The neutral tone can change the meaning and function of words, making it crucial for proper communication. It plays multiple roles in the language, enhancing its rhythm and pronunciation.

For instance, in grammatical particles, it appears in words like 吗 (ma) for yes/no questions and 吧 (ba) for polite requests. Auxiliary words like 着 (zhe) for ongoing actions and 了 (le) for completed actions also use this tone. Nominal suffixes such as 子 (zi) and 们 (men) form new words or indicate plurality. Reduplicated words, where the second part is in a neutral tone, are common in everyday language, like 谢谢 (xièxie) for thank you. Understanding these roles helps in grasping the subtleties of Chinese grammar and pronunciation.

Get to know the full picture of the Chinese Tones.

Neutral Tone As Chinese Grammar Particles

Particles in Chinese are words used to indicate various grammatical functions or convey nuances in speech. Some common particles often pair with the neutral tone, including the following:

吗 (ma)

is used for yes or no questions. For example:

你好吗? (Nǐ hǎo ma?) How do you do？

这是他的电脑吗？(Zhè shì tā de diànnǎo ma?) Is this his computer?

吧 (ba)

indicates a polite request or softens a command. For example:

我们一起坐吧！(Wǒmen yìqǐ zuò ba!) Let’s sit together!

快睡吧！(Kuài shuì ba!) Go to sleep soon!

呢 (ne)

is used to form questions about actions, situations, and conditions. For example:

我觉得这里的菜不错，你呢？(Wǒ juéde zhèlǐ de cài búcuò, nǐ ne?) I think the food here is good. How about you?

你在做什么呢? (Nǐ zài zuò shénme ne?) What are you doing?

Learn more about Chinese particles here.

Neutral Tone As Auxiliary Words

Auxiliary words in Chinese are frequently employed alongside verbs, adjectives, or adverbs to convey an action’s status, describe the overall situation, or alter the sentence’s meaning. Many of these auxiliary words are pronounced with a neutral tone.

着 (zhe)

indicates an ongoing action or state when placed after a verb. For instance:

他们坐着上课。(Tāmen zuòzhe shàng kè.) They are sitting and attending class.

躺着玩手机对眼睛不好。(Tǎngzhe wán shǒujī duì yǎnjīng bù hǎo.) Lying down and using a mobile phone is not good for your eyes.

了 (le)

denotes completed actions or changes in a situation. For example：

我吃饭了。 (Wǒ chīfàn le.) I have eaten.

他刚喝了很多果汁，现在不想喝了。(Tā gāng hē le hěn duō guǒzhī, xiànzài bù xiǎng hē le.) He just drank a lot of juice and doesn’t want to drink anymore now.

过 (guo)

indicates that an action has been experienced or completed in the past. For example：

我去过北京。 (Wǒ qùguo Běijīng.) I have been to Beijing.

我没吃过红烧肉。(Wǒ méi chīguo Hóngshāo ròu.) I have never eaten braised pork.

的 (de)

is a versatile particle used to indicate possession or describe nouns. For example:

这是我的书。 (Zhè shì wǒ de shū.) This is my book.

他长着一头黑色的头发。(Tā zhǎngzhe yì tóu hēisè de tóufa.) He has black hair.

地 (de)

used to link adverbs with verbs or adjectives, turning them into adverbial phrases, describing how an action is performed or modifying an adjective. For example:

她慢慢地走回了家。 (Tā mànman de zǒu huí le jiā.) She walked back home slowly.

哥哥高兴地跳了起来。(Gēge gāoxìng de tiào le qǐlái.) The older brother happily jumped up.

得 (de)

used to link verbs or adjectives with a complement to indicate the degree, possibility, or necessity of an action. For instance:

他跑得很快，我跑得很慢。 (Tā pǎo de hěn kuài, wǒ pǎo de hěn màn.) He runs very fast, while I run very slowly.

今天热得要死。(Jīntiān rè de yào sǐ.) It is hot as hell out today.

Learn more about Chinese Aspect Particles  and Chinese Structural Particles.

Neutral Tone As Nominal Suffixes

Nominal suffixes, often pronounced with a neutral tone, are attached to nouns to either form new words or impart precise meanings. For example:

子 (zi)

is added to nouns or adjectives to create diminutive or affectionate nouns. Here are some examples:

们 (men)

is used with nouns or pronouns to indicate plural forms. For examples:

Learn more about Chinese suffixes.

Reduplication with the Neutral Tone

When a single-toned Chinese character is duplicated, the repeated part is pronounced with a neutral tone. For examples:

Learn more about the Adjective Reduplication and Verb Reduplication.

These examples showcase how the neutral tone is frequently used in everyday Chinese words, contributing to the language’s unique rhythm and pronunciation patterns.

The post The Versatility of the Neutral Tone in Chinese appeared first on .

For some learners, these can present a challenge as it’s not always clear which preposition should be used in each unique situation. Though they might seem tricky at first, this article is here to guide you. Chinese prepositional phrases are generally formed by placing a preposition before nouns, pronouns, or corresponding phrases.

They often function as adverbials in a sentence, conveying aspects of time, location, targets, reasons, and more. It’s a little overwhelming!

To make things easier, we’ve gathered a collection of the most common and most useful prepositions to help you gain a clear understanding. Ready to go? Let’s get started!

• When? Chinese Prepositions for Time
• Where? Chinese Prepositions for Location and Direction
• What About? Chinese Prepositions For Targets and Recipients
• How? Chinese Prepositions for Methods
• Why? Chinese Prepositions for Reason and Purpose
• What’s Different? Chinese Prepositions For Exclusion and Comparison

When? Chinese Prepositions for Time

自 vs 从 vs 自从

自(zì)，从(cóng), and 自从(zìcóng) are like the English words “from” or “since”. They tell us when something started. These three terms are rather similar, but their usage differs slightly.

1. 自(zì) is commonly found in written Chinese. It expresses that something has been happening for some time now and is still going on. It can be combined with other words like 起(qǐ), 至今(zhìjīn), 以来(yǐlái) and 以后(yǐhòu), and so on. We also see it in phrases like 自始至终(zì shǐ zhì zhōng) and 自古以来(zì gǔ yǐlái).

For example:

自古以来大家都在这一天出去放鞭炮。(Zì gǔ yǐlái dàjiā dōu zài zhè yī tiān chūqù fàng biānpào.)
Since ancient times, everyone has gone out on this day to set off firecrackers.

他们自2008年以后就再也没见过面了。(Tāmen zì èr líng líng bā nián yǐhòu jiù zàiyě méi jiànguo miàn le.)
They haven’t seen each other since 2008.

自下个月起我们将调整上班时间。(Zì xià gè yuè qǐ wǒmen jiāng tiáozhěng shàngbān shíjiān.)
Starting from next month, we will adjust our working hours.

2. 从(cóng) is a versatile preposition used in various contexts. When used with time words, it tells us when something began. 从(cóng) is often paired with words like 起(qǐ), 到(dào), 以后(yǐhòu), and so on.

For example:

从明天起我要开始打太极拳。(Cóng míngtiān qǐ wǒ yào kāishǐ dǎ tàijíquán.)
Starting tomorrow, I will start practicing Tai Chi.

从8点到11点，他们一直在上汉语课。(Cóng bā diǎn dào shíyī diǎn, tāmen yīzhí zài shàng Hànyǔ kè.)
They have been attending Chinese class from 8 to 11 am.

我们从现在开始要改变作息时间。(Wǒmen cóng xiànzài kāishǐyào gǎibiàn zuòxī shíjiān.)
Starting now, we need to change our work and rest time.

3. 自从(zìcóng), the combination of 自(zì) and 从(cóng), is used to describe when something started in the past. It can be used with 后(hòu), 之后(zhīhòu), or 以后(yǐhòu).

For example:

自从去年见过一面后，我们再也没见过了。(Zìcóng qùnián jiànguò yīmiàn hòu, wǒmen zài yě méi jiànguò le.)
Since we met last year, we haven’t met again.

自从他出国以后，我们就断了联系。(Zìcóng tā chūguó yǐhòu, wǒmen jiù duànle liánxì.)
Since he went abroad, we’ve lost contact.

自从他来了后，大家都变得很开心。(Zìcóng tā lái le hòu, dàjiā dōu biàn de hěn kāixīn.)
Since he arrived, everyone has become very happy.

当

当(dāng) means “when,” “while,” or “during” in English. It can be used with 时(shí) or 的时候(de shíhòu).

For example:

当你不想吃了，就别吃了。(Dāng nǐ bù xiǎng chī le, jiù bié chī le.)
When you don’t want to eat anymore, then don’t eat.

当太阳升起的时候，就是我们出发的时间。(Dāng tàiyáng shēngqǐ de shíhòu, jiù shì wǒmen chūfā de shíjiān.)
When the sun rises, it’s time for us to depart.

当她爱你时，你是她的一切。(Dāng tā’ài nǐ shí, nǐ shì tā de yīqiè.)
When she loves you, you are her everything.

趁

趁(chèn) means to use a special opportunity or chance to do something. It can be combined with a variety of other words, including 时(shí), 的时候(de shíhòu), 期间(qījiān), 工夫 (gōngfu), 空挡(kòngdǎng), 前/后(qián/hòu), and so on.

For example:

趁他们还没回来，我们先吃点儿零食。(Chèn tāmen hái méi huílái, wǒmen xiān chī diǎnr língshí.)
While they haven’t come back yet, let’s eat some snacks first.

他们趁有人在的空挡帮忙打扫了房间。(Tāmen chèn yǒurén zài de kòngdǎng bāngmáng dǎsǎo le fángjiān.)
While someone was present, they helped clean the room.

最近这里有很多人被枪杀了，趁天黑前赶紧回家。(Zuìjìn zhèlǐ yǒu hěn duō rén bèi qiāngshā le, chèn tiānhēi qián gǎnjǐn huí jiā.)
Many people have died in shootings recently, so hurry back home before it gets dark.

在

在(zài) indicates the time at which an action or event occurs. It can be combined with words like 时(shí), 的时候(de shíhòu), 前 (qián), 之前(zhīqián), 后(hòu), 之后(zhīhòu), and so on.

For example:

他们会在这个月底举办婚礼。(Tāmen huì zài zhège yuèdǐ jǔbàn hūnlǐ.)
They will hold a wedding at the end of this month.

我们在妈妈回来前要把这里打扫干净。(Wǒmen zài māmā huílái qián yào bǎ zhèlǐ dǎsǎo gānjìng.)
We need to clean up here before Mom returns.

小华在家里休息的时候，把《红楼梦》读完了。(Xiǎo Huá zài jiālǐ xiūxí de shíhòu, bǎ Hónglóumèng dú wán le.)
While resting at home, Xiao Hua finished reading Dream of the Red Chamber.

Where? Chinese Prepositions for Location and Direction

从

As mentioned above, 从(cóng) is quite a versatile preposition. So, when it is followed by a location, it can tell us where something starts. The most commonly used structure is 从(cóng)……到(dào)…….

For example:

我们从这里走。(Wǒmen cóng zhèlǐ zǒu.)
Let’s walk from here.

从我家到学校开车要一个小时。(Cóng wǒ jiā dào xuéxiào kāichē yào yī gè xiǎoshí.)
It takes an hour to drive from my house to school.

从我们公司去图书馆很远。(Cóng wǒmen gōngsī qù túshūguǎn hěn yuǎn.)
Our company is very far from the library.

在

In addition to indicating time, 在(zài) can also tell us where someone is or where something happens, not just when.

For example:

小华现在在家里洗衣服。(Xiǎo Huá xiànzài zài jiā lǐ xǐ yīfú.)
Xiao Hua is currently washing clothes at home.

我们在图书馆复习汉语。(Wǒmen zài túshūguǎn fùxí hànyǔ.)
We are studying Chinese at the library.

这个桌子放在哪里？(Zhège zhuōzi fàng zài nǎlǐ?)
Where should this table be placed?

往 vs 向 vs 朝

往(wǎng), 向(xiàng) and 朝(cháo) all show which direction something is moving towards, and they can be used interchangeably in this context.

For example:

这条河往/向/朝东流。(Zhè tiáo hé wǎng/xiàng/cháo dōng liú.)
This river flows to the east.

我们往/向/朝前走，再往/向/朝左转。(Wǒmen wǎng/xiàng/cháo qián zǒu, zài wǎng/xiàng/cháo zuǒ zhuǎn.)
Let’s go straight and then turn left.

这边很危险，往/向/朝里靠。(Zhè biān hěn wēixiǎn, wǎng/xiàng/cháo lǐ kào.)
It’s very dangerous over here, so please move inside.

However, there are some small distinctions to pay attention to.

往(wǎng) and 向(xiàng) can be used after motion words, like 开(kāi), 驶(shǐ), 飞(fēi), 送(sòng), and 运(yùn) while 朝(cháo) can’t be used this way.

For example:

这辆车开往昆明。(Zhè liàng chē kāi wǎng Kūnmíng.)
This car is driving towards Kunming.

这些快递要运向北方。(Zhèxiē kuàidì yào yùn xiàng běifāng.)
These parcels need to be transported to the north.

我看到那只鸟飞向了蓝天。(Wǒ kàn dào nà zhī niǎo fēi xiàngle lán tiān.)
I saw that bird flying toward the blue sky.

向(xiàng) and 朝(cháo) can indicate the goal of an action, whereas 往(wǎng) doesn’t have this particular usage.

For example:

小华朝我笑了笑。（Xiǎo Huá cháo wǒ xiàole xiào.）
Xiao Hua smiled at me.

看到妈妈回家了，他朝妈妈走了过去。（Kàndào māmā huí jiāle, tā cháo māmā zǒu le guòqù.）
When he saw Mom coming home, he walked over to her.

你不应该向小孩子发火。（Nǐ bù yīnggāi xiàng xiǎoháizi fā huǒ.）
You shouldn’t get angry with children.

沿着 vs 顺着 vs 沿

沿着(yán zhe) and 顺着(shùn zhe) tell us the path someone or something takes. However, 沿着(yán zhe) often implies moving alongside something that doesn’t move and is sometimes even used in an abstract context. 顺着(shùn zhe) is used to describe actions that follow something already in motion or the path along which things naturally move.

For example:

你顺着/沿着这条路走就能看食堂了。(Nǐ shùn zhe/yán zhe zhè tiáo lù zǒu jiù néng kàn shítáng le.)
You walk along this road and then you will see the cafeteria.

汗水顺着他的头发流了下来。(Hànshuǐ shùn zhe tā de tóufa liú le xiàlái.)
Sweat flowed down his hair.

就让小船自己顺着河流走吧。(Jiù ràng xiǎo chuán zìjǐ shùn zhe hé liú zǒu ba.)
Let the little boat go along with the river on its own.

晚上他喜欢沿着小溪散步。(Wǎnshàng tā xǐhuān yán zhe xiǎoxī sànbù.)
He enjoys walking along the stream in the evening.

他们沿着昨晚得出的新思路继续做实验。(Tāmen yán zhe zuówǎn dé chū de xīn sīlù jìxù zuò shíyàn.)
They are continuing the experiment following the new idea they came up with last night.

Furthermore, 沿(yán) can be used with monosyllabic words such as 路(lù), 河(hé), 岸(àn), 线(xiàn), and 途(tú) to indicate a place. In this case, 着(zhe) can be omitted.

For example:

沿路都是电动车。(Yán lù dōu shì diàndòng chē.)’
Along the road, there are electric vehicles everywhere.

这条河沿岸开了很多酒店。(Zhè tiáo hé yán‘àn kāi le hěnduō jiǔdiàn.)
Many hotels have been opened along the bank of this river.

今年去旅游，发现这里沿途种了很多树。(Jīnnián qù lǚyóu, fāxiàn zhèlǐ yán tú zhòng le hěnduō shù.)
When I traveled this year, I noticed that many trees have been planted along the road here.

What About? Chinese Prepositions For Targets and Recipients

给

给(gěi) as a preposition is used to indicate the recipient of an action, similar to “to” or “for” in English. It can be used with a verb, such as 送(sòng), 递(dì), 寄(jì), etc..

For example:

他给我买了一件外套。(Tā gěi wǒ mǎi le yī jiàn wàitào.)
He bought a coat for me.

把这些橘子寄给他。(Bǎ zhèxiē júzi jì gěi tā.)
Send these oranges to him.

妹妹生日的时候，我送给她一本书。(Mèimei shēngrì de shíhòu, wǒ sòng gěi tā yī běn shū.)
I gave my younger sister a book on her birthday.

对 vs 对于

对(duì) and 对于(duìyú) both show the target of an action. The structure  “对/对于(duì/duìyú)……来说(láishuō)” is commonly used to stress a point or opinion.

For example:

对/对于这件事你有什么看法？(Duì / Duìyú zhè jiàn shì, nǐ yǒu shénme kànfǎ?)
What is your take on this matter?

对大多数人来说，找个稳定的工作非常重要。(Duì dà duōshù rén lái shuō, zhǎo ge wěndìng de gōngzuò fēicháng zhòngyào.)
For most people, getting a stable job is very important.

对于你来说，现在最重要的是学习本领。(Duìyú nǐ lái shuō, xiànzài zuì zhòngyào de shì xuéxí běnlǐng.)
For you, the most important thing right now is to acquire skills.

However, there are a few differences between them:

1. 对(duì) can be used to stress a unidirectional action, impact or relationship between the subject and object. It can be thought of as the equivalent of  “to” in English. Modal verbs or adverbs can be placed before it.

Modal Verb / Adverb + 对

For example:

我想对他表示感谢。(Wǒ xiǎng duì tā biǎoshì gǎnxiè.)
I want to express my gratitude to him.

这次的失误对我们的项目影响很大。(Zhè cì de shīwù duì wǒmen de xiàngmù yǐngxiǎng hěn dà.)
This mistake has a significant impact on our project this time.

他对数字非常敏感。(Tā duì shùzì fēicháng mǐngǎn.)
He is very good with figures.

2. 对于(duìyú) often introduces a particular topic and stresses the subject’s opinions and attitudes about that topic. It can be translated as “regarding,” “with respect to,” or “as for.”. 对于(duìyú)  can be placed before or after the subject but cannot be used after modal verbs or adverbs. When it’s put before the subject, a comma is required.

对于 + Subject， ……
Subject + 对于 ……
 Modal Verb / Adverb + 对于

For example:

对于去不去敦煌，他们还在考虑。(Duìyú qù bù qù Dūnhuáng, tāmen hái zài kǎolǜ.)
They are still considering whether or not to go to Dunhuang.

对于这个语法的用法，大家还不太明白。(Duìyú zhège yǔfǎ de yòngfǎ, dàjiā hái bù tài míngbai.)
Regarding the usage of this grammar point, people still don’t quite understand it.

对于持有不同意见的成员，我们应该要积极去听取各方意见。(Duìyú chíyǒu bùtóng yìjiàn de chéngyuán, wǒmen yīnggāi yào jījí qù tīngqǔ gèfāng yìjiàn.)
For members who hold different opinions, we should actively listen to their views.

关于

关于(guānyú) is quite similar to 对于(duìyú). Both of them can introduce a particular topic, and both can generally be translated to “regarding” or “with respect to” in English.

However, there is a slight difference in how they are used. 关于(guānyú) usually starts with the topic, then adds more info. It’s closer to “about” in English.

Additionally, 关于(guānyú) can be combined with 的(de), forming the structure “关于……的” (guānyú……de), which provides more information about the object. This structure functions as an attributive in a sentence, something 对于(duìyú) cannot do.

For example:

关于玩手机游戏，他比我厉害。(Guānyú wán shǒujī yóuxì, tā bǐ wǒ lìhài.)
He is better than me at playing mobile games.

我买了一本关于中国夏朝的书。(Wǒ mǎi le yī běn guānyú Zhōngguó Xiàcháo de shū.)
I bought a book about the Chinese Xia Dynasty.

我想知道关于他的一切。(Wǒ xiǎng zhīdào guānyú tā de yīqiè.)
I want to know everything about him.

和 vs 跟

The prepositions 和(hé) and 跟(gēn) both mean “with” in English. Most of the time, they are interchangeable. 一起(yìqǐ) and 一样(yíyàng) are often used with them to form the structures “跟/和……一起”(together with) and “跟/和……一样”(same as). Additionally, when you need to introduce the target or recipient of a separable verb, then和(hé) or 跟(gēn) should be used.

For example:

我跟/和你说一句话。(Wǒ gēn/hé nǐ shuō yī jù huà.)
I’ll have a word with you.

他不想跟/和我们一起去沙漠。(Tā bù xiǎng gēn/hé wǒmen yīqǐ qù shāmò.)
He doesn’t want to go to the desert with us.

你说的跟/和他说的是一样的意思。(Nǐ shuō de gēn/hé tā shuō de shì yīyàng de yìsi.)
What you said has the same meaning as what he said.

昨天他跟/和小华见面了。(Zuótiān tā gēn/hé Xiǎo Huá jiànmiàn le.)
He met up with Xiao Hua yesterday.

我明年要和/跟小明结婚。(Wǒ míngnián yào hé/gēn Xiǎo Míng jiéhūn.)
I will get married to Xiao Ming next year.

However, if you want to show a clear order or direction, only use 跟(gēn).

For example:

跟我读！(Gēn wǒ dú!)
Read after me!

弟弟跟我借了两本书。(Dìdi gēn wǒ jiè le liǎng běn shū.)
My younger brother borrowed two books from me.

你一直跟我说你的想法也没用。(Nǐ yīzhí gēn wǒ shuō nǐ de xiǎngfǎ yě méiyòng.)
It’s useless to keep telling me your ideas.

把 vs 被

把(bǎ) and 被(bèi) are vital prepositions in Chinese, but they’re often quite challenging for learners to master.

1. 把(bǎ) is one of the most common Chinese prepositions. It is used to place emphasis on the object, the recipient of an action. The most basic structure is:

Subject(Doer) + 把 + Object(Receiver) + Verb + Other elements

 It’s important to note that since 把(bǎ) shifts the focus of the sentence onto the object, usually noting the effect of the verb or a change of state, the object cannot be abstract. When using this structure, any negation words, modal verbs, or other adverbs should be placed before 把(bǎ).

For example:

可以把书放在墙边。(Kěyǐ bǎ shū fàng zài qiáng biān.)
You can place the book by the wall.

请把灯关掉。(Qǐng bǎ dēng guān diào.)
Please turn off the light.

你把这些水果都吃了吧。(Nǐ bǎ zhèxiē shuǐguǒ dōu chī le ba.)
Go ahead and eat all these fruits.

他们没有把房间打扫干净。(Tāmen méiyǒu bǎ fángjiān dǎsǎo gānjìng.)
They didn’t clean the room well.

我想把这个小电风扇送给你。(Wǒ xiǎng bǎ zhège xiǎo diànfēnshàn sòng gěi nǐ.)
I want to give you this small electric fan.

2. The preposition 被(bèi) is a little different from 把(bǎ) because it is used to form the passive voice and places the object at the very beginning of the sentence, even before the subject. See here:

Object (Receiver) + 被 + Subject (Doer) + Verb + Other elements

The 被(bèi) sentence structure stresses that an action was done to the object by the subject, usually having a notable and definite result.. The marker 被(bèi) can be used alone because in some cases the subject is unimportant, obvious, or unclear for both the speaker and the listener Similar to 把(bǎ) sentences, any negation words, modal verbs, or other adverbs should be put before被(bèi).

For example:

杯子被妹妹打碎了。(Bēizi bèi mèimei dǎ suì le.)
The cup was broken by the younger sister.

我的饺子全被他吃了。(Wǒ de jiǎozi quán bèi tā chī le.)
He ate all of my dumplings.

听说他的车被偷了。(Tīngshuō tā de chē bèi tōu le.)
I heard that his car was stolen.

小偷被人抓到了。(Xiǎotōu bèi rén zhuā dào le.)
The thief was caught by someone.

小华没有被选为班长。(Xiǎo Huá méiyǒu bèi xuǎn wéi bānzhǎng.)
Xiao Hua was not chosen to be the class monitor.

他们都想被邀请参加晚会。(Tāmen dōu xiǎng bèi yāoqǐng cānjiā wǎnhuì.)
They all want to be invited to the party.

How? Chinese Prepositions for Methods

靠

The preposition 靠(kào) is used to express that something relies on someone or something else in order to happen. It can also be used to indicate that something is close to or adjacent to something else.

For example:

这件事就靠你们去解决了。(Zhè jiàn shì jiù kào nǐmen qù jiějué le.)
It’s relying on you to resolve this matter.

在家靠父母，出门靠朋友。(Zài jiā kào fùmǔ, chūmén kào péngyǒu.)
We rely on our parents while at home but rely on our friends while away..

你们靠墙站好。(Nǐmen kào qiáng zhàn hǎo.)
You stand by the wall.

通过

通过(tōngguò) as a preposition emphasizes the manner or method used to achieve something, and it can be put before or after the subject in a sentence.

For example:

我们通过小华联系到了他。(Wǒmen tōngguò Xiǎo Huá liánxì dào le tā.)
We contacted him through Xiao Hua.

通过他的视频，我们了解了这次事的起因。(Tōngguò tā de shìpín, wǒmen liǎojiě le zhè cì shì de qǐyīn.)
We knew the cause of this incident after watching his video.

这份文件不能通过私人邮箱发送。(Zhè fèn wénjiàn bùnéng tōngguò sīrén yóuxiāng fāsòng.)
This file cannot be sent via a personal email.

按照 vs 根据 vs 据

按照(ànzhào) and 根据(gēnjù) can both be translated to “according to” in English, and most time they are interchangeable. But take note of these differences between them:

1. 按照(ànzhào) stresses that someone is explicitly following what someone else said, a procedure, or formula. There is no need for the speaker to express their own point of view.

For example:

我是按照你说的做的，为什么错了？(Wǒ shì ànzhào nǐ shuō de zuò de, wèishéme cuò le?)
I did as you said, but why is it wrong?

你要按照学校的要求去完成实习。(Nǐ yào ànzhào xuéxiào de yāoqiú qù wánchéng shíxí.)
You should complete the internship according to the school’s requirements.

这件事你们想按照什么原则去处理？(Zhè jiàn shì nǐmen xiǎng ànzhào shénme yuánzé qù chǔlǐ?)
What principles do you want to follow to handle this matter?

2. 根据(gēnjù) allows the speaker to make a judgement, conclusion, or decision based on something.

For example:

做事情的方法要根据情况去变化。(Zuò shìqíng de fāngfǎ yào gēnjù qíngkuàng qù biànhuà.)
The method of doing things should change according to the situation.

我们会根据大家的意见总结出最好的方法。(Wǒmen huì gēnjù dàjiā de yìjian zǒngjié chū zuì hǎo de fāngfǎ.)
We will summarize the best method based on everyone’s opinions.

根据公司的规定，明天可以穿汉服上班。(Gēnjù gōngsī de guīdìng, míngtiān kěyǐ chuān Hànfú shàngbān.)
According to the company’s regulations, we can wear traditional Chinese clothing to work tomorrow.

3. Another thing about 根据(gēnjù) is that it can be shortened to 据(jù) alone, but its usage differs slightly from 根据(gēnjù). Generally speaking, 据(jù) should be followed by monosyllabic words, including说(shuō), 闻(wén), 悉(xī), 传(chuán) or 报道(bàodào, which is an exception), while 根据(gēnjù) should be used with words that have two or more syllables. 据(jù) is also more frequently used in written Chinese.

For example:

据说，他们后天要结婚啦。(Jù shuō, tāmen hòutiān yào jiéhūn la.)
It is said that they are going to get married the day after tomorrow.

据报道这次的比赛将推迟到下周。(Jù bàodào zhè cì de bǐsài jiāng tuīchí dào xiàzhōu.)
According to reports, this competition will be postponed to next week.

据悉，这是此公司第一次获得该奖项。(Jù xī, zhè shì cǐ gōngsī dìyī cì huòdé gài jiǎngxiàng.)
It is known that this is the first time this company has received this award.

凭借

凭借(píngjiè) is an advanced word to express relying on something, which is usually used in written Chinese. We can opt to place 着(zhe) after it, and there is no impact on the meaning.

For example:

他凭借勇气和经验获得了这次机会。(Tā píngjiè yǒngqì hé jīngyàn huòdé le zhècì jīhuì.)
He obtained this opportunity by his courage and experience.

小华凭借着自己的才华赢得了评委的认可。(Xiǎo Huá píngjiè zhe zìjǐ de cáinéng yíngdéle píngwěi de rènkě.)
Xiao Hua won the recognition of the judges because of her talent.

小明凭借以前学到的知识解决了这个问题。(Xiǎo Míng píngjiè yǐqián xué dào de zhīshi jiějuéle zhège wèntí.)
Xiao Ming solved this problem by using the knowledge he had learned before.

Why? Chinese Prepositions for Reason and Purpose

因为 vs 因 vs 由于

因为(yīnwèi) and 由于(yóuyú) both can be used to describe the reason for an action or event, similar to “because” in English, but in fact, their usage differs quite a bit.

1. Compared to “because” in English, 由于(yóuyú) is closer in meaning to “due to.” It can be used in conjunction with 因此(yīncǐ), 因而(yīn’ér) and 所以(suǒyǐ), while 因为(yīnwèi) can only be used with 所以(suǒyǐ). When 由于(yóuyú) is used, it implies that the situation is unfortunate, while 因为(yīnwèi) doesn’t have any negative connotation.

For example:

由于天气的原因，航班取消了。(Yóuyú tiānqì de yuányīn, hángbān qǔxiāole.)
The flight was canceled due to the weather.

由于时间紧张，因此他们要加班完成这个项目。(Yóuyú shíjiān jǐnzhāng, yīncǐ tāmen yào jiābān wánchéng zhège xiàngmù.)
Due to the insufficient time, they have to work overtime to complete this project.

因为他不喜欢吃鱼，所以我们打算去吃烤羊。(Yīnwèi tā bù xǐhuān chī yú, suǒyǐ wǒmen dǎsuàn qù chī kǎo yáng.)
Because he doesn’t like to eat fish, we plan to go and have roasted lamb.

2. A clause introduced by 由于(yóuyú) cannot be positioned after the result in a sentence, whereas clauses introduced by 因为(yīnwèi) offer more flexibility. Additionally, when responding to a WHY question using the term 为什么(wèishéme), we should use 因为(yīnwèi)  rather than 由于(yóuyú).

For example:

（√）由于他们的失误，我们的计划不得不推迟。(Yóuyú tāmen de shīwù, wǒmen de jìhuà bùdé bù tuīchí.) Due to their mistake, our plan had to be postponed.

（×）我们的计划不得不推迟，由于他们的失误。(Wǒmen de jìhuà bùdé bù tuīchí, yóuyú tāmen de shīwù)

（√）因为外面下雨了，我们就没去爬山。 (Yīnwèi wàimiàn xiàyǔ le, wǒmen jiù méi qù pá shān.) Because it was raining outside, we didn’t go mountain climbing.

（√）我们就没去爬山，因为外面下雨了。 (Wǒmen jiù méi qù pá shān, yīnwèi wàimiàn xiàyǔ le)
We didn’t go mountain climbing because it was raining inside.

A：为什么迟到了？(Wèishéme chídào le?) Why are you late?

（√）B：因为路上堵车了。(Yīnwèi lùshang dǔ chē le) Because there was a traffic jam on the way.
（×）B：由于路上堵车了。(Yóuyú lùshang dǔ chē le)

2. 因(yīn) is a shortened form of 因为(yīnwèi) which is used to introduce reasons with a somewhat formal tone. It’s commonly used  in written Chinese in fixed expressions, and it can be combined with 而(ér) or 故(gù) to convey a result.

For example:

这个世界因你而精彩。(Zhège shìjiè yīn nǐ ér jīngcǎi.)
You make this world wonderful.

这件事因人而异。(Zhè jiàn shì yīn rén ér yì.)
This matter varies from person to person.

因设备故障，故本次直播取消。(Yīn shèbèi gùzhàng, gù běncì zhíbò qǔxiāo.)
Due to equipment failure, this livestream has been canceled.

为了 vs 为

When expressing the purpose of an action, 为了(wèi le) and 为(wèi) are typically interchangeable , similar to “for” or “for the sake of” in English. Words, phrases, and clauses can all be placed after 为了(wèi le), whereas 为(wèi) is generally followed by nouns or nominal phrases. They can both be combined with 而(ér) to form “为了/为……而……” (wèi le/wèi… ér). Following this structure, 为了(wèi le) can be used to connect two verbs with opposite meanings, but 为(wèi) cannot be used in the same context.

For example:

为了赚学费，他每天打三份工。(Wèile zhuàn xuéfèi, tā měitiān dǎ sān fèn gōng.)
To earn tuition money, he works three jobs every day.

人人都想为/为了理想而奋斗。(Rénrén dōu xiǎng wèi/wèile lǐxiǎng ér fèndòu.)
Everyone wants to strive for their ideals.

他为了了解中国文化而学习中文。(Tā wèile liǎojiě zhōngguó wénhuà ér xuéxí zhōngwén.)
He studies Chinese in order to understand Chinese culture.

为了尽快把这个地方建设好，他们想尽了办法。(Wèile jǐnkuài bǎ zhège dìfang jiànshè hǎo, tāmen xiǎng jìnle bànfǎ.)
In order to develop this place quickly, they have gone to every possible length.

为了进攻而先后退是一种有用的战术。(Wèile jìngōng ér xiān hòutuì shì yīzhǒng yǒuyòng de zhànshù.)
Retreating before attacking is a useful tactic.

What’s Different? Chinese Prepositions For Exclusion and Comparison

除了

The preposition 除了(chúle) can be used to show what is included or excluded much like “except for” or “besides” in English. It can be paired with 以外(yǐwài) or 之外(zhīwài), and its meaning varies depending on the information that follows it.

Structure 1: 除了……(以外/之外)，Subject + 都(dōu)……

This structure points out a single exception within a larger group or scope, while the rest share a common feature. It’s more like “except for” in English.

For example:

除了小华，大家都去游泳。(Chúle Xiǎo Huá, dàjiā dōu qù yóuyǒng.）
Everyone will go swimming except for Xiao Hua.

除了我哥哥以外，其他人都不喜欢吃这个蛋糕。(Chúle wǒ gēge yǐwài, qítā rén dōu bù xǐhuān chī zhège dàngāo.)
Except for my older brother, no one else likes to eat this cake.

除了这三本书，其他的书都不是我的。(Chúle zhè sān běn shū, qítā de shū dōu bù shì wǒ de.)
Besides these three books, the others are not mine.

Structure 2: 除了……(之外/以外），Subject + 也(yě)/还(hái)……

This structure indicates that besides a particular person or thing, there are other elements that the subject is concerned about. It’s more like “besides” or “in addition” in English.

For example:

除了橘子，我还喜欢吃葡萄。(Chúle júzi, wǒ hái xǐhuan chī pútao.)
Besides oranges, I also like to eat grapes.

除了历史类的书之外，我也有很多语言方面的书。(Chúle lìshǐ lèi de shū zhīwài, wǒ yě yǒu hěn duō yǔyán fāngmiàn de shū.)
Besides the books related to history, I also have many books on language.

除了说“不知道”，他还喜欢说“不明白”。(Chúle shuō “bù zhīdào,” tā hái xǐhuan shuō “bù míngbái”.)
Besides “I don’t know”, he also likes to say, “I don’t understand.”

比

When talking about making comparisons in Chinese, it’s impossible to overlook the essential preposition 比(bǐ). It is used to note a difference between two objects. Translating 比(bǐ) directly into English is a little tricky because it is similar to “than,” but that’s not the full story. Let’s look at some examples to better explain how 比(bǐ) is used.

Structure 1: A + 比 + B + Adjective

For example:

他比我高。(Tā bǐ wǒ gāo.)
He is taller than me.

今天比昨天热。(Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān rè.)
Today is hotter than yesterday.

苹果比西瓜贵。(Píngguǒ bǐ xīguā guì.)
Apples are more expensive than watermelons.

If we want to use a specific number when describing the difference between two objects, we have another structure:

Structure 2: A + 比 + B + Adjective + Specific Number

For example:

他比我高五厘米。(Tā bǐ wǒ gāo wǔ límǐ.)
He is five centimeters taller than me.

苹果比西瓜贵八毛。(Píngguǒ bǐ xīguā guì bā máo.)
Apples are eight cents more expensive than watermelons.

哥哥比弟弟大三岁。(Gēge bǐ dìdi dà sān suì.)
The older brother is three years older than the younger brother.

If we just want to express an approximate degree, we can use:

Structure 3: A + 比 + B + Adjective + 一点儿(yīdiǎnr )/一些(yīxiē)/得多(de duō)/多了(duō le)

For example:

红色的裙子比蓝色的裙子贵一点儿。(Hóngsè de qúnzi bǐ lán sè de qúnzi guì yīdiǎnr.)
The red dress is a little more expensive than the blue one.

这个饭店比旁边的饭店安静一些。(Zhège fàndiàn bǐ pángbiān de fàndiàn ānjìng yīxiē.)
This restaurant is somewhat quieter than the one next door.

今天比昨天热得多。(Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān rè de duō.)
Today is much hotter than yesterday.

他说汉语比之前流利多了。(Tā shuō Hànyǔ bǐ zhīqián liúlì duō le.)
He speaks Chinese much more fluently than he did before.

If we want to express the degree of A is even higher than that of B, we can use:

Structure 4: A + 比 + B + 更(gèng) + Adjective

For example:

我很高，我哥哥比我更高。(Wǒ hěn gāo, wǒ gēge bǐ wǒ gèng gāo.)
I am tall, and my older brother is even taller than me.

昨天很冷，今天比昨天更冷。(Zuótiān hěn lěng, jīntiān bǐ zuótiān gèng lěng.)
It was very cold yesterday, and today is even colder than that.

左边的人很帅，右边的人比他更帅。(Zuǒbiān de rén hěn shuài, yòubiān de rén bǐ tā gèng shuài.)
The person on the left is handsome, and the person on the right is even more handsome.

Final words

As we wrap up our journey through this collection of Chinese prepositions it’s clear that these small words play a big role in shaping the meaning of sentences. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, understanding these prepositions can unlock deeper insights into the Chinese language and help you express your ideas with more precision. Keep practicing, stay curious, and soon you’ll find these words becoming second nature in your conversations.

The post Chinese Grammar Survival Guide: A Comprehensive Overview of Chinese Prepositions appeared first on .

In this guide, we’ll explain Chinese tones in detail with examples, helping you master them for confident and accurate pronunciation.

• What are Chinese Tones?
• Do you need to learn Chinese tones?
• The Main Tones in Mandarin Chinese
• Tonal Changes in Spoken Chinese
• How to master Chinese tones step-by-step

What are Chinese Tones?

Tones are an essential phonetic tool in the Chinese language. They show differences in pitch when pronouncing a syllable. In Chinese, tones change the meaning of a word. There are four main tones, each with a unique pitch pattern, and there’s also a neutral tone. There is often a tone mark written above the Pinyin final of a syllable to show the word’s tone. Here’s a quick look at these main Chinese tone marks:

Do you need to learn Chinese tones?

Tones are essential because they are the foundation of effective communication in Chinese. They help us distinguish words that might otherwise sound the same. In Chinese, some words look alike but have different pronunciations, and tones make a crucial difference. For instance, if you say 妈 (mā) with the wrong tone, it becomes 马 (mǎ), meaning “horse.” Similarly, 长 can mean “long” as “cháng” but “to grow” as “zhǎng.” So, mastering tones isn’t just a language skill; it’s the key to clear and meaningful conversations in this complex language. That’s why you have to master Chinese tones. 

The Main Tones in Mandarin Chinese

First Tone

The key: keep high and flat

This tone stays high and steady, like a flat line on a graph.

It sounds like when the doctor checks your throat and you say “Ah ~”.

For example:

Second Tone

The key: rising up

This tone begins in the middle and goes up, like an arrow pointing upwards.

Many people compare this to a questioning inflection in English; it sounds like a surprised rising sigh, as in “What?” or “Really?”

For example:

Third Tone

The key: go down and then rise

The third tone starts with a mid-level pitch, then goes down a bit before rising again.

It sounds like the filler word “well~” in English.

For example:

Fourth Tone

The key: falling steeply

This tone begins with a high pitch and falls sharply to a low pitch.

It sounds like when you suddenly hurt your toe and shout out “Ouch!!”

For example:

Neutral Tone

The neutral tone, also known as the light tone in Chinese, is unique. It’s like a fifth tone alongside the main four. What sets it apart is its light and short nature. When pronounced, it feels softer and quicker compared to the four main tones. This tone usually appears in unstressed syllables or when less emphasis is needed in speech. Unlike the main tones, it doesn’t have a specific accent mark in Pinyin, which can make it a bit tricky to spot. Nonetheless, mastering the neutral tone is crucial for clear and accurate Chinese pronunciation. 

Chinese grammar particles, auxiliary words, nominal suffixes, and reduplication often pair with the neutral tone, playing crucial roles in various grammatical functions and nuances. Common particles like 吗 (ma), 吧 (ba), and 呢 (ne) help form questions and requests. Auxiliary words such as 着 (zhe), 了 (le), 过 (guo), and different forms of 的 (de) convey action statuses and descriptions. Nominal suffixes like 子 (zi) and 们 (men) form diminutives and plural nouns, while reduplication of characters emphasizes actions and relationships. You can check out “The Versatility of the Neutral Tone” to explore these elements in depth.

Tonal Changes in Spoken Chinese

Tone Change, also known as Tone Sandhi, is a unique and complex phenomenon in the Chinese language. It happens when specific words’ tones change or are influenced when used with other words or in sentences. This phenomenon is mainly heard in spoken Chinese. Here are three common tone changes:

Third-tone Sandhi

When two consecutive third tones appear in a sentence, two situations may come up:

1) If the first word is the third tone while the second one isn’t, the tone of the first word changes to the half-third tone.

The pattern is:

Third tone + Non-third tones → Half third tone + Non-third tones

• 饼干 (bǐnggān) biscuit or cookie
• 旅游 (lǚyóu) travel
• 礼物 (lǐwù) gift
• 眼睛 (yǎnjīng) eye(s)

2) When two third tones are adjacent, the first one usually changes to the second tone for smoother pronunciation.

The pattern is:

Third tone + Third tone → Second tone + Third tone  

• 你好 (nǐ hǎo) hello → (ní hǎo)
• 舞蹈 (wǔdǎo) dance → (wú dǎo)
• 想法 (xiǎngfǎ) idea → (xiángfǎ)
• 可以 (kěyǐ) can → (kéyǐ)

Learn more about  Third Tone Change Rules in Spoken Chinese

Tone Sandhi of 一

1) When 一 (yī) meets a fourth-tone word, then 一 (yī) becomes the second tone (yí). The pattern is:

一 (yī) + Fourth tone → 一 (yí) + Fourth tone

• 一岁 (yī suì) one year old → (yí suì)
• 一块糖 (yī kuài táng) one piece of candy → (yí kuài táng)
• 一再要求 (yīzài yāoqiú) repeatedly requesting → (yízài yāoqiú)
• 一袋洗衣粉 (yī dài xǐyī fěn) one bag of washing powder → (yí dài xǐyī fěn)

2) When 一 (yī) is followed by a word with the other three tones, 一 (yī) changes to the fourth tone (yì). The pattern is:

一 (yī) + Non-fourth tone → 一 (yì) + Non-fourth tone

• 一番话 (yī fān huà) a few words or a brief remark → (yì fān huà)
• 一直 (yīzhí) continuously → (yìzhí)
• 一点儿 (yī diǎnr) a little bit → (yì diǎnr)
• 一起 (yīqǐ) together → (yìqǐ)

Learn more about The Tone Changes Rules of “一”

Tone Sandhi of 不

When 不(bù) is followed by a fourth-tone character, it changes to the second tone (bú). The pattern is:

不 (bù) + Fourth tone → 不 (bú) + Fourth tone

• 不是 (bù shì) not, no → (bú shì)
• 不在 (bù zài) not here, not present → (bú zài)
• 不去 (bù qù) not go → (bú qù)
• 不对 (bù duì) not right, incorrect → (bú duì)

Note:

In Chinese, the characters 一 (yī) and 不 (bù) change tone when they are part of verbal reduplications, such as 想一想 (xiǎng yi xiǎng) or 吃不吃 (chī bu chī). In this context, 一(yī) and 不 (bù) are pronounced with a neutral tone. Here are additional examples:

• 看一看 (kàn yi kàn) take a look
• 洗一洗 (xǐ yi xǐ) wash
• 走不走 (zǒu bu zǒu) go or not
• 买不买 (mǎi bu mǎi) buy or not

Learn more about The Tone Changes Rules of “不”

How to master Chinese tones step-by-step

Mastering Chinese tones is pivotal for attaining accurate pronunciation and comprehensible language skills. As we know, proficiency in any language is best achieved through practical use. So, let’s delve into the practical steps for refining your understanding of Chinese tones.

Step 1: Practice Tones with Single Chinese Words

Practice pronouncing pinyin with the correct tones for each single character; this will help you build a solid foundation. Here’s how:

Take a Chinese character and its pinyin. For example:

Pronounce them with the corresponding tone loudly.

Step 2: Tone Pair Drills

Practice with word pairs to improve your tonal skills. This helps you hear and replicate tones accurately and understand the rhythm between words. Repeat these pairs until you get each tone right.

For example:

To practice more, here is Tones Prefer Company for you.

Step 3: Tonal Sentences

Practice speaking complete sentences with correct tones. Focus on common phrases and sentences you might use in everyday conversation. Here are some example sentences:

我想买一件外套。(Wǒ xiǎng mǎi yī jiàn wàitào.)
I want to buy a coat.

外面太热了，我不想出去。(Wàimian tài rè le, wǒ bù xiǎng chūqù.)
It’s so hot outside that I don’t want to go out.

你知道小华家在哪里吗？(Nǐ zhīdào Xiǎo Huá jiā zài nǎlǐ ma?)
Do you know where Xiao Hua’s home is?

今天下午三点我们要开会。(Jīntiān xiàwǔ sān diǎn wǒmen yào kāihuì.)
We have a meeting at 3 PM this afternoon.

Practice until you can say these sentences effortlessly with the right tones, paying attention to the rhythm and pauses. Once you get the hang of it, your spoken Chinese will improve significantly.

Step 4: Listen and Repeat

Only practicing by yourself isn’t enough for a language learner, so we recommend you listen to native speakers, whether in person, through audio resources, or language apps. Try to mimic their pronunciation and tones as closely as possible.

Consider trying out the ‘shadowing’ technique with recorded audio, where you follow along and repeat after the speaker to mimic their pronunciation as closely as possible. This technique can help your pronunciation, rhythm, and speaking speed sound closer to that of native speakers.

Step 5: Record Yourself

If you want to make significant strides in your Chinese pronunciation, we strongly encourage you to record yourself speaking in Chinese and then compare your pronunciation with that of native speakers. This practice will enable you to find areas needing improvement and refine your tone pronunciation.

You can check our Chinese Speaking Training Course for more help with this technique and the shadowing technique.

For better practice, you can use tone drill apps and websites specifically designed to improve Chinese tones. These platforms often include exercises where you listen to words or sentences and repeat them with the correct tone.

Websites for Practice:

• Dig Mandarin – Chinese Pinyin Chart
• Mandarin Bean – Pinyin Practice
• Dong Chinese – Tone Trainer
• Maorma – Tone Practice
• Mandarin Tone Trainer – Tone Alert Games

App Recommendation: Cantone (Android) (IOS)

Cantone is a versatile app designed for Mandarin and Cantonese learners and educators. It offers engaging tone games, personalized speaking activities with instant pitch recognition, vocabulary exercises, and tone sandhi lessons. The app supports both simplified and traditional characters and provides a multilingual interface. This comprehensive tool facilitates tone and pronunciation mastery, making it invaluable for those seeking to improve their Mandarin and Cantonese language skills.

Video Resources:

Additionally, a wide selection of engaging and carefully crafted videos, suitable for learners of all ages, is available to help you practice tones. You can explore these resources on YouTube:

• Video 1
• Video 2
• Video 3
• Video 4
• Video 5
• Video 6

More fun ways to learn and master Chinese tones for you to explore:

• How to Get the Tones in Chinese Right, and then Fix Them in Your Head!
• Recommended Chinese Songs for Perfecting Your Accent
• How to Master Tones without Using Tone Marks

The Bottom Line

As we wrap up our journey through the world of Chinese tones, remember that mastering them is a process that takes time and practice. Don’t be discouraged by initial challenges; instead, embrace them as opportunities for growth.

With patience and persistence, you’ll find that Chinese tones become second nature. Keep listening, keep speaking, and keep learning. Soon enough, you’ll be expressing yourself clearly and confidently in Mandarin.

We hope this guide has been a valuable resource on your language-learning path. Now, armed with a better understanding of Chinese tones, go forth and explore the vast world of Chinese language and culture. Happy learning!

Expanded Reading: Chinese Pronunciation: The Complete Guide for Beginner

The post Mastering Tones in Mandarin Chinese: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on .

But what exactly is 儿化(érhuà)? Why do certain words undergo this transformation? And when should you use it yourself? Relax, we’re going to walk you through the various uses of the suffix 儿(ér) and peel back the curtain to explore some of the cultural nuances that come with it.

• What are Erhua
• Why do we use Erhua
• When do we use Erhua
• How to learn Erhua

What are Erhua?

儿化词 (érhuà cí) is a phonetic phenomenon that occurs in Mandarin Chinese and certain dialects, such as Beijing Hua. It involves adding the suffix 儿(ér) to a word, combining it with the preceding syllable. This creates a new word known as a 儿化词(érhuà cí). For instance, 花儿 is pronounced /huār/, not /huā’ér/.

Why do we use Erhua？

We use 儿化(ér huà) in situations where its presence or absence can affect the meaning or usage of a word. Let’s explore some examples:

1. Meaning change

• 眼(yǎn) eyes – 眼儿(yǎnr) small hole
• 头(tóu) head – 头儿(tóur) leader
• 信(xìn) letter – 信儿(xìnr) information
• 天(tiān) day – 天儿(tiānr) weather
• 托(tuō) hold in hand – 托儿(tuōr) shill

2. Different part of speech

• 尖(jiān) as an adjective – 尖儿(jiānr) as a noun

这支笔很尖。(Zhè zhī bǐ hěn jiān.) This pen is very sharp.

你看，这支笔的尖儿坏了。(Nǐ kàn, zhè zhī bǐ de jiānr huàile.) Look, the tip of this pen is broken.

• 错(cuò) as an adjective – 错儿(cuòr) as a noun

我的作业有很多错题。(Wǒ de zuòyè yǒu hěnduō cuò tí.) My homework has many incorrect answers.

对不起，这是我的错儿。(Duìbùqǐ, zhè shì wǒ de cuòr.) I’m sorry, it’s my fault.

• 画(huà) as a verb – 画儿(huàr) as a noun

你能画一幅画儿吗？(Nǐ néng huà yī fú huàr ma?) Can you draw a picture?

• 盖(gài) as a verb – 盖儿(gàir) as a noun

请盖上那个大的锅盖儿。(Qǐng gài shàng nàgè dà de guō gàir.) Please cover that big pot lid.

• 乐(lè) as an adjective – 乐儿(lèr) as a noun

快乐 (kuàilè) Happiness

喜剧演员喜欢逗乐儿。(xǐjù yǎnyuán xǐhuān dòu lèr.) Comedians enjoy entertaining and bringing laughter.

3. Affection expression

a) Expressing smallness, lightness, thinness, weakness, or lesser degree:

• 小孩儿(xiǎo hair) kid
• 牙签儿(yá qiānr) toothpick
• 皮筋儿(pí jīnr) rubber band
• 一会儿(yí huìr) a moment/for a while
• 一下儿(yí xiàr) after verb to express times/a short time
• 一块儿(yí kuàir) together
• 一点儿(yì diǎnr) a little
• 玩玩儿(wán wanr) play
• 使劲儿(shǐ jìnr) try hard
• 打盹儿(dǎ dǔnr) nap

b) Expressing feelings of love or endearment:

• 花儿(huār) flower
• 鸟儿(niǎor) bird
• 画儿(huàr) painting
• 好玩儿(hǎo wǎnr) funny

In Chinese culture, people use 儿(ér) to express endearment or cuteness when referring to words related to children.

For example:

• 宝贝儿 (bǎobèir) baby or young children
• 小孩儿 (xiǎo hair) children
• 女孩儿 (nǚ hair) girl
• 男孩儿 (nán hair) boy

Additionally, it is common, especially among older Chinese individuals, to show affection by calling someone using one of their given name’s characters + 儿(ér). For instance, if your name is 李小明 (Lǐ Xiǎomíng), they might call you 明儿 (Míngr). Similarly, if your name is 张芳 (Zhāng Fāng), it can be “芳儿” (Fāngr).

c) Expressing attitude with scorn or mockery:

• 小偷儿(xiǎo tōur) thief
• 撒酒疯儿(sǎ jiǔ fēngr) get drunk and act crazy
• 说瞎话儿(shuō xiā huàr) plain lie

When do we use Erhua?

To be honest, even some native Chinese speakers find it challenging to determine when to use 儿(ér) in words. So, unless you specifically aim to master 儿化词(ér huà cí) or pursue a professional certificate in  Mandarin Chinese, you don’t have to worry too much about it. As mentioned earlier, whether a word has 儿(er) or not often does not impact its meaning. During the initial stages of learning Chinese, feel free to omit 儿(er) from most words unless they are in a fixed expression or have altered meanings. For example, words like 一会儿 (yíhuìr, a moment/for a while), 这儿 (zhèr, here), 那儿 (nàr, there), 哪儿 (nǎr, where), and 盖儿 (gàir, lid) are fixed expressions with 儿(er). On the other hand, words like 头儿 (tour, leader/boss) and 托儿 (tour, shill) have completely different meanings due to the presence of 儿(er).

How to learn Erhua？

If you wish to expand your vocabulary and learn more 儿化词(ér huà cí), consider the following options:

1) Textbooks

Regardless of the textbooks you use, they likely contain examples of 儿化词(ér huà cí). These systematically designed resources expose you to them in different contexts. Try creating a summary of the 儿化词(ér huà cí) you encounter in your textbooks and practice using them appropriately.

2) Dictionaries

Use a reliable Chinese dictionary to accelerate your progress. We recommend two apps:

Pleco

Pleco is a popular Chinese-English dictionary with helpful features like flashcards, tests, word card import/export, and OCR. You can search using pinyin, Chinese characters, or English words. If you’re unsure whether to use 儿(er) or not, simply input the word and let the app check for you.

Hanping Lite

Another Chinese-English dictionary with a range of practical and engaging features. Tags make it easier to locate word clusters. For instance, by selecting the “HSK exam” tag, you can access six levels of vocabulary. It is an excellent app to verify 儿化词(ér huà cí), and you can even import your own vocabulary file to personalize your tags.

3) Video sources

If you prefer visual learning, videos are an excellent option. Many professional Chinese teachers, learners, enthusiasts, and native speakers have created short videos explaining why, how, and when to use 儿化词(ér huà cí), making them accessible and engaging for learners. Check out these videos for more information and insights.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xcZAIGr77s
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4frIxff6j8g
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RWfK6rzlc4
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6qZ6wyiEAs
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4rzW7iRcIs
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FIiWmX5-u4
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SddgBN5Mzew
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0Ze8WfHPSA
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljjCphu5Q2c
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyJq5C6_lMY

Remember, 儿化词(ér huà cí) is not merely a linguistic quirk, but a gateway to cultural connection and eventual fluency. As you continue your Mandarin Chinese journey, embrace the opportunity to encounter and use 儿化词(ér huà cí) in your own conversations.

Through textbooks, dictionaries, and the rich resources available online, continue expanding your repertoire of 儿化词(ér huà cí). Exploring regional variations and unique expressions will help you to get in touch with Chinese culture and form more genuine connections with the native speakers you meet.

As you interact with them, listen attentively to their use of 儿化词(ér huà cí) and embrace their guidance. Let the words flow naturally from your lips, gradually incorporating the charm and authenticity that 儿化词(ér huà cí) brings to the language. Embrace the affectionate nuances, the subtle shifts in meaning, and the cultural echoes embedded within each expression.

Keep exploring, keep learning, and let the discovery of new linguistic tidbits guide you on the path to mastery.

The post Mastering the Suffix 儿: A Guide to “Erhua” in Mandarin Chinese appeared first on .

What are euphemisms?

Euphemisms are expressions that allow us to describe something inappropriate, uncomfortable, or unpleasant in a proper and polite manner.

Why do we need to learn Chinese euphemisms?

Learning euphemisms is a crucial piece of learning authentic Chinese, just like mastering Chinese idioms (成语chéngyǔ). Euphemisms not only test our comprehension of the language itself but also our understanding of Chinese culture and history. They serve as a pathway to reaching an advanced proficiency level.

In addition to building linguistic proficiency, euphemisms also serve a practical purpose. Creating a comfortable and respectful atmosphere contributes to positive conversations and relationships. Euphemisms play a vital role in this regard, allowing us to navigate tricky situations and avoid potential embarrassment or offense.

To help you become more familiar with this aspect of Chinese language and culture, let’s explore the nuances of these 15 common Chinese euphemisms.

1. Chinese euphemisms for Going to the washroom (上厕所)
2. Chinese euphemisms for Death (死)
3. Chinese euphemisms for Suicide (自杀)
4. Chinese euphemisms for Gaining weight (长胖了)
5. Chinese euphemisms for Being poor (没钱)
6. Chinese euphemisms for Disabilities (跛子)
7. Chinese euphemisms for Sex (性爱)
8. Chinese euphemisms for Menstruation(月经)
9. Chinese euphemisms for Intoxication (喝醉)
10. Chinese euphemisms for Pregnancy (怀孕)
11. Chinese euphemisms for Extra-marital affairs (外遇)
12. Chinese euphemisms for Getting Fired(解雇)
13. Chinese euphemisms for Homosexuality (同性恋)
14. Chinese Euphemisms for Sex workers (性工作者)
15. Chinese euphemisms for Parents (父母)

1. Chinese euphemisms for going to the washroom (上厕所)

In certain situations, such as formal meetings or gatherings, it is preferable to refer to the restroom indirectly to avoid embarrassment and maintain good manners.

• 解手 (jiě shǒu)
• 方便一下 (fānɡbiàn yíxià)

One such euphemism is 解手(jiě shǒu), which literally means “to release the hands.” It originates from a historical anecdote from the Ming dynasty, where bound immigrants needed to relieve themselves on their journey. Requesting their captors loosen their restraints and untie their hands, they would use the phrase 解手(jiě shǒu) for simplicity and clarity.  This expression has since been passed down to modern times.

Another euphemism is 方便一下 (fāngbiàn yíxià). The term 方便(fāngbiàn) is also related to using the washroom, as 大便(dàbiàn) means “defecation”  and 小便(xiǎobiàn) means “urination”. Therefore, people use 方便(fāngbiàn)  as a collective term for both.

e.g.

对不起，我刚去解手了。(Duìbuqǐ, wǒ ɡānɡ qù jiě shǒu le.)
Sorry, I just went to the restroom.

水喝多了，我去方便一下。(Shuǐ hē duō le, wǒ qù fānɡbiàn yíxià.)
I drank too much water, so I have to go to the bathroom.

• 上大号 (dà hào)
• 上小号 (xiǎo hào)

As mentioned earlier, 大便(dàbiàn)  refers to defecation, while 小便(xiǎobiàn)  refers to urination. However, we can also use the terms 大号(dà hào) and 小号(xiǎo hào)  respectively, as they sound more indirect and polite.

e.g.

让我先去厕所，我要上大号。(Rànɡ wǒ xiān qù cèsuǒ, wǒ yào shànɡ dà hào.)
Let me go the toilet first, because I want to go number 2.

这个厕所坏了，不能上小号。(Zhèɡe cèsuǒ huài le, bù nénɡ shànɡ xiǎo hào.)
This toilet is broken, we can’t go number 1 here.

2. Chinese euphemisms for Death (死)

Euphemisms are commonly used when discussing the harsh topic of death.

• 去世了 (qù shì le)
• 走了 (zǒu le)
• 没了 (méi le)
• 不在了 (bú zài le)

One euphemism is 去世了 (qùshìle), which literally means “having left this world” and is equivalent to the English expression “pass away.” Similarly, 走了 (zǒule) meaning “to be gone,” 没了 (méile) meaning “to not exist anymore,” and 不在了 (bù zàile) meaning “to not be here anymore” can also signify someone’s departure from this world. Compared to 去世了(qùshìle), the others are more commonly used in everyday conversation.

e.g.

他的家人因病去世了。(Tāde jiārén yīn bìnɡ qùshì le.)
His family member died of illness.

人早就没了，上个星期五就走了。(Rén zǎo jiù méi le, shànɡɡè xīnɡqīwǔ jiù zǒu le.)
The person had already passed away last Friday.

等到他回到家的时候，他奶奶已经不在了。(Děnɡdào tā huídào jiā de shíhou, tā nǎinɑi yǐjīnɡ bú zài le.)
His grandma had already passed away when he arrived at home.

• 仙逝 (xiān shì)
• 作古 (zuò ɡǔ)

In Chinese culture, when an elderly person passes away, we use the terms 作古(zuò gǔ) or 仙逝(xiān shì) to discuss their death. 作古(zuò gǔ)  literally means “to become an ancient person,” serving as a euphemism for passing away. On the other hand, 仙逝(xiān shì)  literally means “to leave the world like a fairy” and has connections with Daoism. In Daoism, individuals seek immortality, and when their aspirations are fulfilled, they depart from this world to a new realm. It’s worth noting that 作古(zuò gǔ) or 仙逝(xiān shì) can also be used in eulogies.

e.g.

我昨晚好像在梦里见到了已作古的父母。(Wǒ zuówǎn hǎoxiànɡ zài mènɡlǐ jiàndào le yǐ zuòɡǔ de fùmǔ.)
I saw my deceased parents in my dreams last night.

那位老人在那个雨天仙逝了。(Nà wèi lǎorén zài nàɡè yǔtiān xiānshì le.) That old man passed away on that rainy day.

• 圆寂 (yuánjì)

Buddhism holds significance in Chinese culture, and a specific term is used to indicate the passing of a monk: 圆寂 (yuánjì).

e.g.

大师已于上周圆寂了。(Dàshī yǐ yú shànɡzhōu yuánjì le.)
The master passed away last week.

• 挂了 (ɡuà le)
• 蹬腿了 (dēnɡ tuǐ le)
• 见阎王 (jiàn yánwánɡ)

Pay close attention to these three phrases as they may sound impolite and even somewhat offensive in certain cases. Use them with caution.

One such phrase is 挂了(guàle), which can also indicate someone’s death. Initially, it was used to describe dying in a game. With the increasing popularity of video games, the usage of 挂了(guàle) has extended to refer to the death of real-life people as well.

e.g.

我刚进去这个游戏，三分钟不到就挂了。(Wǒ ɡānɡ jìnqù zhèɡe yóuxì, sān fēnzhōnɡ bú dào jiù ɡuà le.)
I just entered this game, and in less than three minutes, I died.

快点儿，等你去救人，人早就挂了。(Kuài diǎn’r, děnɡ nǐ qù jiù rén, rén zǎo jiù ɡuà le.)
Hurry up, when you arrived to save them, they had already died.

The vivid expression 蹬腿了 (dēng tuǐ le) is used to describe the act of kicking one’s legs when nearing death. It reflects the body’s natural physical reactions.

Furthermore, when we wish to convey that someone we have negative feelings towards has passed away, we use the phrase 见阎王 (jiàn Yán Wáng), which means “going to see the god of death.” In Chinese mythology, it is believed that the deceased go to the realm of the god of death. Hence, 见阎王(jiàn Yán Wáng) is used  to describe the death of someone whom we dislike or hate.

e.g.

你来晚了，她已经蹬腿了。(Nǐ láiwǎn le, tā yǐjīnɡ dēnɡ tuǐ le.)
You’re late, she has already passed away.

祝你早日见阎王！(Zhù nǐ zǎorì jiàn yánwánɡ!)
Hope you go see the god of death as soon as possible!

他们去见阎王了！(Tāmen qù jiàn yánwánɡ le!)
They have gone to see the god of death!

3. Chinese euphemisms for Suicide (自杀)

• 轻生 (qīnɡ shēnɡ)
• 自我了断 (zìwǒ liǎoduàn)

One euphemism for suicide is 轻生 (qīngshēng), which literally means “light life.” It is used to indirectly convey that someone doesn’t value their own life and wishes to end it. Another similar expression is 自我了断 (zì wǒ liǎo duàn), which translates to “self-deprecating.”

e.g.

我刚看到有人在楼上想轻生。(Wǒ ɡānɡ kàndào yǒu rén zài lóushànɡ xiǎnɡ qīnɡshēnɡ.)
I just saw someone upstairs who wanted to attempt suicide.

我没办法了，不如自我了断算了。(Wǒ méi bànfǎ le, bùrú zìwǒ liǎoduàn suàn le.)
I have no choice, and I may as well commit suicide.

4. Chinese euphemisms for Gaining weight (长胖了)

• 圆润 (yuánrùn)

When referring to someone who has gained weight, we avoid saying “you became fat” directly. Instead, we can use the term 圆润(yuán rùn). 圆润(yuán rùn) literally means “rounded,” describing the rounder shape of someone’s body without being offensive. It is similar to the term “roly-poly” in English.

e.g.

最近日子过得挺好啊，你看起来越来越圆润了。(Zuìjìn rìzi ɡuòde tǐnɡ hǎo’ ā, nǐ kàn qǐlái yuè lái yuè yuánrùn le.)
You have had a nice life recently, so you look rounder and rounder.

少吃点，你越来越圆润了。(Shǎo chī diǎn, nǐ yuè lái yuè yuánrùn le.)
Try to eat a little less because you’re becoming rounder and rounder.

• 发福 (fāfú)

Another similar term is 发福 (fā fú), which means “to get lucky.” In ancient times, when food was scarce, thinness was common among the general population while wealthier individuals appeared plumper. Therefore, people associated a fat appearance with a prosperous life. 发福(fā fú) was used to indicate that someone was living a wealthy life. However, in modern times, as people’s values have changed, the positive connotation of 发福(fā fú) is gradually fading away, and it is more commonly used to simply mean that someone is fat.

e.g.

他这几年发福得厉害，完全变样了。(Tā zhè jǐ nián fāfú de lìhɑi, wánquán biàn yànɡ le.)
He has gained a lot of weight in recent years, and he looks completely different now.

减肥吧，发福后有点儿难看。(Jiǎn féi bɑ, fāfú hòu yǒu diǎn’r nán kàn.)
Lose some weight, you don’t look so good after gaining some extra pounds.

5. Chinese euphemisms for being poor (没钱)

When someone is unable to repay others or has borrowed money, they won’t  directly say “I don’t have any money” to avoid losing face. Instead, they use more indirect expressions.

• 手头不方便 (shǒutóu bù fānɡbiàn)
• 手头有点儿紧 (shǒutóu yǒu diǎn’r jǐn)     

One common expression is 手头不方便(shǒu tóu bù fāng biàn), which translates to “my hands aren’t convenient.” This phrase, derived from the renowned Chinese novel “Nie Hai Hua,” serves as a universal way to say “I don’t have any money.” Similarly, 手头有点儿紧(shǒu tóu yǒu diǎn er jǐn), meaning “my hands are a bit tight,” can also be used to express the same meaning.

e.g.

最近手头有点儿紧，能先借我点儿钱吗？(Zuìjìn shǒutóu yǒu diǎn’r jǐn, nénɡ xiān jiè wǒ diǎn’r qián mɑ?)
I’m tapped out lately, could you lend me some money?

对不起，最近手头不太方便，能过几天再还钱吗？(Duìbuqǐ, zuìjìn shǒutóu bú tài fānɡbiàn, nénɡ ɡuò jǐ tiān zài huán qián mɑ?)
Sorry, I am a bit short on cash recently, can I pay you back in a few days?

• 囊中羞涩 (nánɡ zhōnɡ xiūsè)

Another expression used to convey being short on money is 囊中羞涩(náng zhōng xiū sè). This idiom combines the term 囊(náng), which refers to a pocket, with 羞涩(xiū sè), meaning “embarrassing.” So, 囊中羞涩(náng zhōng xiū sè) literally means “embarrassing in the pocket.” It is commonly used in written Chinese to express a lack of funds, while 手头有点儿紧(shǒu tóu yǒu diǎn er jǐn) and 手头不方便(shǒu tóu bù fāng biàn) are more colloquial alternatives.

e.g.

我想去参加活动，但是囊中羞涩，所以你们自己去吧。(Wǒ xiǎnɡ qù cānjiā huódònɡ, dànshì nánɡ zhōnɡ xiūsè, suǒyǐ nǐmen zìjǐ qù bɑ.)
I want to join the activity, but I’m short on money, so you just go by yourselves.

他想买一块月饼，但是囊中羞涩，买不了。(Tā xiǎnɡ mǎi yí kuài yuèbǐnɡ, dànshì nánɡzhǒnɡ xiūsè, mǎibuliǎo.)
He wants to buy a piece of mooncake, but he doesn’t have any money, so he can’t buy it.

6. Chinese euphemisms for Disabilities (跛子)

• 腿脚不便 (tuǐ jiǎo bú biàn)
• 行动不便 (xínɡdònɡ bú biàn)

Directly calling someone a 跛子(bǒ zi), or cripple, when they have difficulty walking is considered rude. Instead, people use more indirect or intangible expressions to describe such situations. For example, they may say 腿脚不便(tuǐ jiǎo bù biàn) or 行动不便(xíng dòng bù biàn), which describe the condition of individuals who experience difficulties with their legs or mobility, but in a less offensive manner.

e.g.

他因为小时候生病，所以现在腿脚不便。(Tā yīnwèi xiǎo shíhou shēnɡ bìnɡ, suǒyǐ xiànzài tuǐ jiǎo bú biàn.)
He has trouble walking because he was sick when he was a child.

因为她行动不便，她的同学经常帮她带午饭。(Yīnwèi tā xínɡdònɡ bú biàn, tāde tónɡxué jīnɡchánɡ bānɡ tā dài wǔfàn.)
Her classmates often help her bring lunch because she has difficulty moving.

7. Chinese euphemisms for Sex (性爱)

In Chinese culture, sex is not commonly discussed directly as it is considered a private matter. Instead, people prefer to appreciate the romantic aspect of it. As a result, there are some ambiguous terms used to refer to “making love.”

• 同房 (tónɡfánɡ)
• 发生关系 (fāshēnɡ ɡuānxi)
• 上床 (shànɡ chuánɡ)
• 爱爱 (àiài)

One such term is 同房(tóng fáng), which literally means “in the same room” and is similar to “sleeping together” in English. Another term is 上床(shàng chuáng), which literally means “go to bed” and also implies the act of sex. 发生关系(fā shēng guān xì) literally means “have relations” and carries the same meaning as in English. Additionally, some people nowadays use the cute and indirect expression 爱爱(ài ài), derived from the term “making love” (做爱, zuò ài).

e.g.

他们早就同房了。(Tāmen zǎo jiù tónɡ fánɡ le.)
They have already slept together.

你是不是跟她上过床了？(Nǐ shì bu shì ɡēn tā shànɡɡuo chuánɡ le?) Have you already slept with her or not?

我们之间没有发生过关系。(Wǒmen zhījiān méiyǒu fāshēnɡɡuo ɡuānxi.) We didn’t have sexual relations.

爱爱之前他们总是要先吃顿饭。(Àiài zhīqián tāmen zǒnɡshì yào xiān chī dùn fàn.)
Before making love, they always have a meal first.

• 鱼水之欢 (yú shuǐ zhī huān)
• 云雨 (yún yǔ)

In ancient China, people used various metaphors to describe making love. Two common expressions were 鱼水之欢(yú shuǐ zhī huān) and 云雨(yún yǔ). 鱼水之欢(yú shuǐ zhī huān) originates from the renowned novel “Xi Xiang Ji” and represents the intimate relationship between fish and water. It metaphorically depicts the harmonious and intimate emotions experienced during sexual encounters between men and women. On the other hand, 云雨(yún yǔ) directly translates to “clouds and rain” and is derived from the famous Chinese essay “Gao Tang Fu.” This expression elegantly and vividly captures the love and physical intimacy shared between a man and a woman, making it a common term used in ancient novels to describe sexual intercourse. These metaphors have been passed down through the ages and are still used today.

e.g.

昨晚他们一番云雨到半夜。(Zuó wǎn tāmen yì fān yún yǔ dào bàn yè.)
Last night, they engaged in passionate lovemaking until midnight.

时间不早了，我们去共享鱼水之欢吧。(Shíjiān bù zǎo le, women qù ɡònɡxiǎnɡ yú shuǐ zhī huān bɑ.)
It’s getting late, let’s go and enjoy the intimacy between us.

• 圆房 (yuán fánɡ)
• 洞房 (dònɡ fánɡ)

When two people get married and engage in sexual intimacy, it can be referred to as “entering the bridal chamber” or 圆房(yuán fánɡ) in Chinese. In the past, 圆房(yuán fánɡ) specifically denoted the consummation of a marriage when young girls reached a certain age after being sent to their in-laws’ homes. Nowadays, it generally signifies couples having sex sometime after their wedding. Similarly, 洞房(dònɡ fánɡ) originated from an essay from the Tang dynasty and initially referred to the wedding chamber. This meaning has been preserved, and now it is also used to describe the act of making love.

e.g.

你们还没圆房啊？(Nǐmen hái méi yuán fánɡ ā?)
Haven’t you consummated your marriage yet?

送新郎、新娘入洞房！(Sònɡ xīnlánɡ, xīnniánɡ rù dònɡfánɡ!)
Take the bride and groom to the bridal chamber!

8. Chinese euphemisms for Menstruation(月经)

• 大姨妈 (dà yímā)
• 例假 (lìjià)
• 来事儿了 (lái shìr le)

The term 大姨妈(dà yímā) literally means “older aunt” and is used to refer to “that time of the month” or menstruation. The origin of this term can be traced back to a story from the Han Dynasty. There was a girl who was in love with a young man, but she would always use the excuse that her older aunt was visiting whenever he wanted to kiss her. On their wedding night, when the young man saw the girl’s menstrual blood, he asked what was wrong, and she told him that her older aunt had come. As a result, the young man refrained from having sex. Since then, 大姨妈(dà yímā) has been used to refer to menstruation. Additionally, because menstruation occurs regularly every month, it is also called 例假(lìjià) in Chinese. In some regions, people simply say 来事儿了(lái shìr le)  to imply menstruation without explicitly mentioning it.

 e.g.

 来例假了，不舒服。(Lái lìjià le, bù shūfu.)
I felt unwell during my period.

 我昨天刚来事儿了。(Wǒ zuótiān ɡānɡ lái shì’r le.)
My period came yesterday.

我不去游泳了，大姨妈来了。(Wǒ bú qù yóuyǒnɡ le, dà yímā lái le.)
I’m not going swimming because my period came.

9. Chinese euphemisms for Intoxication (喝醉)

• 喝多了 (hē duō le)
• 喝高了 (hē ɡāo le)

In fact, people still say 喝醉了(hē zuì le) to directly express that someone was drunk. Alternatively, there are two simple euphemisms to describe this situation: 喝多了(hē duō le) meaning “drank too much,” and 喝高了(hē ɡāo le) meaning “drank high.”

 e.g.

别喝了，你喝多了。(Bié hē le, nǐ hē duō le.)
Don’t drink anymore since you’re drunk.

你送他回去吧，他喝高了。(Nǐ sònɡ tā huíqù bɑ, tā hē ɡāo le.)
You should take him back home; he’s drunk.

10. Chinese euphemisms for Pregnancy (怀孕)

• 有了 (yǒu le)
• 有喜了 (yǒu xǐ le)

Actually, people mostly say 怀孕了 (huáiyùn le) to directly indicate that someone is pregnant, so there are only two simple euphemisms for this situation: “有了” and “有喜了”. The former means “having” while the latter means “having something good and happy” since pregnancy is considered a joyful and wonderful thing.

e.g.

有了有了，两个月了。(Yǒu le yǒu le, liǎnɡɡè yuè le.)
She’s two-months pregnant.

别担心，她这是有喜了。(Bié dānxīn, tā zhè shì yǒu xǐ le.)
Don’t be worried, she is just pregnant.

11. Chinese euphemisms for Extra-marital affairs (外遇)

• 出轨 (chū ɡuǐ)
• 劈腿 (pī tuǐ)
• 小三 (xiǎo sān)
• 第三者 (dì sān zhě)

When someone is romantically involved with multiple people at the same time, we can use a comical term, 劈腿(pī tuǐ), which primarily refers to a person’s unfaithfulness. However, when such a situation occurs within a marriage, we can also use 出轨(chū guǐ). 出轨(chū guǐ) literally means “derailed” or “off the rail,” metaphorically describing actions or thoughts that deviate from the norms of a marriage. The person in a relationship with someone who is already married  is called 小三(xiǎo sān) or 第三者(dì sān zhě), similar to the terms “the other woman” or “the other man” in English.

 e.g.

 他老婆出轨了。(Tā lǎo pó chū ɡuǐ le.)
His wife had an affair.

 我被劈腿了。(Wǒ bèi pī tuǐ le.)
I was betrayed.

你想当小三，就给我滚出去。(Nǐ xiǎnɡ dānɡ xiǎo sān, jiù ɡěi wǒ ɡǔn chūqu.)
If you want to be a mistress, then just get out of here.

我不是第三者，你认错人了吧。(Wǒ bú shì dì sān zhě, nǐ rèn cuò rén le bɑ.)
I’m not the other woman, you’re mistaken.

12. Chinese euphemisms for Getting Fired(解雇)

• 炒了 (chǎo le)
• 炒鱿鱼  (chǎo yóuyú)

The phrase for getting fired, 炒鱿鱼(chǎo yóu yú), literally means “fried squid”. But why do we use this phrase  to refer to being let go? Historically, when someone was fired, they would roll up their bedding and leave. Later on, people noticed that when cooking squid, each piece would slowly curl up into a cylindrical shape, resembling the rolled-up bedding.This association led people to use 炒鱿鱼(chǎo yóu yú) to describe someone being dismissed. 炒了 (chǎo le) is the shortened form of this expression.

e.g.

他因为经常上班迟到，刚被炒了。(Tā yīnwèi jīnɡchánɡ shànɡ bān chídào, ɡānɡ bèi chǎo le.)
He was often late for work and was fired just now.

他们那批人因为业绩不好，都被炒鱿鱼了。(Tāmen nà pī rén yīnwèi yèjì bù hǎo, dōu bèi chǎo yóuyú le.)
Those people were fired because of their poor performance.

• 丢饭碗 (diū fànwǎn)

The phrase 丢饭碗 (diū fàn wǎn) literally means “lose the bowl”. Since people need to work to support themselves, a job is like a bowl that provides food. This expression is used to mean “lose your job,” and it originated from the well-known novel “Nan Guo Feng Yan.”

e.g.

他不敢说话，还不是因为怕丢了饭碗。(Tā bù ɡǎn shuō huà, hái búshì yīnwèi pà diū le fànwǎn.)
He didn’t dare to speak, because he was afraid of losing his job.

丢饭碗也没什么，我们可以再找其他的工作。(Diū fànwǎn yě méi shénme, women kěyǐ zài zhǎo qítāde ɡōnɡzuò.)
Losing your job is nothing big, we can find other jobs.

13. Chinese euphemisms for Homosexuality (同性恋)

• 同志 (tónɡzhì)
• 弯 (wān)
• 出柜 (chū ɡuì)

The term 同志 (tóngzhì) literally means “having the same pursuit” and is commonly used as a form of address among people working in an organization. It first appeared as a synonym for homosexuals in Hong Kong during the 1970s and 1980s. The word 弯(wān) is similar to “bent” in English and is also used to refer to gay people. Lastly, 出柜(chū guì) comes from the English phrase “come out of the closet.”

e.g.

他是弯的，他出柜了。(Tā shì wān de, tā chū ɡuì le.) He is homosexual, and he came out of the closet.

14. Chinese Euphemisms for Sex workers (性工作者)

• 小姐 (xiǎojiě)
• 鸡 (jī)
• 鸭 (yā)

The term 小姐(xiǎojiě) literally means “miss” or “lady”. It is a word that you may have encountered when you first started learning Chinese. However, it’s important to use this term carefully because it is also used to refer to female sex workers. Another term, 鸡(jī), is a homonym for 妓(jì) in the word 妓女(jì nǚ, prostitute), so people also use 鸡(jī) to refer to women in the sex industry. On the other hand, 鸭(yā) is used to refer to male sex workers.

e.g.

找小姐是犯法的。(Zhǎo xiǎojiě shì fàn fǎ de.) It is illegal to look for an escort.

她是个鸡，而他是个鸭，但是他们相爱了。(Tā shì ɡè jī, ér tā shì ɡè yā, dànshì tāmen xiāng`ài le.) She is an escort while he is a male prostitute. But they fall in love with each other.

15. Chinese euphemisms for Parents (父母)

• 令尊 (lìnɡ zūn)
• 令堂 (lìnɡ tánɡ)
• 高堂 (ɡāo tánɡ)

When engaging in a conversation, how can we respectfully refer to other people’s parents? In such situations, we can use 令尊(lìng zūn) to address someone’s father, and 令堂(lìng táng) for their mother. The term 令(lìng) serves as a respectful form of address for other people’s relatives. 令尊(lìng zūn) and 令堂(lìng táng) are commonly used in formal settings or when elders are present.

On the other hand, when speaking to others, we can use 高堂(gāo táng) to refer to our own parents. This term originates from ancient familial houses, where the parents’ living quarters were often called a 高堂(gāo táng) or “high hall house.” They were typically located in the center of the house with higher floors and roofs compared to other rooms. Ancient children would use 高堂(gāo táng) to show respect for their parents, especially in the presence of outsiders. Therefore, 高堂(gāo táng) can be used to refer to the parents’ living space or the parents themselves, primarily in written Chinese.

e.g.

令尊和令堂最近身体还好吗？(Lìnɡ zūn hé lìnɡ tánɡ zuìjìn shēntǐ hái hǎo mɑ?) Have your parents been in good health lately?

君不见，高堂明镜悲白发, 朝如青丝暮成雪。(Jūn bú jiàn, ɡāotánɡ mínɡ jìnɡ bēi báifà, cháo rú qīnɡsī mù chénɡ xuě.)
Do you not see the mirrors bright in chambers high
Grieve o’er your snow-white hair
though once it was silk-black?  
(excerpt from poem “Qiang Jin Jiu” written by Li Bai in the Tang Dynasty)

Closing Thoughts

The Chinese language is rich with euphemisms that reflect the cultural nuances and sensitivities around various topics. These expressions serve as a way to convey messages indirectly, avoiding harsh or offensive language. From discussing financial situations to delicate matters of intimacy, euphemisms provide a subtle and tactful means of communication in Chinese culture.

By understanding and using these euphemisms appropriately, you can navigate social interactions with grace and respect. Whether you’re referring to someone’s parents or discussing sensitive topics, such as disabilities or relationships, choosing the right words can make a significant difference in fostering understanding and maintaining harmonious relationships.

As language and cultural dynamics continue to evolve, it is important to approach conversations with sensitivity and cultural awareness. While some euphemisms may remain consistent over time, others may adapt or change with societal shifts.

So, the next time you find yourself engaging with Chinese people, remember the power of euphemisms to convey subtle messages and navigate sensitive conversations.

The post Read Between the Lines: 15 Common Chinese Euphemisms appeared first on .

1. For food
2. For fruit and seasoning
3. For people
4. For relationships
5. For feelings and characteristics

For food

• 猪肉 /zhūròu/ pork
• 牛肉 /niúròu/ beef
• 鸡肉 /jīròu/ chicken
• 羊肉 /yángròu/ lamb
• 肉食动物 /ròushí dòngwù/ carnivorous animal

Note that when you say “肉” without specifying the type of meat, most people will assume you mean “猪肉” (pork) because it’s the most commonly consumed meat in China. But what about other types of meat? If you want to order beef, chicken, lamb, or other meats in a restaurant, simply use the appropriate attribute words like “牛” (niú) for beef, “鸡” (jī) for chicken, and “羊” (yáng) for lamb before the character “肉” to form “牛肉” (niúròu), “鸡肉” (jīròu), “羊肉” (yángròu), and so on.

When discussing a specific dish, you may be familiar with the famous food “烤鸭” (kǎo yā) roasted duck, but you won’t hear “duck meat” in Chinese as often. Instead, people usually refer to the meat as “鸭” (yā) alone, without adding “肉” after it. This practice is not unique to duck meat. People also use “鱼” (yú) to refer to fish meat without adding “肉”. Furthermore, for carnivorous animals, you can simply say “肉食动物” (ròushí dòngwù) to describe them.

For example:

早点儿去菜市场，早上的猪肉会新鲜点儿。(Zǎo diǎn’r qù càishìchǎnɡ, zǎoshɑnɡ de zhūròu huì xīnxiān diǎn’r.) Go to the market early because the pork in the morning is fresher.

吃火锅的时候，他特别喜欢吃牛肉。(Chī huǒɡuō de shíhou, tā tèbié xǐhuɑn chī niúròu.) He likes eating beef while eating hotpot.

这碗米线的浇头是鸡肉做的。(Zhè wǎn mǐxiàn de jiāotóu shì jīròu zuò de.) The topping of this rice noodle dish is made of chicken.

For fruit and seasoning

• 果肉 /guǒròu/ pulp
• 肉桂 /ròuguì/ cinnamon

As its name suggests, “果肉” (guǒròu) literally refers to the “meat” of a fruit, which is actually the pulp. When discussing “肉桂” (ròuguì), it’s important to first mention its counterpart “桂皮” (guìpí). In China, “桂皮” is not only a popular seasoning in cooking, but also a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine. “肉桂” is a species in the Lauraceous family, and it’s named so because it’s thicker than “桂皮”.

e.g.

这个饮料里真的有果肉吗？(Zhèɡe yǐnliàolǐ zhēnde yǒu ɡuǒròu mɑ?) Does this drink really have pulp in it?

他喝咖啡的时候喜欢加肉桂。(Tā hē kāfēi de shíhou xǐhuɑn jiā ròuɡuì.) He likes to add cinnamon when drinking coffee.

For people

• 肌肉 /jīròu/ muscle
• 肉眼 /ròu yǎn/ unaided eye
• 肉身 /ròu shēn/ mortal body
• 血肉 /xuè ròu/ blood and flesh
• 有血有肉 /yǒuxuè yǒuròu/ true to life
• 行尸走肉 /xíng shī zǒu ròu/ an utterly useless person
• 肉票 /ròu piào/ hostages

People often use “肉” to describe human attributes. For muscles, we use “肌肉” (jīròu), which sounds similar to “鸡肉” (jīròu) but uses a different character. “肉眼” (ròuyǎn) and “肉身” (ròushēn) emphasize the use of our eyes and body alone, without any external help. “血肉” (xiěròu) emphasizes our blood and flesh. The phrase “有血有肉” (yǒu xiě yǒu ròu) means to be “real” or “true to life,” and is often used in literary works.

There are two interesting expressions to describe people: “行尸走肉” (xíngshīzǒuròu) and “肉票” (ròupiào). “行尸走肉” literally means “walking corpse and running flesh,” but it’s a metaphor for a person who doesn’t use their brain, doesn’t work, and lives a confused life. “肉票” means “meat tickets” literally, but it usually refers to hostages who are taken for ransom.

e.g.

刚运动完要拉伸一下肌肉。(Gānɡ yùndònɡ wán yào lāshēn yí xià jīròu.) You need to stretch your muscles after exercising.

这里太脏了，桌子上的灰都肉眼可见。(Zhèlǐ tài zānɡ le, zhuōzishànɡ de huī dōu ròu yǎn kě jiàn.) It’s so dirty here that the ashes on the table are visible to my naked eye.

我太喜欢这本小说里的主角了，有血有肉很生动。(Wǒ tài xǐhuɑn zhè běn xiǎoshuōlǐ de zhǔjué le, yǒu xuè yǒu ròu hěn shēnɡdònɡ.) I like the protagonists in this novel so much because he is true to life and very vivid.

能不能多思考一下，别像个行尸走肉一样。(Nénɡ bu nénɡ duō sīkǎo yí xià, bié xiànɡ ɡè xínɡ shī zǒu ròu yíyànɡ.) Can you think about it a little more? Don’t act like an utterly useless person.

他被绑了，会被当作肉票向他家里要赎金。(Tā bèi bǎnɡ le, huì bèi dànɡzuò ròupiào xiànɡ tā jiālǐ yào shújīn.) He was kidnapped and would be used as a hostage to ask his family for ransom.

For relationships

• 眼中钉，肉中刺 /yǎn zhōng dīng, ròu zhōng cì/ (of someone) to be hated very much
• 手心手背都是肉 /shǒuxīn shuǒbèi dōu shì ròu/ to value both equally
• 骨肉 /gǔròu/ blood relation

The word “骨肉” is used to express blood relation and means bones and flesh literally. The saying “眼中钉，肉中刺” literally translates to “a sting in the eye and a thorn in one’s flesh” and means a person is extremely hated in the heart of another. “手心手背都是肉”, literally meaning “the palms and backs of the hands are meat,” means all things involved are relative, so they should be treated equally, and you can’t choose to abandon anyone.

e.g.

她就是我的“眼中钉，肉中刺”，我永远都不会原谅她的。(Tā jiù shì wǒde “yǎn zhōnɡ dìnɡ, ròu zhōnɡ cì“, wǒ yónɡyuǎn dōu bú huì yuánliànɡ tā de.) She is a thorn in my eye, and I will never forgive her.

你们都是她的女儿，手心手背都是肉，你让她帮谁？(Nǐmen dōu shì tā de nǚ’r, shǒuxīn shǒubèi dōu shì ròu, nǐ rànɡ tā bānɡ shuí?) You are all her daughters, so she should be equal to you all, and she will help nobody.

因为一场意外，王先生一家骨肉离散，直到五年后大家才相聚。(Yīnwèi yì chǎnɡ yìwài,Wánɡ xiānshenɡ yì jiā ɡǔròu lísàn, zhídào wǔ nián hòu dàjiā cái xiānɡjù.) Because of an accident, Mr. Wang’s family was separated and did not get together until five years later.

For feelings and characteristics

• 肉麻 /ròu má/ cheesy
• 性格很肉 /xìnggé hěn ròu/ introversion and reticence

“肉麻,” literally meaning numb flesh, means someone is excessively romantic to the point of making others feel uncomfortable and creeped out. “性格很肉” originates from a dialect and means someone is unresponsive and slow, causing others to feel anxious

e.g.

看他们俩在那里互相喂东西就觉得肉麻。(Kàn tāmenliǎnɡ zài nàlǐ hùxiānɡ wèi dōnɡxi jiù juéde ròu má.) Watching the two of them feed each other there gave me goosebumps.

她性格很肉，你跟她说十句话，她才会回你一句。(Tā xìnɡɡé hěn ròu, nǐ ɡēn tā shuō shí jù huà, tā cái huì huí nǐ yí jù.) She is reticent, and if you say ten words to her, she will just reply with one.

The word “肉” forms many words and expressions, which are practical and useful in daily life. They can improve your spoken language and help you understand Chinese dramas and literature, so don’t underestimate their utility.

The post Meat is not always meat – The most common expressions with “肉” in Chinese appeared first on .

Take a look at this example: 我去了公司了。 You can see that 了 appears twice, but do you know why it’s repeated here? And would you be able to translate this sentence accurately?

By the end of reading this article, you’ll not only be able to answer these two questions but also have a solid understanding of three basic uses of 了 in Chinese grammar.

1. Verb + 了

When placed directly after a verb, 了 indicates the completion of an action.

Let’s review some examples:

我去看了那部电影。(Wǒ qù kàn le nà bù diànyǐnɡ.)
I have seen that movie.

他买了一部新手机。(Tā mǎi le yí bù xīn shǒujī.)
He bought a new cell phone.

This structure can also be used to talk about actions that will be completed in the future.

我明天下了课就去找你。(Wǒ míngtiān xiàle kè jiù qù zhǎo nǐ.)
I’ll see you after class tomorrow.

我洗了澡就睡觉。(Wǒ xǐle zǎo jiù shuìjiào.)
I’ll go to sleep after taking a shower.

For the negative form of this structure, you actually need to remove 了 entirely, and instead place 没有/没 (méiyǒu/méi) before the verb.

E.g.

他没有去公园。(Tā méiyǒu qù ɡōnɡyuán.)
He did not go to the park.

妹妹没买那条裙子。(Mèimei méi mǎi nà tiáo qúnzi.)
My little sister didn’t buy that skirt.

2. Sentence + 了

When placed at the end of a sentence, 了 functions as a modal particle. This can mean a few different things depending on the context:

• It can confirm something that was previously unclear
• It can indicate that something new has appeared
• It can point out that something has changed (in this case, there will usually be a time word to indicate when the change took place, but if not, then it will indicate that the change only just happened)

This usage may be a little bit harder to grasp than our last point, so let’s look at some examples to make things more concrete:

周末他去逛街了。(Zhōumò tā qù ɡuànɡjiē le.)
He went shopping this weekend. 
(Confirms that he did, in fact, go shopping on the weekend)

我刚刚发现我的电脑被偷了。(Wǒ ɡānɡɡānɡ fāxiàn wǒde diànnǎo bèi tōu le.)
I just discovered that my computer has been stolen.
(Indicates a sudden change and new information)

上课了，上课了。(Shànɡkè le，shànɡkè le.)
The class has begun, the class has begun.
(Indicates that class has changed from not in session to in session)

下雪了。(Xiàxuě le.)
It’s snowy.
(Points out a change of weather. It wasn’t snowy before, but now it is.)

五点了。(Wǔdiǎn le.)
It’s 5 o’clock.
(Denotes the change of time)

今天天晴了。(Jīntiān tiānqínɡ le.)
It’s sunny today.
(Indicates a change of weather. It wasn’t sunny before, but now it is.)

The negative form of this structure is exactly the same as the last one, simply remove 了 and add either 没有 or 没。

上课了。→没上课。((Shànɡkè le → Méi shànɡkè)
The class has begun. → Class hasn’t begun.

昨天我的自行车坏了。→昨天我的自行车没坏。
(Zuótiān wǒde zìxínɡchē huàile. → Zuótiān wǒde zìxínɡchē méi huài.)
My bike broke yesterday.→ My bike did not break yesterday.

—你吃饭了吗？(Nǐ chīfàn le mɑ?) Did you eat already/Have you eaten?
—没吃。(Méichī.) I did not eat yet/I haven’t eaten yet.

3. Using 了 twice in one sentence

These two use cases can be combined, and the result is a sentence that includes 了twice. These sentences indicate both that an action has been completed and that some change has occurred.

Let’s analyze a few examples:

他去了医院了。(Tā qù le yīyuàn le.)
He has gone to the hospital.

In this case, we’re emphasizing that he has already arrived at the hospital and that his state has changed because he is now a patient.

我唱了一首歌了。(Wǒ chànɡ le yìshǒu ɡē le.)
I sang a song.

For this example, the use of 了 tells us that the speaker was not singing before, began singing, and has already finished singing the song.

Just like the other two structures, you can create the negative form by omitting both 了 characters and adding 没有/没. Keep in mind that you don’t need to add 没有/没 twice, even if 了 was used twice in the original sentence.

He didn’t go to the hospital.

他没去没医院。(Tā méiqù méi yīyuàn.) （×）
他没去医院。(Tā méiqù yīyuàn.) （√）

Another thing to pay attention to is numbers. If there was a number included in the original sentence, you also need to remove it in the negative form.

I haven’t sung.

我没唱一首歌。(Wǒ méi chànɡ yìshǒu ɡē.) （×）
我没唱歌。(Wǒ méi chànɡɡē.) （√）

Further Notes

1. If the sentence contains a frequency word,, such as 每天(měitiān), 经常(jīnɡchánɡ), 常常(chánɡchánɡ), or 总是(zǒnɡshì), there is no need to use 了.

E.g.

我常常去图书馆看书。(Wǒ chánɡchánɡ qù túshūɡuǎn kànshū.)
I often go to the library to read.

2. Verbs that indicate mental activities like 想(xiǎnɡ), 要(yào), 打算(dǎsuɑn), 希望(xīwànɡ), 喜欢(xǐhuɑn), and 讨厌(tǎoyàn) cannot be followed by  了.

E.g.

我打算去云南旅游。(Wǒ dǎsuɑn qù Yúnnán lǚyóu.) （√）
I plan to travel to Yunnan.
我打算去了云南旅游。(Wǒ dǎsuɑn qùle Yúnnán lǚyóu.) （×）

3. To emphasize the continuity or compactness of an ongoing action, it’s common to leave out 了.

E.g.

我起床穿好衣服打开门，走了出去。
(Wǒ qǐchuánɡ chuān hǎo yīfu dǎkāi mén，zǒu le chūqu.)
I got up and put on my clothes, then opened the door and walked out.

4. 了 can also be omitted if the speaker wants to emphasize certain adverbs

E.g.

前天吃面，昨天吃面，今天我不想吃面。
(Qiántiān chīmiàn，zuótiān chīmiàn，jīntiān wǒ bùxiǎnɡ chīmiàn.)
I don’t want to eat noodles today because I had them yesterday and the day before that.

5. If a sentence contains a modal verb before the main verb, 了 can only be added at the end of the sentence.

E.g.

我能说汉语。(Wǒ nénɡ shuō hànyǔ.)I can speak Chinese. （√）
*我能说了汉语。(Wǒ nénɡ shuō le hànyǔ.)（×）
我能说汉语了。((Wǒ nénɡ shuō hànyǔ le.)I can speak Chinese. （√）

6. If the sentence contains a repeated monosyllabic verb, 了 should be placed between the repeated verbs.

E.g.

我闻了闻这盒牛奶。(Wǒ wén le wén zhè hé niúnǎi.)
I smelled this carton of milk.

他想了想我的话。(Tā xiǎnɡ le xiǎnɡ wǒde huà.)
He thought about my words.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 了 (le) is a common grammar particle used in Mandarin Chinese to indicate the completion of actions or a change of state. Its position in a sentence can also impact its meaning. This is often one of the grammar points that students struggle with the most because it does not have a direct English equivalent.

Being able to use this word correctly unlocks a whole new level of nuance in your speech and brings you one step closer to eventual fluency.

The post Your Essential Guide to the Chinese Particle 了 appeared first on .

1. Using “和” to connect everything
2. Using “是” with adjectives 
3. Using “吗” for all Yes/No questions
4. Confusing “不” with “没”
5. The use of “的”
6. Using “个” for all nouns
7. Adding “们” after all nouns
8. Improper use of  “二” “两” and “俩”
9. Confusing “就” with “才”
10. Confusing “会” and “能”
11. Confusing “差点儿” and “差点儿没”
12. Sentence order
13. Placement of Adverbial Words
14. Directional Complements: “来” and “去”
15. Comparative sentences with “比”
16. Existence Sentences
17. “把” sentence
18. Using “了” to indicate all past tense situations
19. Improper use of approximate numbers
20. Errors with Chinese Punctuation

1. Using “和” to connect everything

One of the most common English words is the word “and,” which we use to connect nouns, verbs, phrases and sentences. “And” is often translated to “和(hé)” in Chinese. However, in Chinese, you cannot use “和” to connect sentences – the result would sound very awkward!

For example:

I live in Beijing, and I have a dog.
✘ 我住在北京和我有一只狗。
√ 我住在北京，（还有）我有一只狗
(“还有(hái yǒu)” translates to “also.” Here “还有”could be omitted.)

You now might be wondering when we can use “和”. The answer is simple – we can use “和” to connect nouns, verbs, and short non-sentence phrases.

For example:

I have two older brothers and a younger sister.
√ 我有两个哥哥和一个妹妹。”

He likes swimming and playing basketball.
√ 他喜欢游泳和打篮球。

Exercise:

Put “和” in the appropriate place.

1. A 早上 B 常常吃 C 包子 D 鸡蛋。
2. A 喜欢 B 逛街 C 玩游戏 D 聊天。

(Reference: The Complete Guide to Using “和” in Chinese)

2. Using “是” with adjectives

You may know that the word for “is / are” in Chinese is “是 (shì)”. Another tricky aspect of adjectives in Chinese, though, is that we never use “是” to modify a noun.

For example:

He is tall.
✘ 他是高。
√ 他很高。

Beijing is big.
✘ 北京是大。
√ 北京很大。

As you can see, we usually use the word “很(hěn)”, which literally means “very,” instead of “是.”Note that here “很” purely serves a grammatical purpose in the sentence of “Subject + 很 + Adjective”.

Exercise:

True or false.

1. 她是漂亮。
2. 猫很可爱。
3. 中国菜是很好吃。

(Reference: How to use 在、有 and 是 Express Existence)

3. Using “吗” for all Yes/No questions

Asking a question in Chinese is one of the things many students stumble over. In Chinese, you typically put the character “吗(ma)” at the end of the sentence to function as a question marker. Using this word can transform almost any statement into a question.

Quick question: how do you translate “Are you an American?”

What about this “你是不是美国人吗?”

Is this your answer too? Then you are WRONG. Besides “吗”, Yes/No questions can also follow the format “是不是” or “有没有”, a format which we call positive-negative inversion. It is the equivalent of saying “Are you or are you not…?” When using this format, you do not also use “吗”, as the positive-negative inversion already marks the sentence as a question.

√ 你是不是美国人？
√ (using “吗”): 你是美国人吗？

One more example:

Do you have Chinese book?
✘ 你有没有汉语书吗?
√ 你有没有汉语书?
√ (using “吗”): 你有汉语书吗?

Exercise:

Put the words in order.

1.  过  你  吗  去  (Have you been to Shanghai?)
2.  是  他  不是 (Is he your classmate?)
3.  没有  你  钱  有 (Do you have ten yuan?)

Reference: The Summary of Yes/No Questions in Chinese

4. Confusing “不” with “没”

As we all know, the translation of the English word “not / no” in Chinese is “不(bù)” or “没(méi)”. Some learners are not familiar with their differences, so they use them interchangeably, which is a common error. “不” is generally used to negate an action that you “don’t want to do” or “don’t plan to do in the future”. And when it comes to negation of adjectives, we also use “不”. Opposed to “不”, “没” can both be used to negate an action that happened in the past or indicate that something hasn’t occurred yet.

For example:

He dislikes eating banana.
✘ 他没喜欢吃香蕉。
√ 他不喜欢吃香蕉。

The film isn’t good.
✘ 这个电影没好看。
√ 这个电影不好看。

We didn’t go to that store yesterday.
✘ 我们昨天不去那个商店。
√ 我们昨天没去那个商店。

Note that for “是” we only use the negation word “不” to mean “isn’t,” and for “有” we only use “没” to mean “don’t have”. For example, “We aren’t teachers.” would be “我们不是老师” and “She doesn’t have money.” is “她没有钱” in Chinese.

Exercise:

Choose “不” or “没” to fill in the blanks.

1. ___ 办法。
2. ___ 冷。
3. ___ 是我们的东西

(Reference: The difference between 不(bù) and 没(méi))

5. The use of “的”

If you have been learning Chinese for a while, you might notice that “的 (de)” is one of the most frequently used characters in Chinese. So why do so many learners, especially English speakers forget to use it or misuse it?

Well, the main reason why this mistake is so common is because there isn’t an equivalent of “的” in English. The closest equivalent is “’s” like in the phrase, “the dog’s voice,” which shows that the voice belongs to the dog. In Chinese, we use “的(de)” to show that the voice belongs to the dog – directly translated, this would be “狗的声音”.

“的” can also attribute certain characteristics to a noun. For example, “a white dog” would be “白色的狗.” “白色狗” is a grammatically incorrect expression in Chinese. But you can say “白狗”.

Confusing already, right? No worries, you can check out the description down below to get the full explanation.

When expressing possession, we can use the structure “Noun/Pronoun + 的 + Noun”.

For example:

我听见了狗的声音。(I’ve heard the voice of the dog.)
这是我的书。(This is my book.)

But when the noun after “的” is kinship term or a person, the “的” can be omitted.

For example:

她不是我朋友，她是我姐姐。(She isn’t my friend; she is my elder sister.)

As mentioned above, we can also use “的” to attribute certain characteristics. In this case, we usually use the pattern “Noun/Adjective + 的 + Noun”.

For example:

我喜欢那只白色的狗。(I like that white dog.)
她有一双漂亮的眼睛。(She has a beautiful pair of eyes

Note that if the adjective has two characters, like “漂亮” “高兴” “干净” etc., “的” is generally required. But when the adjective is monosyllabic, “的” generally isn’t necessary, and that’s why “白狗” is reasonable.

Exercise:

Translate the sentence

1. He isn’t my father.
2. We want to eat that green noodle.
3. His question is very difficult.

(Reference: How to Use the Structural Particle “的”)

6. Using “个” for all nouns

Please say the following in Chinese.

1. 一个人 a person
2. 一个菜 a dish
3. 一个狗 a dog
4. 一个水 a water
5. 一个书 a book
6. 两个鞋 two shoes

……

Wait! It’s getting weird. Do Chinese people say “一个狗”“一个水”“一个书”？

There are tons of measure words in the Chinese language, and this becomes a quite big barrier for Chinese learners because the concept doesn’t’ exist in English. To begin with, almost every learner was told that “个(gè)” can be used for almost every noun. It is very versatile, though some learners will accept it as an infallible law to apply it in every situation. But “almost” is just “almost” which means it doesn’t work in every situation. For example, “a glass of water” is “一杯水” instead of “一个水”. This is because the measure words for “牛奶” “酒” “水” etc. are often decided by the names of certain containers or vessels. “Glass” is the container  here, so “杯” is the proper measure word.

Besides the situation above, some nouns have their own unique measure words, and “个” isn’t usually suitable. For example, “a pair of shoes” is “一双鞋” in Chinese, and we generally can’t say “两个鞋” . The measure word “双” is used to refer to a pair of things and is suitable for things like “鞋” “手套” and so on.

Then, when can we use “个”? Generally speaking, “个” is used with nouns that don’t have a set measure word, which can be divided into five types:

Type 1: for individual people, like

“一个人(a person)” “一个学生(a student)” “一个孩子(a child)”

Type 2: for dates, seasons, etc., like

“一个星期(a week)” “一个月(a month)” “一个小时(an hour)” “一个春天(a spring)”

Type 3: for abstract things, like

“一个问题(a question)” “一个办法(a way)” “一个好主意(a good idea)”

Type 4: for an area, country, a unit, a facility, etc., like

“一个国家(a country)” “一个教室(a classroom)” “一个车站(a station)”

Type 5: other things without a set measure word, like

“一个鸡蛋(an egg)” “一个杯子(a cup)” “一个节日(a festival)”

Exercise:

Choose the appropriate measure word: 个 / 条 / 口 / 件

1. ___ 很大的游泳池。
2. ___ 人。
3. ___ 衬衫有蓝色的吗？
4. ___ 裙子好看吗？ 

(Reference: Chinese Measure Words List)

7. Adding “们” after all nouns

As we all know, in English a singular noun plus the plural suffix will transform it into a plural form, and plural nouns can also be quantified by a number, like “five books”. However, in the Chinese language, a plural word is formed by adding the suffix “们(men)” and can’t be modified by number words. For example, “五个学生们在教室里”, “学生们” can’t be qualified by “五个”, so it’s wrong and it should be corrected as “五个学生在教室里”.

Note that adding “们” to form a plural word is for personal pronouns or nouns only. The example above “five books” can’t be translated into “五本书们” because “书” isn’t people, instead “五本书” is enough. Other words like “几” “成千上万” “很多” etc. all imply quantity, so we don’t need “们” after the noun or pronoun. For example, “这里有几个同学们在写作业” is wrong due to adding “们”, so we should remove it to make it “这里有几个同学在写作业”.

Exercise:

True or false.

1. 我买了两个西瓜们。
2. 他们都不是我朋友。
3. 每次放假，成千上万的人们都会去北京玩。

(Reference: All About Chinese Prefixes and Suffixes)

8. Improper use of “二” “两” and “俩”

There are three ways to say “two” in Chinese, which are “二(èr)” “两(liǎng)” and “俩(liǎ)”. They are similar in meaning but different in use, which isa point that drives learners, especially elementary level learners, crazy sometimes. When used purely as a number or in ordinal, decimal, fractional，mathematical situations or in multi-digit numbers, we prefer “二” rather than “两”.

For example:

I have twelve kuai.
✘ 我有十两块钱。
√ 我有十二块钱。

He is the second person who entered.
✘他是第两个进来的人。
√ 他是第二个进来的人。

And “两” is often used when followed by measure words (except for Chinese traditional units).

For example:

It’s two o’clock now.
✘现在二点。
√ 现在两点。

I bought two books.
✘ 我买了二本书。
√我买了两本书。

Note that for Chinese traditional units, like “斤” “里” etc. both of them can be used .

For example:

I bought two jin of bananas.
Translation: 我买了二斤香蕉。or 我买了两斤香蕉。

An exception is when “两” appears as a measurement unit, only “二” can be used.

“He drank two liang of white wine.”
✘ 他喝了两两白酒。
√ 他喝了二两白酒。

By the way, “俩” is totally different from the other two. “俩” means “两个” when following a noun or pronoun and cannot be followed by any other measure word.

For example:

“The two of them want to go to travel this summer.”
✘他们俩个今年夏天想去旅行。
√ 他们俩今年夏天想去旅行。 or 他们两个今年夏天想去旅行。

Exercise:

True or false.

1. 他今年二十两岁了。
2. 请给我二瓶白酒。
3. 教室里还有三十二个学生。

(Reference: The Major Differences between 二 and 两)

9. Confusing “就” with “才”

Quick quiz first. Which one is the correct translation?

1) I worked until 11 p.m. because there was so much work yesterday.

(?) 昨天的工作很多，我一直工作到晚上11点就做完。

(?) 昨天的工作很多，我一直工作到晚上11点才做完。

2) He arrived at the classroom at 6 a.m. even though the Chinese class starts at 9 a.m.

(?) 汉语课9点上课，他早上6点才到教室了。

(?) 汉语课9点上课，他早上6点就到教室了。

“才”(cái) and “就”(jiù) are adverbs expressing time, and they are both put before verbs. Due to this similarity, some learners don’t know how to separate them.  In fact, “才” indicates that the speaker feels that something happened later than expected with a tone of anxiety, impatience, tiredness or other related emotions, while “就” indicates something occurred earlier than expected with a feeling of surprise or amazement sometimes.

So, do you know the correct answers for the quiz now?

Correct translation:

1. 昨天的工作很多，我一直工作到晚上11点才做完。
2. 汉语课9点上课，他早上6点就到教室了。

“工作很多” can lead to a negative feeling and “晚上十一点” is pretty late, so “才” is used. However, in the second example, compared to “9点上课”, “6点” is quite early, so “就” is correct.

But “才” doesn’t always imply lateness, for example “It’s only 7 o’clock.” can be translated to “现在才7点” in Chinese, where “才” follows a time word to express the idea of “just, only”.

Exercise:

Fill in the blanks with “才” or “就”.

1. ___ 给我打电话。
2. ___ 看完了。
3. ___ 7点，你不吃早饭了吗？
4. ___ 要亮了，我们再等一会儿。

(Reference: The difference between 才 and 就)

10. Confusing “会” and “能”

 “能(néng)” and “会(huì)”, as we all know, can indicate someone has the ability to do something in Chinese. However, there are slight differences between them in use.

“会” tends to indicate people have obtained an ability through learning, while “能” stresses inherent ability. Sometimes we can also understand them as “会” is “to know how to do something” and “能” is “to be able to do something”.

For example:

Can you see that tree over there?
✘ 你会看见那边的那棵树吗?
√你能看见那边的那棵树吗? (The inherent ability; be able to)

How would you translate “你能吃掉所有的饺子吗?” in English?   

 “能” is used to indicate possibility and can be combined with “吗” in interrogative sentences, for example “你一个人能去学校吗?”(Is it possible for yourself to go to the school?)  While “会” can indicate something will happen in the future, which is closer to “will” in English, for example “今天会下雨” means “It will rain today.”

Exercise:

Translate the sentence (会vs能)

1. May I come in?
2. I can write ten Chinese characters.
3. Can you see that picture?

(Reference: Translating “can” into Chinese: 可以, 会  and能)

11. Confusing “差点儿” and “差点儿没”

A: 我差点儿迷路。

B: 我差点儿没迷路。

Question：Did A and B get lost or not?

Answer: Both A and B didn’t get lost.

C: 我差点儿考上了大学。

D: 我差点儿没考上大学。

Question：Did C and D get in the university or not?

Answer: C didn’t get in the university, but D got it!

You might be confused now. Actually, when expressing something undesired that almost occurred (but actually didn’t) we use “差点儿(chà diǎn’r)” in Chinese. For example, “I almost forgot.” is “我差点儿忘了” in Chinese with the implication “I didn’t forget.” Sometimes the predicate can also be something desired, and then “差点儿” implies a regretful tone as it can’t come true. For example, “I almost got that money.” is “我差点儿就拿到那些钱了” in Chinese with the implication “I didn’t get that money.”

“差点儿没(chà diǎn’r méi)” seems just like an negative form of “差点儿”since “没” is added. In fact, you’d better think of “差点儿没” as a chunk so that it makes more sense. The patterns of “差点儿” and “差点儿没” are identical, but their usage doesn’t overlap at all. “差点儿” and “差点儿没” are only equivalent when there is something undesired and “没” appears meaningless. For example, “我差点儿没迷路” and “我差点儿迷路” have the same meaning of “I didn’t get lost.” Otherwise, if there is a desired result after “差点儿没”, it indicates a totally different idea than that of “差点”.  For instance, “我差点儿没考上大学” means “I was admitted by the university.” while “我差点儿考上了大学” means “I wasn’t admitted by the university.”

Exercise:

1. 昨天太冷了，我们差点儿感冒了。 Q：我们感冒了吗？
2. 我差点儿没买笔。 Q：我们买笔了吗？
3. 这次他们差点儿得了冠军。 Q：这次他们得冠军了吗？
4. 她差点儿没迟到。 Q：她迟到了吗？

(Reference: Using “差点儿”,“几乎”and“差不多”)

12. Sentence order

Some Chinese learners are not familiar or well acquainted with the sentence order rules of the Chinese language, so they are prone to translating word by word but ignore order. And the result most often turns out to be wrong. For example, “We go to the school with him.” may be written like “我们去学校和他”. But “和他” is the target of the action, which should be placed before the verb and after the subject in Chinese, so the correct sentence would be “我们和他去学校”.

So what is the correct sentence order in Chinese? At the very beginning, you may have already seen this basic order, that’s “SVO” which stands for “Subject + Verb +Object”, like “我爱你” “他去学校” or “我喝茶”. For these simple sentences, the Chinese sentence order can match that of English word by word. Although you should also realize that there are quite a few forms that don’t match，like “他是我朋友” or “小狗很可爱”.

Here is more information on this basic order.

Adding time：

(Time) + Subject + (Time) + Verb + Object

“我明天去学校。” Or “明天我去学校。”

Adding manner:

(Time) + Subject + (Time) + Manner + Verb + Object

“他昨天高兴地回家了。”

Adding place：

(Time) + Subject + (Time) + Place + Manner + Verb + Object

“我刚刚在办公室开会。”

Adding Negation:

(Time) + Subject + (Time) + Negation + Place + Manner + Verb + Object

“今天他不在家吃饭。”

Adding Auxiliary words:

(Time) + Subject + (Time) + Negation + Auxiliary + Place + Manner + Verb + Object

“你们不可以在这里吸烟。”

Adding Complement：

(Time) + Subject + (Time) + Negation + Auxiliary + Place + Manner + Verb + Complement + Object

“现在吃不完这些菜。”

Adding Target:

(Time) + Subject + (Time) + Negation + Auxiliary + (Target) + Place + (Target) + Manner + Verb + Complement + Object

“不想和他在路上大声地吵架。”

Keep in mind the order above is a general structure, which isn’t fixed forever. Some parts are flexible, and once you change the place, the meaning changes too. For example: “我们不都是学生” and “我们都不是学生” are quite distinct in meaning. “我们不都是学生” means “We are not all students.” while “我们都不是学生” is “We all aren’t students.”

Exercise:

Put the words in order.

1. 那里 买 在 牛奶 想 不 We don’t want to buy milk there.
2. 小猫 开心地 跑 The kitty run away happily.
3. 给我 打电话 在外面 He called me outside.

(Reference: The Basic Sentence Structure in Chinese)

13. Placement of Adverbial Words

Adverbial words indicate place, way, status, manner, frequency, target, etc. which serve to add details to a sentence. Adverbials by themselves isn’t too tough, but the placement of adverbial words is one of most common errors in syntactic structure in Chinese. In some languages, taking English for example, adverbials are mainly tacked on at the end of the sentence, but they need to be placed before the predicate and after the subject in Chinese.

For example:

I eat noodles in that restaurant.
✘ 我吃面条在那个饭馆。
√ 我在那个饭馆吃饭。

We will go to China at 4 p.m.
✘ 我们要去中国下午4点。
√ 我们下午4点要去中国。

She dislikes to work by mobile phone.
✘ 她不喜欢工作用手机。
√ 她不喜欢用手机工作。

Note that when the time adverbial is a noun, like “明天” “晚上” “下个星期” and so on, it can also be placed before the subject. For example: “He will come here tomorrow.” can be “他明天来这里” or “明天他来这里”.

Exercise:

True or false.

1. 他想去逛街和你。
2. 他和我说话哭着。
3. 那个人一直在说话。

(Reference: Tell Tenses in Chinese -Use the Adverbs and Nouns of Time Correctly)

14. Directional Complements: “来” and “去”

You might already know that “来” means “come” and describes an action moving towards the place where the speaker is; “去” means “go” and indicates an action moving away from the place where the speaker is. And you may have also learned “来/去” can follow a verb, like “上/下” “进/出” “过” “回” “拿” “寄” “送” etc. to indicate the speaker’s position in a directional complement. Some learners might be confused when it comes to directional complements, since there is no such concept of using a word to indicate direction in English.

For example:

I sent a box of oranges to my younger brother.
✘ 我给我弟弟寄来了一箱桔子。
√ 我给我弟弟寄去了一箱桔子。

From “I” to “my younger brother” is moving away from where “I” am, so we should use “去”.

She is still outside and hasn’t come in.
✘ 她还在外面，还没有进去。
√ 她还在外面，还没有进来。

Here the speaker is inside, and “她” is outside, so movement from outside to inside is coming towards the speaker, so here we should use “来”.

The sentence position for objects in directional complements is another problem for learners, especially when the object is a place. For example, “We enter the room.” should be “我们进房间去” but someone may instead say “我们进去房间” which is absolutely wrong since place objects should be placed between the verb and “来/去”.

Exercise:

Translate the sentence.

1. He doesn’t want to go back home now.
2. You two can go upstairs.

Put the words in order.

1. 跑 他们 下 去 山 还没
2. 书 把 你 拿 教室 进 来

(Reference: the Simple Directional Complement verb 来，去)

15. Comparative sentences with “比”

“比” is used to form a comparison in Chinese.

The basic structure: “A 比 B + Adjective”

For example,

He is taller than me.
他比我高。

What about “He is much taller than me.”

他比我很高。Is this correct?

Pay attention that adverbs like “很” can’t be placed before adjectives in comparative sentences, so it should be translated into “他比我高得多” instead of “他比我很高” in Chinese.

The opposite of “比” is “没有”(not as… as…). But you might have also learned another tricky negative comparison “不比”(not more… than…) which is a direct negation of “比” and much easier for learners to accept mentally. However, the fact is that they’re indeed the negative forms but not exactly the same thing! Such as the following:

Today isn’t as hot as yesterday.
今天没有昨天热。
(It indicates yesterday is definitely hotter than today and they are not the same)

Today isn’t hotter than yesterday.
今天不比昨天热。
(It indicates today isn’t hotter than yesterday, but they might be equally hot.)

Exercise:

Translate the sentence

1. She is cuter than my younger sister.
2. He isn’t smarter than me.
3. This watermelon isn’t as expensive as that one.

(Reference: The Comparative Sentence “比(bǐ)” Sentence)

16. Existence Sentences

Translation practice:

1. There are two books on the table.
2. There is a girl looking for you outside
   the office.

Many learners would put them like this:

1. 有两本书在桌子。
2. 一个女孩找你在办公室外面。

But are they correct? Definitely NOT.

To express existence and appearance in a place, we can use existence sentences in Chinese, which follow the form of “Place + Verb + Someone/Something”. In existence sentences, the first part usually is “Noun/ Pronoun + Location Words”, like “家里” “教室外面” etc., prepositions such as “在” “从” and so on cannot be used. It is quite clear, but leaving out location words or adding redundant prepositions is a frequent error among learners.

Correct translation:

1. 卓子上放着两本书。
2. 办公室外面有个女孩找你。

Exercise：

Translate the sentence

1. There is nobody in the classroom.
2. There sits a dog under the tree.
3. There are ten tables and ten chairs in the library.

(Reference: How to use 在、有 and 是 Express Existence in Chinese)

17. “把” sentence

There are several special sentence structures in the Chinese language. To emphasize initiative of an action, we use “把(bǎ)”, which has no equivalent in other languages, including English. Without a doubt, it is one of the most difficult parts for learners not only because of the headache-inducing rules but the timing to use it.

As we all know, the basic structure is

“Doer + 把 + Receiver + Verb + Other elements”

The Doer performs an action while the Receiver is influenced by it. But the placement is misused at times.

For example:

The elder brother closed the computer.
哥哥把电脑关了。

Here “哥哥” is the agent and “电脑” is the recipient of the action “关”.

Using “把” for all verbs is a common error of many learners. And main reason is probably that the user doesn’t know clearly what the right situation is to use “把” in.

For example:

He has known that thing.
Incorrect expression: 他把那件事知道了。
Correct expression: 他知道那件事了。

Intellectual and mental state verbs, like “喜欢” “知道” “认识” etc. can’t be used in “把” sentences. So here the pattern SVO would be better. Then comes the question when we should use “把”? Briefly speaking, when “把” is used, the doer must make some change or have some influence on the receiver. For example, “I put your book on the table.” Here the doer is “I”, the receiver is “your book”, and “I” makes the position of “your book” change, so we should use “把”. The whole sentence would be “我把你的书放在桌子上了”.

What’s more, “other elements” is easy to overlook too. For example, “上午我要把这篇文章写” lacks some “other elements”, making the sentence incomplete. And the complete form would be “上午我要把这篇文章写完” (I will write and finish this article this morning.). “完” is the complement of “写” to show the change made by “写” on “文章”.

Another thing we should keep an eye on is the placement for the negation word “没”.

For example,

He didn’t finish the homework.
他把作业没写完。 X

This is a pretty typical error where “没” is misplaced. Actually, the negation word should precede “把”, so the correct version is “他没把作业写完”.

Furthermore, the parts following “把” should be taken into account too.

For example,

我把一本书扔了。X

 “一本书” is indefinite, which contradicts the rule that receiver is normally definite. So this sentence can be changed into “我把那本书扔了” (I threw that book.)

or “我把这本书扔了” (I threw this book.).

Exercise:

Put the words in order.

1. 我的 你 把 哪里 放在 了
2. 把 门 没 打开
3. 我们 把 房间 干净 了

(Reference:  把(ba) Sentence)

18. Using “了” to indicate all past tense situations

Unlike in English, changing tenses in Chinese is done by using time markers, like “昨天” “明天” etc. or adding a particle, like “了”.

For example,

I will go to school tomorrow.
我明天去学校。

“明天” implies the future tense. “他吃了午饭”(He ate lunch.) where “了” after the verb “吃” expresses that this action has been done in the past. Adding time markers can easily be mastered by learners, but “了” is quite tough for some people even if they have reached a fairly high level in Chinese. One of the biggest problems is that some learners would add “了” after all verbs to express past tense, which is an absolute misunderstanding.

Back to “了”, it can be used after a verb to indicate an action has been completed, but it doesn’t mean it is equivalent to past tense. As a matter of fact, it can be used in any tense, no matter what time frame we’re talking about.

For example:

I went to that store.
我去了那个商店。(the past)

I will play the game after eating next time.
下次我吃了饭再玩游戏。 (the future)

You may be confused by the second example as to how it implies future tense with “了” in the sentence? That’s because the speaker intends to finish the first action “吃饭” and then continue the second action “玩游戏”, so the speaker uses an aspect particle “了” to show the completion of the first action. However, the thing is, when the speaker is saying this sentence, these actions all haven’t finished yet and they will actually happen next time instead, so it is future tense but still includes “了”.

And if the action is habitual or continuous, we also don’t use “了” even it occurred in the past.

For example:

He often studied Chinese in the morning before.
✘ 他以前常常在早上学了中文。
√ 他以前常常在早上学中文。

He works overtime every night.
✘ 他每天晚上加了班。
√ 他每天晚上加班。

Exercise:

Translate the sentence

1. He often went to the hospital last year.
2. I have been to Beijing twice.
3. I have my hands washed before dinner.

(Reference: The use of ‘了’（le）in Chinese)

19. Improper use of approximate numbers

Could you try to translate “There are thirteen or fourteen students in the classroom.” into Chinese? Let’s take a closer look.

In Chinese, there are many ways to present approximate numbers, but here we are going to just focus on three ways you may frequently use. One of them, as shown above, is to use two adjacent digits together. For example, “三四个人” means “three or four people”, “十一二本书” means “eleven or twelve books”, “四五十岁” means “forty or fifty years old”. So “There are thirteen or fourteen students in the classroom” is “教室里有十三四个学生” in Chinese. Note that “九” and “十” are seldom used together to express an approximate number in order to not be confused with “九十”(ninety).

Another frequently used way is adding “多(duō)”.

For example,

I bought over five jin of apples.
我买了多五斤苹果。✘
我买了五多斤苹果。✘

In Chinese, we usually use “多” in the structure “Number + Measure + 多” where usually the number is a single unit or multi-digit with single units, or we use the pattern “Number + 多 + Measure” when the number is ten or integers that ends with a zero.

For example,

一个多月 (over one month),
三千多个人 (over three thousand people),
十多件衣服 (over ten clothes).

So the sentence “I bought over five jin of apples.” should be “我买了五斤多苹果” in Chinese.

Sometimes you may see this kind of sentence “我这里只有几十多块钱”  from some Chinese learners. You may be surprised to see “几” used to express an approximate number. “几” can be substituted for numbers less than ten followed by a measure word.

For example,

I have several Chinese friends.
我有几个中国朋友。

“我这里只有几十多块钱” doesn’t exist because “几” and “多” cannot be used together to indicate an approximate number. So, it can be changed to “我这里只有几十块钱” or “我这里只有十多块钱”.

Another error that may occur is combining “几” with a definite number, such as “这里有几十九本书。” “九” is a definite number which cannot be used with “几” here. So the sentence should be “这里有几十本书”(There are dozens of books.)

Exercise:

True or false.

1. 爸爸给了我三十块多钱。
2. 我看到外面有几多个人在说话。
3. 他今年十一多岁了。
4. 这张桌子有十几多斤重。

(Reference: Expressing an “Approximate Number” in Mandarin)

20. Errors with Chinese Punctuation

Now let’s take a look at one thing which is almost ignored by most instructors, that’s Chinese punctuation. Chinese punctuation marks are similar in function to those in English, but some of them differ in form. Because of this subtle relationship, there are always mistakes happening with punctuation, even for advanced learners.

To begin with, in English people are used to using “.” to end a statement, so some learners will continue to use “.” In Chinese, which is absolutely wrong because we only use “。” to mark a full stop in Chinese.  

For example:

We are Japanese.
✘ 我们是日本人.
√ 我们是日本人。

In addition, commas are another one lots of learners struggle with. Just like the comma in English, it’s used to separate clauses and indicate pauses. For example, “因为外面下雨了，所以我不想出去”(I don’t want to go out because it’s raining outside.) Then, you may wonder what about enumeration commas? Are they the same? The answer is no, though their function is similar. In fact, the enumeration comma is used to separate words in a list. For example, “我买了蛋糕、糖和水果”(I bought cake, sugar and fruit.).

Some learners will omit them or confuse the regular comma with the enumeration comma or put them in a wrong position.

For example:

Her face is red and looks like a red apple.
✘ 她的脸很红和像一个红苹果。
√ 她的脸很红, 像一个红苹果。

Here, we don’t need “和” to connect because it’s just a pause, the connection is continuous. So, a regular comma is enough.

There is milk, fruit, vegetables, notebooks etc. in the supermarket.
✘ 超市里有牛奶，水果，蔬菜，本子等等。
√ 超市里有牛奶、水果、蔬菜、本子等等。

Here, it’s stating a list and there is only a slight pause between “牛奶” “水果” “蔬菜” and “本子” in coordination. So, the enumeration comma is used.

Exercise:

True or false.

1. 他们在吃饭我们在看书。
2. 姐姐不喜欢吃面包.
3. 他买了两双鞋，三双袜子，五条裤子，一件衬衫和一件大衣。
4. 8点了，但是外面还是很亮。

So, there are the top 20 most frequent mistakes we see made by Chinese learners. I hope this article helped you confirm what you already knew and even taught you something new that you can now apply in your studies. If you’re paying attention to all of these points, it will really take your Chinese to the next level.

If you’re hoping to get even more information about these topics, be sure to check out the links provided in each section, and if you can’t find an answer to your questions there, leave us a comment down below!

The post Top 20 Common Mistakes Chinese Learners Make appeared first on .

In everyday
Chinese conversations, animal-related slang expressions are indispensable. They show up frequently and are widely known among Chinese people nowadays.
These words and phrases not only enrich the language but also reflect Chinese
people’s feelings and values. So, slang sometimes becomes a litmus test to demonstrate
learners’ speaking skills and intellect. And for the sake of helping Chinese
learners communicate well and engage with the culture quickly and easily, we
put together a list of the most frequently used animal-related Chinese expressions.

#1 牛(niú)-Ox

Traditionally, 牛 is a symbol of hard work in Chinese culture. Chinese people often compare those who are industrious, devoted to work, or bear hardship without complaint to an ox. Below are two phrases that use 牛.

> 吹牛(chūi niú) -Brag

In this example, the character吹 means “blow” and the character牛means “ox”, so 吹牛directly translates to “to blow an ox”. Actually, 吹牛 means to talk big or brag.

Why it is 牛
instead of another animal? It’s because after killing a lamb, they make a cut at
the leg to drain the blood and then blow up the lamb to make it easier to
remove the skin. So, the words 吹羊 or 吹猪 carry that meaning. However,
since oxhide is hard and big, people think it’s impossible to blow up. Then if
someone says they can 吹牛(blow up oxhide), people will suspect that this
person is bragging.

e.g.

你看，她又在吹牛了。
(Nǐ kàn, tā yòu zài chuī niú le.)
Look, she is bragging again.

他天天吹牛说自己去过100个国家。
(Tā tiāntiān chuī niú shuō zìjǐ qùɡuo yìbǎi ɡe ɡuójiā.)
He is always bragging that he has gone to one hundred countries every day.

> 牛逼(niú bī) – Impressive

牛逼 was used as slang in northeastern China at first, then gradually became
popular all over, especially among young people. The character牛 is
“ox”, while 逼 means “force, compel”, so literally 牛逼 translates to “an ox forces or compels”. Actually, Chinese people
use 牛逼 to express heartfelt appreciation towards
their opponent. Sometimes people use it in a sarcastic sense.

E.g.

牛逼啊，这么难的问题，你都解决了。
(Niú bī’ā, zhème nánde wèntí, nǐ dōu jiějué le.)
Impressive! these questions are so hard, but you solved them.

牛逼牛逼，我比不上。
(Niú bī niú bī, wǒ bǐ bu shànɡ.)
So impressive, I cannot compete with you.

Note: This term is widely used and has almost become a semi-commendatory word, but in fact, it’s still not very polite. Some people might feel offended if you say 牛逼 to them. So please use it carefully.

#2 马(mǎ)- Horse

Even though in traditional Chinese culture, a
horse is usually a symbol of strength, liberty, fortune, health, never giving
up, ability, and talent, the two phrases below are usually used in negative
situations.

> 马后炮(mǎ hòu pào)- Too Little, Too Late

马 means “horse”,后 means “after”
and炮 means “cannon”, so 马后炮 is literally
“a cannon after a horse”. Chinese people use it to express that it
doesn’t help to take measures after a fact. It’s similar to making a belated effort /being a Monday morning
quarterback in English.

E.g.

人已经死了，不要在这里放马后炮。
(Rén yǐjīnɡ sǐ le, bú yào zài zhèlǐ fànɡ mǎhòupào.)
It’s too little, too late, since the person was already dead.

马后炮，你昨天为什么不说？
(Mǎhòupào, nǐ zuótiān wèishénme bù shuō?)
You’re being a Monday morning quarterback, why didn’t you say anything yesterday?

> 拍马屁(pāi mǎpì)- Sucking up to someone

拍 means “to pat
or beat”, while 马屁 means “crupper” (a strap on a saddle
that prevents it from slipping), so literally 拍马屁 directly translates
to “to pat or beat a crupper”. It is said that拍马屁 comes from a part of Mongolian culture. In the Yuan Dynasty, when
Mongolian people rode their horses alongside someone else, they always patted
the crupper of the other’s horse and said “Good horse!” to show respect and
politeness. Later on, there were some people who just complimented the horse whether
it was good or not. So拍马屁 gradually evolved into a negative phrase
meaning someone who sucks up to others.

E.g.

他一天到晚只知道拍领导的马屁。
(Tā yì tiān dào wǎn zhǐ zhīdào pāi línɡdǎo de mǎpì.)
He only knows how to suck up to the leader all day long.

除了拍马屁，你还有什么真本事？
(Chúle pāi mǎpì, nǐ háiyǒu shénme zhēn běnshi?)
Besides sucking up to others, what other real skills do you have?

#3 鱼(yǘ)-fish

鱼, or fish, is often tied to Chinese
culture and daily life. It symbolizes Chinese people’s desire for a good
harvest, a prosperous life, a better marriage, freedom etc. Here we’ll go over
three slang expressions that include 鱼.

> 锦鲤(jǐnlǐ)- everything related to good luck

锦鲤(cyprinus carpio) originally referred to koi fish. They have a long lifespan, and it’s said that 锦鲤 can bring good luck. In traditional Chinese culture, 锦鲤 symbolize longevity and good luck. Nowadays, 锦鲤 represents everything related to good luck.

How did 锦鲤 become so popular, especially on the internet? It’s actually because of an online campaign. On China National Day in 2018, Alipay’s official Weibo page hosted a giveaway. The lucky winner was drawn from those who reposted their post on Weibo. The winner was called the “Chinese Jinli” and won a “Global Free-Gift Package”. There were more than 3 million reposts. Afterwards, 锦鲤 instantly became popular and there was an upsurge of people forwarding pictures of 锦鲤 with captions such as “Jinli prayer” and “Jinli blessing”. Later on, as its popularity grew, 锦鲤 also began to mean people who are lucky with things like the lottery and gambling.

E.g.

转发锦鲤，希望我考试能过。
(Zhuǎnfā jǐnlǐ, xīwànɡ wǒ kǎoshì nénɡ ɡuò.)
I’ll forward Jinli and hope I can pass the exam.

转发这个锦鲤会有好运。
(Zhuǎnfā zhèɡe jǐnlǐ huì yǒu hǎoyùn.)
Forwarding this Jinli will bring good luck.

你是锦鲤吗？就你一个人中奖了！
(Nǐ shì jǐnlǐ ma? Jiù nǐ yíɡè rén zhònɡ jiǎnɡ le!)
Are you a Jinli? Only you will win the lottery!

> 摸鱼(mō yú)- mess around

摸 means “touch”, so 摸鱼 literally means “touch a fish”. 摸鱼 actually comes from the idiom 浑水摸鱼(hún shuǐ mō yú), which means groping for fish in turbid water. Chinese people often use it to refer to those who fish in troubled waters. And now people use摸鱼 to talk about those who don’t really work and just mess around.

E.g.

他上班就是在摸鱼。
(Tā shànɡ bān jiùshì zài mō yú.)
He’s messing around at work.

你想摸鱼就不要来公司，你可以回去。
(Nǐ xiǎnɡ mō yú jiù bú yào lái ɡōnɡsī, nǐ kěyǐ huíqù.)
Don’t come here if you want to mess around at the firm, just go back home.

> 炒鱿鱼(chǎo yóuyú)- get fired

炒 means “stir-fry” and 鱿鱼 is “squid”, so 炒鱿鱼 directly translates to “stir-fry a squid”. Chinese people use 炒鱿鱼 to refer to getting fired. 炒鱿鱼 is very close to 卷铺盖(juǎn pūɡɑi). A long time ago, workers would bring sleeping bags with them, so they had to roll up their sleeping bag when they were fired. Gradually 卷铺盖 came to mean getting fired. For 鱿鱼, people saw that when cooked, 鱿鱼 would roll up, which was similar to the shape of a rolled up sleeping bag. As a result, people started to associate 炒鱿鱼 and 卷铺盖. Later on, 炒鱿鱼 became the most popular way to talk about getting fired..

E.g.

他们今天被炒鱿鱼了。
(Tāmen jīntiān bèi chǎo yóuyú le.)
They were fired today.

你小心点儿，不要被炒鱿鱼了。 
(Nǐ xiǎoxīn diǎn’r, bú yào bèi chǎo yóuyú le.)
Be careful, don’t get fired.

#4 狗(ɡǒu)-dog

Unfortunately in Chinese slang, 狗 are often deprecated, even though now most people think of 狗 as our faithful friends. Here are two idioms that include the word 狗.

> 单身狗(dānshēn ɡǒu) – single

The word 单身 means “single”, so 单身狗 literally means “a single dog”. 单身狗 now is widely used  to emphasize that someone is  single. This phrasecomes from the memorable quote “He looks like a dog.” from the wedding ceremony scene in the film A Chinese Odyssey. It was originally only used for self-deprecation. But now, it’s also used to address others with a slightly derogatory tone.

E.g.

我是单身狗，不过情人节。
(Wǒ shì dānshēn ɡǒu, bú ɡuò Qínɡrén jié.)
I’m single and don’t do anything Valentine’s Day.

不要在我这个单身狗面前秀恩爱。
(Bú yào zài wǒ zhèɡe dānshēn ɡǒu miànqián xiù ēn’ài.)
I’m single, so don’t do any PDA in front of me.

> 狗血(ɡǒu xiě)- campy/cliché

血 means “blood”, so 狗血 actually means “dog’s blood”. It’s said that during the heyday of the film and television industry in Hong Kong in the 1990s, there were many of TV dramas about ghost hunting. The idea that dog blood can be used to drive away evil often came up in those shows. So, the term dog blood referred to outdated elements in film or TV. Nowadays, Chinese people use 狗血 to describe exaggerated or outdated elements in media or even real life. So 狗血 is really similar to campy/cliché in English.

E.g.

你这件事太狗血了。
(Nǐ zhè jiàn shì tài ɡǒuxiě le.)
That is so campy of you.

我昨天看了一部很狗血的电视剧。
(Wǒ zuótiān kànle yí bù hěn ɡǒuxiě de diànshìjù.)
I watched a very campy drama yesterday.

#5 鸡(jī)-chicken

鸡 symbolizes good luck, fighting and brightness in
Chinese culture. Here are two expressions that include 鸡.

> 打鸡血(dǎ jīxiě)- so excited/ energetic

Literally 打鸡血 means “inject chicken blood”. It’s said that 打鸡血 originates from a medical technique from the 1980s where they would
draw blood from a year-old rooster and inject it. It was once popular among the
veteran cadres at that time. Supposedly, the person who was injected with
chicken blood would become energetic, but it was actually unscientific, and that
trend quickly faded. Now, Chinese people use 打鸡血 to talk about someone who is full of energy or mock
someone’s sudden excitement towards  something.

E.g.

看了这本书后，他整个人就像打鸡血一样。
(Kànle zhè běn shū hòu，tā zhěnɡɡè rén jiù xiànɡ dǎ jīxiě yíyànɡ.)
After reading this book, he became so excited.

昨晚他打了一晚的游戏，今天还这么有精神，就像打了鸡血一样。
(Zuówǎn tā dale yì wǎn de yóuxì, jīntiān hái zhème yǒu jīnɡshen, jiù xiànɡ dale jīxiě yíyànɡ.)
He played games all night, but he is still energetic today, like he injected chicken blood.

> 铁公鸡(tiě ɡōnɡjī)- stingy person

铁公鸡 literally means “irony rooster”. Chinese people use 铁公鸡 to refer to a stingy person. 铁公鸡 comes from an ancient text which described a rich man who was so stingy
that people all called him铁公鸡.

E.g.

我们都叫那个人“铁公鸡”。
(Wǒmen dōu jiào nàɡe rén “tiě ɡōnɡjī”.)
We all call that person “stingy man”.

他就是个铁公鸡，一分钱也不会给你。
(Tā jiù shì ɡè tiě ɡōnɡjī, yì fēn qián yě bú huì ɡěi nǐ.)
He is stingy, so he won’t give you a penny.

#6 猪(zhū)-pig

猪 is a symbol of being lazy, stupid, greedy, dirty and
even salacious, which are almost all negative things in Chinese culture. Here
are two slang expressions that use 猪.

> 咸猪手(xián zhūshǒu) – groper or wandering hands

The
character 咸 means “salty”, while 猪手 is “pork knuckle”, so literally 咸猪手 means “salty pork knuckle”. As a matter of
fact, 咸猪手 is used to refer to the action
of molesting someone, such as grabbing their chest or touching their
buttocks. It’s similar to groping or having wandering hands
in English.

  E.g.

放开你的咸猪手。
(Fànɡkāi nǐ de xián zhūshǒu.)
Get your wandering hands off of me.

我昨天在地铁上碰到咸猪手了。
(Wǒ zuótiān zài dìtiě shanɡ pènɡdào xián zhūshǒu le.)
There was a groper on the subway yesterday.

> 扮猪吃老虎(bàn zhū chī lǎohǔ) – looking foolish in the short-term to win in the long-term

扮 means “to disguise” and 老虎 is “tiger”, so 扮猪吃老虎 means “disguising as a pig to eat a tiger”.
It’s said that when hunters couldn’t catch a tiger, they would pretend to be a
pig and draw the tiger out. When the tiger approached, then they would suddenly
attack it. Chinese people use this expression to talk about people who like to
look foolish or downplay themselves in the short-term to win in the long-term.

E.g.

有些人很会扮猪吃老虎。
(Yǒu xiē rén hěn huì bàn zhū chī lǎohǔ.)
Some people are good at looking foolish in the short-term to win in thelong-term.

他看起来很好，其实是在扮猪吃老虎，你小心点儿。
(Tā kàn qǐlái hěn hǎo, qíshí shì zài bàn zhū chī lǎohǔ, nǐ xiǎoxīn diǎnr.)
Be careful. He looks nice, but in fact he is looking foolish short-term to win in the long-term.

#7 Other Animals

> 放鸽子(fànɡ ɡēzi)- standing someone up

放鸽子 directly translates to “release a pigeon”. It
later came to mean standing someone up. It’s said that 放鸽子 originated from the lottery in old Shanghai, commonly known as a “white
pigeon ticket” with an extremely low chance of winning.

E.g.

他经常放我鸽子。
(Tā jīnɡchánɡ fànɡ wǒ ɡēzi.)
He often stands me up.

我被放鸽子了，她没有来。
(Wǒ bèi fànɡ ɡēzi le, tā méiyǒu lái.)
She didn’t come, and I was stood up.

> 乌鸦嘴(wūyā zuǐ)- jinx

乌鸦嘴 is literally “crow’s mouth”. 乌鸦 are black, omnivorous and addicted to rotten meat, so when it comes
to it, Chinese people usually associate it with the idea of being unlucky and
gloomy. So now, Chinese people often use乌鸦嘴to refer to a jinx.

E.g.

闭嘴，你这个乌鸦嘴！
(Bìzuǐ, nǐ zhèɡe wūyā zuǐ!)
Shut up, you jinx!

你是乌鸦嘴吗，每次不好的事都会被你说中。
(Nǐ shì wūyā zuǐ ma, měicì bù hǎo de shì dōu huì bèi nǐ shuōzhònɡ.)
Are you a jinx? Because bad things are always said right by you.

> 老狐狸(lǎo húli)- old fox

In Chinese
people’s minds, 狐狸 are sharp, smart, and sly. 老狐狸 literally means old fox, and Chinese people use it to
refer to people who are highly cunning, scheming and cruel.

E.g.

这个人是只老狐狸。
(Zhèɡe rén shì zhǐ lǎo húli.)
This man is an old fox.

他是我们公司里知名的老狐狸。
(Tā shì wǒmen ɡōnɡsī lǐ zhīmínɡ de lǎo húli.)
He is a famous old fox at our company.

Those
are some of the most common and important animal-related Chinese slang expressions.
We hope that this list can help you improve your fluency and your understanding
of Chinese culture.

The post Everyday Animal Related Slangs and Buzzwords in Chinese appeared first on .

1. Find and enter the official website

You will see the homepage shown below.

2. Register

Click 注册 (zhùcè, Register) on the top right corner and register with your Passport.

Process:

Username→ Password → Reconfirm → Certificate Type→ Your Real Name → Passport Number → Date of Birth → Gender → Country/Region → Email → Phone Number → Passenger Type → Mark → Submit

Explanation:

• Username: use 6 – 30 letters, numbers or _ and start with alphabet. Once it’s done, it can’t be changed anymore.
• Password: to use 6 – 20 letters, numbers or symbols.
• Certificate Type: choose “护照” (hùzhào, Passport).
• Your Real Name: copy your name from your passport.
• Phone Number: only for Chinese Number. If you do not have a Chinese phone number, it is best to ask a friend to use their number.
• Passenger Type: to choose “成人” (chéngrén, Adult) or “儿童”( értóng, Child) accordingly.

3. Login in

Once you registered, you can click “登录” (dēnglù, Login in) on the top right corner to enter.

When clicking 登录, you will enter a page similar to the one shown above. There are two ways for you to login in – scan a QR code or use your username and password. Usually, a QR code is easier for those who have downloaded the official APP. You can choose either of them to enter.

4. Begin booking your ticket

After logging in, you can begin booking your ticket. On the homepage, you can directly input your “出发地” (chūfā dì, Departure) and “到达地” (dàodá dì, Destination) in the corresponding blanks and choose your travel dates to search available tickets.

Note:

you can choose “单程” (dānchéng, One-way) or “往返” (wǎngfǎn, Round trip) according to your own situation. It will provide all available trains for you, similar to the picture shown above. If you’d like a more specific result, you can mark “车次类型” (chēcì lèixíng, Train Type), “出发车站” (chūfā chēzhàn, Departure Station) or “发车时间” (fā chē shíjiān, Departure Time) to narrow down your choices. However, sometimes there are not trains available on specific dates or times, or they are all booked up. Don’t worry, the website provides you with alternative ways. These alternative ways are the “接续换乘” (jiēxù huàn chéng, Transfer).

Click “接续换乘” and all the alternative routes are laid out for you.

5. Choose the train

Choose the train you want and click “预定” (yùdìng, Book). It will take you to an information and booking page. Click “提交订单” (tíjiāo dìngdān, Submit).

Explanation：

• The first rectangle in picture 1 gives the information of the train, including destination, type of seat, price and tickets left.
• The second rectangle in picture 2 asks for the Passenger’s Information. You should input yours or your passenger’s information, mark passengers who need tickets, and then choose type (成人 or 儿童) and seat.
• After clicking “提交订单”, the page will take you to picture 2, to reconfirm your information and choose your preferred seat. Once you are finished, you just click “确认” (quèrèn, Confirm).

6. Payment

you should pay within 30 mins with either one of the bank cards shown below or a Third-Party Payment Platform (支付宝Zhīfù bǎo, Alipay / 微信支付 Wēixìn zhīfù, Wechat Pay). Just click “网上支付” (wǎngshàng zhīfù, Online Payment).

7. Booking successful

when finished, it will take you to a page saying that the order was successful, Like this:

At the same time, the system will send you an email confirmation and a short message including all the relevant information, like this:

8. Notes

• Foreigners can pick up their tickets at a Ticket Counter with a valid passport.
• Available time for online booking is 6:00 – 23:00.
• Usually, 5 mins before driving, the High-speed Train will stop checking tickets. Passengers should arrive at least 60 mins before take-off. (Editor notes: from personal experience, I think if someone is going to a train station for the first time, they should arrive 1-2 hours before the train takes off, depening on time of year and the size of the station. at Hongqiao Station in Shanghai, I would say they should arrive probably 1.5-2 hours early in case they get lost.)
• In the entrance, the staff will need your valid passport and ticket for checking. You should put all your bags or luggage on the machine for the security check. At the same time, they will also check the passenger.
• Usually, as it gets close to departure time, the system will send a reminder message to you.
• Want to book or interested in information? Then download the official app and add the official account! Here are the relevant QR codes from the official website.

9. Practical Usage

Here are some sentences you may need.

– Getting ticket:

1) 您好！请问售票大厅怎么走？
(Nínhǎo! Qǐngwèn shòupiào dàtīng zěnme zǒu?)
Hi! Do you where the ticket office is?

2) 您好！我要取票。
(Nínhǎo! Wǒ yào qǔ piào.)
Hi, I’d like to pick up my ticket.

3) 这是我的护照。
(Zhè shì wǒ de hùzhào.)
Here is my passport.

4) 谢谢！
(Xièxie!)
Thanks!

– In the Waiting Hall

1) 您好！请问洗手间在哪儿？
(Nínhǎo! Qǐng wèn xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ’r ?)
Hi! Do you know where the bathroom is?

2) 请问哪里可以充电？
(Qǐng wèn nǎlǐ kěyǐ chōngdiàn?)
Is there a place to charge my phone?

3) 请问XXXX的检票口在哪儿？
(Qǐng wèn XXXX de jiǎn piào kǒu zài nǎ’r?)
Do you know where the check-in entrance is?

4) 请问什么时候开始检票？
(Qǐng wèn shénme shíhou kāishǐ jiǎn piào?)
When will check-in start?

5) 请问13号车厢往哪边走？
(Qǐng wèn shí sān hào chēxiāng wǎng nǎ biān zǒu?)
Do you know where carriage 13 is?

Do you feel more confident in booking a ticket now? It looks like so easy, right? If you really want to experience the true nature of the High-Speed Train, you should open the web or download the 12306 APP to book a ticket! Besides the official website, there are also some third-party booking sites that was also super helpful and responsive, such as travelchinaguide.  You could also check the 16 Essential Apps to Survive While Staying in China. Of course, learning at least some Mandarin can help you overcome some of the problems you may face. So, before you come to China, you should start, or continue your Mandarin learning journey. Knowing basic Mandarin will help you more in practical situations than articles every will, plus it will give you a richer understanding of Chinese culture (click here to know more). Hope this article was helpful for you and may you start planning your trip right away!

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