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.
Describe a family and explain a custom
Give basic family information and describe a festival activity.
Build the meaning
有 describes family members or possessions. 我有一个姐姐 gives the relationship and quantity.
因为……所以…… links a reason and result. Chinese can use both markers; English often translates the relationship with just because or so.
Useful words in context
- 姐姐 jiějie — older sister. 我有一个姐姐。
- 家人 jiārén — family members. 我和家人吃饭。
- 春节 Chūnjié — Spring Festival. 春节我们在家。
- 因为 yīnwèi — because. 因为姐姐回家了。
- 所以 suǒyǐ — so / therefore. 所以我们一起吃饭。
Read for meaning
春节，林安的姐姐回家了。因为家人在一起，所以大家很高兴。晚上他们吃饺子。
At Spring Festival, Lin An’s older sister comes home. Everyone is happy because the family is together. In the evening they eat dumplings.
Listen to a different passage
Ask a partner to read this with the script closed. Use the online practice for browser playback.
春节我和家人吃米饭。姐姐不在家，所以我们给她打电话。
At Spring Festival I eat rice with my family. My sister is not at home, so we call her.
Speak and write
Describe one fictional family activity during a festival. Ask what another family does, without assuming the same custom.
Write a family activity and one reason-result sentence.
One speaking model: A: 春节你们做什么？ B: 我们一起吃饭。你们呢？
One writing model: 姐姐回家了。因为家人在一起，所以我们很高兴。
- Name the people or relationship.
- Give a specific activity.
- Keep the reason and result in the intended direction.
Check the distinction: Festival customs differ by region and family. The example is one family’s practice, not a rule for everyone.