3. Waiting Time Duration
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ děngle sānshí fēnzhōng.”
   (I waited for thirty minutes.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - děngle: waited (past tense)
   - sānshí fēnzhōng: thirty minutes
4. Etc./And So On
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ xǐhuan chī píngguǒ, xiāngjiāo děng.”
   (I like eating apples, bananas, etc.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - xǐhuan: like
   - chī: eat
   - píngguǒ: apples
   - xiāngjiāo: bananas
   - děng: etc.
5. Queueing Situation
   Sentence:
   “Děng yī děng, xiànzài rén tài duō.”
   (Wait a while, there are too many people now.)
   Breakdown:
   - děng yī děng: wait a while
   - xiànzài: now
   - rén: people
   - tài duō: too many

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. “Děng + time” = Wait for [time] (“děng liǎng tiān” = wait two days)
2. “Děng + person” = Wait for [person] (“děng māma” = wait for mom)
3. “Děng děng” = “Etc.” at end of lists

Real-Life Bonus:
When on the phone:
“Děng yīxià, wǒ kànkan.”
(Wait a sec, let me check.)

Question 18

“nián” (年)

Answer 18

1. Basic Meaning (Year)
   Sentence:
   “Jīnnián shì èr líng èr sì nián.”
   (This year is 2024.)
   Breakdown:
   - jīnnián: this year
   - shì: is
   - èr líng èr sì: two zero two four
   - nián: year
2. Age
   Sentence:
   “Tā jīnnián èrshíwǔ suì.”
   (He/She is 25 years old this year.)
   Breakdown:
   - tā: he/she
   - jīnnián: this year
   - èrshíwǔ: twenty-five
   - suì: years old
3. New Year
   Sentence:
   “Xīnnián kuàilè!”
   (Happy New Year!)
   Breakdown:
   - xīnnián: new year
   - kuàilè: happy
4. Academic Year
   Sentence:
   “Xià xuéqī jiǔ yuè fèn kāixué.”
   (Next semester starts in September.)
   Breakdown:
   - xià xuéqī: next semester
   - jiǔ yuè: September
   - fèn: month
   - kāixué: school begins
5. Annual Event
   Sentence:
   “Wǒmen měi nián dōu qù lǚyóu.”
   (We travel every year.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒmen: we
   - měi nián: every year
   - dōu: all
   - qù: go
   - lǚyóu: travel

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. “Nián + month” = Year-month (“èr líng èr sì nián jiǔ yuè” = September 2024)
2. “Guò nián” = Celebrate New Year (“qùnián guò nián” = last year’s New Year)
3. “Niánjí” = Grade level (“tā shì sān niánjí” = he’s in third grade)

Real-Life Bonus:
When making plans:
“Míngnián wǒ yào qù Zhōngguó.”
(Next year I will go to China.)

Question 19

“cóng” (从)

Answer 19

1. Starting Point (From)
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ cóng Běijīng lái.”
   (I come from Beijing.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - cóng: from
   - Běijīng: Beijing
   - lái: come
2. Time Starting Point
   Sentence:
   “Cóng xiànzài kāishǐ, wǒ yào nǔlì.”
   (From now on, I will work hard.)
   Breakdown:
   - cóng: from
   - xiànzài: now
   - kāishǐ: begin
   - wǒ: I
   - yào: will
   - nǔlì: work hard
3. Passing Through
   Sentence:
   “Qǐng cóng zhèr zǒu.”
   (Please go this way.)
   Breakdown:
   - qǐng: please
   - cóng: through
   - zhèr: here
   - zǒu: go
4. Source (From Someone)
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ cóng tā nàr tīngshuō de.”
   (I heard it from him.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - cóng: from
   - tā nàr: him/his place
   - tīngshuō: hear
   - de: (particle)
5. Following a Method
   Sentence:
   “Cóng zhège jiǎodù kàn…”
   (From this perspective…)
   Breakdown:
   - cóng: from
   - zhège: this
   - jiǎodù: angle/perspective
   - kàn: look

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. “Cóng…dào…“ = “From…to…” (“cóng jiā dào gōngsī” = from home to office)
2. “Cóng…kāishǐ” = “Starting from…” (“cóng míngtiān kāishǐ” = starting tomorrow)
3. “Cónglái” = “Always” (in negatives: “cónglái méi” = never have)

Real-Life Bonus:
When giving directions:
“Cóng zhèr wǎng zuǒ guǎi.”
(Turn left from here.)

Question 20

“ér” (而)

Answer 20

1. Contrast (But/While)
   Sentence:
   “Tā hěn cōngming, ér qiě hěn nǔlì.”
   (He’s very smart, and moreover very hardworking.)
   Breakdown:
   - tā: he
   - hěn: very
   - cōngming: smart
   - ér qiě: and moreover
   - nǔlì: hardworking
2. Transition (And)
   Sentence:
   “Xiān chīfàn, ér hòu chūqù.”
   (First eat, then go out.)
   Breakdown:
   - xiān: first
   - chīfàn: eat
   - ér hòu: and then
   - chūqù: go out
3. Emphasizing Contrast
   Sentence:
   “Zhège hěn guì, ér nàge hěn piányi.”
   (This one is expensive, while that one is cheap.)
   Breakdown:
   - zhège: this one
   - guì: expensive
   - ér: while
   - nàge: that one
   - piányi: cheap
4. Cause and Effect
   Sentence:
   “Yīnwèi xià yǔ, ér wǒmen bù néng qù le.”
   (Because it’s raining, we can’t go.)
   Breakdown:
   - yīnwèi: because
   - xià yǔ: raining
   - ér: so/therefore
   - wǒmen: we
   - bù néng: cannot
   - qù: go
   - le: (change of situation)
5. Formal Transition
   Sentence:
   “Tā shì lǎoshī, ér bù shì yīshēng.”
   (He is a teacher, not a doctor.)
   Breakdown:
   - tā: he
   - shì: is
   - lǎoshī: teacher
   - ér bù shì: but not
   - yīshēng: doctor

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. “Ér qiě” = “Moreover” (adds information)
2. “Ér shì” = “But rather” (corrects previous statement)
3. “Yīn…ér…“ = “Because…therefore…” (formal cause-effect)

Real-Life Bonus:
When comparing:
“Zhège hǎo kàn, ér nàge hǎo yòng.”
(This one looks good, while that one is practical.)

Question 21

“néng” (能)

Answer 21

1. Ability (Can)
   Sentence:
   “Tā néng shuō sān zhǒng yǔyán.”
   (He can speak three languages.)
   Breakdown:
   - tā: he/she
   - néng: can
   - shuō: speak
   - sān zhǒng: three kinds
   - yǔyán: languages
2. Permission (May)
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ néng jìnqù ma?”
   (May I come in?)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - néng: may
   - jìnqù: enter
   - ma: (question particle)
3. Possibility
   Sentence:
   “Míngtiān néng xià yǔ.”
   (It might rain tomorrow.)
   Breakdown:
   - míngtiān: tomorrow
   - néng: might
   - xià yǔ: rain
4. Capability
   Sentence:
   “Zhè ge shǒujī néng pāizhào.”
   (This phone can take pictures.)
   Breakdown:
   - zhè ge: this
   - shǒujī: phone
   - néng: can
   - pāizhào: take photos
5. Negative Form
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ bù néng chī là de.”
   (I can’t eat spicy food.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - bù néng: cannot
   - chī: eat
   - là de: spicy things

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. “Néng…ma?” = “Can I…?” (asking permission)
2. “Néng bu néng” = “Can or cannot?” (seeking confirmation)
3. “Bù néng” = strong prohibition (“Bù néng chōuyān!” = No smoking!)

Real-Life Bonus:
When asking for help:
“Néng bāng wǒ yīxià ma?”
(Could you help me a moment?)

Question 22

“yòu” (又)

Answer 22

1. Again (Past Action)
   Sentence:
   “Tā yòu chídào le.”
   (He was late again.)
   Breakdown:
   - tā: he/she
   - yòu: again
   - chídào: be late
   - le: (completed action)
2. Both…and…
   Sentence:
   “Zhège fángjiān yòu dà yòu liàng.”
   (This room is both big and bright.)
   Breakdown:
   - zhège: this
   - fángjiān: room
   - yòu…yòu…: both…and…
   - dà: big
   - liàng: bright
3. Additional Action
   Sentence:
   “Wǒ chīle wǎnfàn, yòu kànle diànyǐng.”
   (I ate dinner, then watched a movie.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒ: I
   - chīle: ate
   - wǎnfàn: dinner
   - yòu: then
   - kànle: watched
   - diànyǐng: movie
4. Emphasizing Repetition
   Sentence:
   “Nǐ zěnme yòu wàngle?”
   (How could you forget again?)
   Breakdown:
   - nǐ: you
   - zěnme: how
   - yòu: again
   - wàngle: forgot
5. Expressing Frustration
   Sentence:
   “Yòu xià yǔ le!”
   (It’s raining again!)
   Breakdown:
   - yòu: again
   - xià yǔ: rain
   - le: (change of state)

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. “Yòu…yòu…“ = Emphasizes two qualities (“yòu piányi yòu hǎo” = cheap yet good)
2. “Yòu lái” = “Here comes…again” (frustration)
3. “Yòu shì” = “It’s…again” (“Yòu shì nǐ!” = It’s you again!)

Real-Life Bonus:
When complaining about weather:
“Jīntiān yòu rè yòu cháo!”
(Today is both hot and humid!)

Question 23

“tāmen” (他们)

Answer 23

1. Basic Meaning (They - Male/Mixed Group)
   Sentence:
   “Tāmen dōu shì wǒ de tóngxué.”
   (They are all my classmates.)
   Breakdown:
   - tāmen: they
   - dōu: all
   - shì: are
   - wǒ de: my
   - tóngxué: classmates
2. Possessive Form
   Sentence:
   “Zhè shì tāmen de fángzi.”
   (This is their house.)
   Breakdown:
   - zhè: this
   - shì: is
   - tāmen de: their
   - fángzi: house
3. Group Action
   Sentence:
   “Tāmen zhèngzài dǎ lánqiú.”
   (They are playing basketball.)
   Breakdown:
   - tāmen: they
   - zhèngzài: currently
   - dǎ lánqiú: play basketball
4. With Verb “Yǒu”
   Sentence:
   “Tāmen yǒu liǎng ge háizi.”
   (They have two children.)
   Breakdown:
   - tāmen: they
   - yǒu: have
   - liǎng ge: two
   - háizi: children
5. Question Form
   Sentence:
   “Tāmen shì nǎ guó rén?”
   (What nationality are they?)
   Breakdown:
   - tāmen: they
   - shì: are
   - nǎ guó: which country
   - rén: people

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. “Tāmen” vs “Tāmen”:
- 他们 = they (male/mixed group)
- 她们 = they (female group)
- 它们 = they (objects/animals)
(All pronounced “tāmen”)

2. Plural Marker: Always use “men” for plural (“tā” → “tāmen”)
3. Common Collocations:
   • “Tāmen dōu” (they all)
   • “Tāmen yīqǐ” (they together)

Real-Life Bonus:
When introducing friends:
“Tāmen shì wǒ de péngyou, tāmen dōu hěn yǒushàn.”
(They are my friends, they are all very friendly.)

Question 24

“yǐ” (以)

Answer 24

1. Using/By Means Of (Most Common)
   Sentence:
   “Tā yǐ qiánbào zhìfù.”
   (He paid with cash.)
   Breakdown:
   - tā: he
   - yǐ: using
   - qiánbào: cash
   - zhìfù: pay
2. According To
   Sentence:
   “Yǐ wǒ kàn, zhè hěn hǎo.”
   (In my opinion, this is very good.)
   Breakdown:
   - yǐ: according to
   - wǒ kàn: my view
   - zhè: this
   - hěn hǎo: very good
3. In Order To
   Sentence:
   “Wǒmen yǐ gèng hǎo de fúwù wéi mùbiāo.”
   (We aim to provide better service.)
   Breakdown:
   - wǒmen: we
   - yǐ: in order to
   - gèng hǎo: better
   - de fúwù: service
   - wéi mùbiāo: as goal
4. Time Limit
   Sentence:
   “Qǐng yǐ qián wánchéng.”
   (Please complete it beforehand.)
   Breakdown:
   - qǐng: please
   - yǐ qián: before
   - wánchéng: complete
5. Based On
   Sentence:
   “Yǐ zhège biāozhǔn lái kàn…”
   (Judging by this standard…)
   Breakdown:
   - yǐ: based on
   - zhège: this
   - biāozhǔn: standard
   - lái kàn: to judge

MAINLAND USAGE NOTES
🔥 Key Patterns:
1. “Yǐ…wéi…“ = “Take…as…” (classical structure)
2. “Yǐhòu” = “After” (time) vs “Yǐqián” = “Before”
3. “Kěyǐ” = “Can/may” (different from standalone “yǐ”)

Real-Life Bonus:
In work emails:
“Yǐ xiàwǔ wǔ diǎn wéi zuìhòu qīxiàn.”
(5 PM as the final deadline.)

Question 25

"shí" (时)

Answer 25

1. **Time (General Concept)** **Sentence:** "Xiànzài shì jǐ diǎn?" *(What time is it now?)* **Breakdown:** - xiànzài: now - shì: is - jǐ diǎn: what time 2. **When (Temporal Clause)** **Sentence:** "Wǒ shàng dàxué shí, hěn xǐhuan dǎ lánqiú." *(When I was in college, I loved playing basketball.)* **Breakdown:** - wǒ: I - shàng dàxué: attend college - shí: when - hěn: very - xǐhuan: like - dǎ lánqiú: play basketball 3. **Hour (Time Unit)** **Sentence:** "Wǒmen yào děng sān ge xiǎoshí." *(We need to wait for three hours.)* **Breakdown:** - wǒmen: we - yào: need - děng: wait - sān ge: three - xiǎoshí: hours 4. **Season** **Sentence:** "Xiàtiān shì wǒ zuì xǐhuan de jìjié." *(Summer is my favorite season.)* **Breakdown:** - xiàtiān: summer - shì: is - wǒ: my - zuì xǐhuan: most like - de: (possessive) - jìjié: season 5. **Occasion** **Sentence:** "Píngshí wǒ hěn máng, dàn zhōumò yǒu shíjiān." *(I'm usually busy, but have time on weekends.)* **Breakdown:** - píngshí: normally - wǒ: I - hěn máng: very busy - dàn: but - zhōumò: weekend - yǒu: have - shíjiān: time --- **MAINLAND USAGE NOTES** 🔥 **Key Patterns:** 1. **"Shíhou"** = "When/time" (more colloquial than standalone "shí") 2. **"Shíjiān"** = "Time" (duration) vs **"shíkè"** = "Moment" 3. **Temporal Structure:** - Verb + "shí" = "When doing..." - "Měi...shí" = "Every time..." **Real-Life Bonus:** When making plans: "Nǐ shénme shíhou yǒu kòng?" *(When are you free?)*

Question 26

"méiyǒu" (没有)

Answer 26

1. **Basic Negation (Don't Have)** **Sentence:** "Wǒ méiyǒu qián." *(I don't have money.)* **Breakdown:** - wǒ: I - méiyǒu: don't have - qián: money 2. **Past Tense Negation (Didn't)** **Sentence:** "Tā méiyǒu lái." *(He didn't come.)* **Breakdown:** - tā: he/she - méiyǒu: didn't - lái: come 3. **Existence Negation (There Isn't)** **Sentence:** "Fángjiān li méiyǒu rén." *(There's nobody in the room.)* **Breakdown:** - fángjiān li: in the room - méiyǒu: there isn't - rén: people 4. **Negative Response** **Sentence:** "Nǐ chī le ma?" — "Méiyǒu." *(Did you eat? — No.)* **Breakdown:** - nǐ: you - chī: eat - le: (action completed) - ma: question particle - méiyǒu: no (negative response) 5. **Haven't Done Yet** **Sentence:** "Wǒ hái méiyǒu kàn nà ge diànyǐng." *(I haven't watched that movie yet.)* **Breakdown:** - wǒ: I - hái: still - méiyǒu: haven't - kàn: watch - nà ge: that - diànyǐng: movie --- **MAINLAND USAGE NOTES** 🔥 **Key Patterns:** 1. **"Yǒu" vs "méiyǒu"**: - "Yǒu" = have/there is - "Méiyǒu" = don't have/there isn't 2. **Past Tense**: "Méiyǒu" negates past actions ("méiyǒu chī" = didn't eat) 3. **Short Responses**: - "Yǒu!" (Yes!) - "Méiyǒu!" (No!) **Real-Life Bonus:** At a store: "Zhège yǒu ma?" — "Méiyǒu le." *(Do you have this? — Sold out.)*

Question 27

"huì" (会)

Answer 27

1. **Ability (Learned Skill)** **Sentence:** "Tā huì yóuyǒng." *(He/She knows how to swim.)* **Breakdown:** - tā: he/she - huì: can/know how to - yóuyǒng: swim 2. **Future Certainty** **Sentence:** "Míngtiān huì xià yǔ." *(It will rain tomorrow.)* **Breakdown:** - míngtiān: tomorrow - huì: will - xià yǔ: rain 3. **Possibility** **Sentence:** "Tā huì bù huì lái?" *(Is it possible he won't come?)* **Breakdown:** - tā: he/she - huì bù huì: will or won't - lái: come 4. **Meeting (Alternative Meaning)** **Sentence:** "Wǒmen xiàwǔ yǒu ge huì." *(We have a meeting this afternoon.)* **Breakdown:** - wǒmen: we - xiàwǔ: afternoon - yǒu: have - ge: (measure word) - huì: meeting 5. **Negative Form** **Sentence:** "Wǒ bù huì tiàowǔ." *(I don't know how to dance.)* **Breakdown:** - wǒ: I - bù huì: can't/don't know how to - tiàowǔ: dance --- **MAINLAND USAGE NOTES** 🔥 **Key Patterns:** 1. **"Huì" vs "néng"**: - "Huì" = learned ability - "Néng" = physical capability 2. **Double "Huì" Questions**: "Huì bù huì...?" = "Is it possible...?" 3. **Time Indicators**: Often used with future time words ("míngtiān", "yǐhòu") **Real-Life Bonus:** When showing off skills: "Wǒ huì shuō Zhōngwén, yě huì shuō Yīngwén!" *(I can speak Chinese and English!)*

Question 28

"zhī" (之)

Answer 28

Here's your **pinyin-only flashcard for "zhī" (之)**, featuring practical examples from everyday Mandarin in mainland China: **FLASHCARD: "zhī" (之)** *All examples are mainland-standard, pinyin-only* 1. **Classical Possessive (Of)** **Sentence:** "Zhè shì rénshēng zhī dà xìng." *(This is life's greatest happiness.)* **Breakdown:** - zhè: this - shì: is - rénshēng: life - zhī: of - dà: great - xìng: happiness 2. **Classical "This"** **Sentence:** "Zhī qián tíguò de wèntí..." *(The problem mentioned before...)* **Breakdown:** - zhī: this - qián: before - tíguò: mentioned - de: (particle) - wèntí: problem 3. **In Fixed Phrases** **Sentence:** "Zǒng ér yán zhī" *(In summary...)* **Breakdown:** - zǒng: overall - ér: and - yán: speak - zhī: (classical particle) 4. **Verb Complement** **Sentence:** "Wǒmen yīng gāi jìnxíng xià zhī." *(We should proceed to the next step.)* **Breakdown:** - wǒmen: we - yīng gāi: should - jìnxíng: proceed - xià zhī: next step 5. **In Proper Nouns** **Sentence:** "Zhī nán ér shàng" *(Press forward despite difficulties - common idiom)* **Breakdown:** - zhī: (classical particle) - nán: difficulty - ér: and - shàng: advance --- **MAINLAND USAGE NOTES** 🔥 **Key Patterns:** 1. **Modern Usage**: Mostly in fixed phrases/proverbs 2. **Formal Writing**: Replaces "de" in formal contexts 3. **Common Compounds**: - "zhī hòu" = after - "zhī qián" = before **Real-Life Bonus:** In formal speeches: "Zǒng jié ér yán zhī..." *(To sum up...)*

Question 29

"dàn" (但)

Answer 29

1. **Basic Contrast (But)** **Sentence:** "Wǒ xiǎng qù, dàn méi shíjiān." *(I want to go, but don't have time.)* **Breakdown:** - wǒ: I - xiǎng qù: want to go - dàn: but - méi: don't have - shíjiān: time 2. **However (Formal Transition)** **Sentence:** "Tiānqì bù hǎo, dàn wǒmen háishi chūfā le." *(The weather was bad, however we still set out.)* **Breakdown:** - tiānqì: weather - bù hǎo: not good - dàn: however - wǒmen: we - háishi: still - chūfā: depart - le: (completed action) 3. **Short Response** **Sentence:** "Nǐ lèi ma?" — "Lèi, dàn hěn kāixīn." *("Are you tired?" — "Tired, but happy.")* **Breakdown:** - lèi: tired - dàn: but - hěn: very - kāixīn: happy 4. **With "Shì" for Emphasis** **Sentence:** "Zhège guì shì guì, dàn zhíde." *(This is expensive, but worth it.)* **Breakdown:** - zhège: this - guì: expensive - shì...dàn: yes...but - zhíde: worth it 5. **In Fixed Phrases** **Sentence:** "Dàn yuàn rúcǐ." *(Hopefully it will be so.)* **Breakdown:** - dàn yuàn: hopefully - rúcǐ: like this --- **MAINLAND USAGE NOTES** 🔥 **Key Patterns:** 1. **"Suīrán...dàn..."** = "Although...but..." 2. **Short Form**: Often used alone in responses 3. **Formal Writing**: More common than "kěshì" **Real-Life Bonus:** When politely refusing: "Xièxie, dàn wǒ bù xūyào." *(Thanks, but I don't need it.)*

Question 30

"bèi" (被)

Answer 30

1. **Passive Voice (Basic)** **Sentence:** "Wǒ de shǒujī bèi tōu le." *(My phone was stolen.)* **Breakdown:** - wǒ de: my - shǒujī: phone - bèi: (passive marker) - tōu: steal - le: (completed action) 2. **With Agent** **Sentence:** "Tā bèi lǎoshī pīpíng le." *(He was criticized by the teacher.)* **Breakdown:** - tā: he - bèi: by - lǎoshī: teacher - pīpíng: criticize - le: (completed action) 3. **Negative Form** **Sentence:** "Wǒ bù xiǎng bèi rén dǎrǎo." *(I don't want to be disturbed.)* **Breakdown:** - wǒ: I - bù xiǎng: don't want - bèi: be - rén: people - dǎrǎo: disturb 4. **Common Expression** **Sentence:** "Bèi dòng jiēshòu" *(Passive acceptance - common phrase)* **Breakdown:** - bèi: passive - dòng: move - jiēshòu: accept 5. **Everyday Complaint** **Sentence:** "Yòu bèi piàn le!" *(Got cheated again!)* **Breakdown:** - yòu: again - bèi: got - piàn: cheat - le: (completed action) --- **MAINLAND USAGE NOTES** 🔥 **Key Patterns:** 1. **Structure**: Subject + bèi (+ Agent) + Verb + le 2. **Common Verbs**: - piàn (cheat) - piāo (cheat out of money) - mà (scold) 3. **Alternative**: "Ràng/gěi" in northern dialects **Real-Life Bonus:** When complaining: "Zuótiān bèi kēng le!" *(Got ripped off yesterday!)*

Question 31

Shū zài zhuōzi xià

Answer 31

(The book is under the table.) Breakdown: shū: book zài: at zhuōzi: table xià: under shū zài yǐzi xià Under the chair shū zài chuáng xià Under the bed shū zài tānzi xià Under the market stall shū zài xínglǐxiāng xià Under the suitcase shū zài nàgè rén xià Under the person

Question 32

Xià ge yuè wǒ qù Běijīng

Answer 32

(Next month I'll go to Beijing.) Breakdown: xià ge: next yuè: month wǒ: I qù: go Běijīng: Beijing -xià ge xīngqī wǒ qù shìchǎng Next week I go to the market -míngnián wǒ qù xuéxiào Next year I go to school -xià ge xīngqī yī wǒ qù Yìwū Next Monday I go to Yiwu -míngtiān zǎoshang wǒ qù shāngdiàn Next morning I go to the store

Question 33

wǒmen [shàng lóu] ba

Answer 33

Let’s go upstairs wǒ yào shàng lóu (I want to go upstairs.)

Question 34

[Shàngwǔ] wǒ qù gōngzuò le

Answer 34

I went to work in the morning. -Shàngwǔ tā méi lái. He didn’t come in the morning. -Shàngwǔ wǒmen xuéxí ba. Let’s study in the morning. -shangwu women qu gongchang ba Let’s go to the factory in the morning -Shàngwǔ wǒmen zài gōngchǎng gōngzuò le. (We worked in the factory in the morning.) -Shàngwǔ wǒmen zài xuéxiào xuéxí. (In the morning, we studied at school.)

Question 35

[Xiàwǔ] wǒ qù le gōngchǎng

Answer 35

I went to the factory in the afternoon. Xiàwǔ tā méi lái gōngzuò He didn’t come to work in the afternoon Wǒmen xiàwǔ zài xuéxiào xuéxí. We study at school in the afternoon

Question 36

[Wǎnshàng] wǒ xǐhuān xiūxí.

Answer 36

(In the evening, I like to relax.) Wǎnshàng wǒ huì qù gōngyuán. (In the evening, I will go to the park.) Wǎnshàng tā xuéxí. (In the evening, he studies.)

Question 37

[Yè] wǎn wǒ xǐhuān xiūxí

Answer 37

At night, I like to relax. Yè lǐ hěn lěng (It’s very cold at night.) Nǐ yè lǐ huì chūqù ma? (Do you go out at night?)

Question 38

Wǒ xiǎng [jiàn] nǐ.

Answer 38

(I want to see you.) Tā zuótiān méi jiàn tā. (He didn’t see her yesterday.) Míngtiān shàngwǔ wǒmen huì jiàn. (We will meet tomorrow morning.) Nǐ jīngcháng zǎoshang jiàn dào nǐ de lǎoshī ma? Do you often see your teacher in the morning? Wǒ xiàbān hòu cónglái bù jiàn péngyou I never meet friends after work

Question 39

Wǒ míngtiān huì [chūqù].

Answer 39

"I'll go out tomorrow." -"Māma, wǒ kěyǐ chūqù ma?" "Mom, can I go out?" Tā xǐhuān dāi zài jiā, hěn shǎo chūqù." "He likes staying home and rarely goes out."

Question 40

Tā ná chū le shǒujī.

Answer 40

He took out his phone. Tàiyáng chūlái le The sun came out Wǒ xiǎng bù chū dá'àn I can't figure out the answer