Articles Index

Asking Yes / No Questions in Mandarin
There are two different ways to make yes / no questions in Mandarin, and a mastery of each method is essential for gaining fluency in this language.

Showing Contrast
When we wish to show that two ideas contrast, we can make a sentence using suiran (although) and danshi (but).

Final Particle Ba
The final particle ba is used to soften statements which might otherwise sound harsh. It is also used when question tags would be used in English.

Mandarin Fractions
Mandarin fractions are expressed as parts of a whole, with the number representing the whole coming first. Decimal fractions use the Mandarin word for "decimal point" - dian.

The Two Mandarin Twos
There are two ways to say "two" in Mandarin Chinese. They cannot be used interchangeably so be sure you know how to use these two form of the Mandarin two.

The Biggest and the Best - Superlatives in Mandarin Chinese
The Mandarin Chinese particle zui is used for forming superlatives. It is placed before the verb to make superlatives like best, highest, and tallest.

Expressing Distance With Li
When talking about the distance between two places in Mandarin Chinese, use the co-verb li.

A Little Bit - You Yi Dian
Mandarin adjectives can be modified with intensifiers placed before the adjective. One of the most common intensifiers is you yi dian which means "a little bit."

Movement with Dao
The Mandarin Chinese movement verb dao can be used to express movement to or from a place. This lesson gives explanations and several examples on the use of dao with qu and lai to express movement in Mandarin Chinese.

Because ... Therefore
To give reasons in Mandarin Chinese, you can use a two-phrase sentence. The first phrase begins with yinwei - because. The second phrase begins with suoyi - therefore. Even though suoyi is not usually translated in English, it is required in Mandarin sentences.

Although - Even Though
If you want to make a contrasting sentence to say "even though" in Mandarin Chinese, the contrasting part of your sentence should begin with dan shi or ke shi, both of which mean "but".

Mandarin Chinese Measure Words
Mandarin Chinese uses measure words for every noun. These measure words must be used when ever the noun is used with a numeral. There are more than 100 measure words, and the only sure way to learn them is through memorization.

Using the Adverb Dou to Mean "All"
The Mandarin Chinese adverb "dou" can be used as a plural indicator which translates as "all."

Stative Verbs
Stative verbs are a class of Mandarin Chinese verbs that describe a relatively stable state. They are usually translated as adjectives, even though they function grammatically as verbs.

Asking Mandarin Questions
Mandarin Chinese question adverbs are used to ask the "wh" questions - why, where, when, which, who, and how.

Not The Same
The Mandarin Chinese phrase bu yi yang is used to show that things or their qualities are not the same.

The Same
Use the Mandarin Chinese "yi yang" to say that two things are the same, or have the same properties.

Less Than
The comparative "less than" is expressed in Mandarin Chinese with "mei you."

Mandarin Comparisons
The Mandarin particle bi is used for saying that a person or thing has more of a quality than another person or thing. Once the pattern has been learned, this Mandarin comparative is quite easy to use.

Showing Emphasis
Parts of a Mandarin Chinese sentence can be emphasized using the shi .. de construction. Emphasis is placed on the phrase or word following shi, and de is placed at the end of the sentence.

Mandarin Chinese Aspect
Mandarin Chinese does not have tenses like the English tenses for past, present, and future. Time frames can be determined in a number of ways, including aspect and time markers.

The Potential Complement DE
The potential complement DE is used in Mandarin Chinese to show the outcome of actions. Learn how to use the potential complement DE with this lesson and examples.

The Adverbial DE Particle
The Mandarin Chinese DE particle is used as an adverbial marker which converts stative verbs into adverbs.

The Mandarin DE Particle
The DE particle is most often used as a possessive modifier, but it can also be used with adjectives and for emphasis.

Using Duo for Approximate Numbers
Approximate numbers are used in both conversation and writing when we don't know or don't need to specify the exact number or quantity of something. In Mandarin Chinese, approximate numbers can be indicated with the particle "duo."

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