Learn Chinese Grammar for Beginners

Formula

A + 是 (shì) + B

How to use

Used to introduce identity, occupation, nationality, or to define something.

Example

我是越南人。

Wǒ shì Yuènán rén.

I am Vietnamese.

Note

Do not use 是 before simple adjectives like 忙, 好, 漂亮.

Formula

A + 不 (bú) + 是 (shì) + B

How to use

Used to negate identity, occupation, or classification.

Example

他不是老师。

Tā bú shì lǎoshī.

He is not a teacher.

Note

不 is read as bú before a 4th tone like 是.

Formula

A + 也 (yě) + 是 (shì) + B

How to use

Used to say a person/thing also belongs to the same group.

Example

我也是学生。

Wǒ yě shì xuésheng.

I am also a student.

Note

也 comes before the verb or 是.

Formula

A + 都 (dōu) + 是 (shì) + B

How to use

Used to say an entire group shares a feature/identity.

Example

他们都是朋友。

Tāmen dōu shì péngyou.

They are all friends.

Note

都 usually goes with a plural subject.

Formula

Subject + 有 (yǒu) + object

How to use

Used to express possession or existence.

Example

我有一个问题。

Wǒ yǒu yí ge wèntí.

I have a question.

Note

The negative of 有 is 没有, never 不有.

Formula

Subject + 没有 (méiyǒu) + object

How to use

Used to negate possession or existence.

Example

我没有时间。

Wǒ méiyǒu shíjiān.

I don't have time.

Note

Can be shortened to 没.

Formula

Subject + 在 (zài) + place

How to use

Used to state the location of a person or thing.

Example

我在公司。

Wǒ zài gōngsī.

I am at the office.

Note

在 can also express an ongoing action.

Formula

这 (zhè) / 那 (nà) + 是 (shì) + noun

How to use

Used to introduce people/objects near or far from the speaker.

Example

这是我的手机。

Zhè shì wǒ de shǒujī.

This is my phone.

Note

这 is near, 那 is far.

Formula

Possessor + 的 (de) + noun

How to use

Expresses possession or modifies a noun.

Example

这是我的书。

Zhè shì wǒ de shū.

This is my book.

Note

With close relations 的 can be dropped: 我妈妈.

Formula

Subject + 很 (hěn) + adjective

How to use

Links a subject to an adjective in a descriptive sentence.

Example

她很漂亮。

Tā hěn piàoliang.

She is very beautiful.

Note

很 is sometimes just a connector, not necessarily 'very'.

Formula

Subject + 不 (bù) + adjective

How to use

Used to negate a quality.

Example

今天不冷。

Jīntiān bù lěng.

Today is not cold.

Note

Don't use 是 before adjectives: 我不忙, never 我不是忙.

Formula

太 (tài) + adjective + 了 (le)

How to use

Emphasizes a high degree; can praise or complain.

Example

太好了！

Tài hǎo le!

Great!

Note

The tone decides if it's positive or negative.

Formula

真 (zhēn) + adjective

How to use

Used in exclamations, natural and colloquial.

Example

你真聪明。

Nǐ zhēn cōngming.

You're really smart.

Note

Can be used to praise directly.

Formula

非常 (fēicháng) + adjective

How to use

Emphasizes a higher degree than 很; more formal in speech.

Example

这个菜非常好吃。

Zhège cài fēicháng hǎochī.

This dish is delicious.

Note

Usually used in slightly more formal situations.

Formula

有点儿 (yǒudiǎnr) + adjective

How to use

For slightly negative or less-than-ideal feelings.

Example

我有点儿累。

Wǒ yǒudiǎnr lèi.

I'm a little tired.

Note

Usually not used with positive adjectives like 高兴.

Formula

Verb + 一点儿 (yìdiǎnr) + object / adjective + 一点儿 (yìdiǎnr)

How to use

For a small amount or light degree.

Example

我会说一点儿中文。

Wǒ huì shuō yìdiǎnr Zhōngwén.

I can speak a little Chinese.

Note

一点儿 differs from 有点儿: it's more neutral.

Formula

Subject + 最 (zuì) + adjective

How to use

For the highest degree within a group.

Example

我最喜欢咖啡。

Wǒ zuì xǐhuān kāfēi.

I like coffee the most.

Note

最 can go with mental verbs like 喜欢, 爱.

Formula

比较 (bǐjiào) + adjective

How to use

For a gentle assessment, not absolute.

Example

这个地方比较安静。

Zhège dìfang bǐjiào ānjìng.

This place is fairly quiet.

Note

比较 makes the sentence sound softer.

Formula

Statement + 吗 (ma)？

How to use

Turns a statement into a yes/no question.

Example

你忙吗？

Nǐ máng ma?

Are you busy?

Note

Don't use 吗 with questions that already have 什么, 哪儿.

Formula

Subject + 是不是 (shì bu shì) + ...？

How to use

Used to confirm information.

Example

你是不是学生？

Nǐ shì bu shì xuésheng?

Are you a student or not?

Note

可以 put 是不是 at the start: 是不是你？

Formula

Verb/adjective + 不 (bù) + verb/adjective？

How to use

For yes/no questions in spoken Chinese.

Example

你去不去？

Nǐ qù bu qù?

Are you going or not?

Note

Don't add 吗: never say 你去不去吗？

Formula

什么 (shénme) + noun / verb + 什么 (shénme)

How to use

Asks about things, content, or type.

Example

你想喝什么？

Nǐ xiǎng hē shénme?

What do you want to drink?

Note

什么 stands where the requested info goes.

Formula

谁 (shéi) + verb / verb + 谁 (shéi)

How to use

Asks about a person.

Example

谁找我？

Shéi zhǎo wǒ?

Who is looking for me?

Note

谁 can be read shéi or shuí.

Formula

Subject + 在 (zài) / 去 (qù) + 哪儿 (nǎr)？

How to use

Asks about location.

Example

你去哪儿？

Nǐ qù nǎr?

Where are you going?

Note

哪里 is more polite/full than 哪儿.

Formula

什么时候 (shénme shíhou) + action？

How to use

Asks when an action happens.

Example

你什么时候回来？

Nǐ shénme shíhou huílái?

When will you come back?

Note

Can be placed before or after the subject.

Formula

为什么 (wèishénme) + sentence？

How to use

Asks for a reason.

Example

你为什么学习中文？

Nǐ wèishénme xuéxí Zhōngwén?

Why do you study Chinese?

Note

Answers often use 因为.

Formula

怎么 (zěnme) + verb？

How to use

Asks how to do something or an unexpected reason.

Example

这个字怎么读？

Zhège zì zěnme dú?

How do you read this character?

Note

怎么了？ means 'What's wrong?'

Formula

Noun/sentence + 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng)？

How to use

Asks for opinion, condition, or a suggestion.

Example

这个电影怎么样？

Zhège diànyǐng zěnmeyàng?

How is this movie?

Note

Can be used to suggest: 我们去吃饭怎么样？

Formula

多少 (duōshao) + noun？

How to use

Asks quantity, price, age, phone number.

Example

这个多少钱？

Zhège duōshao qián?

How much is this?

Note

多少 is for unspecified, possibly large quantities.

Formula

几 (jǐ) + measure word + noun？

How to use

Used when expecting a small number, usually under 10.

Example

你有几个孩子？

Nǐ yǒu jǐ ge háizi?

How many children do you have?

Note

几 usually needs a measure word.

Formula

现在 (xiànzài) + sentence

How to use

States the present moment.

Example

我现在很忙。

Wǒ xiànzài hěn máng.

I'm very busy now.

Note

Time words often come before or after the subject.

Formula

Time + subject + verb

How to use

Sets the day an action happens.

Example

明天我去北京。

Míngtiān wǒ qù Běijīng.

Tomorrow I'm going to Beijing.

Note

Chinese has no tenses; time words signal past/future.

Formula

Clause + 的时候 (de shíhou)

How to use

States when something happens.

Example

我小的时候住在河内。

Wǒ xiǎo de shíhou zhù zài Hénèi.

When I was little I lived in Hanoi.

Note

的时候 comes after the time phrase.

Formula

Clause/time + 以前 (yǐqián)

How to use

For events before a time point.

Example

吃饭以前，我要洗手。

Chīfàn yǐqián, wǒ yào xǐ shǒu.

Before eating, I must wash my hands.

Note

以前 can stand alone meaning 'in the past'.

Formula

Clause/time + 以后 (yǐhòu)

How to use

For events after a time point.

Example

下班以后，我去健身。

Xiàbān yǐhòu, wǒ qù jiànshēn.

After work, I go to the gym.

Note

以后 can be used for the future: 以后再说.

Formula

Subject + 正在 (zhèngzài) + verb + 呢 (ne)

How to use

Emphasizes an ongoing action.

Example

我正在吃饭呢。

Wǒ zhèngzài chīfàn ne.

I'm eating right now.

Note

Can simply use 在 + verb.

Formula

Subject + 刚 (gāng) / 刚刚 (gānggāng) + verb

How to use

For actions that just happened.

Example

我刚到家。

Wǒ gāng dào jiā.

I just got home.

Note

刚 stresses recency; 了 is not required.

Formula

马上 (mǎshàng) + verb

How to use

For something happening very soon.

Example

我马上回来。

Wǒ mǎshàng huílái.

I'll be right back.

Note

Very common in conversation.

Formula

已经 (yǐjīng) + verb/adjective + 了 (le)

How to use

For something already done or a changed state.

Example

我已经吃饭了。

Wǒ yǐjīng chīfàn le.

I've already eaten.

Note

已经 usually goes with 了.

Formula

还没 (hái méi) / 还没有 (hái méiyǒu) + verb

How to use

For something not yet done up to now.

Example

我还没准备好。

Wǒ hái méi zhǔnbèi hǎo.

I'm not ready yet.

Note

Don't use 不 to negate completed actions.

Formula

快要 (kuàiyào) / 快 (kuài) + verb + 了 (le)

How to use

For something about to happen.

Example

快下雨了。

Kuài xià yǔ le.

It's about to rain.

Note

快...了 is very natural in speech.

Formula

Subject + 想 (xiǎng) + verb

How to use

Expresses desire or intention.

Example

我想喝咖啡。

Wǒ xiǎng hē kāfēi.

I want to drink coffee.

Note

想 is softer than 要.

Formula

Subject + 要 (yào) + verb/noun

How to use

For needs, strong intentions, or upcoming events.

Example

我要一杯水。

Wǒ yào yì bēi shuǐ.

I'd like a glass of water.

Note

不要 means 'don't' or 'don't want'.

Formula

Subject + 会 (huì) + verb

How to use

For learned skills or future predictions.

Example

我会开车。

Wǒ huì kāichē.

I can drive.

Note

会 differs from 能: 会 stresses skill.

Formula

Subject + 能 (néng) + verb

How to use

For ability or permission by condition.

Example

我今天不能去。

Wǒ jīntiān bù néng qù.

I can't go today.

Note

不能 is usually due to conditions not permitting.

Formula

Subject + 可以 (kěyǐ) + verb

How to use

For permission or ability.

Example

我可以进来吗？

Wǒ kěyǐ jìnlái ma?

May I come in?

Note

可以 is polite for asking permission.

Formula

Subject + 应该 (yīnggāi) + verb

How to use

For advice or reasonable judgment.

Example

你应该多休息。

Nǐ yīnggāi duō xiūxi.

You should rest more.

Note

不应该 means 'should not'.

Formula

Subject + 必须 (bìxū) + verb

How to use

For a mandatory requirement.

Example

你必须准时到。

Nǐ bìxū zhǔnshí dào.

You must arrive on time.

Note

Stronger than 应该.

Formula

Subject + 得 (děi) + verb

How to use

Colloquial way to say 'have to do'.

Example

我得走了。

Wǒ děi zǒu le.

I have to go now.

Note

In this structure 得 is read děi.

Formula

别 (bié) + verb

How to use

To advise or ask someone not to do something.

Example

别担心。

Bié dānxīn.

Don't worry.

Note

别 is more common than 不要 in speech.

Formula

不用 (búyòng) + verb

How to use

For something unnecessary.

Example

你不用等我。

Nǐ búyòng děng wǒ.

You don't need to wait for me.

Note

不用 ≠ 不能: needn't vs can't.

Formula

去 (qù) + place + verb

How to use

States the purpose of going somewhere.

Example

我去超市买东西。

Wǒ qù chāoshì mǎi dōngxi.

I'm going to the supermarket to shop.

Note

The place can be dropped: 我去买东西.

Formula

来 (lái) + verb

How to use

For actions toward the speaker or invitations.

Example

你来看看。

Nǐ lái kànkan.

Come take a look.

Note

Very natural in invitations.

Formula

Verb + 一下 (yíxià)

How to use

Softens a request.

Example

请等一下。

Qǐng děng yíxià.

Please wait a moment.

Note

Very common in polite speech.

Formula

Reduplicated verb

How to use

Softens the tone of an action.

Example

我看看。

Wǒ kànkan.

Let me take a look.

Note

Usually with one-syllable verbs.

Formula

Subject + verb + 了 (le)

How to use

For completed or finished actions.

Example

我买了手机。

Wǒ mǎi le shǒujī.

I bought a phone.

Note

了 doesn't always equal past tense.

Formula

Subject + 没 (méi) / 没有 (méiyǒu) + verb

How to use

Negates past actions or things not yet done.

Example

我没看这个电影。

Wǒ méi kàn zhège diànyǐng.

I haven't seen this movie.

Note

Don't use 不 for completed-action negation.

Formula

Subject + verb + 过 (guo)

How to use

For past experience.

Example

我去过上海。

Wǒ qù guo Shànghǎi.

I've been to Shanghai.

Note

Negative: 没去过.

Formula

再 (zài) + verb

How to use

For a repeated action later.

Example

明天再说。

Míngtiān zài shuō.

Let's talk again tomorrow.

Note

再 is for the future, 又 for the past.

Formula

又 (yòu) + verb + 了 (le)

How to use

For a repeated, usually already-happened action.

Example

他又迟到了。

Tā yòu chídào le.

He was late again.

Note

Can carry a complaining tone.

Formula

先 (xiān) + action 1 + 再 (zài) + action 2

How to use

Orders a sequence of actions.

Example

我们先吃饭，再看电影。

Wǒmen xiān chīfàn, zài kàn diànyǐng.

Let's eat first, then watch a movie.

Note

Useful for giving step-by-step instructions.

Formula

一边 (yìbiān) + action 1 + 一边 (yìbiān) + action 2

How to use

For two simultaneous actions.

Example

她一边听音乐，一边做饭。

Tā yìbiān tīng yīnyuè, yìbiān zuòfàn.

She listens to music while cooking.

Note

Both actions usually share one subject.

Formula

A + 比 (bǐ) + B + adjective

How to use

For comparative between two things.

Example

我比他高。

Wǒ bǐ tā gāo.

I'm taller than him.

Note

Don't use 很 in 比 sentences: never 比他很高.

Formula

A + 没有 (méiyǒu) + B + 那么 (nàme) + adjective

How to use

For a lesser comparison.

Example

今天没有昨天那么热。

Jīntiān méiyǒu zuótiān nàme rè.

Today is not as hot as yesterday.

Note

那么 means 'so / that much'.

Formula

A + 跟 (gēn) + B + 一样 (yíyàng) + adjective

How to use

For two things at the same level.

Example

这个跟那个一样贵。

Zhège gēn nàge yíyàng guì.

This one is as expensive as that one.

Note

跟 can be replaced by 和.

Formula

越来越 (yuèláiyuè) + adjective

How to use

For a degree growing over time.

Example

天气越来越冷。

Tiānqì yuèláiyuè lěng.

The weather is getting colder and colder.

Note

Can be used with mental verbs: 越来越喜欢.

Formula

越 (yuè) + condition + 越 (yuè) + result

How to use

One change drives another change.

Example

越学越有意思。

Yuè xué yuè yǒu yìsi.

The more I study, the more interesting it gets.

Note

Very common in conversation.

Formula

更 (gèng) + adjective

How to use

For a higher degree than before or than something else.

Example

这个更便宜。

Zhège gèng piányi.

This one is even cheaper.

Note

更 usually needs a comparative context.

Formula

A + 跟 (gēn) + B + 差不多 (chàbuduō)

How to use

When two things are nearly equal.

Example

我的中文跟他差不多。

Wǒ de Zhōngwén gēn tā chàbuduō.

My Chinese is about the same as his.

Note

Also used alone: 差不多了.

Formula

因为 (yīnwèi) + cause, 所以 (suǒyǐ) + result

How to use

Links cause and result.

Example

因为下雨，所以我不去了。

Yīnwèi xià yǔ, suǒyǐ wǒ bú qù le.

Because it's raining, I'm not going anymore.

Note

In speech you can use only 因为 or 所以.

Formula

虽然 (suīrán) + concession, 但是 (dànshì) + unexpected result

How to use

For two contrasting ideas.

Example

虽然很贵，但是很好吃。

Suīrán hěn guì, dànshì hěn hǎochī.

Although expensive, it's delicious.

Note

但是 can be replaced with 可是.

Formula

如果 (rúguǒ) + condition, 就 (jiù) + result

How to use

States a hypothesis and result.

Example

如果你有时间，就给我打电话。

Rúguǒ nǐ yǒu shíjiān, jiù gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà.

If you have time, call me.

Note

In speech 如果 can be dropped.

Formula

只要 (zhǐyào) + sufficient condition, 就 (jiù) + result

How to use

Emphasizes that one condition is enough.

Example

只要你努力，就会进步。

Zhǐyào nǐ nǔlì, jiù huì jìnbù.

As long as you work hard, you'll improve.

Note

The condition in 只要 is usually easier.

Formula

只有 (zhǐyǒu) + necessary condition, 才 (cái) + result

How to use

For a required condition to reach a result.

Example

只有多练习，才会说得好。

Zhǐyǒu duō liànxí, cái huì shuō de hǎo.

Only with lots of practice can you speak well.

Note

只有...才... is stronger than 只要...就...

Formula

不但 (búdàn) + idea 1, 而且 (érqiě) + idea 2

How to use

Adds a stronger second point or extra info.

Example

他不但会中文，而且会英文。

Tā búdàn huì Zhōngwén, érqiě huì Yīngwén.

He knows not only Chinese but also English.

Note

Can also use 不仅...而且...

Formula

A + 或者 (huòzhě) + B

How to use

In statements, offers a choice.

Example

你可以喝茶或者咖啡。

Nǐ kěyǐ hē chá huòzhě kāfēi.

You can drink tea or coffee.

Note

Choice questions usually use 还是.

Formula

A + 还是 (háishi) + B？

How to use

For choice questions.

Example

你喝茶还是咖啡？

Nǐ hē chá háishi kāfēi?

Do you drink tea or coffee?

Note

Don't use 或者 for direct choice questions.

Formula

Action 1 + 然后 (ránhòu) + action 2

How to use

Links actions in sequence.

Example

我先洗澡，然后睡觉。

Wǒ xiān xǐzǎo, ránhòu shuìjiào.

I shower first, then go to sleep.

Note

Used in storytelling or instructions.

Formula

Idea 1 + 但是 (dànshì) / 可是 (kěshì) + idea 2

How to use

Connects two contrasting ideas.

Example

我想去，但是没时间。

Wǒ xiǎng qù, dànshì méi shíjiān.

I want to go but don't have time.

Note

可是 is slightly more casual.

Formula

Verb + 得 (de) + evaluation

How to use

Evaluates the result/degree of an action.

Example

他说得很好。

Tā shuō de hěn hǎo.

He speaks very well.

Note

In complements 得 comes after the verb.

Formula

Verb + 得 (de) / 不 (bu) + result

How to use

States ability to reach a result.

Example

我听不懂。

Wǒ tīng bu dǒng.

I don't understand (what I hear).

Note

听懂 = understand; 听不懂 = don't understand.

Formula

Verb + 完 (wán)

How to use

For a fully completed action.

Example

我做完作业了。

Wǒ zuò wán zuòyè le.

I've finished my homework.

Note

完 stresses completion.

Formula

Verb + 好 (hǎo)

How to use

When something is finished well or ready.

Example

饭做好了。

Fàn zuò hǎo le.

The food is cooked.

Note

做好 vs 做完: 好 stresses a good result.

Formula

Verb + 到 (dào)

How to use

Emphasizes reaching a result.

Example

我找到钥匙了。

Wǒ zhǎodào yàoshi le.

I found the key.

Note

找 = look for, 找到 = find.

Formula

Verb + 见 (jiàn)

How to use

With hear/see to say a signal was received.

Example

你听见了吗？

Nǐ tīngjiàn le ma?

Did you hear that?

Note

听见 stresses actually hearing.

Formula

Verb + 错 (cuò)

How to use

For an action with a wrong result.

Example

我说错了。

Wǒ shuō cuò le.

I said it wrong.

Note

Common when correcting yourself.

Formula

Verb + 清楚 (qīngchu)

How to use

For clarity of perception/action.

Example

我没听清楚。

Wǒ méi tīng qīngchu.

I didn't hear clearly.

Note

Very useful in communication.

Formula

Verb/adjective + 起来 (qǐlai)

How to use

For starting an action or sensory impression.

Example

这个菜吃起来很辣。

Zhège cài chī qǐlai hěn là.

This dish tastes very spicy.

Note

...起来 + evaluation is very common.

Formula

Verb + 下去 (xiàqù)

How to use

For an action continuing onward.

Example

请继续说下去。

Qǐng jìxù shuō xiàqù.

Please continue speaking.

Note

Has a sense of continuing on.

Formula

Subject + 把 (bǎ) + object + verb + result

How to use

Emphasizes the affected object and the result.

Example

请把门关上。

Qǐng bǎ mén guān shàng.

Please close the door.

Note

The verb usually needs a result like 上, 好, 完, 了.

Formula

Subject + 被 (bèi) + agent + verb

How to use

For passive sentences where the subject is affected.

Example

我的手机被偷了。

Wǒ de shǒujī bèi tōu le.

My phone was stolen.

Note

Often for undesirable events.

Formula

A + 让 (ràng) + B + verb

How to use

When someone lets/asks/makes someone do something.

Example

妈妈让我早点回家。

Māma ràng wǒ zǎodiǎn huí jiā.

Mom told me to come home early.

Note

让 can also mean 'make': 这让我很开心.

Formula

给 (gěi) + person + verb / verb + 给 (gěi) + person

How to use

States the recipient or the person served.

Example

我给你发消息。

Wǒ gěi nǐ fā xiāoxi.

I'll send you a message.

Note

给 comes before the recipient.

Formula

对 (duì) + person/thing + 来说 (lái shuō)

How to use

States a viewpoint or scope of judgment.

Example

对我来说，中文不难。

Duì wǒ lái shuō, Zhōngwén bù nán.

For me, Chinese is not hard.

Note

Usually placed at the start of the sentence.

Formula

关于 (guānyú) + topic

How to use

Introduces the topic being discussed.

Example

关于这个问题，我想再想想。

Guānyú zhège wèntí, wǒ xiǎng zài xiǎngxiang.

About this issue, I want to think more.

Note

Slightly formal but still usable.

Formula

除了 (chúle) + A + 以外 (yǐwài), also/else...

How to use

For exclusion or addition.

Example

除了中文以外，我还学英文。

Chúle Zhōngwén yǐwài, wǒ hái xué Yīngwén.

Besides Chinese, I also study English.

Note

Pairs with 还 for addition, 都 for exclusion.

Formula

连 (lián) + emphasized object + 都 (dōu) / 也 (yě) + ...

How to use

Emphasizes something surprising or extreme.

Example

连他都不知道。

Lián tā dōu bù zhīdào.

Even he doesn't know.

Note

Usually carries strong emphasis.

Formula

不是 (bú shì) + A, 而是 (ér shì) + B

How to use

Corrects info or stresses what's right.

Example

我不是不想去，而是没时间。

Wǒ bú shì bù xiǎng qù, ér shì méi shíjiān.

It's not that I don't want to go; I just have no time.

Note

Useful for clearing up misunderstandings.

Formula

又 (yòu) + adj/verb + 又 (yòu) + adj/verb

How to use

Lists two coexisting qualities.

Example

这个房子又大又便宜。

Zhège fángzi yòu dà yòu piányi.

This house is both big and cheap.

Note

Usually with positive or same-tone adjectives.

Formula

一 (yī) + action 1 + 就 (jiù) + action 2

How to use

Two actions happen almost back-to-back.

Example

我一到家就睡觉。

Wǒ yí dào jiā jiù shuìjiào.

As soon as I got home, I slept.

Note

Emphasizes speed/sequence.

Formula

请 (qǐng) + verb

How to use

To request or invite politely.

Example

请坐。

Qǐng zuò.

Please sit down.

Note

Add 一下 to soften: 请等一下.

Formula

麻烦你 (máfan nǐ) + verb

How to use

To ask a favor politely.

Example

麻烦你帮我一下。

Máfan nǐ bāng wǒ yíxià.

Could you help me a moment?

Note

Very natural in service/work contexts.

Formula

不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi) + sentence

How to use

To start when troubling someone or apologize mildly.

Example

不好意思，我迟到了。

Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ chídào le.

Sorry, I'm late.

Note

Softer than 对不起 in many situations.

Formula

没关系 (méi guānxi)

How to use

Replies to an apology.

Example

没关系，别担心。

Méi guānxi, bié dānxīn.

It's okay, don't worry.

Note

Can use 没事儿 informally.

Formula

Suggestion/request + 可以吗 (kěyǐ ma)？

How to use

To ask permission or check agreement.

Example

我坐这里可以吗？

Wǒ zuò zhèlǐ kěyǐ ma?

Is it okay if I sit here?

Note

Polite and easy to use.

Formula

Suggestion + 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng)？

How to use

Asks for an opinion on a suggestion.

Example

我们明天见面怎么样？

Wǒmen míngtiān jiànmiàn zěnmeyàng?

How about we meet tomorrow?

Note

Friendlier than a direct command.

Formula

要不要 (yào bu yào) + verb/noun？

How to use

Asks a need or makes an offer.

Example

你要不要喝水？

Nǐ yào bu yào hē shuǐ?

Do you want some water?

Note

Very common colloquial.

Formula

能不能 (néng bu néng) + verb？

How to use

Asks ability or makes a request.

Example

你能不能说慢一点？

Nǐ néng bu néng shuō màn yìdiǎn?

Can you speak a little slower?

Note

Very useful for language learners.

Formula

我觉得 (wǒ juéde) + opinion

How to use

Gives a personal opinion softly.

Example

我觉得这个办法不错。

Wǒ juéde zhège bànfǎ búcuò.

I think this method is not bad.

Note

More natural than direct judgment.

Formula

我以为 (wǒ yǐwéi) + mistaken belief

How to use

When realizing an earlier assumption was wrong.

Example

我以为你不来了。

Wǒ yǐwéi nǐ bù lái le.

I thought you weren't coming.

Note

Implies reality differs from the thought.

Formula

听说 (tīngshuō) + information

How to use

Relays hearsay information.

Example

听说你要去中国。

Tīngshuō nǐ yào qù Zhōngguó.

I heard you're going to China.

Note

Doesn't assert absolute certainty.

Formula

看来 (kàn lái) + judgment

How to use

Judges from visible signs.

Example

看来今天会下雨。

Kàn lái jīntiān huì xià yǔ.

It looks like it will rain today.

Note

Shows inference.

Formula

怪不得 (guàibude) + result

How to use

When the reason becomes clear.

Example

怪不得你这么累。

Guàibude nǐ zhème lèi.

No wonder you're so tired.

Note

Usually after hearing the cause.

Formula

原来 (yuánlái) + newly realized info

How to use

When discovering a truth.

Example

原来你在这里！

Yuánlái nǐ zài zhèlǐ!

So you're here!

Note

Carries surprise/realization.

Formula

难怪 (nánguài) + sentence

How to use

Like 怪不得; when the reason is clear.

Example

难怪他没来，他生病了。

Nánguài tā méi lái, tā shēngbìng le.

No wonder he didn't come; he's sick.

Note

Can replace 怪不得.

Formula

看情况 (kàn qíngkuàng)

How to use

When you can't decide yet.

Example

明天去不去，看情况吧。

Míngtiān qù bu qù, kàn qíngkuàng ba.

Whether I go tomorrow depends on the situation.

Note

Very natural in conversation.

Formula

随便 (suíbiàn) + sentence / 随便 (suíbiàn)

How to use

When you have no specific preference.

Example

吃什么都可以，随便。

Chī shénme dōu kěyǐ, suíbiàn.

Anything to eat is fine, up to you.

Note

Can sound indifferent depending on context.

Formula

没想到 (méi xiǎngdào) + sentence

How to use

When things differ from expectations.

Example

没想到你中文说得这么好。

Méi xiǎngdào nǐ Zhōngwén shuō de zhème hǎo.

I didn't expect your Chinese to be so good.

Note

Can be used to praise.

Formula

对了 (duì le) + newly remembered info

How to use

To shift topics or recall something.

Example

对了，你明天有空吗？

Duì le, nǐ míngtiān yǒu kòng ma?

Oh, by the way, are you free tomorrow?

Note

Very common in conversation.

Formula

算了 (suàn le)

How to use

When deciding to stop doing/saying something.

Example

太贵了，算了。

Tài guì le, suàn le.

Too expensive, forget it.

Note

Can carry slight disappointment.

Formula

差点儿 (chàdiǎnr) + verb

How to use

For something that nearly happened.

Example

我差点儿忘了。

Wǒ chàdiǎnr wàng le.

I almost forgot.

Note

Context decides if it happened or not.

Formula

最好 (zuìhǎo) + verb

How to use

Gives a firm but natural suggestion.

Example

你最好早点休息。

Nǐ zuìhǎo zǎodiǎn xiūxi.

You'd better rest early.

Note

Can sound strong with strangers.

Formula

A 不如 (bùrú) B / 不如 (bùrú) + suggestion

How to use

Compares or suggests a better option.

Example

我们不如坐地铁。

Wǒmen bùrú zuò dìtiě.

We might as well take the subway.

Note

Common in suggestions.

Formula

要是 (yàoshi) + wish + 就好了 (jiù hǎo le)

How to use

Expresses a wish.

Example

要是明天不下雨就好了。

Yàoshi míngtiān bú xià yǔ jiù hǎo le.

If only it wouldn't rain tomorrow.

Note

Carries a gentle wishful tone.

Formula

先这样吧 (xiān zhèyàng ba)

How to use

To temporarily end an exchange or decision.

Example

今天先这样吧。

Jīntiān xiān zhèyàng ba.

Let's call it a day for today.

Note

Very common in work and chat.