Conjunctions & conditions

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.

A 或者 B (or — in statements)

A statement offers two acceptable drinks

• You say either tea or coffee is acceptable.
• 茶或者咖啡都行。 — 或者 presents alternatives in a statement.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is A 或者 B (or — in statements). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

I我wǒdrink喝hētea茶cháor或者huò zhěcoffee咖啡kā fēi。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 茶或者咖啡都行。: 或者 presents alternatives in a statement.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• For a direct alternative question use 还是: 你喝茶还是咖啡？.
• A yes-or-no question can contain 或者, as in 茶或者咖啡都可以吗？; questions are not all the same type.

Use the distinction

• 或者 presents alternatives in a statement.
• For a direct alternative question use 还是: 你喝茶还是咖啡？. A yes-or-no question can contain 或者, as in 茶或者咖啡都可以吗？; questions are not all the same type.

Try it with help closed

You say either tea or coffee is acceptable. 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: 茶或者咖啡都行。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• For a direct alternative question use 还是: 你喝茶还是咖啡？.
• A yes-or-no question can contain 或者, as in 茶或者咖啡都可以吗？; questions are not all the same type.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

那么 … (then / in that case)

A reply follows a new piece of information

• A friend says everything is ready, so you suggest leaving.
• 那么我们走吧。 — 那么 introduces a response based on what was just said.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 那么 … (then / in that case). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

then那么nà mewe我们wǒ mengo走zǒu吧ba。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 那么我们走吧。: 那么 introduces a response based on what was just said.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• This use means in that case, not degree as in 那么高.
• It does not itself indicate an exact future time; 那我们走吧 is a common shorter reply.

Use the distinction

• 那么 introduces a response based on what was just said.
• This use means in that case, not degree as in 那么高. It does not itself indicate an exact future time; 那我们走吧 is a common shorter reply.

Try it with help closed

A friend says everything is ready, so you suggest leaving. 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: 那么我们走吧。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• This use means in that case, not degree as in 那么高.
• It does not itself indicate an exact future time; 那我们走吧 is a common shorter reply.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

跟 + Person + Verb (with someone)

A conversation has a partner

• You talk with a friend rather than talk only about the friend.
• 我跟朋友聊天。 — 跟朋友 identifies the conversation partner.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 跟 + Person + Verb (with someone). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

I我wǒwith跟gēnfriends朋友péng youchat聊天liáo tiān。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 我跟朋友聊天。: 跟朋友 identifies the conversation partner.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• 关于朋友的话题 means a topic about friends.
• 跟 in this use can often be replaced by 和; another 跟 in 跟着他走 means follow him, a different construction.

Use the distinction

• 跟朋友 identifies the conversation partner.
• 关于朋友的话题 means a topic about friends. 跟 in this use can often be replaced by 和; another 跟 in 跟着他走 means follow him, a different construction.

Try it with help closed

You talk with a friend rather than talk only about the friend. 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: 我跟朋友聊天。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• 关于朋友的话题 means a topic about friends.
• 跟 in this use can often be replaced by 和; another 跟 in 跟着他走 means follow him, a different construction.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

A 还是 B? (or — in questions)

A direct choice question asks for an option

• You ask a guest which of two drinks they prefer.
• 你喝茶还是咖啡？ — 还是 connects the alternatives the guest should choose between.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is A 还是 B? (or — in questions). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

you你nǐdrink喝hētea茶cháor还是hái shìcoffee咖啡kā fēi？

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 你喝茶还是咖啡？: 还是 connects the alternatives the guest should choose between.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• This is an alternative question, so no final 吗 is needed in the basic frame.
• 还是 also means still or had better in other uses; punctuation alone cannot determine every meaning.

Use the distinction

• 还是 connects the alternatives the guest should choose between.
• This is an alternative question, so no final 吗 is needed in the basic frame. 还是 also means still or had better in other uses; punctuation alone cannot determine every meaning.

Try it with help closed

You ask a guest which of two drinks they prefer. 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: 你喝茶还是咖啡？

• 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 an alternative question, so no final 吗 is needed in the basic frame.
• 还是 also means still or had better in other uses; punctuation alone cannot determine every meaning.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

关于 + Topic (about / regarding)

A topic phrase can describe a book

• You identify a book whose subject is Chinese history.
• 这是一本关于中国历史的书。 — 关于中国历史 describes what the book is about.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 关于 + Topic (about / regarding). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

about关于guān yúthis这zhè(measure word)件jiànmatter事shì，I我wǒnot不bùknow知道zhī dào。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 这是一本关于中国历史的书。: 关于中国历史 describes what the book is about.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• 关于 can introduce a sentence topic or appear inside a noun modifier with 的.
• It is not restricted to sentence-initial position. Identify the noun or clause whose topic it supplies.

Use the distinction

• 关于中国历史 describes what the book is about.
• 关于 can introduce a sentence topic or appear inside a noun modifier with 的. It is not restricted to sentence-initial position. Identify the noun or clause whose topic it supplies.

Try it with help closed

You identify a book whose subject is Chinese history. 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: 这是一本关于中国历史的书。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• 关于 can introduce a sentence topic or appear inside a noun modifier with 的.
• It is not restricted to sentence-initial position. Identify the noun or clause whose topic it supplies.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

直到 … ，… 才 … (all the way until)

A late understanding begins at a boundary

• An explanation becomes clear to you only now.
• 直到现在，我才明白。 — 直到 gives the boundary and 才 emphasises that understanding did not occur earlier.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 直到 … ，… 才 … (all the way until). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

until直到zhí dàonow现在xiàn zài，I我wǒonly then才cáiunderstand明白míng bai。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 直到现在，我才明白。: 直到 gives the boundary and 才 emphasises that understanding did not occur earlier.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• 直到 can also mark a continuing action's endpoint without 才: 我们一直等到十点.
• Avoid adding 才 mechanically when there is no delayed onset to emphasise.

Use the distinction

• 直到 gives the boundary and 才 emphasises that understanding did not occur earlier.
• 直到 can also mark a continuing action's endpoint without 才: 我们一直等到十点. Avoid adding 才 mechanically when there is no delayed onset to emphasise.

Try it with help closed

An explanation becomes clear to you only now. 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: 直到现在，我才明白。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• 直到 can also mark a continuing action's endpoint without 才: 我们一直等到十点.
• Avoid adding 才 mechanically when there is no delayed onset to emphasise.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

向 + Direction / Person + Verb (towards)

An apology has a recipient

• You apologise to a friend rather than travel toward the friend.
• 我向他道歉。 — 向他 identifies the person to whom the apology is directed.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 向 + Direction / Person + Verb (towards). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

towards向xiàngleft左zuǒturn转zhuǎn。

Read examples in context

we我们wǒ mentowards向xiànghim他tālearn学习xué xí。

• In the opening example, 我向他道歉。: 向他 identifies the person to whom the apology is directed.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• 向 works with physical directions and abstract targets.
• 向他学习 names a model to learn from; it does not mean physically walking toward him.

Use the distinction

• 向他 identifies the person to whom the apology is directed.
• 向 works with physical directions and abstract targets. 向他学习 names a model to learn from; it does not mean physically walking toward him.

Try it with help closed

You apologise to a friend rather than travel toward the friend. 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: 我向他道歉。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• 向 works with physical directions and abstract targets.
• 向他学习 names a model to learn from; it does not mean physically walking toward him.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

只要 … ，就 … (as long as)

A sufficient condition permits entry

• A venue says a valid ticket is enough to enter.
• 只要有票，就能进去。 — The rule presents having a ticket as sufficient for entry.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 只要 … ，就 … (as long as). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

as long as只要zhǐ yàowork hard努力nǔ lì，then就jiùcan能néngsucceed成功chéng gōng。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 只要有票，就能进去。: The rule presents having a ticket as sufficient for entry.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• The statement claims sufficiency within the stated rule; it does not assert that nobody can enter by any other authorised method.
• Contrast 只有有票，才能进去, which makes a ticket necessary.

Use the distinction

• The rule presents having a ticket as sufficient for entry.
• The statement claims sufficiency within the stated rule; it does not assert that nobody can enter by any other authorised method. Contrast 只有有票，才能进去, which makes a ticket necessary.

Try it with help closed

A venue says a valid ticket is enough to enter. 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: 只要有票，就能进去。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• The statement claims sufficiency within the stated rule; it does not assert that nobody can enter by any other authorised method.
• Contrast 只有有票，才能进去, which makes a ticket necessary.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

… ，才 … (only then / only after)

A required action comes before access

• You must finish registration before using an account.
• 完成注册，才能使用账号。 — Registration is presented as a required condition before use.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is … ，才 … (only then / only after). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

you你nǐwork hard努力nǔ lì，only then才cáican能néngsucceed成功chéng gōng。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 完成注册，才能使用账号。: Registration is presented as a required condition before use.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• The requirement does not promise that registration alone solves every obstacle.
• An account could still need approval; distinguish necessary conditions from sufficient ones.

Use the distinction

• Registration is presented as a required condition before use.
• The requirement does not promise that registration alone solves every obstacle. An account could still need approval; distinguish necessary conditions from sufficient ones.

Try it with help closed

You must finish registration before using an account. 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: 完成注册，才能使用账号。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• The requirement does not promise that registration alone solves every obstacle.
• An account could still need approval; distinguish necessary conditions from sufficient ones.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

只有 … ，才 … (only if)

A necessary condition is not a complete recipe

• A venue permits entry only to people with tickets.
• 只有有票，才能进去。 — Having a ticket is presented as necessary for entry.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 只有 … ，才 … (only if). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

only if只有zhǐ yǒuwork hard努力nǔ lì，only then才cáican能néngsucceed成功chéng gōng。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 只有有票，才能进去。: Having a ticket is presented as necessary for entry.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• The rule need not say that a ticket alone is sufficient; identity checks may also be required.
• 只要有票，就能进去 instead presents a ticket as enough under that stated rule.

Use the distinction

• Having a ticket is presented as necessary for entry.
• The rule need not say that a ticket alone is sufficient; identity checks may also be required. 只要有票，就能进去 instead presents a ticket as enough under that stated rule.

Try it with help closed

A venue permits entry only to people with tickets. 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: 只有有票，才能进去。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• The rule need not say that a ticket alone is sufficient; identity checks may also be required.
• 只要有票，就能进去 instead presents a ticket as enough under that stated rule.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

除了 … 都 / 还 (except / besides)

An exception differs from an addition

• All classmates arrived except one, and a multilingual student speaks English as well as Chinese.
• 除了他，大家都来了。除了中文，她还会英文。 — 都 helps mark the exception; 还 helps mark the additional skill.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 除了 … 都 / 还 (except / besides). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

except除了chú lehim他tā，everyone大家dà jiāall都dōucome来lái了le。

Read examples in context

besides除了chú leChinese中文Zhōng wén，he他tāalso还háican会huìEnglish英文Yīng wén。

• In the opening example, 除了他，大家都来了。除了中文，她还会英文。: 都 helps mark the exception; 还 helps mark the additional skill.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• Read the whole predicate and context instead of treating a single partner word as an infallible switch.
• The first sentence excludes him from the arrival claim; the second includes both skills.

Use the distinction

• 都 helps mark the exception; 还 helps mark the additional skill.
• Read the whole predicate and context instead of treating a single partner word as an infallible switch. The first sentence excludes him from the arrival claim; the second includes both skills.

Try it with help closed

All classmates arrived except one, and a multilingual student speaks English as well as Chinese. 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: 除了他，大家都来了。除了中文，她还会英文。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• Read the whole predicate and context instead of treating a single partner word as an infallible switch.
• The first sentence excludes him from the arrival claim; the second includes both skills.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

如果 … 的话 (if …)

An invitation depends on free time

• A friend invites you to come if you are available.
• 如果有时间的话，就来吧。 — 的话 closes the stated condition before the invitation.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 如果 … 的话 (if …). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

if如果rú guǒhave有yǒutime时间shí jiān(if)的话de huà，then就jiùcome来lái吧ba。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 如果有时间的话，就来吧。: 的话 closes the stated condition before the invitation.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• 如果有时间，就来吧 is also natural.
• 的话 is optional in this frame; it does not guarantee a polite tone regardless of the rest of the sentence.

Use the distinction

• 的话 closes the stated condition before the invitation.
• 如果有时间，就来吧 is also natural. 的话 is optional in this frame; it does not guarantee a polite tone regardless of the rest of the sentence.

Try it with help closed

A friend invites you to come if you are available. 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: 如果有时间的话，就来吧。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• 如果有时间，就来吧 is also natural.
• 的话 is optional in this frame; it does not guarantee a polite tone regardless of the rest of the sentence.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

如果 … ，就 … (if …, then …)

A backup plan depends on rain

• The group plans not to go outside if it rains.
• 如果下雨，我们就不去。 — Rain is the condition; not going is the planned consequence.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 如果 … ，就 … (if …, then …). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

if如果rú guǒrain下雨xià yǔ，then就jiùnot不bùgo去qù。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 如果下雨，我们就不去。: Rain is the condition; not going is the planned consequence.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• 如果下雨，我们不去 is also possible.
• 就 often makes the condition-result link explicit, but is not compulsory in every 如果 sentence. No rain has been asserted yet.

Use the distinction

• Rain is the condition; not going is the planned consequence.
• 如果下雨，我们不去 is also possible. 就 often makes the condition-result link explicit, but is not compulsory in every 如果 sentence. No rain has been asserted yet.

Try it with help closed

The group plans not to go outside if it rains. 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: 如果下雨，我们就不去。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• 如果下雨，我们不去 is also possible.
• 就 often makes the condition-result link explicit, but is not compulsory in every 如果 sentence. No rain has been asserted yet.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

不但 … ，而且 … (not only … but also)

Two points can concern different people

• You describe a household in which both siblings can speak Chinese.
• 不但哥哥会中文，而且妹妹也会。 — The second clause adds the sister's ability to the brother's.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 不但 … ，而且 … (not only … but also). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

this这zhè(measure word)个gedish菜càinot only不但bú dàncheap便宜pián yi，but also而且ér qiětasty好吃hǎo chī。

Read examples in context

• In the opening example, 不但哥哥会中文，而且妹妹也会。: The second clause adds the sister's ability to the brother's.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• Place 不但 before the first subject when the subjects differ.
• With a shared subject, 他不但会中文，而且会英文 is natural. The frame need not always describe only one subject.

Use the distinction

• The second clause adds the sister's ability to the brother's.
• Place 不但 before the first subject when the subjects differ. With a shared subject, 他不但会中文，而且会英文 is natural. The frame need not always describe only one subject.

Try it with help closed

You describe a household in which both siblings can speak Chinese. 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: 不但哥哥会中文，而且妹妹也会。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• Place 不但 before the first subject when the subjects differ.
• With a shared subject, 他不但会中文，而且会英文 is natural. The frame need not always describe only one subject.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.

还是 vs 或者 (or: question vs statement)

An embedded question still asks for a choice

• You do not know which drink a guest prefers.
• 我不知道他喝茶还是咖啡。 — 还是 keeps the alternative choice inside the statement of uncertainty.

Build the form

• The pattern in this lesson is 还是 vs 或者 (or: question vs statement). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
• Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.

you你nǐdrink喝hētea茶cháor还是hái shìcoffee咖啡kā fēi？

Read examples in context

tea茶cháor或者huò zhěcoffee咖啡kā fēiboth都dōufine行xíng。

• In the opening example, 我不知道他喝茶还是咖啡。: 还是 keeps the alternative choice inside the statement of uncertainty.
• Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.

Know the boundary

• Compare 茶或者咖啡都行, a statement offering acceptable options.
• Choose 还是 for an alternative question, including an embedded one, rather than using the whole sentence's final punctuation alone.

Use the distinction

• 还是 keeps the alternative choice inside the statement of uncertainty.
• Compare 茶或者咖啡都行, a statement offering acceptable options. Choose 还是 for an alternative question, including an embedded one, rather than using the whole sentence's final punctuation alone.

Try it with help closed

You do not know which drink a guest prefers. 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: 我不知道他喝茶还是咖啡。

• My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
• I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
• Compare 茶或者咖啡都行, a statement offering acceptable options.
• Choose 还是 for an alternative question, including an embedded one, rather than using the whole sentence's final punctuation alone.
• I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.

Practise this pattern step by step.