HSK 6

Use the examples with their context and limits. Recall a sentence before reading the model. Original teaching additions accompany examples adapted from Chinese Grammar Wiki (AllSet Learning, CC BY-NC-SA); see the course reference provenance.

Verb + (degree marker)得de + to invert倒dào + Adj (a pointed note)

A suggestion meets a practical obstacle

• A friend says that moving all the desks will be easy, but has not offered to help.
• you你nǐvariant of 说说shuō(degree marker)得deto invert倒dàoeasy容易róng yì，who谁shéito come来láito move (i.e. relocate…搬bān(and …? / softener)呢ne？ — The speaker challenges the easy claim by asking who will do the work.

Locate the pattern in real examples

• Verb + (degree marker)得de + to invert倒dào + Adj (a pointed note): you你nǐvariant of 说说shuō(degree marker)得deto invert倒dàolight轻松qīng sōng!; he / him他tāwant / think / miss想xiǎng(degree marker)得deto invert倒dàobeautiful美měi。
• Read the whole clause before choosing a translation. The examples show the pattern in use; the context below determines what the speaker claims.

Follow the speaker

you你nǐsay说shuō得de(actually)倒dàoeasy容易róng yì。

• In the opening situation: you你nǐvariant of 说说shuō(degree marker)得deto invert倒dàoeasy容易róng yì，who谁shéito come来láito move (i.e. relocate…搬bān(and …? / softener)呢ne？
• The speaker challenges the easy claim by asking who will do the work.

Check the limit of the explanation

• to invert倒dào can mark a contrast with an expectation; it does not force every following compliment to be sarcastic.
• you你nǐto make做zuò(degree marker)得deto invert倒dàocorrect不错bù cuò can be sincere surprise.

Repair the form before interpreting it

• The form you你nǐvariant of 说说shuōto invert倒dào(degree marker)得deeasy容易róng yì needs repair here. Write you你nǐvariant of 说说shuō(degree marker)得deto invert倒dàoeasy容易róng yì instead; keep the word or frame in its demonstrated order.
• Form and meaning are separate checks. After the repair, explain the sentence in its situation rather than treating a familiar translation as a universal rule.

Keep the distinction

• The speaker challenges the easy claim by asking who will do the work. Check the relevant speaker, time or group in the surrounding context.
• to invert倒dào can mark a contrast with an expectation; it does not force every following compliment to be sarcastic. you你nǐto make做zuò(degree marker)得deto invert倒dàocorrect不错bù cuò can be sincere surprise.

Try it with help closed

A friend says that moving all the desks will be easy, but has not offered to help. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: you你nǐvariant of 说说shuō(degree marker)得deto invert倒dàoeasy容易róng yì，who谁shéito come来láito move (i.e. relocate…搬bān(and …? / softener)呢ne？

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• to invert倒dào can mark a contrast with an expectation; it does not force every following compliment to be sarcastic.
• you你nǐto make做zuò(degree marker)得deto invert倒dàocorrect不错bù cuò can be sincere surprise.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

degree / adjective linker很hěnto be / is是shì + Adj (a formal “very”)

Choose the voice of a written report

• A report describes the team's reaction after the results arrive.
• everyone大家dà jiāto / towards / correct对duìoutcome结果jié guǒdegree / adjective linker很hěnto be / is是shìsatisfied满意mǎn yì。 — The report expresses strong satisfaction in a slightly literary voice.

Locate the pattern in real examples

• degree / adjective linker很hěnto be / is是shì + Adj (a formal “very”): everyone大家dà jiādegree / adjective linker很hěnto be / is是shìhappy高兴gāo xìng。; teacher老师lǎo shīto / towards / correct对duìhe / him他tā(modifier / structural particle)的deprogress进步jìn bùdegree / adjective linker很hěnto be / is是shìsatisfied满意mǎn yì。
• Read the whole clause before choosing a translation. The examples show the pattern in use; the context below determines what the speaker claims.

Follow the speaker

everyone大家dà jiāvery很是hěn shìpleased高兴gāo xìng。

• In the opening situation: everyone大家dà jiāto / towards / correct对duìoutcome结果jié guǒdegree / adjective linker很hěnto be / is是shìsatisfied满意mǎn yì。
• The report expresses strong satisfaction in a slightly literary voice.

Check the limit of the explanation

• Plain degree / adjective linker很hěnsatisfied满意mǎn yì works in ordinary conversation.
• everyone大家dà jiāto be / is是shìdegree / adjective linker很hěnhappy高兴gāo xìng can also be grammatical: to be / is是shì stresses agreement, often before a contrast.

Repair the form before interpreting it

• The form everyone大家dà jiādegree / adjective linker很hěnto be / is是shì(completed / change)了lesatisfied满意mǎn yì needs repair here. Write everyone大家dà jiādegree / adjective linker很hěnto be / is是shìsatisfied满意mǎn yì instead; keep the word or frame in its demonstrated order.
• Form and meaning are separate checks. After the repair, explain the sentence in its situation rather than treating a familiar translation as a universal rule.

Keep the distinction

• The report expresses strong satisfaction in a slightly literary voice. Check the relevant speaker, time or group in the surrounding context.
• Plain degree / adjective linker很hěnsatisfied满意mǎn yì works in ordinary conversation. everyone大家dà jiāto be / is是shìdegree / adjective linker很hěnhappy高兴gāo xìng can also be grammatical: to be / is是shì stresses agreement, often before a contrast.

Try it with help closed

A report describes the team's reaction after the results arrive. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: everyone大家dà jiāto / towards / correct对duìoutcome结果jié guǒdegree / adjective linker很hěnto be / is是shìsatisfied满意mǎn yì。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• Plain degree / adjective linker很hěnsatisfied满意mǎn yì works in ordinary conversation.
• everyone大家dà jiāto be / is是shìdegree / adjective linker很hěnhappy高兴gāo xìng can also be grammatical: to be / is是shì stresses agreement, often before a contrast.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

fully足足zú zú + Amount (a full / as much as)

A short wait feels unexpectedly long

• You expected a ten-minute queue but waited two hours.
• we / us我们wǒ menfully足足zú zúto wait for等děng(completed / change)了le两个liǎng gèhour小时xiǎo shí。 — fully足足zú zú presents the full two hours as a notable amount.

Locate the pattern in real examples

• fully足足zú zú + Amount (a full / as much as): we / us我们wǒ menfully足足zú zúto wait for等děng(completed / change)了le两个liǎng gèhour小时xiǎo shí。; this这zhèstrip条tiáofish鱼yú足足有zú zú yǒu五斤wǔ jīnheavy / important重zhòng。
• Read the whole clause before choosing a translation. The examples show the pattern in use; the context below determines what the speaker claims.

Follow the speaker

I我wǒa full足足zú zúwait等děng了leone一yí(measure word)个gehour小时xiǎo shí。

• In the opening situation: we / us我们wǒ menfully足足zú zúto wait for等děng(completed / change)了le两个liǎng gèhour小时xiǎo shí。
• fully足足zú zú presents the full two hours as a notable amount.

Check the limit of the explanation

• The speaker's expectation matters, not an absolute minimum number.
• fully足足zú zú十秒shí miǎo can feel long when a screen should respond immediately.

Repair the form before interpreting it

• The form (bound form) foot足zú(completed / change)了le(bound form) foot足zúto wait for等děng两个liǎng gèhour小时xiǎo shí needs repair here. Write fully足足zú zúto wait for等děng(completed / change)了le两个liǎng gèhour小时xiǎo shí instead; keep the word or frame in its demonstrated order.
• Form and meaning are separate checks. After the repair, explain the sentence in its situation rather than treating a familiar translation as a universal rule.

Keep the distinction

• fully足足zú zú presents the full two hours as a notable amount. Check the relevant speaker, time or group in the surrounding context.
• The speaker's expectation matters, not an absolute minimum number. fully足足zú zú十秒shí miǎo can feel long when a screen should respond immediately.

Try it with help closed

You expected a ten-minute queue but waited two hours. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: we / us我们wǒ menfully足足zú zúto wait for等děng(completed / change)了le两个liǎng gèhour小时xiǎo shí。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• The speaker's expectation matters, not an absolute minimum number.
• fully足足zú zú十秒shí miǎo can feel long when a screen should respond immediately.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

repeatedly一再yī zài + Verb (again and again)

A warning is repeated before departure

• A leader has reminded the group several times to check their equipment.
• teacher老师lǎo shīrepeatedly一再yī zàito remind提醒tí xǐngwe / us我们wǒ meninspection检查jiǎn cháequipment装备zhuāng bèi。 — The reminder has been repeated; this is more than one new reminder.

Locate the pattern in real examples

• repeatedly一再yī zài + Verb (again and again): he / him他tā一再强调yī zài qiáng diàothis这zhèa bit一点yì diǎn。; I / me我wǒrepeatedly一再yī zàito remind提醒tí xǐng(experienced)过guoyou你nǐ。
• Read the whole clause before choosing a translation. The examples show the pattern in use; the context below determines what the speaker claims.

Follow the speaker

he他tārepeatedly一再yí zàistress强调qiáng diàosafety安全ān quán。

• In the opening situation: teacher老师lǎo shīrepeatedly一再yī zàito remind提醒tí xǐngwe / us我们wǒ meninspection检查jiǎn cháequipment装备zhuāng bèi。
• The reminder has been repeated; this is more than one new reminder.

Check the limit of the explanation

• repeatedly一再yī zài does not mean exactly two or three times.
• again又yòuto remind提醒tí xǐng(completed / change)了lefirst一次yī cì names one additional occurrence; repeatedly一再yī zàito remind提醒tí xǐng summarises a recurring action.

Repair the form before interpreting it

• The form one / a一yī(completed / change)了leagain / then再zàito remind提醒tí xǐngwe / us我们wǒ men needs repair here. Write repeatedly一再yī zàito remind提醒tí xǐngwe / us我们wǒ men instead; keep the word or frame in its demonstrated order.
• Form and meaning are separate checks. After the repair, explain the sentence in its situation rather than treating a familiar translation as a universal rule.

Keep the distinction

• The reminder has been repeated; this is more than one new reminder. Check the relevant speaker, time or group in the surrounding context.
• repeatedly一再yī zài does not mean exactly two or three times. again又yòuto remind提醒tí xǐng(completed / change)了lefirst一次yī cì names one additional occurrence; repeatedly一再yī zàito remind提醒tí xǐng summarises a recurring action.

Try it with help closed

A leader has reminded the group several times to check their equipment. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: teacher老师lǎo shīrepeatedly一再yī zàito remind提醒tí xǐngwe / us我们wǒ meninspection检查jiǎn cháequipment装备zhuāng bèi。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• repeatedly一再yī zài does not mean exactly two or three times.
• again又yòuto remind提醒tí xǐng(completed / change)了lefirst一次yī cì names one additional occurrence; repeatedly一再yī zàito remind提醒tí xǐng summarises a recurring action.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

each and every凡是fán shì … all / both都dōu (all / any without exception)

Who qualifies for the same benefit?

• A club notice gives a certificate to every person who completes the course.
• each and every凡是fán shìto complete完成wán chéngcourse课程kè chéng(modifier / structural particle)的deperson人rén，all / both都dōucan / be able to能néngto receive领取lǐng qǔcredentials证书zhèng shū。 — Completing the course defines the group; every member qualifies.

Locate the pattern in real examples

• each and every凡是fán shì … all / both都dōu (all / any without exception): each and every凡是fán shì去过qù guò(modifier / structural particle)的deperson人rén,all / both都dōuto come to an agreement说好shuō hǎo。; each and every凡是fán shìhe / him他tāvariant of 说说shuōif (coming after a…的话de huà,I / me我wǒall / both都dōuto remember记得jì de。
• Read the whole clause before choosing a translation. The examples show the pattern in use; the context below determines what the speaker claims.

Follow the speaker

all凡是fán shìstudents学生xué shengall都dōumay可以kě yǐtake part参加cān jiā。

• In the opening situation: each and every凡是fán shìto complete完成wán chéngcourse课程kè chéng(modifier / structural particle)的deperson人rén，all / both都dōucan / be able to能néngto receive领取lǐng qǔcredentials证书zhèng shū。
• Completing the course defines the group; every member qualifies.

Check the limit of the explanation

• The group may be defined by a whole clause, not just a bare noun.
• each and every凡是fán shìto sign up报名bào míng(modifier / structural particle)的deperson人rén does not include people who never registered.

Repair the form before interpreting it

• The form each and every凡是fán shì(completed / change)了leto complete完成wán chéngcourse课程kè chéng(modifier / structural particle)的deperson人rén needs repair here. Write each and every凡是fán shìto complete完成wán chéngcourse课程kè chéng(modifier / structural particle)的deperson人rén instead; keep the word or frame in its demonstrated order.
• Form and meaning are separate checks. After the repair, explain the sentence in its situation rather than treating a familiar translation as a universal rule.

Keep the distinction

• Completing the course defines the group; every member qualifies. Check the relevant speaker, time or group in the surrounding context.
• The group may be defined by a whole clause, not just a bare noun. each and every凡是fán shìto sign up报名bào míng(modifier / structural particle)的deperson人rén does not include people who never registered.

Try it with help closed

A club notice gives a certificate to every person who completes the course. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: each and every凡是fán shìto complete完成wán chéngcourse课程kè chéng(modifier / structural particle)的deperson人rén，all / both都dōucan / be able to能néngto receive领取lǐng qǔcredentials证书zhèng shū。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• The group may be defined by a whole clause, not just a bare noun.
• each and every凡是fán shìto sign up报名bào míng(modifier / structural particle)的deperson人rén does not include people who never registered.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

always (previously)向来xiàng lái (always / all along)

A reliable colleague has one unusual day

• A colleague is normally punctual, but today has not arrived.
• he / him他tāalways (previously)向来xiàng láion time准时zhǔn shí，today今天jīn tiānhow / why怎么zěn mestill / also还háinot / haven't没méito come来lái？ — The speaker contrasts his established record with today's exception.

Locate the pattern in real examples

• always (previously)向来xiàng lái (always / all along): he / him他tāalways (previously)向来xiàng láipunctual守时shǒu shí。; 这家zhè jiāinn店diànalways (previously)向来xiàng láibusiness生意shēng yìdegree / adjective linker很hěngood好hǎo。
• Read the whole clause before choosing a translation. The examples show the pattern in use; the context below determines what the speaker claims.

Follow the speaker

he他tāalways向来xiàng láipunctual准时zhǔn shí。

• In the opening situation: he / him他tāalways (previously)向来xiàng láion time准时zhǔn shí，today今天jīn tiānhow / why怎么zěn mestill / also还háinot / haven't没méito come来lái？
• The speaker contrasts his established record with today's exception.

Check the limit of the explanation

• A long-standing habit can be followed by an exception.
• always (previously)向来xiàng láion time准时zhǔn shí does not make today今天jīn tiānto arrive late迟到chí dào grammatically impossible.

Repair the form before interpreting it

• The form towards向xiàng(completed / change)了leto come来láion time准时zhǔn shí needs repair here. Write always (previously)向来xiàng láion time准时zhǔn shí instead; keep the word or frame in its demonstrated order.
• Form and meaning are separate checks. After the repair, explain the sentence in its situation rather than treating a familiar translation as a universal rule.

Keep the distinction

• The speaker contrasts his established record with today's exception. Check the relevant speaker, time or group in the surrounding context.
• A long-standing habit can be followed by an exception. always (previously)向来xiàng láion time准时zhǔn shí does not make today今天jīn tiānto arrive late迟到chí dào grammatically impossible.

Try it with help closed

A colleague is normally punctual, but today has not arrived. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: he / him他tāalways (previously)向来xiàng láion time准时zhǔn shí，today今天jīn tiānhow / why怎么zěn mestill / also还háinot / haven't没méito come来lái？

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• A long-standing habit can be followed by an exception.
• always (previously)向来xiàng láion time准时zhǔn shí does not make today今天jīn tiānto arrive late迟到chí dào grammatically impossible.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

really果然guǒ rán (sure enough / as expected)

A forecast is confirmed by observation

• The forecast predicted afternoon rain. Rain starts after lunch.
• weather forecast天气预报tiān qì yù bàovariant of 说说shuōto have / there is有yǒu(literary) to rain雨yǔ，afternoon下午xià wǔreally果然guǒ ránto rain下雨xià yǔ(completed / change)了le。 — The event confirms the forecast the speaker already knew.

Locate the pattern in real examples

• really果然guǒ rán (sure enough / as expected): weather forecast天气预报tiān qì yù bàovariant of 说说shuōto have / there is有yǒu(literary) to rain雨yǔ,afternoon下午xià wǔreally果然guǒ rándown下xià(completed / change)了le。; he / him他tāvariant of 说说shuōcan / will会huìto beat赢yíng,really果然guǒ ránto beat赢yíng(completed / change)了le。
• Read the whole clause before choosing a translation. The examples show the pattern in use; the context below determines what the speaker claims.

Follow the speaker

I我wǒsaid说shuōwould会huìrain下雨xià yǔ，sure enough果然guǒ ránfell下xià了le。

• In the opening situation: weather forecast天气预报tiān qì yù bàovariant of 说说shuōto have / there is有yǒu(literary) to rain雨yǔ，afternoon下午xià wǔreally果然guǒ ránto rain下雨xià yǔ(completed / change)了le。
• The event confirms the forecast the speaker already knew.

Check the limit of the explanation

• unexpectedly居然jū rán would highlight surprise instead.
• An event is not inherently really果然guǒ rán: the same rain may confirm one person's forecast and surprise another person.

Repair the form before interpreting it

• The form afternoon下午xià wǔto rain下雨xià yǔ(completed / change)了lereally果然guǒ rán needs repair here. Write afternoon下午xià wǔreally果然guǒ ránto rain下雨xià yǔ(completed / change)了le instead; keep the word or frame in its demonstrated order.
• Form and meaning are separate checks. After the repair, explain the sentence in its situation rather than treating a familiar translation as a universal rule.

Keep the distinction

• The event confirms the forecast the speaker already knew. Check the relevant speaker, time or group in the surrounding context.
• unexpectedly居然jū rán would highlight surprise instead. An event is not inherently really果然guǒ rán: the same rain may confirm one person's forecast and surprise another person.

Try it with help closed

The forecast predicted afternoon rain. Rain starts after lunch. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: weather forecast天气预报tiān qì yù bàovariant of 说说shuōto have / there is有yǒu(literary) to rain雨yǔ，afternoon下午xià wǔreally果然guǒ ránto rain下雨xià yǔ(completed / change)了le。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• unexpectedly居然jū rán would highlight surprise instead.
• An event is not inherently really果然guǒ rán: the same rain may confirm one person's forecast and surprise another person.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

it seems似乎sì hū (it seems / as if)

Read a face without claiming certainty

• A colleague is quiet and frowning. You do not know the reason.
• he / him他tāit seems似乎sì hūnot不bù太高兴tài gāo xìng。 — The speaker cautiously interprets observable behaviour.

Locate the pattern in real examples

• it seems似乎sì hū (it seems / as if): he / him他tāit seems似乎sì hūnot不bù太高兴tài gāo xìng。; this这个zhè gename (of a person or thing)名字míng zìI / me我wǒit seems似乎sì hūat / in在zàiwhere哪儿nǎr听过tīng guò。
• Read the whole clause before choosing a translation. The examples show the pattern in use; the context below determines what the speaker claims.

Follow the speaker

he他tāseems似乎sì hūnot不búvery太tàihappy高兴gāo xìng。

• In the opening situation: he / him他tāit seems似乎sì hūnot不bù太高兴tài gāo xìng。
• The speaker cautiously interprets observable behaviour.

Check the limit of the explanation

• it seems似乎sì hū does not prove the mood or its cause.
• it seems似乎sì hūdegree / adjective linker很hěnhappy高兴gāo xìng is equally possible when the observed signs suggest happiness.

Repair the form before interpreting it

• The form he / him他tānot不bù太高兴tài gāo xìngit seems似乎sì hū needs repair here. Write he / him他tāit seems似乎sì hūnot不bù太高兴tài gāo xìng instead; keep the word or frame in its demonstrated order.
• Form and meaning are separate checks. After the repair, explain the sentence in its situation rather than treating a familiar translation as a universal rule.

Keep the distinction

• The speaker cautiously interprets observable behaviour. Check the relevant speaker, time or group in the surrounding context.
• it seems似乎sì hū does not prove the mood or its cause. it seems似乎sì hūdegree / adjective linker很hěnhappy高兴gāo xìng is equally possible when the observed signs suggest happiness.

Try it with help closed

A colleague is quiet and frowning. You do not know the reason. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: he / him他tāit seems似乎sì hūnot不bù太高兴tài gāo xìng。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• it seems似乎sì hū does not prove the mood or its cause.
• it seems似乎sì hūdegree / adjective linker很hěnhappy高兴gāo xìng is equally possible when the observed signs suggest happiness.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

(indicates that sth turns…偏偏piān piān (of all things / just had to)

Rain arrives at the inconvenient moment

• You planned an outdoor event for the only free afternoon, and rain begins then.
• (indicates that sth turns…偏偏piān piān这时候zhè shí hòuto rain下雨xià yǔ。 — The timing clashes with the speaker's plan.

Locate the pattern in real examples

• (indicates that sth turns…偏偏piān piān (of all things / just had to): I / me我wǒto let / make让rànghe / him他tādon't别biéto go去qù,he / him他tā(indicates that sth turns…偏偏piān piānwant / will / need要yàoto go去qù。; early早zǎoto be not less than (a…不下bù xiàevening晚wǎnto be not less than (a…不下bù xià,(indicates that sth turns…偏偏piān piān这时候zhè shí hòuto rain下雨xià yǔ。
• Read the whole clause before choosing a translation. The examples show the pattern in use; the context below determines what the speaker claims.

Follow the speaker

I我wǒtold让rànghim他tādon't别biégo去qù，he他tājust had to偏偏piān piāninsist要yàogo去qù。

• In the opening situation: (indicates that sth turns…偏偏piān piān这时候zhè shí hòuto rain下雨xià yǔ。
• The timing clashes with the speaker's plan.

Check the limit of the explanation

• (indicates that sth turns…偏偏piān piān also marks deliberate opposition, as in to let / make让rànghe / him他tādon't别biéto go去qù，he / him他tā(indicates that sth turns…偏偏piān piānwant / will / need要yàoto go去qù.
• It does not itself identify whether the clash was accidental or intentional.

Repair the form before interpreting it

• The form to lean偏piān(completed / change)了leto lean偏piān这时候zhè shí hòuto rain下雨xià yǔ needs repair here. Write (indicates that sth turns…偏偏piān piān这时候zhè shí hòuto rain下雨xià yǔ instead; keep the word or frame in its demonstrated order.
• Form and meaning are separate checks. After the repair, explain the sentence in its situation rather than treating a familiar translation as a universal rule.

Keep the distinction

• The timing clashes with the speaker's plan. Check the relevant speaker, time or group in the surrounding context.
• (indicates that sth turns…偏偏piān piān also marks deliberate opposition, as in to let / make让rànghe / him他tādon't别biéto go去qù，he / him他tā(indicates that sth turns…偏偏piān piānwant / will / need要yàoto go去qù. It does not itself identify whether the clash was accidental or intentional.

Try it with help closed

You planned an outdoor event for the only free afternoon, and rain begins then. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: (indicates that sth turns…偏偏piān piān这时候zhè shí hòuto rain下雨xià yǔ。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• (indicates that sth turns…偏偏piān piān also marks deliberate opposition, as in to let / make让rànghe / him他tādon't别biéto go去qù，he / him他tā(indicates that sth turns…偏偏piān piānwant / will / need要yàoto go去qù.
• It does not itself identify whether the clash was accidental or intentional.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

again / then再zài + Adj + also也yě (however …, still …)

A rule survives even extreme busyness

• Someone suggests skipping lunch to finish work. You insist on a break.
• again / then再zàibusy忙mángalso也yěwant / will / need要yàoto have a meal吃饭chī fàn。 — Eating remains necessary however busy the person becomes.

Locate the pattern in real examples

• again / then再zài + Adj + also也yě (however …, still …): again / then再zàibusy忙mángalso也yěwant / will / need要yàoto have a meal吃饭chī fàn。; again / then再zàidifficult / hard难nánalso也yěwant / will / need要yàoto press on坚持下去jiān chí xià qù。
• Read the whole clause before choosing a translation. The examples show the pattern in use; the context below determines what the speaker claims.

Follow the speaker

however再zàibusy忙mángstill也yěmust要yàoeat吃饭chī fàn。

• In the opening situation: again / then再zàibusy忙mángalso也yěwant / will / need要yàoto have a meal吃饭chī fàn。
• Eating remains necessary however busy the person becomes.

Check the limit of the explanation

• This again / then再zài means even at a greater degree, not doing the action again.
• again / then再zàivariant of 吃吃chīreadily一口yī kǒu uses a different meaning of again / then再zài.

Repair the form before interpreting it

• The form again / then再zàibusy忙mángalso也yě(completed / change)了lewant / will / need要yàoto have a meal吃饭chī fàn needs repair here. Write again / then再zàibusy忙mángalso也yěwant / will / need要yàoto have a meal吃饭chī fàn instead; keep the word or frame in its demonstrated order.
• Form and meaning are separate checks. After the repair, explain the sentence in its situation rather than treating a familiar translation as a universal rule.

Keep the distinction

• Eating remains necessary however busy the person becomes. Check the relevant speaker, time or group in the surrounding context.
• This again / then再zài means even at a greater degree, not doing the action again. again / then再zàivariant of 吃吃chīreadily一口yī kǒu uses a different meaning of again / then再zài.

Try it with help closed

Someone suggests skipping lunch to finish work. You insist on a break. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: again / then再zàibusy忙mángalso也yěwant / will / need要yàoto have a meal吃饭chī fàn。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• This again / then再zài means even at a greater degree, not doing the action again.
• again / then再zàivariant of 吃吃chīreadily一口yī kǒu uses a different meaning of again / then再zài.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

same一律yī lǜ (uniformly / without exception)

Read the scope of a shop notice

• A notice says that every item in the clearance area has the same discount.
• to take an inventory of…清仓qīng cāngarea区qū(modifier / structural particle)的decommodity商品shāng pǐnsame一律yī lǜto beat打dǎ八折bā zhé。 — The uniform rule applies to goods in the named area.

Locate the pattern in real examples

• same一律yī lǜ (uniformly / without exception): 店内diàn nèicommodity商品shāng pǐnsame一律yī lǜ八折bā zhé。; meeting会议huì yìperiod of time期间qī jiāncell phone手机shǒu jīsame一律yī lǜto turn off (a machine or…关机guān jī。
• Read the whole clause before choosing a translation. The examples show the pattern in use; the context below determines what the speaker claims.

Follow the speaker

goods商品shāng pǐnuniformly一律yí lǜ20% off打八折dǎ bā zhé。

• In the opening situation: to take an inventory of…清仓qīng cāngarea区qū(modifier / structural particle)的decommodity商品shāng pǐnsame一律yī lǜto beat打dǎ八折bā zhé。
• The uniform rule applies to goods in the named area.

Check the limit of the explanation

• to beat打dǎ八折bā zhé means paying 80% of the price, a 20% reduction.
• same一律yī lǜ covers its stated group, so this notice says nothing about items outside the area.

Repair the form before interpreting it

• The form 一了律yī liǎo lǜto beat打dǎ八折bā zhé needs repair here. Write same一律yī lǜto beat打dǎ八折bā zhé instead; keep the word or frame in its demonstrated order.
• Form and meaning are separate checks. After the repair, explain the sentence in its situation rather than treating a familiar translation as a universal rule.

Keep the distinction

• The uniform rule applies to goods in the named area. Check the relevant speaker, time or group in the surrounding context.
• to beat打dǎ八折bā zhé means paying 80% of the price, a 20% reduction. same一律yī lǜ covers its stated group, so this notice says nothing about items outside the area.

Try it with help closed

A notice says that every item in the clearance area has the same discount. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: to take an inventory of…清仓qīng cāngarea区qū(modifier / structural particle)的decommodity商品shāng pǐnsame一律yī lǜto beat打dǎ八折bā zhé。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• to beat打dǎ八折bā zhé means paying 80% of the price, a 20% reduction.
• same一律yī lǜ covers its stated group, so this notice says nothing about items outside the area.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

only无非wú fēi (nothing but / merely)

A simple motive replaces a dramatic guess

• Someone suspects a complicated plan. A friend offers a simpler explanation.
• he / him他tāonly无非wú fēito be / is是shìwant / think / miss想xiǎngto help帮bāngyou你nǐ。 — The friend reduces the motive to wanting to help.

Locate the pattern in real examples

• only无非wú fēi (nothing but / merely): he / him他tāso much这么zhè meto make做zuò,only无非wú fēito be / is是shìwant / think / miss想xiǎngto help帮bāngyou你nǐ。; everyone大家dà jiāto chat聊liáo(modifier / structural particle)的deonly无非wú fēito be / is是shìto work工作gōng zuòand / with和héchild孩子hái zi。
• Read the whole clause before choosing a translation. The examples show the pattern in use; the context below determines what the speaker claims.

Follow the speaker

he他tāmerely无非wú fēiis是shìwant想xiǎnghelp帮bāngyou你nǐ。

• In the opening situation: he / him他tāonly无非wú fēito be / is是shìwant / think / miss想xiǎngto help帮bāngyou你nǐ。
• The friend reduces the motive to wanting to help.

Check the limit of the explanation

• This is the speaker's interpretation, not proof of the person's real intention.
• only无非wú fēi can describe more than one item: only无非wú fēito be / is是shìto work工作gōng zuòand / with和héto learn学习xué xí.

Repair the form before interpreting it

• The form not to have无wú(completed / change)了leto not be非fēito be / is是shìwant / think / miss想xiǎngto help帮bāngyou你nǐ needs repair here. Write only无非wú fēito be / is是shìwant / think / miss想xiǎngto help帮bāngyou你nǐ instead; keep the word or frame in its demonstrated order.
• Form and meaning are separate checks. After the repair, explain the sentence in its situation rather than treating a familiar translation as a universal rule.

Keep the distinction

• The friend reduces the motive to wanting to help. Check the relevant speaker, time or group in the surrounding context.
• This is the speaker's interpretation, not proof of the person's real intention. only无非wú fēi can describe more than one item: only无非wú fēito be / is是shìto work工作gōng zuòand / with和héto learn学习xué xí.

Try it with help closed

Someone suspects a complicated plan. A friend offers a simpler explanation. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: he / him他tāonly无非wú fēito be / is是shìwant / think / miss想xiǎngto help帮bāngyou你nǐ。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• This is the speaker's interpretation, not proof of the person's real intention.
• only无非wú fēi can describe more than one item: only无非wú fēito be / is是shìto work工作gōng zuòand / with和héto learn学习xué xí.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

always (previously)一向yí xiàng (all along / consistently)

A standing preference differs from one meal

• A friend has disliked sweet food for years, not just today.
• she / her她tāalways (previously)一向yí xiàngnot不bùto like喜欢xǐ huandessert甜食tián shí。 — The sentence summarises a stable preference across occasions.

Locate the pattern in real examples

• always (previously)一向yí xiàng (all along / consistently): 张老师zhāng lǎo shīalways (previously)一向yí xiàngto request要求yāo qiústrict严格yán gé。; he / him他tāalways (previously)一向yí xiàngnot不bùto drink (alcohol)喝酒hē jiǔ。
• Read the whole clause before choosing a translation. The examples show the pattern in use; the context below determines what the speaker claims.

Follow the speaker

he他tāall along一向yí xiàngvery很hěnhard-working努力nǔ lì。

• In the opening situation: she / her她tāalways (previously)一向yí xiàngnot不bùto like喜欢xǐ huandessert甜食tián shí。
• The sentence summarises a stable preference across occasions.

Check the limit of the explanation

• all along一直yì zhínot不bùto like喜欢xǐ huandessert甜食tián shí can also express a lasting preference.
• always (previously)一向yí xiàng is not restricted to people: here这里zhè lǐ(modifier / structural particle)的deto serve服务fú wùalways (previously)一向yí xiàngdegree / adjective linker很hěngood好hǎo describes service quality.

Repair the form before interpreting it

• The form one / a一yī(completed / change)了letowards向xiàngnot不bùto like喜欢xǐ huandessert甜食tián shí needs repair here. Write always (previously)一向yí xiàngnot不bùto like喜欢xǐ huandessert甜食tián shí instead; keep the word or frame in its demonstrated order.
• Form and meaning are separate checks. After the repair, explain the sentence in its situation rather than treating a familiar translation as a universal rule.

Keep the distinction

• The sentence summarises a stable preference across occasions. Check the relevant speaker, time or group in the surrounding context.
• all along一直yì zhínot不bùto like喜欢xǐ huandessert甜食tián shí can also express a lasting preference. always (previously)一向yí xiàng is not restricted to people: here这里zhè lǐ(modifier / structural particle)的deto serve服务fú wùalways (previously)一向yí xiàngdegree / adjective linker很hěngood好hǎo describes service quality.

Try it with help closed

A friend has disliked sweet food for years, not just today. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: she / her她tāalways (previously)一向yí xiàngnot不bùto like喜欢xǐ huandessert甜食tián shí。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• all along一直yì zhínot不bùto like喜欢xǐ huandessert甜食tián shí can also express a lasting preference.
• always (previously)一向yí xiàng is not restricted to people: here这里zhè lǐ(modifier / structural particle)的deto serve服务fú wùalways (previously)一向yí xiàngdegree / adjective linker很hěngood好hǎo describes service quality.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

when the moment comes到时候dào shí hòu (when the time comes)

Set a reminder for a known event

• A trip starts next Friday. You will send the meeting point nearer departure.
• down下xiàFriday周五zhōu wǔto set off出发chū fā，when the moment comes到时候dào shí hòuI / me我wǒ(把: marks the object)把bǎplace地点dì diǎn发给你fā gěi nǐ。 — The departure provides the time to which when the moment comes到时候dào shí hòu refers.

Locate the pattern in real examples

• when the moment comes到时候dào shí hòu (when the time comes): 别急bié jí,when the moment comes到时候dào shí hòuI / me我wǒto remind提醒tí xǐngyou你nǐ。; early先xiānpreparation准备zhǔn bèigood好hǎo,when the moment comes到时候dào shí hòuthen / just就jiùnot不bùto get panicky慌huāng(completed / change)了le。
• Read the whole clause before choosing a translation. The examples show the pattern in use; the context below determines what the speaker claims.

Follow the speaker

don't别biéworry急jí，when the time comes到时候dào shí houthen再zàitalk说shuō。

• In the opening situation: down下xiàFriday周五zhōu wǔto set off出发chū fā，when the moment comes到时候dào shí hòuI / me我wǒ(把: marks the object)把bǎplace地点dì diǎn发给你fā gěi nǐ。
• The departure provides the time to which when the moment comes到时候dào shí hòu refers.

Check the limit of the explanation

• A reader needs a recoverable event or time.
• when the moment comes到时候dào shí hòu does not always mean postponing a decision; it can schedule a definite action.

Repair the form before interpreting it

• The form 到候dào hòuo'clock时shíI / me我wǒto remind提醒tí xǐngyou你nǐ needs repair here. Write when the moment comes到时候dào shí hòuI / me我wǒto remind提醒tí xǐngyou你nǐ instead; keep the word or frame in its demonstrated order.
• Form and meaning are separate checks. After the repair, explain the sentence in its situation rather than treating a familiar translation as a universal rule.

Keep the distinction

• The departure provides the time to which when the moment comes到时候dào shí hòu refers. Check the relevant speaker, time or group in the surrounding context.
• A reader needs a recoverable event or time. when the moment comes到时候dào shí hòu does not always mean postponing a decision; it can schedule a definite action.

Try it with help closed

A trip starts next Friday. You will send the meeting point nearer departure. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: down下xiàFriday周五zhōu wǔto set off出发chū fā，when the moment comes到时候dào shí hòuI / me我wǒ(把: marks the object)把bǎplace地点dì diǎn发给你fā gěi nǐ。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• A reader needs a recoverable event or time.
• when the moment comes到时候dào shí hòu does not always mean postponing a decision; it can schedule a definite action.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

there is no need何必hé bì (why bother / no need)

An unnecessary trip is challenged

• A friend wants to travel across town for a book that can be borrowed next door.
• downstairs楼下lóu xiàthen / just就jiùcan / be able to能néngvariant of 借借jièto / arrive到dào，there is no need何必hé bìto run跑pǎolike that那么nà meto distance oneself from…远yuǎn？ — The speaker argues that the distant trip is unnecessary.

Locate the pattern in real examples

• there is no need何必hé bì (why bother / no need): there is no need何必hé bìso much这么zhè mepolite客气kè qì?; affair事情shì qíngalready已经yǐ jīng(verb suffix)过去guò qù(completed / change)了le,there is no need何必hé bìagain / then再zàito carry (hanging down from…提tí?
• Read the whole clause before choosing a translation. The examples show the pattern in use; the context below determines what the speaker claims.

Follow the speaker

you你nǐwhy bother何必hé bìso这么zhè mepolite客气kè qi。

• In the opening situation: downstairs楼下lóu xiàthen / just就jiùcan / be able to能néngvariant of 借借jièto / arrive到dào，there is no need何必hé bìto run跑pǎolike that那么nà meto distance oneself from…远yuǎn？
• The speaker argues that the distant trip is unnecessary.

Check the limit of the explanation

• there is no need何必hé bì asks rhetorically about necessity.
• It can sound critical, not always gentle. why?为什么wèi shén meto run跑pǎolike that那么nà meto distance oneself from…远yuǎn can genuinely request the person's reason.

Repair the form before interpreting it

• The form what何hé(completed / change)了lecertainly必bìto run跑pǎolike that那么nà meto distance oneself from…远yuǎn needs repair here. Write there is no need何必hé bìto run跑pǎolike that那么nà meto distance oneself from…远yuǎn instead; keep the word or frame in its demonstrated order.
• Form and meaning are separate checks. After the repair, explain the sentence in its situation rather than treating a familiar translation as a universal rule.

Keep the distinction

• The speaker argues that the distant trip is unnecessary. Check the relevant speaker, time or group in the surrounding context.
• there is no need何必hé bì asks rhetorically about necessity. It can sound critical, not always gentle. why?为什么wèi shén meto run跑pǎolike that那么nà meto distance oneself from…远yuǎn can genuinely request the person's reason.

Try it with help closed

A friend wants to travel across town for a book that can be borrowed next door. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

One possible response: downstairs楼下lóu xiàthen / just就jiùcan / be able to能néngvariant of 借借jièto / arrive到dào，there is no need何必hé bìto run跑pǎolike that那么nà meto distance oneself from…远yuǎn？

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• there is no need何必hé bì asks rhetorically about necessity.
• It can sound critical, not always gentle. why?为什么wèi shén meto run跑pǎolike that那么nà meto distance oneself from…远yuǎn can genuinely request the person's reason.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.