Chinese grammar, in the order you can learn it

By Carson 木林森 · Updated October 2026

Every grammar point from HSK 1 to HSK 6 — 195 patterns, free to read. Each page gives you the structure, worked examples with pinyin, the mistake that pattern invites, and a link to the topics it rests on.

These are ordered by dependency. 结果补语 sits below 把字句 because a 把 sentence is built out of result complements, and every page names the topics it rests on. Start at your level and walk down the "what you need first" links until you reach something you already know.

Reading the pattern is the first ten minutes. GraphChinese drills each of these 195 points and schedules the review that keeps it, so the grammar arrives in your own sentences instead of your notes.

HSK 1 · 22 points

• Conjunctions: 和/跟 and Parallel Clauses 连词 和 (hé) and 跟 (gēn) both mean 'and' when they join two nouns or pronouns, as in 书和笔. They cannot join two verb phrases, so two actions are linked with a comma and 也 instead.
• 的 for Possession and Modification 结构助词 的 (de) is the particle that links a describing word to the noun after it, so it marks possession (我的书, my book) and modification (大的书, the big book). Close family words usually drop it, as in 我妈妈.
• Degree Adverbs: 很/太/非常 程度副词 Degree adverbs such as 很 (very), 太 (too, so) and 非常 (extremely) go directly before an adjective to say how much. In a plain statement 很 is often needed just to complete the sentence, without meaning 'very'.
• 了: Completion and Change of State 动态助词 了 (le) has two jobs at HSK 1. After a verb it marks the action as completed, and at the end of a sentence it marks a new situation or a change of state.
• Location with 在: Where Things Are 介词在 在 (zài) states where someone or something is, and the place follows it: 他在学校. It can also come before a verb to say where the action happens, as in 我在家吃饭.
• Modal Verbs: 想 and 要 能愿动词 想 (xiǎng) and 要 (yào) are the two basic modal verbs for wanting, and both go before the main verb. 想 means would like to or feel like, and 要 is firmer, meaning want to or need to.
• Negation with 不 and 没 否定副词 不 (bù) and 没 (méi) are the two negators. 不 negates adjectives, habits and intentions, and 没(有) negates having something and actions that did not happen in the past.
• Scope Adverbs: 都 and 也 范围副词 都 (dōu, all, both) and 也 (yě, also) are scope adverbs that come before the verb and say how many people or things the statement covers. 都 sums up several subjects, and 也 adds one more.
• Yes/No Questions with 吗 是非问句 吗 (ma) turns a statement into a yes/no question when it is added to the end, with no change in word order: 你是学生 becomes 你是学生吗. The answer repeats the verb or says 不.
• Adjective Predicate Sentences 形容词谓语句 An adjective predicate sentence uses an adjective as the predicate directly, with no verb for 'is' or 'are'. It takes the form Subject + (degree adverb) + adjective, as in 她很高.
• Affirmative-Negative Questions 正反问句 An affirmative-negative question, also called an A-not-A question, puts a verb or adjective and its negative side by side, as in 是不是, 有没有 and 去不去. It asks a yes/no question without 吗.
• Choice Questions with 还是 选择问句 还是 (háishi) joins two options in a question, A 还是 B, and means 'or' when the speaker wants one of them picked. 或者 also means 'or' but belongs in statements, not questions.
• Comparison Sentences with 比 and 没有 比较句 比 (bǐ) and 没有 (méiyǒu) are the two basic comparison patterns. A 比 B + adjective says A is more than B, and A 没有 B + adjective says A is not as much as B.
• Direction Words as Localizers 方位名词作补语 A localizer is a direction word such as 上 (on, above) or 里 (inside) placed after a place noun to form a location phrase, as in 桌子上 and 房间里. English puts the equivalent word before the noun.
• Modal Verbs: 会 and 能 能愿动词 会 (huì) and 能 (néng) both translate as 'can' but differ in meaning. 会 is a learned skill, as in 我会说中文, and 能 is ability or permission in the situation at hand.
• Number-Measure Phrases 数量短语 A number-measure phrase puts a measure word between a number and a noun, because Chinese cannot join them directly. Pattern: number + measure word + noun, such as 个, 本, 杯 and 件 in 三本书.
• Progressive Aspect: 在/正在 ... 呢 进行态 The progressive aspect shows an action in progress. Put 在 or 正在 before the verb, optionally add 呢 at the end, and 他在看书 means 'he is reading'.
• Reading Prices and Clock Times 钱数与时刻表达法 Prices and clock times are read with fixed units. 块 (kuài) is the spoken word for yuan, so 3.50元 is 三块五, and 点 (diǎn) marks the hour, so 三点 is three o'clock.
• The 是-Sentence: Identity and Classification 是字句 The 是 (shì) sentence links a subject to a noun to state identity or class, as in 我是学生. It is not used before an adjective, so 她很高 is correct and 她是高 is not.
• Wh-Questions: 什么/谁/哪/怎么 特指问句 A wh-question uses a question word in the very spot where the answer would go, so word order does not change. At HSK 1 the words are 什么 (what), 谁 (who), 哪 (which) and 怎么 (how).
• The 有-Sentence: Possession and Existence 有字句 The 有 (yǒu) sentence says someone has something, as in 我有一本书, or that something exists somewhere. Its negative is 没有, never 不有.
• Time Expressions as Adverbials 时间词作状语 A time expression such as 明天 (tomorrow) or 现在 (now) goes before the verb, or at the very start of the sentence, never after the verb as in English. Pattern: subject + time word + verb, as in 我明天去.

HSK 1 grammar on its own page

HSK 2 · 39 points

• Adjective Reduplication: AA, AABB 形容词重叠 Adjective reduplication repeats an adjective to make it more vivid or affectionate. A one-syllable adjective becomes AA, as in 慢慢, and a two-syllable one becomes AABB, as in 高高兴兴.
• Classifiers: 层、封、件、条、位 and Action Measures 量词 Classifiers, also called measure words, are chosen to match the noun, such as 层 for floors, 封 for letters, 件 for clothes and 条 for long things. HSK 2 adds 遍, which counts how many times an action happens.
• Comparison with 比: A比B + adj/更/还 比较句 At HSK 2, A 比 B + adjective gains 更 (gèng) or 还 (hái) before the adjective, to say A is even more so, as in 他比我更高. 很 cannot go there, since 比 sentences reject 很.
• Conjunctions: 或者、不过、但是、而且、如果、虽然、只要 连词 HSK 2 conjunctions link clauses: 或者 (or), 不过 and 但是 (but), 而且 (moreover), 如果 (if), 虽然 (although) and 只要 (as long as). Several come in pairs, such as 虽然…但是…, where both halves appear in one sentence.
• Degree Adverbs: 多、多么、更、十分、特别、挺、有点儿 程度副词 Degree adverbs placed before an adjective say how strong a quality is. HSK 2 adds 挺 (quite), 有点儿 (a little, often unwelcome), 十分 (very), 特别 (especially) and 多么 (how, in exclamations), beyond the 很 and 太 of HSK 1.
• Demonstrative Adverbs: 那么、这么、那样、这样 指示代词 这么 (zhème), 那么 (nàme), 这样 (zhèyàng) and 那样 (nàyàng) are demonstrative adverbs that point to a degree or a manner. They sit before an adjective or verb, with 这 for near and 那 for far.
• Directional Complements: 来/去, 上/下/进/出/回 趋向补语 A directional complement follows a verb to show the path of the motion. 来 and 去 mark movement toward or away from the speaker, and 上, 下, 进, 出 and 回 name the direction, as in 走进来.
• Directional Prepositions: 往、向、从 引出方向的介词 往 (wǎng), 向 (xiàng) and 从 (cóng) are prepositions that put a direction or starting point before the verb. 往 and 向 mean 'toward', and 从 means 'from', as in 从这里往右走.
• Double Object Sentences: 给/送 + person + thing 双宾语句 A double object sentence gives a verb two objects in a row, first the person and then the thing, with no preposition between them. 给, 送, 教, 问 and 告诉 take this pattern, as in 他给我一本书.
• Fixed Patterns: 越来越, 又…又, 该…了, 还是…吧 固定格式 Fixed patterns are set frames that carry a meaning of their own. HSK 2 covers 越来越 (more and more), 又…又… (both…and…), 该…了 (it is time to) and 还是…吧 (had better).
• Frequency Adverbs: 经常、重新、老是、又 频率副词 Frequency adverbs go before the verb and say how often or in what way an action happens. HSK 2 has 经常 (often), 重新 (again from the start), 老是 (always, with a complaint) and 又 (again, of something that already happened).
• Experiential Aspect 过: Have Done Before 动态助词过 过 (guo) after a verb says the subject has done something at least once in the past, an experience: 我去过中国. Its negative is 没…过, with 没 before the verb and 过 kept after it.
• Interrogative Pronouns: 多久、为什么、怎么样 疑问代词 At HSK 2 the question words 多久 (how long), 为什么 (why) and 怎么样 (how about) stand in the slot where the answer would go. 多久 asks for a length of time and comes after the verb.
• Large Numbers: 千、万、亿 and Approximate Numbers 大数词 Chinese counts large numbers in units of 万 (10,000), not thousands, so 12,000 is 一万二千. This page covers 千 (1,000), 万 and 亿 (100 million) and how 多 makes a number approximate.
• Modal Verbs: 可能、可以、应该、愿意 能愿动词 可能 (kěnéng, might), 可以 (kěyǐ, may or can), 应该 (yīnggāi, should) and 愿意 (yuànyì, be willing) are HSK 2 modal verbs. Like 想 and 会 before them, each goes in front of the main verb.
• Noun Predicate Sentences: 今天晴天、他中国人 名词谓语句 A noun predicate sentence uses a noun or number phrase as the predicate with no 是. It is common for dates, times, ages and origins, as in 今天星期三 and 他中国人.
• Object Prepositions: 对、给、离、为 引出对象的介词 对 (duì), 给 (gěi), 离 (lí) and 为 (wèi) are prepositions that mark who or what an action is aimed at. 对 means toward or about, 给 for or to, 离 away from, and 为 for the sake of, all placed before the verb.
• Ordinals and Room/Bus Numbers: 第一、302路 序数表示法 An ordinal number is made by putting 第 (dì) before a number, so 第一 is first and 第二名 is second place. Room and route numbers are read as digits, with 号 or 路, as in 302路.
• Progressive Action: 正在…(呢) — Right Now 进行体 正在 (zhèngzài) puts a verb in the progressive aspect and stresses that the action is happening right now. It is more precise than plain 在, and a final 呢 is optional.
• Result Complements: 错/懂/好/完/清楚 结果补语 A result complement is a word placed directly after a verb to say the outcome of the action. At HSK 2 the common ones are 错 (wrong), 懂 (understood), 好 (done well), 完 (finished), 清楚 (clear) and 见 (perceived).
• Sentence-final Particles: 啊、吧、的 语气助词 Sentence-final particles come at the very end of a sentence and shape its tone, not its core meaning. This page covers 吧 (suggestion or guess), 啊 (softening or surprise) and 的 (a note of certainty).
• Serial Verb Sentences: Sequential Actions 连动句 A serial verb sentence lines up two or more verbs under one subject, with no conjunction between them. The verbs show actions in order, or a means followed by its purpose, as in 我坐车去学校.
• 是…的 Construction: Emphasizing Time, Place, Manner 是⋯⋯的句 The 是…的 construction highlights when, where or how a past action happened, once both speakers already know it happened. Place the detail between 是 and 的, as in 他是昨天来的.
• Structural Particle 得: State Complement 结构助词得 The structural particle 得 (de) sits between a verb and a description of how well or how fast the action is done. Pattern: verb + 得 + adjective, as in 他跑得快.
• Time Adverbs: 刚、还、忽然、一直、已经 时间副词 Time adverbs go before the verb and place an action in time. HSK 2 has 刚 (just now), 还 (still), 忽然 (suddenly), 一直 (all along) and 已经 (already).
• Time Clauses: 在…以前/以后, 当…的时候 时间状语 A time clause sets the moment of the main action by anchoring it to another event. This page covers 在…以前 (before), 在…以后 (after) and 当…的时候 (when), with the clause going first.
• Verb Reduplication: AA, A一A, ABAB 动词重叠 Verb reduplication repeats a verb to soften a request or to mean doing something briefly. The patterns are AA (看看), A一A (想一想) and ABAB (运动运动).
• Continuous State 着: Persistent Action or State 动态助词着 着 (zhe) after a verb shows an action or state that continues or is held in place, as in 门开着, 'the door is open'. Its negative is 没…着, with 没 before the verb.
• Causal Sentences: 因为…所以 因果复句 A causal sentence states a reason and then its result, with 因为 (yīnwèi, because) opening the reason and 所以 (suǒyǐ, so) opening the result. Unlike English, Chinese normally keeps both words in one sentence.
• Comparison with 跟: A跟B一样 / A有B那么+adj 比较句 A 跟 B 一样 (gēn…yíyàng) says that A and B are the same, and A 有 B 那么 + adjective says A reaches B's level. Their negatives are 不一样 and 没有 B 那么 + adjective.
• Concessive Compound: 虽然…但是/可是, 不过 转折复句 A concessive compound sentence grants one fact with 虽然 (suīrán, although) and then adds a contrasting result with 但是, 可是 or 不过 (but). The two halves are normally used together in Chinese.
• Conditional Sentences: 如果…就, 只要…就 假设/条件复句 A conditional sentence names a condition and its result, with 就 (jiù) opening the result. 如果…就… is the hypothetical 'if…then', and 只要…就… means 'as long as…then'.
• Degree Complements: 动词+得+形容词 (runs fast, plays happily) 状态补语 A degree complement, also called a state complement, comes after 得 (de) and describes how an action is done or how well. Pattern: verb + 得 + adjective, as in 说得很清楚, and HSK 2 adds comparisons such as 得比.
• Existential Sentences with 着: 桌子上放着书 存现句 An existential sentence states what is found in a place, using the order place + verb + 着 + noun, as in 桌子上放着书. The 着 shows the thing stays in the state the verb left it in.
• Progressive Compound Sentences: 不但…而且 递进复句 不但…而且… (búdàn…érqiě…) joins two clauses in which the second adds a stronger point, meaning 'not only X but also Y'. With one subject, it stands before the first verb or adjective.
• Quantity Complements: Action Count and Comparison Degree 数量补语 A quantity complement follows the verb and counts the action or measures a difference. 次 counts how many times an action happens, as in 去过两次, and 一点儿 and 得多 show how much two things differ.
• Question Methods: 好吗、是不是、吧、呢 ellipsis 提问方法 Beyond 吗, Chinese asks questions four more ways. 好吗 asks for agreement, 是不是 checks an assumption, 吧 asks for confirmation, and 呢 asks back about the same thing.
• Sequential Compound Sentences: 先…再/然后 承接复句 A sequential compound sentence puts two actions in order with 先 (xiān, first) before the first and 再 (zài) or 然后 (ránhòu, then) before the second, as in 我先吃饭，再看电视.
• Tight Compound: 一…就… (As soon as … then …) 紧缩复句 The tight compound 一…就… (yī…jiù…) links two actions that happen in immediate succession, meaning 'as soon as…then…'. Each half is short, and 就 comes right before the second verb.

HSK 2 grammar on its own page

HSK 3 · 30 points

• The 把 Construction 把字句 The 把 construction moves the object in front of the verb, so the sentence says what is done to that object and what becomes of it. The pattern is subject + 把 + definite object + verb + result, and the verb cannot stand bare.
• Degree Adverbs: 比较, 更加, 相当, 极 程度副词 Degree adverbs are words placed before an adjective to say how strong the quality is. At HSK 3 they are 比较 (fairly), 相当 (quite), 更加 (even more) and 极 (extremely), which also works after the adjective as 极了.
• Degree Complements: Adj+得很/极了/死了 程度补语 A degree complement goes after an adjective to say it is true to an extreme degree, instead of putting 很 before it. At HSK 3 the main ones are 得很 (very), 极了 (extremely) and 死了 (unbearably), as in 好极了 and 累死了.
• Directional Preposition: 朝, 向 方向介词 朝 (cháo) and 向 (xiàng) are prepositions that point an action toward a person, place or direction, both roughly meaning toward. 朝 suits physical facing and gestures, while 向 also covers abstract targets, as in 向他学习.
• Duration & Frequency Complements 时量补语与动量补语 Duration and frequency complements go after a verb to say how long an action lasted or how many times it happened. Duration uses phrases like 两个小时, while frequency uses a number plus a measure word such as 次 or 遍.
• Emphasis: 是…的, 难道…吗, 一…也不 强调方法 Emphasis patterns make a sentence stronger or draw attention to one part of it. At HSK 3 they are 是…的 (stresses how, when or where a past action happened), 难道…吗 (a surprised question) and 一…也不 (not at all).
• Extended Comparison Patterns: A比B V得Adj 比较句扩展 This extended comparison pattern compares how two people do an action by adding V得 to 比, as in 他跑得比我快. It builds on the HSK 2 pattern A比B+adjective, which compares only states, and may add 多了 or 一点儿 for the size of the gap.
• Frequency Adverbs: 通常, 往往, 总是 频率副词 Frequency adverbs say how often something happens, and at HSK 3 the three to separate are 通常 (usually, a neutral habit), 往往 (often, a pattern seen many times) and 总是 (always, often with a complaint). They go before the verb.
• Inclusive Pronouns: 各, 每, 任何 指示代词 Inclusive pronouns cover every member of a group instead of picking one. At HSK 3 these are 每 (each one), 各 (each of several separate members) and 任何 (any at all), and they usually pair with 都 before the verb.
• Manner Adverbs: 互相, 尽量, 亲自 方式副词 Manner adverbs go before a verb to say how the action is done. At HSK 3 the four to know are 互相 (each other), 相互 (mutual, more formal), 尽量 (as far as possible) and 亲自 (in person).
• Modal Stance Adverbs: 大概, 恐怕, 当然, 其实 情态语气副词 Modal stance adverbs show how sure the speaker is, or how the speaker sees the facts. At HSK 3 they are 大概 (roughly, probably), 恐怕 (I am afraid that), 当然 (of course) and 其实 (actually), and they come before the verb.
• Modal Verbs: 敢 (dare) & 需要 (need) 能愿动词 Modal verbs go before the main verb to add ability, need or willingness. This HSK 3 point adds 敢 (to dare) and 需要 (to need), which sit before a verb phrase in the same way as earlier modals like 想 and 会.
• New Classifiers: 把, 双, 台, 张, 种, 辆 名量词 A classifier, or measure word, sits between a number and a noun, and each kind of noun takes its own. At HSK 3 the new ones are 把 (things with a handle), 双 (pairs), 台 (machines), 张 (flat things), 种 (kinds) and 辆 (vehicles).
• Pivot Sentences: 叫/让/请+someone+V 兼语句 A pivot sentence has one noun that is the object of the first verb and also the subject of the second, as in 妈妈叫我回家. At HSK 3 the first verb is 叫 (tell), 让 (let, make), 请 (invite) or 派 (send).
• Prefixes & Suffixes: 第-, 老-, 小-, -们, -子 前缀与后缀 Prefixes and suffixes are small word parts that attach to other words to change their kind. At HSK 3 these are 第 (makes ordinals), 老 and 小 (before a surname), 们 (makes a plural) and 子 (ends many nouns).
• Prepositions of Cause & Purpose: 由于, 因为, 为了 原因目的介词 Prepositions of cause and purpose introduce why something happened or what it is for. At HSK 3 these are 因为 (because), 由于 (because of, more formal) and 为了 (in order to, for the sake of).
• Prepositions of Time & Place: 自从, 由, 从…起 时间处所介词 Prepositions of time and place mark where or when something starts. At HSK 3 this point covers 自从 (ever since), 由 (from, or by whom) and the frame 从…起 (starting from), which are common in rules and plans.
• Question Words as Non-Questions: 谁都, 什么都 疑问代词的任指和不定指用法 A question word stops asking a question when it is followed by 都 or 也 before the verb, and then it covers everything. 谁都 means everyone, 什么都 means everything, and with a negative 哪里也 and 怎么也 mean nowhere and no matter how.
• Result Complements: V+到/住/走 结果补语 At HSK 3 the result complement, a word placed directly after a verb to say what the action achieved, gains 到 (reached), 住 (held fast), 走 (away), 见 (perceived) and 上 (closed or attached), alongside 完 (finished) from HSK 2.
• Scope Adverbs: 光, 仅, 就, 至少 范围副词 Scope adverbs set the limit of how much an action or quantity covers. At HSK 3, 光, 仅 and 就 all mean only and set an upper limit, with 光 spoken and 仅 formal, while 至少 (at least) sets a lower limit.
• Separable Verb-Object Compounds 动宾式离合词 A separable verb-object compound is a two-character verb made of a verb plus an object, so 了, 过, a number or a modifier goes between its parts. At HSK 3 the examples are 见面 (meet), 睡觉 (sleep) and 请假 (ask for leave).
• Time Adverbs: 本来, 才, 曾经, 从来, 立刻 时间副词 Time adverbs place an action in time or against what was expected. At HSK 3 they are 本来 (originally), 才 (only then, late), 曾经 (once), 从来 (all along, usually with a negative), 立刻 (immediately) and 终于 (finally).
• Topic-Comment & Subject-Predicate Predicate 主谓谓语句 A subject-predicate predicate sentence names a topic first and then adds a full clause that comments on it. In 他身体很好 the topic is 他 and the comment is 身体很好, and the object can also be moved up to start the sentence.
• Passive Constructions: 被, 叫, 让 被动句 The 被 sentence is the Chinese passive, where the thing affected comes first and the doer follows 被, as in 杯子被打破了. In speech 叫 and 让 do the same job, but they must name the doer, and the verb needs a complement.
• Complex Sentences: 不仅…还…, 只有…才…, 虽然…但是… 复句 Complex sentences join two clauses with a paired pattern that sets their logical link. At HSK 3 these are 不仅…还 (not only, but also), 只有…才 (only if) and 虽然…但是 (although, but).
• Compound Directional Complements 复合趋向补语 A compound directional complement follows a verb to show which way something moves, using a direction word plus 来 or 去. The HSK 3 set is 出来, 出去, 回来, 进去 and 起来, and some also gain figurative meanings like becoming clear.
• Conditional & Purpose Clauses: 要是…就, 为了… 假设与目的复句 Conditional and purpose clauses state a condition and its result, or an aim and the action taken for it. At HSK 3 this point covers 要是…就 (if, then) and 为了 (in order to), where 为了 opens the clause that gives the goal.
• Potential Complements: V+得/不+V/Adj 可能补语 A potential complement puts 得 or 不 between a verb and its complement to say whether the result is possible, as in 看得懂 (can understand by reading) and 看不懂 (cannot). It reuses the result complements you already know.
• Repetition & Serial Verb Patterns 重动词与数量重叠 Repetition and serial verb patterns express things done over and over, or in a chain. At HSK 3 this includes doubled measure words like 天天 (every day) and the pattern 一…一…地 (one by one).
• Verbal Phrases as Subject, Object & Modifier 动词短语作主语、宾语和定语 A verb phrase can do a noun's job in Chinese, serving as a subject, as an object or as a modifier. As a subject it stands alone (学习汉语很有意思), as an object it follows verbs like 决定, and with 的 it modifies a noun.

HSK 3 grammar on its own page

HSK 4 · 55 points

• 按照/根据: according to 按照/根据 按照 (ànzhào) and 根据 (gēnjù) both mean according to. 按照 introduces a rule, plan or instruction that the action follows, while 根据 introduces the evidence or basis for a statement, a guess or a decision.
• 对于/关于/针对: regarding/about 对于/关于 对于, 关于 and 针对 are prepositions that all translate roughly as about or regarding. 关于 names the topic, 对于 marks the issue an attitude or opinion is about, and 针对 says a measure is aimed at one specific problem.
• 难道…吗: rhetorical question 难道…吗 难道…吗 (nándào…ma) turns a question into a rhetorical one that shows surprise or disbelief, with 难道 placed before the clause. The speaker does not want an answer, since the implied answer is the opposite of the question's surface meaning.
• 人家: third-person/distancing pronoun 人家 人家 (rénjia) is a casual pronoun that can mean other people, a specific person already known (he or she), or, coyly, the speaker herself or himself. Which one is meant depends on context, and it is used in speech.
• 又…又…: both X and Y 又…又… The 又…又… pattern joins two qualities or two actions that are true at the same time, meaning both X and Y. It can link two adjectives, as in 又好吃又便宜, or two verb phrases, as in 又唱歌又跳舞.
• Approximation: 左右/大约/差不多/将近 约数表达 Approximation words give a rough number. At HSK 4 the four main ones are 左右 (after the number), 大约 (before the number), 差不多 (either side, in speech) and 将近 (almost, just under the number).
• Attitude adverbs: 偏偏/偶尔/竟然/随便 语气副词 Attitude adverbs go before a verb to show how the speaker feels about the action. At HSK 4 they are 偏偏 (against what was wanted), 偶尔 (once in a while), 竟然 (surprisingly) and 随便 (casually, as one likes).
• 把-construction (disposal) 把字句 At HSK 4 the 把 construction is used with more kinds of complement, but the core stays the same: it moves the object in front of the verb and says what happens to it. The object must be definite and the verb needs a result, direction or duration.
• 比 extended: degree & verb phrases 比字句进阶 The extended 比 comparison adds the size of the difference and a wider range of forms to the basic A比B+adjective. HSK 4 covers amounts like 多了 and 得多, comparing how people do actions, and the negative 没有.
• Borrowed measure words: 碗/脸/手/桌子 借用量词 Borrowed measure words are ordinary nouns used as measure words to show how much of something there is. At HSK 4 the examples are 碗 (a bowl of), 脸 (a face full of), 手 (a hand for, skill) and 桌子 (a table full of).
• 不但…而且…: not only…but also 不但…而且… 不但…而且 (bùdàn…érqiě) means not only but also, adding a second point that goes further than the first. In speech 还 can replace 而且, and 不但 sits after the subject when both clauses share one.
• Container measures: 瓶/盒/袋/杯 容量量词 Container measure words use a container as the unit for counting liquids and food, as in 一瓶水 where 个 would be wrong. At HSK 4 the four are 瓶 (bottle), 盒 (box), 袋 (bag) and 杯 (cup or glass).
• Degree adverbs: 十分/极其/稍微/格外 程度副词 Degree adverbs go before an adjective or feeling verb to say how strong the quality is. At HSK 4 the new ones are 十分 (very), 极其 (extremely, written), 稍微 (slightly) and 格外 (especially).
• Degree complement: V得+predicate 程度补语 A degree complement follows 得 after a verb and says how well or to what degree the action is done, as in 她说得很流利. When the verb has an object, the verb is repeated before 得: 她说中文说得很流利.
• Formal vs. informal register differences 正式与口语差异 Written Chinese has formal words that match everyday spoken ones. At HSK 4 the common pairs include 由于 and 因为 (because), 然而 and 但是 (however), and 进行 (to carry out), which is formal and takes a formal action word.
• Frequency complement: V+次/遍/趟 动量补语 A frequency complement goes after a verb to say how many times the action happened. At HSK 4 the measure words are 次 (occasions), 遍 (one full run through) and 趟 (a trip or round trip).
• 跟/和…一样/不一样: same as/different from 跟…一样/不一样 The pattern A跟B一样 compares two things and says they are the same, and 跟 can be replaced by 和. Adding an adjective gives equal degree (一样好听), and 不一样 says the two are different.
• 过: experiential aspect 过 The particle 过 (guo) goes after a verb to say the subject has done it at least once in the past, without saying when. Its negative is 没…过, meaning have never done it, and it differs from 了 because it records experience.
• 既然…就…: since/given that 既然…就… 既然…就… (jìrán…jiù) means since or given that. 既然 states a fact both speakers already accept, and 就 introduces the conclusion drawn from it, such as a suggestion or decision.
• 尽管…还是/仍然…: despite that 尽管…还是/仍然… 尽管 (jǐnguǎn) means despite or even though, conceding a difficulty or fact, and the second clause says the result stays the same. That clause usually carries 还是 or 仍然, both meaning still.
• 就是…也…: even if…still 就是…也… 就是…也… (jiùshì…yě) means even if, setting an extreme case in the first clause and saying the result still holds in the second. Adding 再 as in 就是再…也 pushes the condition further.
• 了: completion & state change 了 The particle 了 has two jobs. Right after a verb it marks the action as completed, and at the end of a sentence it signals that a situation has changed or is new, as in 天气冷了.
• 连…都/也…: even X does Y 连…都/也… The 连…都/也… pattern picks out an extreme case to show that the statement applies to everything else too, meaning even. The item goes after 连, then 都 or 也 (slightly softer) comes before the verb.
• 得 (děi): obligation must 得（děi）表义务 得 (děi) is a spoken modal verb meaning have to, where the need comes from the situation rather than from a rule. Its usual negative is 不用 (no need to), as in 我得走了 versus 你不用走。
• 敢: dare to 敢 敢 (gǎn) is a modal verb meaning to dare, used before a verb phrase when the action needs courage or carries a risk. Its negative 不敢 means does not dare, or is too scared or shy to.
• 却/倒: unexpected contrast 却/倒 却 (què) and 倒 (dào) are adverbs that mark an unexpected contrast, placed right after the subject of the second clause. 却 marks a contrast the listener would not expect, while 倒 is a more colloquial, milder twist.
• Resultative complements: 好/完/到/懂/坏 基础结果补语 A result complement follows a verb and says what the action led to. At HSK 4 the pattern covers 好 (done properly), 完 (finished), 到 (reached its aim), 懂 (understood) and 坏 (damaged), extending the HSK 3 set.
• Scope adverbs: 共/全/光/仅/至少 范围副词 Scope adverbs limit the range of an action or a quantity. At HSK 4 they are 共 (altogether), 全 (all), 光 (only, with criticism), 仅 (merely, written) and 至少 (at least), placed before the verb or the number.
• Separable verbs 离合词: 见面/洗澡/毕业 离合词 Separable verbs (离合词) are verb-object compounds such as 见面 (meet), 洗澡 (bathe) and 毕业 (graduate) whose two parts can be split apart. Because the object is already built in, they cannot take another object, so you say 见了一次面 rather than 见面他.
• Simple directional complements: 进来/出去 简单趋向补语 A simple directional complement is 来 or 去 (or a verb like 进, 出, 上, 下, 回, 过 joined to them) placed after a verb to show movement toward or away from the speaker. 进来 means come in and 出去 means go out.
• 虽然…但是…: although…but 虽然…但是… 虽然…但是… (although…but) joins two clauses where the first concedes a fact and the second states the main point that goes against it. 虽然 opens the concession, and 但是, 可是 or 却 opens the point that wins.
• 随着: along with / as…progresses 随着 随着 (suí zhe) is a preposition meaning as or along with, naming a change that happens together with another change. It opens a sentence as 随着 + noun phrase, as in 随着经济的发展, and the result clause follows after a comma.
• Time adverbs: 渐渐/逐渐/及时/立刻 时间副词细分 渐渐 (gradually), 逐渐 (step by step), 及时 (in time) and 立刻 (immediately) are four time adverbs that sit before the verb and describe how or when something happens. The first two are about slow change, the last two about timing.
• Topic-comment sentence structure 话题句 A topic-comment sentence names what you are talking about first, then says something about it, and the topic need not be the grammatical subject. In 那家餐厅，我去过三次了, 那家餐厅 is the topic and the rest is the comment.
• 无论/不管…都…: regardless of 无论/不管…都… 无论 and 不管 (no matter) with 都 form a pattern saying a result holds across every possible answer to a question word or choice. In 无论天气怎么样，他都会跑步, the weather can be anything and the result stays the same.
• 也许/恐怕/大概: hedging expressions 也许/恐怕 也许 (perhaps), 恐怕 (I am afraid that) and 大概 (probably) are adverbs that hedge a statement by showing the speaker is not certain. They go before the verb or at the start of the clause, and each carries a slightly different feeling.
• 一…就…: as soon as / no sooner than 一…就… 一…就… (as soon as) links two actions so the second follows the first immediately. The pattern is subject + 一 + verb 1 + 就 + verb 2, as in 她一看到弟弟，就笑了, meaning she laughed the moment she saw her brother.
• 由于/因为 (formal): due to 由于 由于 (yóu yú) is a formal word for because or due to, used mostly in writing and at the start of a sentence. 因为 (yīn wèi) gives the same reason in everyday speech, and it is also the one you can use in the middle of a sentence.
• 越…越…: the more…the more 越…越… 越…越… (the more…the more) links two things that increase together, so a change in the first brings a matching change in the second. 越跑越快 means the more you run, the faster you get, and each 越 goes before a verb or adjective.
• 只要/只有…才…: only if/unless 只要/只有…才… 只要…就… and 只有…才… are two conditional patterns of different strength. 只要 (as long as) gives a sufficient condition with 就, while 只有 (only if) gives the one required condition with 才.
• Action measure words: 次/遍/趟/顿/场 动量词 Action measure words (动量词) count how many times an action happens and go after the verb, as in 去一次. At this level they are 次 (times in general), 遍 (a whole run through), 趟 (a trip), 顿 (a meal or scolding) and 场 (an event).
• Advanced resultatives: 住/成/开/清楚 进阶结果补语 A result complement is a word placed right after a verb to say what the action achieved, and at HSK 4 the main new ones are 住 (held fast), 成 (turned into), 开 (opened apart) and 清楚 (clearly). 记住 means remember and 看清楚 means see clearly.
• 被-construction (passive) 被字句 The 被 construction is the passive: the subject receives the action instead of doing it. The pattern is subject + 被 + (agent) + verb + result, as in 杯子被他打破了, and the verb needs a result, complement or 了 after it.
• Complex directionals: V+起来/下去/出来 复杂趋向补语 Complex directional complements combine two directional words after a verb, such as 起来, 下去, 出来, 进去 and 回来, to show direction. They often take extended meanings too, so 说下去 means keep talking and 想起来 means recall.
• Duration complement: V+了+time 时量补语 A duration complement says how long an action lasted and goes after the verb with 了. With no object you say 等了两个小时, and with an object you repeat the verb, as in 学汉语学了五年, or put the time before the object.
• 非…不可: absolutely must 非…不可 非…不可 (must, will not do otherwise) wraps a verb phrase to say something has to happen or is bound to happen. 他非去不可 means he has to go, and it is stronger than 必须 or 应该.
• 没有/不如: negative comparisons 没有/不如比较 没有 and 不如 are two ways to say A is less than B. A + 没有 + B + adjective means A is not as adjective as B, while A + 不如 + B means A is not as good as B and can end without an adjective.
• Potential complements: V得/不C 可能补语 A potential complement puts 得 or 不 between a verb and its result or direction word to say whether you can or cannot achieve it. 看得懂 means able to understand by reading, and 看不懂 means unable to.
• 是…的: emphasize past circumstances 是…的强调句 The 是…的 construction highlights when, where, how or by whom an action already happened. 我是坐地铁来的 puts the stress on the way I came, taking for granted that I did come, and 是 comes before the highlighted part.
• 使/让/叫 pivot-causative sentences 兼语句 A pivot causative sentence uses 使, 让 or 叫 to make someone do something or feel something, and the noun after the verb is both its object and the subject of the next verb. In 妈妈叫他去买水果, 他 is that pivot.
• 越来越…: more and more 越来越… 越来越 (more and more) goes before an adjective or verb to say that something is changing steadily in one direction over time. 天气越来越热了 means the weather is getting hotter and hotter, and it usually takes 了 at the end.
• 着: continuous/accompanying state 着 着 (zhe) is a particle placed after a verb to show a continuing state or an action that goes along with another. 门开着 means the door is open, and 她笑着说 means she said it smiling.
• Complement types: integrated review 补语综合复习 Chinese complements are words after a verb that say more about it, and HSK 4 uses six kinds: result, potential, degree, directional, duration and frequency. Each one answers a different question about the verb, such as what came of it or how long it lasted.
• Existential sentences: 有/是/着 + location 存在句 An existential sentence says what exists, is or lies at a place, with the pattern location + verb + thing. It uses 有 (there is), 是 (it is) or a verb + 着 (is lying, hanging, standing), as in 床上躺着一只小猫.
• Key HSK-4 patterns: integrated review HSK4核心句型综合 HSK 4 has six sentence patterns that learners often mix up: 把, 被, 是…的, 连…都, 无论…都 and 越来越. This review compares them side by side by what each one does, so that you can choose the right one for a given sentence.

HSK 4 grammar on its own page

HSK 5 · 27 points

• Agent Prepositions: 将、由 引出施受介词 将 (jiāng) and 由 (yóu) are two formal prepositions that introduce who or what is acted on, or who does the work. 将 is the written form of 把 and moves the object before the verb, while 由 names the person or unit responsible.
• 把-Sentences & Notional Passive 把字句与意念被动句 The 把 construction moves a known object before the verb to show what is done to it, and at HSK 5 it is set against the notional passive. A notional passive makes the receiver the subject with no 被, as in 衣服洗干净了.
• Comparison Sentences: 跟…相比 比较句 跟…相比 (compared with…) opens a sentence by naming the baseline, and the comparison result follows the comma. 跟去年相比，今年的销量增加了很多 sets this year against last year, and 相比之下 continues the contrast without naming the baseline again.
• Degree Adverbs: 过于、尤其、稍微 程度副词 过于 (excessively), 尤其 (especially) and 稍微 (slightly) are degree adverbs that go before an adjective or verb. They set the level at three different points, from too much for 过于 to a small amount for 稍微.
• Demonstratives & Measure Words 指示代词与量词 某 (mǒu) is a word meaning a certain or some that points to a person or thing without naming it, as in 某天 and 某位老师. HSK 5 also adds the measure words 届, 项, 幅, 颗 and 批 for events, items, pictures, small round things and batches.
• Directional Complements: Temporal Meaning 趋向补语表时间意义 Directional complements can show time as well as movement. At HSK 5, 起来 means an action or state begins, as in 天气冷起来了, while 下去 means it carries on, as in 说下去.
• Fixed Frames: 从…来看、到…为止、在…看来 固定格式 A fixed frame is a set pair of words that wraps a clause to give a viewpoint or a limit. 从…来看 (judging from) takes evidence, 在…看来 (in someone's view) takes a person, and 到…为止 (up to) takes a point in time.
• Fixed Phrases: 不得了、用不着、得了 固定短语 不得了, 用不着 and 得了 are three set expressions with fixed meanings. 不得了 (extremely) follows 得 as a degree complement, 用不着 (no need to) is a negative potential form, and 得了 (that is enough) is a spoken remark that ends a discussion.
• Frequency & Manner Adverbs: 偶尔、再次、偷偷 频率副词 偶尔 (occasionally), 再次 (once again) and 偷偷 (secretly) are adverbs that go before the verb to say how often or in what manner something happens. 再次 is more formal than 又 or 再, and 偷偷 says nobody was meant to notice.
• Modal Adverbs: 毕竟、居然、明明、总算 语气副词 毕竟 (after all), 居然 (unexpectedly), 明明 (clearly) and 总算 (finally) are modal adverbs that show the speaker's attitude to what is said. Each marks a feeling such as justification, surprise, contradiction or relief.
• Multiple Adverbials: Ordering Rules 多项状语的顺序 When several adverbials stand before a verb, Chinese puts them in a fixed order: time, then 已经 or 都 type adverbs, then a preposition phrase, then a manner phrase ending in 地. 他昨天已经在办公室认真地写完了报告 follows that order.
• Object Semantics: Existential & Affected Objects 宾语的语义类型 The object after a verb can play different roles. An existential object is new information at a place, as in 墙上挂着一幅画. An affected object is a known thing the action changes, and it is the kind that can move in front of the verb with 把.
• Potential Complements: V+得/不得 可能补语 Bare 得 and 不得 attach directly to a verb, with no result word after them, to say something may or must not be done. 吃不得 means must not be eaten, which is different from 看不懂, the HSK 4 form that means unable.
• Preposition 随着 (along with, as) 介词 随着 (along with, as) at HSK 5 adds the written pattern 随着…而…, where the change in the 随着 part and the result are joined by 而 with no extra comma. It also takes abstract phrases such as 随着…的普及 and 随着…的加剧.
• Reduplication Patterns: A来A去、A着A着 四字格 Reduplication patterns repeat a verb inside a set frame to show repeated action. A来A去 (想来想去) means back and forth many times, while A着A着 (说着说着) means while doing A, something suddenly changes.
• Scope Adverb: 大都 范围副词 大都 (dà dōu) is an adverb meaning mostly or for the most part, and it goes before the verb with a plural subject. It says that most of the group share the trait, though not all of them do.
• Serial Verb & Pivotal Constructions 连动句与兼语句 A serial verb sentence (连动句) puts two or more verb phrases after one subject, as in 他去图书馆借书. A pivotal sentence (兼语句) has a noun that is both the object of the first verb and the subject of the second, as in 让他来.
• '有' Sentences: Existence & Attachment 有字句3 有着 and 写有 are two forms of 有 (to have) at HSK 5. 有着 is a more literary way to say have, used for lasting abstract qualities, while a verb + 有, as in 写有, says that something is written or attached.
• Basis Prepositions: 凭、依据、依照 凭借介词 凭 (píng), 依据 (yījù) and 依照 (yīzhào) are prepositions that introduce the basis for what comes next. 凭 means relying on or by virtue of, while 依据 and 依照 mean according to, and they suit rules, facts and formal writing.
• Clause Conjunctions: 从而、加上、完了、一旦 连接分句连词 从而 (thereby), 加上 (in addition) and 一旦 (once) are conjunctions that connect clauses. 从而 links a method to the result it brings, 加上 adds a further factor to a conclusion, and 一旦…就… says once it happens, a lasting result follows.
• Complex Sentences: Concession & Condition 复句 A complex sentence joins clauses with paired connectives. At HSK 5 the main ones are 即使…也… (even if) for a hypothetical concession, 尽管…还是… (although) for a fact, and the condition words 万一, 要是 and 一旦, plus 宁可…也… (would rather).
• Degree & State Complements: 不得了、坏了、得+phrase 程度补语与状态补语 A degree complement follows a verb or adjective with 得 or a fixed ending to say how extreme something is. 高兴得不得了 means extremely happy, 累坏了 means worn out, and 得 followed by a phrase can describe the resulting state.
• Discourse Cohesion: Anaphora & Ellipsis 句群 Discourse cohesion is how Chinese links a run of sentences about the same person or thing. Anaphora names them in full once and then uses pronouns such as 他, 它 or 此, and ellipsis leaves the repeated subject out entirely.
• Emphasis Patterns: 再也不、怎么都、X归X 强调方式 再也不, 怎么都 and X归X are three patterns that add emphasis. 再也不…了 means never again, 怎么都 means no matter how, and X归X (生气归生气) concedes one thing before saying that something else still holds.
• Time Adverbs: 仍旧、时常、依旧、一向 时间副词 仍旧 and 依旧 (still), 时常 (often) and 一向 (all along) are time adverbs that sit before the verb. The first two say something continues unchanged, 时常 gives frequency, and 一向 says it has been so from the past until now.
• Purpose & Consequence Clauses: 为的是、以便 目的与因果复句 为的是 (the aim is) and 以便 (so that) are two connectives that give the purpose of an action. 为的是 comes after the action and states the goal, while 以便 begins a second clause that the first action makes easier.
• Multi-Clause Compound Sentences 二重复句 A multi-clause compound sentence (二重复句) is a compound sentence in which one clause is itself a compound sentence, so two pairs of connectives are nested. 虽然他基础不好，但是因为他每天都练习… has an outer 虽然…但是 and an inner 因为.

HSK 5 grammar on its own page

HSK 6 · 22 points

• Advanced Conjunctions: 而, 同, 与, 不料, 可, 若 高级连词 而, 同, 与, 不料, 可 and 若 are six conjunctions that are common in written Chinese. 而 links two predicates about one subject, 同 and 与 mean and, 不料 means unexpectedly, 可 means but, and 若 means if.
• Advanced Measure Words: Nominal and Verbal 高级量词 Advanced measure words split into noun measures and verb measures. Noun measures sit between a number and a noun, such as 缕 in 一缕阳光 and 栋 in 一栋楼, while verb measures such as 阵, 顿 and 番 count how often or how long an action goes, as in 下了一阵雨.
• Advanced Particles: Structural 所 and Modal 罢了/啦/嘛 高级助词 所 is a structural particle that turns a verb into a modifier, as in 我所说的话, and 罢了, 啦 and 嘛 are sentence-final particles. 罢了 plays something down, 啦 adds an exclamatory tone, and 嘛 says something is obvious.
• Common Fixed Expressions: 不怎么, 好不容易, 那倒是, 算了 常用固定短语 不怎么, 好不容易, 那倒是 and 算了 are four set expressions of everyday speech. 不怎么 means not particularly, 好不容易 means with great difficulty and is not a negative, 那倒是 grants a point, and 算了 means forget it.
• Degree, Scope and Time Adverbs 程度、范围与时间副词 格外 and 极其 (especially, extremely) raise degree, 一律 (without exception) and 纷纷 (one after another) set scope, and 随即 (right after) and 事先 (beforehand) fix timing. They are adverbs that go before the verb or adjective in written Chinese.
• Directional Complements: Extended Stative Meanings 趋向补语的引申用法 Directional complements 下来, 下去, 起来 and 过来 take extended, figurative meanings in HSK 6 texts. 安静下来 means calm down, 坚持下去 means keep going, and 看起来 says how something looks.
• Emphatic Constructions: 非…不可 强调句型 非…不可 (absolutely must) is an emphatic pattern: 非 + verb phrase + 不可. It literally says that if not this, it will not do. 他非去不可 means he has to go, and it can also say that an outcome is bound to happen.
• Formal Demonstrative Pronouns: 本 and 此 书面指示代词 本 (this, our) and 此 (this) are formal written demonstratives that replace spoken 这. 本 goes before words for the speaker's own side, as in 本校 and 本次, and 此 appears in fixed phrases such as 因此 and 此外.
• Four-Character Fixed Patterns: 或A或B, 无A无B, A这A那, 左A右B 四字格固定短语 Four-character fixed patterns repeat or pair words into a set frame of four characters. They include 或A或B (either A or B), 无A无B (neither A nor B), A这A那 (this and that) and 左A右B (one thing after another).
• Object Semantic Types: Locative and Result Objects 宾语的语义类型 Verbs can take objects of different meaning. A locative object is a place that follows a verb of arrival or motion directly, as in 到达机场. A result object is something the verb makes, as in 写了一篇文章.
• Prepositions of Time, Place, Direction and Object 引出时间、处所、方向、对象的介词 于, 自, 至 and 朝着 are written prepositions that replace the spoken 在, 从, 到 and 向. 于 marks time or place, 自 marks a starting point, 至 marks an end point, and 朝着 marks direction.
• Productive Prefixes and Suffixes 类前缀与类后缀 Productive affixes are word parts that build many new words. The prefixes are 非- (not), 反- (anti) and 无- (without), and the suffixes are -性 (quality), -化 (-ize), -者 (person) and -率 (rate).
• Advanced 把 and Passive Constructions 高级把字句与被动句 At HSK 6, the 把 sentence takes endings such as 成, 为, 作, 给 and 得 plus a complement, as in 把A看成B and 把书还给他. The 被 sentence also takes 为 and 得, as in 被称为 and 被传得沸沸扬扬.
• Colloquial Spoken Patterns 口语格式 Colloquial spoken patterns are four informal frames. V到人头上 puts blame on someone, X就X吧 accepts something reluctantly, X是X，可是 grants a point before a contrast, and 好你个X is a mock scolding.
• Connective, Manner and Modal Adverbs 关联、方式与情态语气副词 从而 and 进而 (thereby, and then) link a result or the next step, 特意 (on purpose) gives manner, and 索性, 反而 and 未免 show the speaker's attitude. These are written-style adverbs that go before the verb.
• Coordinate and Sequential Compound Sentences 并列复句与承接复句 时而…时而… (now…now) and 一时…一时… describe a state that alternates between two conditions, while 便 is a written form of 就 that links an event to the one that follows. Together they join coordinate and sequential clauses.
• Fixed Formats: A一量词B一量词, 东一A西一A, 为了…而… 固定格式 Fixed formats are set frames where parts repeat. A一量词B一量词 pairs two contrasts, as in 一个高一个矮, 东一A西一A means scattered here and there, and 为了…而… (in order to) is a formal purpose frame.
• Numeral + Adjective + Classifier Phrases 数词+形容词+量词短语 A numeral + adjective + classifier phrase puts a single-syllable adjective such as 大, 小, 整 or 满 between the number and the classifier. The adjective stresses size or completeness, as in 一大碗饭 and 一整天.
• Prepositions of Purpose, Exclusion and Basis 引出目的、原因、排除与凭借的介词 以 (with, by), 鉴于 (in view of), 出于 (out of) and 唯独 (only, with one exception) are formal words that introduce purpose, basis, motive and exclusion. 鉴于 names an outside fact, while 出于 names the doer's own motive.
• Progressive and Additive Compound Sentences 递进复句 Progressive compound sentences move a step further. 不但不…反而… (not only not, but on the contrary) reverses the expected result, 不是…还是… is a rhetorical question, and 连…也/都…更… escalates from an extreme example.
• Alternative, Conditional and Concessive Compound Sentences 选择、假设、条件与让步复句 These compound sentences give a choice, a condition or a concession. 要么…要么… (either…or) offers two exclusive options, 一旦…就… (once) and 除非…才… (only if) set conditions, and 即使…也… (even if) concedes a point.
• Multi-Layer Compound Sentences 多重复句 A multi-layer compound sentence (多重复句) stacks two or more logical relations in one sentence, with a compound clause nested inside half of another. 虽然他很忙，但是只要有时间，他就会来 has an outer concession and an inner condition.

HSK 6 grammar on its own page

Words that get confused

不会 vs 不能 · 和 vs 跟 · 想 vs 要 · 在 vs 有 · 次 vs 遍 · 刚 vs 刚才 · 更 vs 还 · 还 vs 已经 · 看见 vs 看到 · 可以 vs 能 · 吗 vs 吧 · 吗 vs 是不是 · 如果 vs 只要 · 上去 vs 上来 · 往 vs 向 · 有点儿 vs 一点儿 · 又 vs 再 · 再 vs 然后 · 在 vs 着 · 怎么 vs 怎么样 · 这么 vs 那么 · 这么 vs 这样 · 才 vs 就 · 朝 vs 向 · 从 vs 自从 · 大概 vs 恐怕 · 得很 vs 极了 · 光 vs 只 · 互相 vs 相互 · 叫 vs 让 · 每 vs 各 · 听不懂 vs 没听懂 · 需要 vs 要 · 因为 vs 为了 · 只有…才 vs 只要…就 · 按照 vs 根据 · 不敢 vs 不能 · 及时 vs 立刻 · 记住 vs 记得 · 渐渐 vs 逐渐 · 将近 vs 大约 · 竟然 vs 居然 · 既然 vs 因为 · 看不懂 vs 没看懂 · 了 vs 过 · 连…都 vs 连…也 · 没有 vs 不如 · 却 vs 但是 · 随着 vs 跟着 · 听懂 vs 听到 · 无论 vs 不管 · 下去 vs 下来 · 学了三年 vs 学了三年了 · 有 vs 是 · 越…越 vs 无论…都 · 越…越… vs 越来越 · 在看书 vs 看着书 · 从而 vs 因此 · 从…来看 vs 在…看来 · 大都 vs 都 · 跟…相比 vs 跟…一样 · 过于 vs 太 · 看不得 vs 看不懂 · 累坏了 vs 累得不得了 · 凭 vs 依据 · 起来 vs 下去 · 仍旧 vs 依旧 · 为了 vs 为的是 · 有 vs 有着 · 再次 vs 又 · 再也不 vs 再也没 · 总算 vs 终于 · 朝着 vs 向 · 从而 vs 进而 · 非…不可 vs 必须 · 格外 vs 非常 · 或多或少 vs 多多少少 · 即使…也… vs 虽然…但是… · 鉴于 vs 出于 · 时而…时而… vs 一时…一时… · 阵 vs 次 · all 81 pairs, by level.

Find a grammar word

Every word the reference explains on its own, 437 of them. Each link goes to that word's section: what it does in the pattern, the structure, three examples and the mistake to avoid.

HSK 1

和 hé · 跟 gēn · 的 de · 很 hěn · 太 tài · 非常 fēi cháng · 了 le · 在 zài · 在 zài · 想 xiǎng · 要 yào · 不 bù · 没 méi · 都 dōu · 也 yě · 吗 ma · 是不是 shì bu shì · 有没有 yǒu méi yǒu · 去不去 qù bu qù · 还是 hái shi · 或者 huò zhě · 比 bǐ · 没有 méi yǒu · 没有 méi yǒu · 上 shàng · 里 lǐ · 会 huì · 能 néng · 个 gè · 本 běn · 杯 bēi · 件 jiàn · 正在 zhèng zài · 呢 ne · 块 kuài · 点 diǎn · 是 shì · 什么 shén me · 谁 shéi · 哪 nǎ · 怎么 zěn me · 有 yǒu · 明天 míng tiān · 现在 xiàn zài

HSK 2

的 de · 在 zài · 是不是 shì bú shì · 或者 huò zhě · 比 bǐ · 上 shàng · 件 jiàn · 正在 zhèng zài · 呢 ne · 呢 ne · 是 shì · 有 yǒu · 慢慢 màn màn · 高高兴兴 gāo gāo xìng xìng · 层 céng · 封 fēng · 条 tiáo · 位 wèi · 遍 biàn · 更 gèng · 还 hái · 还 hái · 不过 bú guò · 不过 bú guò · 但是 dàn shì · 而且 ér qiě · 如果 rú guǒ · 虽然 suī rán · 挺 tǐng · 有点儿 yǒu diǎn · 十分 shí fēn · 特别 tè bié · 多么 duō me · 这么 zhè me · 那么 nà me · 这样 zhè yàng · 那样 nà yàng · 来 lái · 去 qù · 下 xià · 出 chū · 回 huí · 往 wǎng · 向 xiàng · 从 cóng · 给 gěi · 给 gěi · 送 sòng · 教 jiāo · 问 wèn · 告诉 gào su · 越来越 yuè lái yuè · 又…又 yòu…yòu · 该…了 gāi…le · 还是…吧 hái shì…ba · 经常 jīng cháng · 重新 chóng xīn · 老是 lǎo shì · 又 yòu · 过 guò · 没…过 méi…guò · 多久 duō jiǔ · 为什么 wèi shén me · 怎么样 zěn me yàng · 千 qiān · 万 wàn · 亿 yì · 多 duō · 可能 kě néng · 可以 kě yǐ · 应该 yīng gāi · 愿意 yuàn yì · 对 duì · 离 lí · 为 wèi · 第 dì · 路 lù · 号 hào · 错 cuò · 懂 dǒng · 好 hǎo · 完 wán · 清楚 qīng chu · 见 jiàn · 啊 a · 吧 ba · 吧 ba · 是…的 shì…de · 不是…的 bú shì…de · 得 de · 得 de · 得不 de bù · 刚 gāng · 忽然 hū rán · 一直 yì zhí · 已经 yǐ jīng · 以前 yǐ qián · 以后 yǐ hòu · 的时候 de shí hou · 当…的时候 dāng…de shí hou · 看看 kàn kan · 想一想 xiǎng yi xiǎng · 运动运动 yùn dòng yùn dong · 着 zhe · 着 zhe · 没…着 méi…zhe · 因为…所以 yīn wèi…suǒ yǐ · 因为 yīn wèi · 所以 suǒ yǐ · 跟…一样 gēn…yí yàng · 跟…不一样 gēn…bù yí yàng · 有…那么 yǒu…nà me · 没有…那么 méi yǒu…nà me · 虽然…但是 suī rán…dàn shì · 可是 kě shì · 如果…就 rú guǒ…jiù · 只要…就 zhǐ yào…jiù · 得怎么样 de zěn me yàng · 得比 de bǐ · 不但…而且 bú dàn…ér qiě · 次 cì · 一点儿 yì diǎn · 得多 de duō · 好吗 hǎo ma · 先…再 xiān…zài · 先…然后 xiān…rán hòu · 然后 rán hòu · 一…就 yī…jiù

HSK 3

的 de · 不 bù · 比 bǐ · 上 shàng · 遍 biàn · 向 xiàng · 第 dì · 完 wán · 见 jiàn · 是…的 shì … de · 得 de · 得 de · 因为 yīn wèi · 虽然…但是 suī rán … dàn shì · 次 cì · 把 bǎ · 把 bǎ · 比较 bǐ jiào · 更加 gèng jiā · 相当 xiāng dāng · 极 jí · 得很 de hěn · 极了 jí le · 死了 sǐ le · 朝 cháo · 个小时 gè xiǎo shí · 难道…吗 nán dào … ma · 一…也不 yī … yě bù · 通常 tōng cháng · 往往 wǎng wǎng · 总是 zǒng shì · 每 měi · 各 gè · 任何 rèn hé · 互相 hù xiāng · 尽量 jǐn liàng · 亲自 qīn zì · 相互 xiāng hù · 大概 dà gài · 恐怕 kǒng pà · 当然 dāng rán · 其实 qí shí · 敢 gǎn · 需要 xū yào · 双 shuāng · 台 tái · 张 zhāng · 种 zhǒng · 辆 liàng · 叫 jiào · 叫 jiào · 让 ràng · 让 ràng · 请 qǐng · 派 pài · 老 lǎo · 小 xiǎo · 们 men · 子 zi · 由于 yóu yú · 为了 wèi le · 为了 wèi le · 自从 zì cóng · 由 yóu · 从…起 cóng … qǐ · 谁都 shéi dōu · 什么都 shén me dōu · 哪里也 nǎ lǐ yě · 怎么也 zěn me yě · 到 dào · 住 zhù · 走 zǒu · 光 guāng · 仅 jǐn · 就 jiù · 至少 zhì shǎo · 见…面 jiàn … miàn · 睡…觉 shuì … jiào · 请…假 qǐng … jià · 本来 běn lái · 才 cái · 曾经 céng jīng · 从来 cóng lái · 立刻 lì kè · 终于 zhōng yú · 被 bèi · 不仅…还 bù jǐn … hái · 只有…才 zhǐ yǒu … cái · 出来 chū lái · 出去 chū qù · 回来 huí lái · 进去 jìn qù · 起来 qǐ lái · 要是…就 yào shì … jiù · 天天 tiān tiān · 一…一…地 yī … yī … de · 决定 jué dìng

HSK 4

跟 gēn · 的 de · 了 le · 不 bu · 都 dōu · 都 dōu · 也 yě · 也 yě · 还是 háishi · 比 bǐ · 没有 méiyǒu · 没有 méi yǒu · 杯 bēi · 是 shì · 有 yǒu · 遍 biàn · 遍 biàn · 而且 érqiě · 十分 shífēn · 越来越 yuè lái yuè · 过 guo · 没…过 méi…guo · 错 cuò · 懂 dǒng · 好 hǎo · 完 wán · 清楚 qīng chu · 是…的 shì … de · 不是…的 bú shì … de · 得 de · 得 děi · 得 de · 着 zhe · 着 zhe · 因为 yīn wèi · 虽然…但是 suī rán … dàn shì · 不但…而且 bùdàn…érqiě · 次 cì · 次 cì · 得多 de duō · 把 bǎ · 把 bǎ · 难道…吗 nándào…ma · 大概 dà gài · 恐怕 kǒng pà · 敢 gǎn · 叫 jiào · 让 ràng · 让 ràng · 由于 yóuyú · 由于 yóu yú · 到 dào · 住 zhù · 光 guāng · 仅 jǐn · 就 jiù · 至少 zhìshǎo · 才 cái · 立刻 lì kè · 被 bèi · 出来 chū lái · 出去 chū qù · 起来 qǐ lái · 按照 ànzhào · 根据 gēnjù · 对于 duìyú · 关于 guānyú · 针对 zhēnduì · 人家 rénjia · 又…又… yòu…yòu · 左右 zuǒyòu · 大约 dàyuē · 差不多 chàbuduō · 将近 jiāngjìn · 偏偏 piānpiān · 偶尔 ǒu'ěr · 竟然 jìngrán · 随便 suíbiàn · 碗 wǎn · 脸 liǎn · 手 shǒu · 桌子 zhuōzi · 不但…还 bùdàn…hái · 瓶 píng · 盒 hé · 袋 dài · 极其 jíqí · 稍微 shāowēi · 格外 géwài · 然而 rán'ér · 进行 jìnxíng · 趟 tàng · 趟 tàng · 一样 yíyàng · 不一样 bù yíyàng · 既然 jìrán · 尽管 jǐnguǎn · 仍然 réngrán · 就是…也 jiùshì…yě · 就是再…也 jiùshì zài…yě · V了 V le · …了 …le · 连 lián · 不用 bùyòng · 不敢 bù gǎn · 却 què · 却 què · 倒 dào · 坏 huài · 共 gòng · 全 quán · 见面 jiàn miàn · 洗澡 xǐ zǎo · 毕业 bì yè · 进来 jìn lái · 随着 suí zhe · 渐渐 jiàn jiàn · 逐渐 zhú jiàn · 及时 jí shí · 无论 wú lùn · 不管 bù guǎn · 也许 yě xǔ · 一…就… yī … jiù · 越…越… yuè … yuè · 只要 zhǐ yào · 只有 zhǐ yǒu · 顿 dùn · 场 chǎng · 成 chéng · 开 kāi · 下去 xià qù · 非…不可 fēi … bù kě · 不如 bù rú · 使 shǐ · 连…都 lián … dōu

HSK 5

得 de · 得 de · 已经 yǐ jīng · 着 zhe · 把 bǎ · 让 ràng · 请 qǐng · 由于 yóu yú · 由 yóu · 被 bèi · 起来 qǐ lái · 偶尔 ǒu ěr · 稍微 shāo wēi · 随着 suí zhe · 下去 xià qù · 将 jiāng · 跟…相比 gēn…xiāng bǐ · 相比之下 xiāng bǐ zhī xià · 过于 guò yú · 尤其 yóu qí · 某 mǒu · 届 jiè · 项 xiàng · 批 pī · 颗 kē · 从…来看 cóng…lái kàn · 在…看来 zài…kàn lái · 到…为止 dào…wéi zhǐ · 不得了 bù dé liǎo · 不得了 bù dé liǎo · 用不着 yòng bu zháo · 得了 dé le · 再次 zài cì · 偷偷 tōu tōu · 毕竟 bì jìng · 居然 jū rán · 明明 míng míng · 总算 zǒng suàn · 地 de · 不得 bu dé · A来A去 A lái A qù · A着A着 A zhe A zhe · 有A有B yǒu A yǒu B · 大都 dà dōu · 大多数 dà duō shù · 有着 yǒu zhe · 写有 xiě yǒu · 凭 píng · 依据 yī jù · 依照 yī zhào · 从而 cóng ér · 加上 jiā shàng · 完了 wán le · 一旦…就… yí dàn…jiù · 即使…也… jí shǐ…yě · 尽管…还是… jǐn guǎn…hái shi · 万一…就… wàn yī…jiù · 坏了 huài le · 其 qí · 此 cǐ · 再也不 zài yě bù · 再也没 zài yě méi · 怎么都 zěn me dōu · X归X X guī X · 仍旧 réng jiù · 依旧 yī jiù · 时常 shí cháng · 一向 yī xiàng · 为的是 wèi de shì · 以便 yǐ biàn · 虽然…但是… suī rán…dàn shì · 因为…所以… yīn wèi…suǒ yǐ · 不但…而且… bú dàn…ér qiě

HSK 6

本 běn · 小 xiǎo · 起来 qǐ lái · 极其 jí qí · 格外 gé wài · 顿 dùn · 下去 xià qù · 非…不可 fēi…bù kě · 从而 cóng ér · 一旦…就… yí dàn…jiù · 即使…也… jí shǐ…yě · 此 cǐ · 而 ér · 同 tóng · 与 yǔ · 不料 bù liào · 可 kě · 若 ruò · 缕 lǚ · 栋 dòng · 丛 cóng · 阵 zhèn · 番 fān · 所 suǒ · 罢了 bà le · 啦 la · 嘛 ma · 为…所 wéi…suǒ · 不怎么 bù zěn me · 好不容易 hǎo bù róng yì · 那倒是 nà dào shì · 算了 suàn le · 一律 yí lǜ · 纷纷 fēn fēn · 随即 suí jí · 事先 shì xiān · 下来 xià lái · 过来 guò lái · 非得 fēi děi · 此外 cǐ wài · 由此 yóu cǐ · 或…或… huò…huò · 无…无… wú…wú · A这A那 zhè…nà · 左A右B zuǒ…yòu · 到达 dào dá · 写 xiě · 于 yú · 自 zì · 至 zhì · 朝着 cháo zhe · 非- fēi · 无- wú · -性 xìng · -化 huà · -者 zhě · -率 lǜ · 把…成 bǎ…chéng · 把…给 bǎ…gěi · 把…得 bǎ…de · 被…为 bèi…wéi · 被…得 bèi…de · 到…头上 dào…tóu shang · 就…吧 jiù…ba · 是… shì · 好你个 hǎo nǐ ge · 进而 jìn ér · 特意 tè yì · 索性 suǒ xìng · 反而 fǎn ér · 未免 wèi miǎn · 时而…时而… shí ér…shí ér · 一时…一时… yì shí…yì shí · 便 biàn · 一…一… yī…yī · 东一…西一… dōng yī…xī yī · 为了…而… wèi le…ér · 大 dà · 整 zhěng · 以 yǐ · 鉴于 jiàn yú · 出于 chū yú · 唯独 wéi dú · 不但不…反而… bú dàn bù…fǎn ér · 连…也… lián…yě · 连…都… lián…dōu · 不是…还是什么 bú shì…hái shi shén me · 更不用说 gèng bú yòng shuō · 要么…要么… yào me…yào me · 除非…才… chú fēi…cái · 只要…就… zhǐ yào…jiù · 尽管…可是… jǐn guǎn…kě shì

Frequently asked questions

How many Chinese grammar points are there in the HSK?

GraphChinese teaches 195 across HSK 1 to HSK 6. The exam publishes a vocabulary list rather than a grammar list, so the count depends on how finely you cut the patterns; these are the ones the course teaches as separate topics with their own prerequisites.

What order should you learn Chinese grammar in?

In the order the patterns depend on each other. Result complements need the verb phrase; the 把 construction needs result complements. Each page here lists what it needs first and what it opens up, so you can walk the chain in either direction from wherever you are.

Is Chinese grammar hard?

The morphology is light — no conjugation, no gender, no case, no plurals. The load sits in word order, aspect particles and complements, which English marks differently or not at all. That is why a learner who knows 2,000 words can still produce sentences no native speaker would say.

What is a complement in Chinese grammar?

An element after the verb that reports something about the action: its result (听懂 = understood by listening), its direction (走出去 = walked out), its degree (跑得很快 = runs fast), its duration or its frequency. Chinese uses them where English uses an adverb, a preposition or a separate clause.

Related guides: The HSK levels, explained · HSK vocabulary lists · The dictionary · The full curriculum · How to study Chinese