Chinese grammar, in the order you can learn it

By Carson 木林森 · August 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 connecting nouns or pronouns.
• 的 for Possession and Modification 结构助词 Noun/Pronoun + 的 + Noun = possessive or modifier
• Degree Adverbs: 很/太/非常 程度副词 Degree adverbs come directly before an adjective or stative verb.
• 了: Completion and Change of State 动态助词 了 (le) has two main uses at HSK1:
• Location with 在: Where Things Are 介词在 在 has two main uses as a location word:
• Modal Verbs: 想 and 要 能愿动词 Both 想 and 要 express desire, but with different strength.
• Negation with 不 and 没 否定副词 不 (bù) negates: - Adjectives: 不好、不大、不小 - Habitual/ongoing verbs: 不去、不吃、不学 - Future intentions: 我不去。(I won't go.)
• Scope Adverbs: 都 and 也 范围副词 都 (dōu) = all / both — refers to multiple subjects or items. It always comes before the verb.
• Yes/No Questions with 吗 是非问句 Add 吗 to the end of any statement to form a yes/no question. No word order change needed!
• Adjective Predicate Sentences 形容词谓语句 In Chinese, adjectives can directly serve as predicates — no linking verb 'is/are' needed.
• Affirmative-Negative Questions 正反问句 In Chinese, you can form a yes/no question by repeating a verb in its positive and negative forms side by side. This is called the A-not-A pattern. No 吗 is needed.
• Choice Questions with 还是 选择问句 A 还是 B? = "Is it A or is it B?" — forces a choice between two options.
• Comparison Sentences with 比 and 没有 比较句 Pattern 1: A 比 B + Adjective Means: A is more [adjective] than B.
• Direction Words as Localizers 方位名词作补语 In Chinese, a direction word (方位词) is placed after a place noun to form a location phrase.
• Modal Verbs: 会 and 能 能愿动词 Both 会 and 能 translate as "can", but they differ in meaning.
• Number-Measure Phrases 数量短语 In Chinese, you cannot put a number directly before a noun. You need a measure word (量词) between them.
• Progressive Aspect: 在/正在 ... 呢 进行态 Use 在 or 正在 before a verb to express an ongoing action — "is/are doing."
• Reading Prices and Clock Times 钱数与时刻表达法 Prices (钱数): - 元/块 (yuán/kuài) = yuan (1 yuan) - 毛/角 (máo/jiǎo) = jiao (0.1 yuan) - 分 (fēn) = fen (0.01 yuan) - Example: 3.50元 → 三块五 (spoken) or 三元五角 (formal)
• The 是-Sentence: Identity and Classification 是字句 Structure: Subject + 是 + Noun/Noun Phrase - 我是学生。= I am a student. - 她是医生。= She is a doctor.
• Wh-Questions: 什么/谁/哪/怎么 特指问句 In Chinese, question words stay in the same position as the answer — no inversion!
• The 有-Sentence: Possession and Existence 有字句 有 (yǒu) has two uses:
• Time Expressions as Adverbials 时间词作状语 In Chinese, time words come before the verb (not after as in English).

HSK 1 grammar on its own page

HSK 2 · 39 points

• Adjective Reduplication: AA, AABB 形容词重叠 Reduplicated adjectives add a sense of vividness, completeness, or affection.
• Classifiers: 层、封、件、条、位 and Action Measures 量词 名词量词 — match the noun:
• Comparison with 比: A比B + adj/更/还 比较句 You already know A比B+Adj (他比我高). Now add 更 or 还 before the adjective for 'even more':
• Conjunctions: 或者、不过、但是、而且、如果、虽然、只要 连词 Paired connectors — both halves appear in ONE sentence: - 虽然...但是... = although...(but)... — 虽然 opens the concessive clause, 但是 introduces the contrasting result. - 如果... = if...
• Degree Adverbs: 多、多么、更、十分、特别、挺、有点儿 程度副词 These sit before an adjective or feeling-verb: Subject + Degree Adverb + Adjective.
• Demonstrative Adverbs: 那么、这么、那样、这样 指示代词 These four words modify adjectives or verbs to express degree or manner.
• Directional Complements: 来/去, 上/下/进/出/回 趋向补语 A directional complement follows the verb to show the path of motion.
• Directional Prepositions: 往、向、从 引出方向的介词 These prepositions introduce direction or starting point before the verb.
• Double Object Sentences: 给/送 + person + thing 双宾语句 Some verbs (给, 送, 教, 问, 告诉) take TWO objects in a row: first the PERSON (indirect object), then the THING (direct object) — no preposition needed.
• Fixed Patterns: 越来越, 又…又, 该…了, 还是…吧 固定格式 1. 越来越 + Adj/V — getting more and more… - 天气越来越冷。(The weather is getting colder and colder.)
• Frequency Adverbs: 经常、重新、老是、又 频率副词 These adverbs go before the verb to modify how often or in what manner.
• Experiential Aspect 过: Have Done Before 动态助词过 Pattern: Verb + 过 (+ Object) — states that something has happened at some point in the past; a life experience, not a specific single event.
• Interrogative Pronouns: 多久、为什么、怎么样 疑问代词 Chinese question words stay in-situ — they occupy the same slot as the answer.
• Large Numbers: 千、万、亿 and Approximate Numbers 大数词 | 数字 | 汉字 | 拼音 | |------|------|------| | 1,000 | 千 | qiān | | 10,000 | 万 | wàn | | 100,000,000 | 亿 | yì |
• Modal Verbs: 可能、可以、应该、愿意 能愿动词 All modals sit before the main verb.
• Noun Predicate Sentences: 今天晴天、他中国人 名词谓语句 In Chinese, a noun or noun phrase can be the predicate — no verb needed. Common for: - Time/date: 今天星期三。(Today is Wednesday.) - Age: 我八岁。(I am 8.) - Weather: 今天晴天。(Today is sunny.) - Nationality/origin: 他中国人。(He is Ch…
• Object Prepositions: 对、给、离、为 引出对象的介词 Structure: Subject + preposition + object + verb phrase
• Ordinals and Room/Bus Numbers: 第一、302路 序数表示法 Ordinals use 第 + number: 第一 (first), 第二 (second), 第三 (third).
• Progressive Action: 正在…(呢) — Right Now 进行体 正在 (zhèngzài) + Verb (+呢) emphasizes an action happening right now, more precise than plain 在 + Verb. The sentence-final 呢 is optional but common in speech, adding a sense of 'ongoing-ness'.
• Result Complements: 错/懂/好/完/清楚 结果补语 A result complement sits directly after the verb and tells you the outcome of the action.
• Sentence-final Particles: 啊、吧、的 语气助词 These particles sit at the very end of a sentence and shape its tone, not its core meaning.
• Serial Verb Sentences: Sequential Actions 连动句 When one subject does two actions in a row (often: method/means then goal, or action then purpose), just line the verbs up — NO conjunction needed between them.
• 是…的 Construction: Emphasizing Time, Place, Manner 是⋯⋯的句 Use 是…的 to emphasize WHEN, WHERE, or HOW a past action happened — used when both speakers already know the action happened, and you want to highlight the details.
• Structural Particle 得: State Complement 结构助词得 Pattern: Verb + 得 + (Degree Adverb) + Adjective — describes HOW the action is/was performed.
• Time Adverbs: 刚、还、忽然、一直、已经 时间副词 These adverbs go before the verb (or adjective) they modify.
• Time Clauses: 在…以前/以后, 当…的时候 时间状语 Pattern 1: 在…以前 / 以后 — before/after a point in time - 在吃饭以前，请洗手。(Before eating, please wash your hands.) - 在学校以后，他去了商店。(After school, he went to the store.) - Note: 以前/以后 come AFTER the time reference, not before.
• Verb Reduplication: AA, A一A, ABAB 动词重叠 Reduplicating a verb softens a request or implies trying briefly / casually.
• Continuous State 着: Persistent Action or State 动态助词着 着 (zhe) attaches directly after a verb to show the action or state is ongoing / held in place — not completed, not about to happen.
• Causal Sentences: 因为…所以 因果复句 因为 (yīnwèi, 'because') introduces the reason; 所以 (suǒyǐ, 'so/therefore') introduces the result. Structure: 因为 + Reason，所以 + Result.
• Comparison with 跟: A跟B一样 / A有B那么+adj 比较句 相同 (equal): A + 跟 + B + 一样 (+ Adj) 我跟他一样高。(I'm the same height as him.) 这个跟那个不一样。(This one is different from that one — negate with 不一样.)
• Concessive Compound: 虽然…但是/可是, 不过 转折复句 虽然 (suīrán) introduces a fact; 但是/可是/不过 (dànshì/kěshì/búguò) introduce the contrasting result. Structure: 虽然 + Clause A，但是/可是/不过 + Clause B.
• Conditional Sentences: 如果…就, 只要…就 假设/条件复句 如果 (rúguǒ) states a hypothetical condition; 就 (jiù) introduces the result that follows if the condition is met. Structure: 如果 + Condition，就 + Result.
• Degree Complements: 动词+得+形容词 (runs fast, plays happily) 状态补语 Use 得 (de) after a verb to describe HOW the action is done — its manner or degree.
• Existential Sentences with 着: 桌子上放着书 存现句 Describe what exists in a place using: Place + Verb + 着 + Number + Noun.
• Progressive Compound Sentences: 不但…而且 递进复句 Use 不但…而且… to add a SECOND, stronger point on top of the first — 'not only X, but also Y'.
• Quantity Complements: Action Count and Comparison Degree 数量补语 动量补语 (action-measure complement) — Verb + 了 + Number + 次/遍/下: 我去过中国两次。(I've been to China twice.) 次 = general occurrence.
• Question Methods: 好吗、是不是、吧、呢 ellipsis 提问方法 Chinese has four main question patterns beyond basic 吗:
• Sequential Compound Sentences: 先…再/然后 承接复句 Use 先…再/然后… to show two actions happening IN ORDER — first one thing, then the next.
• Tight Compound: 一…就… (As soon as … then …) 紧缩复句 一…就… links two actions that happen in immediate succession: as soon as the first happens, the second follows right away. Structure: 一 + Verb Phrase A，就 + Verb Phrase B.

HSK 2 grammar on its own page

HSK 3 · 30 points

• The 把 Construction 把字句 把 moves the object before the verb to emphasize what happens to it. Structure: Subject + 把 + Object + Verb + Result/Direction/Duration.
• Degree Adverbs: 比较, 更加, 相当, 极 程度副词 这四个副词都表示程度，但强度和语感不同。
• Degree Complements: Adj+得很/极了/死了 程度补语 Unlike 很 (which goes BEFORE an adjective: 很好), these degree complements go AFTER: Adjective + 得很/极了/死了.
• Directional Preposition: 朝, 向 方向介词 向 (xiàng) "toward" — the most versatile one: physical direction (向前走) AND abstract goals of communication (向他道歉、向老师请教、向大家学习). Structure: Subject + 向 + Target + Verb.
• Duration & Frequency Complements 时量补语与动量补语 时量补语 (duration) — how LONG an action lasted: V + 了/过 + Duration (+ 的 + Object). ✅ 我们等了半个小时。 With an object: ✅ 我等了半个小时的车。 or repeat the verb: ✅ 我等车等了半个小时。
• Emphasis: 是…的, 难道…吗, 一…也不 强调方法 不是…的：否定已发生动作的方式/时间/地点（是…的的否定形式）。 他不是坐飞机来的，是坐火车来的。(He didn't come by plane, [he] came by train.)
• Extended Comparison Patterns: A比B V得Adj 比较句扩展 HSK2学过 A比B+Adj（他比我高）。HSK3扩展：比较动作的结果，要加V得。
• Frequency Adverbs: 通常, 往往, 总是 频率副词 三个词都表示"经常发生"，但确定性/语气不同。
• Inclusive Pronouns: 各, 每, 任何 指示代词 每（měi）="每一个"，后面通常加量词+名词：每个人、每天、每次。常与"都"搭配：每个人都喜欢他。表示对实际存在的对象逐一列举，语气平常、口语化。
• Manner Adverbs: 互相, 尽量, 亲自 方式副词 互相 (hùxiāng) "each other" — plural subject + 互相 + verb (object usually dropped, since the action already goes both ways). 我们互相帮助。(We help each other.)
• Modal Stance Adverbs: 大概, 恐怕, 当然, 其实 情态语气副词 大概 (dàgài) "probably, roughly" — a neutral estimate, before the verb or a number. 他大概三十岁。(He's probably around thirty.)
• Modal Verbs: 敢 (dare) & 需要 (need) 能愿动词 敢（gǎn）="dare to"，放在主要动词前面：主语+敢+动词(+宾语)。表示"尽管害怕或有风险，仍然有勇气做某事"，常用否定式"不敢"。
• New Classifiers: 把, 双, 台, 张, 种, 辆 名量词 每个名词都要搭配固定的量词（不能用"一个"代替）。记住名词的形状/类别，量词自然就对了。
• Pivot Sentences: 叫/让/请+someone+V 兼语句 A pivot sentence: the OBJECT of the first verb is also the SUBJECT of the second verb. Structure: Subject1 + 叫/让/请/派 + Object1(=Subject2) + Verb2.
• Prefixes & Suffixes: 第-, 老-, 小-, -们, -子 前缀与后缀 这五个词缀很容易混淆，要分清位置和用法。
• Prepositions of Cause & Purpose: 由于, 因为, 为了 原因目的介词 因为...所以... — reason → result (review). 因为下雨，所以我们没去。
• Prepositions of Time & Place: 自从, 由, 从…起 时间处所介词 These three prepositions all relate to starting points but differ in nuance.
• Question Words as Non-Questions: 谁都, 什么都 疑问代词的任指和不定指用法 疑问词 + 都 = 泛指肯定（”每个/什么都”） 疑问词 + 也 = 泛指否定（配合否定动词）
• Result Complements: V+到/住/走 结果补语 到 (dào) "to, reaching" — the action reaches/achieves its target. 我找到钥匙了。(I found the key — the search reached success.) Also: 听到、看到、想到、收到.
• Scope Adverbs: 光, 仅, 就, 至少 范围副词 光/仅（仅仅）/就 都表示"只"，但方向相同（划定上限），语气/语域不同；至少方向相反，划定下限。
• Separable Verb-Object Compounds 动宾式离合词 有些两个字的动词其实是"动词+宾语"结构（离合词），时态助词(了/过)、数量词、时段或修饰语要插入到两个语素中间，不能像普通双音节动词那样直接在后面加宾语。
• Time Adverbs: 本来, 才, 曾经, 从来, 立刻 时间副词 | 副词 | 意思 | 用法要点 | |------|------|----------| | 本来 běn lái | 原来（后来变了） | 本来想去，后来没去 | | 才 cái | 比预期晚/条件达成后才发生 | 他八点才到（比预期晚）| | 曾经 céng jīng | 曾经有过的经历，常带"过" | 我曾经去过北京 | | 从来 cóng lái | 一直如此（几乎总跟否定词"不/没"连用）| 他从来不迟到 | | 立刻…
• Topic-Comment & Subject-Predicate Predicate 主谓谓语句 中文常把要谈的话题放在句首，后面用一个完整的"小主语+小谓语"来评论它。
• Passive Constructions: 被, 叫, 让 被动句 被 (bèi) — the standard passive marker. Structure: Patient + 被 + (Agent) + Verb + Complement. The agent may be omitted. ✅ 杯子被打破了。(The cup got broken — agent unknown/unimportant.)
• Complex Sentences: 不仅…还…, 只有…才…, 虽然…但是… 复句 1. 不仅…还… (bù jǐn … hái …) — Not only … but also … Structure: Subject + 不仅 + Clause1 + 还 + Clause2 ✅ 他不仅会说英语，还会说法语。(He not only speaks English but also French.)
• Compound Directional Complements 复合趋向补语 Compound directional complements show direction of movement relative to the speaker.
• Conditional & Purpose Clauses: 要是…就, 为了… 假设与目的复句 1. 要是…就… (yào shi … jiù …) — If … then … Structure: 要是 + Condition + Subject + 就 + Result ✅ 要是明天下雨，我们就不去爬山了。(If it rains tomorrow, we won't go hiking.)
• Potential Complements: V+得/不+V/Adj 可能补语 Insert 得 (can) or 不 (cannot) between a verb and its result/direction complement to show whether the result CAN be achieved.
• Repetition & Serial Verb Patterns 重动词与数量重叠 量词重叠 (M+M) 表示"每一个"：个个、件件、天天、年年。 他天天练习汉语。(He practices Chinese every day.)
• Verbal Phrases as Subject, Object & Modifier 动词短语作主语、宾语和定语 1. 作主语：动词(短语)可以直接做主语，像名词一样。 学习汉语很有意思。(Learning Chinese is interesting.)

HSK 3 grammar on its own page

HSK 4 · 55 points

• 按照/根据: according to 按照/根据 按照 (ànzhào) = following / in accordance with (a procedure, rule, standard, or instruction)
• 对于/关于/针对: regarding/about 对于/关于 关于 (guānyú) = about / concerning (frames the TOPIC of a discussion, article, or title)
• 难道…吗: rhetorical question 难道…吗 Structure: 难道 + (Subject) + Verb Phrase + 吗？
• 人家: third-person/distancing pronoun 人家 Use 1 — Other people (contrast with speaker) Points out that others did (or did not do) something, often with accusation or complaint.
• 又…又…: both X and Y 又…又… Structure: 又 + Adj/VP₁ + 又 + Adj/VP₂
• Approximation: 左右/大约/差不多/将近 约数表达 四种表示大概数量的方式，位置和语气各不相同。
• Attitude adverbs: 偏偏/偶尔/竟然/随便 语气副词 | 副词 | 读音 | 意思 | 语气 | |------|------|------|------| | 偏偏 | piān piān | contrary to expectation / stubbornly | 不满/强调反差 | | 偶尔 | ǒu ěr | occasionally | 中性/说明频率低 | | 竟然 | jìng rán | unexpectedly / to one's surprise | 惊讶/…
• 把-construction (disposal) 把字句 把 moves the object before the verb to emphasize what happens to it. Structure:
• 比 extended: degree & verb phrases 比字句进阶 Beyond basic 比 A B adj, HSK-4 extends the pattern in three directions:
• Borrowed measure words: 碗/脸/手/桌子 借用量词 在汉语里，某些普通名词可以借用为量词，用来生动地表达数量或状态。
• 不但…而且…: not only…but also 不但…而且… Meaning: not only … but also. Adds a second, stronger point to the first.
• Container measures: 瓶/盒/袋/杯 容量量词 容量量词用容器名词来计量液体、固体食品等。
• Degree adverbs: 十分/极其/稍微/格外 程度副词 这四个副词都表示程度，但强度和使用场合不同。
• Degree complement: V得+predicate 程度补语 The degree complement describes how well / to what degree an action is performed.
• Formal vs. informal register differences 正式与口语差异 HSK-4阅读中经常出现正式书面语。识别以下对比是核心技能：
• Frequency complement: V+次/遍/趟 动量补语 Frequency complements answer how many times an action occurred.
• 跟/和…一样/不一样: same as/different from 跟…一样/不一样 Meaning: same as / different from
• 过: experiential aspect 过 过 placed directly after the verb records that something was experienced at some past point — the exact time doesn't matter.
• 既然…就…: since/given that 既然…就… Meaning: since / given that … then … The speaker accepts a fact that is already known or acknowledged, then draws a logical conclusion from it.
• 尽管…还是/仍然…: despite that 尽管…还是/仍然… Meaning: despite the fact that … (still) … Concedes a difficulty or obstacle, then asserts a persistent result.
• 就是…也…: even if…still 就是…也… Meaning: even if … still … Presents an extreme or unlikely scenario and asserts that the result holds regardless.
• 了: completion & state change 了 Function 1 — verb 了 (completion): placed directly after the verb to mark the action as completed. > 我吃了饭。 (I ate.)
• 连…都/也…: even X does Y 连…都/也… 连…都/也 intensifies by highlighting an extreme case: if even this item satisfies the condition, the point is strongly made.
• 得 (děi): obligation must 得（děi）表义务 得 (děi) is a modal meaning must / have to — obligation from external circumstances, not just desire.
• 敢: dare to 敢 敢 is a modal meaning dare (to do) — used when an action requires courage or risk.
• 却/倒: unexpected contrast 却/倒 Both mark a surprising reversal — the second clause goes against what the context or logic would predict.
• Resultative complements: 好/完/到/懂/坏 基础结果补语 A resultative complement follows the verb to describe what happened as a result.
• Scope adverbs: 共/全/光/仅/至少 范围副词 | 副词 | 意思 | 用法要点 | |------|------|----------| | 共 gòng | altogether | 共 + 数量: 共有30人 | | 全 quán | all, entirely | 全 + V/Adj: 全家人都来了 | | 光 guāng | only/nothing but | 含批评含义: 光说不做 | | 仅 jǐn | merely, only | 书面语: 仅有三个人 | |…
• Separable verbs 离合词: 见面/洗澡/毕业 离合词 离合词 are verb-object compounds that can be split. The object is built in, so you cannot add another object after the whole compound.
• Simple directional complements: 进来/出去 简单趋向补语 A directional complement attaches to a verb to show movement toward/away from a reference point.
• 虽然…但是…: although…but 虽然…但是… Meaning: although … but. Concedes a fact in clause A, then asserts the main point in clause B.
• 随着: along with / as…progresses 随着 随着 (suí zhe) 表示两件事同步变化：一件事进展时，另一件事也随之改变。
• Time adverbs: 渐渐/逐渐/及时/立刻 时间副词细分 | 副词 | 读音 | 意思 | 语体 | 要点 | |------|------|------|------|------| | 渐渐 | jiàn jiàn | gradually | 口/书 | 自然变化，偏口语 | | 逐渐 | zhú jiàn | gradually | 书面 | 系统进展，偏书面 | | 及时 | jí shí | in time / timely | 两者 | 在问题变大前完成 | | 立刻 | l…
• Topic-comment sentence structure 话题句 Chinese often puts the topic (what you're talking about) first, then makes a comment on it — even if the topic isn't the grammatical subject.
• 无论/不管…都…: regardless of 无论/不管…都… Meaning: regardless of / no matter … always … Asserts that a result holds across ALL possible values of a variable.
• 也许/恐怕/大概: hedging expressions 也许/恐怕 These three adverbs all express uncertainty but with different flavours:
• 一…就…: as soon as / no sooner than 一…就… Meaning: as soon as / the moment … then … Expresses that one event happens immediately after another, with no gap.
• 由于/因为 (formal): due to 由于 由于 (yóu yú) 是书面正式用语；因为 (yīn wèi) 是日常口语。
• 越…越…: the more…the more 越…越… Structure: 越 + Condition/VP + 越 + Result/VP
• 只要/只有…才…: only if/unless 只要/只有…才… Two different conditional patterns — choose carefully:
• Action measure words: 次/遍/趟/顿/场 动量词 Five key action measure words:
• Advanced resultatives: 住/成/开/清楚 进阶结果补语 These four complements attach to verbs to specify the result:
• 被-construction (passive) 被字句 被 marks the passive voice: the subject receives the action rather than performing it.
• Complex directionals: V+起来/下去/出来 复杂趋向补语 These compound directionals attach to a verb to show direction AND carry extended meanings:
• Duration complement: V+了+time 时量补语 Shows how long an action lasted. Structure depends on whether there is an object:
• 非…不可: absolutely must 非…不可 Structure: Subject + 非 + VP + 不可
• 没有/不如: negative comparisons 没有/不如比较 Two structures to say X is less than Y:
• Potential complements: V得/不C 可能补语 Insert 得 or 不 between a verb and its result/directional complement to express can or cannot achieve that result.
• 是…的: emphasize past circumstances 是…的强调句 是…的 emphasizes where, when, how, or by whom a completed past action occurred.
• 使/让/叫 pivot-causative sentences 兼语句 A pivot sentence has a noun that is simultaneously the object of the first verb and the subject of the second:
• 越来越…: more and more 越来越… Structure: Subject + 越来越 + Adj/V
• 着: continuous/accompanying state 着 Use 1 — Continuous state: V+着 shows a state that persists after an action. - 灯开着。(The light is on.) - 他戴着眼镜。(He has his glasses on.)
• Complement types: integrated review 补语综合复习 HSK-4 uses six complement types. Each answers a different question about the verb:
• Existential sentences: 有/是/着 + location 存在句 Three types, all with structure Location + Verb + Thing:
• Key HSK-4 patterns: integrated review HSK4核心句型综合 Six patterns you must discriminate at exam level:

HSK 4 grammar on its own page

HSK 5 · 27 points

• Agent Prepositions: 将、由 引出施受介词 将 (jiāng) = 书面语中'把'的正式说法，用于处置结构：将 + 宾语 + 动词 + 结果，多见于公文、通知、新闻。 ✅ 请将您的意见写在这张表格上。(=把意见写在表格上，但更正式)
• 把-Sentences & Notional Passive 把字句与意念被动句 Chinese often expresses passive meaning without 被 — this is 意念被动句 (notional passive): the patient becomes the subject, and the passive sense is understood from context, with no marker.
• Comparison Sentences: 跟…相比 比较句 跟…相比 = 'compared with…', introduces the baseline for a comparison at the start of a sentence: 跟去年相比，今年的销量增加了很多。(Compared to last year, this year's sales increased a lot.)
• Degree Adverbs: 过于、尤其、稍微 程度副词 | 副词 | 意思 | 用法要点 | |------|------|----------| | 过于 guò yú | too / excessively | 书面语，隐含'过头、带来负面结果'；常与反而/导致搭配 | | 尤其 yóu qí | especially | 从一组事物中挑出最突出的一个：喜欢A，尤其喜欢B | | 稍微 shāo wēi | slightly | 减弱程度，常与'一点/一些/有点'搭配 |
• Demonstratives & Measure Words 指示代词与量词 某 is an indefinite demonstrative-like pronoun: 'a certain / some (unspecified)'. It replaces a name/detail the speaker knows but doesn't state, or genuinely doesn't know.
• Directional Complements: Temporal Meaning 趋向补语表时间意义 V + 起来 = the action/state begins (inceptive). Works with verbs and adjectives: 天气突然冷起来了。(It suddenly turned cold.) If the verb has an object (like 下雨), the object is inserted between 起 and 来: 下起雨来了。(It started raining.)
• Fixed Frames: 从…来看、到…为止、在…看来 固定格式 Three fixed frames (固定格式) for stating a viewpoint or a boundary.
• Fixed Phrases: 不得了、用不着、得了 固定短语 不得了 (bù dé liǎo) = extremely — used as a degree complement after 得: Adj/V + 得 + 不得了 (an extreme/over-the-top degree). 高兴得不得了 = extremely happy.
• Frequency & Manner Adverbs: 偶尔、再次、偷偷 频率副词 | 副词 | 意思 | 用法要点 | |------|------|----------| | 偶尔 ǒu ěr | occasionally | 频率很低，常与'才/只是'搭配，强调'不常发生' | | 再次 zài cì | once again | 书面语，指未来/正式场合的'再一次'；比口语的'又/再'更正式 | | 偷偷 tōu tōu | secretly | 描述动作方式，强调'不让别人发现'，放在动词前 |
• Modal Adverbs: 毕竟、居然、明明、总算 语气副词 | 副词 | 意思 | 用法要点 | |------|------|----------| | 毕竟 bì jìng | after all | 引出一个不可忽视的根本原因，为前面的情况辩护/解释 | | 居然 jū rán | unexpectedly | 表示结果出乎意料，常与'没想到'呼应 | | 明明 míng míng | clearly, obviously | 强调事实明显，常与'却/但'搭配构成矛盾/转折 | |…
• Multiple Adverbials: Ordering Rules 多项状语的顺序 When a sentence has several adverbials before the verb, they follow a fixed order:
• Object Semantics: Existential & Affected Objects 宾语的语义类型 Not every post-verb noun plays the same role.
• Potential Complements: V+得/不得 可能补语 V + 不得 = 'must not V' — the action is dangerous, forbidden, or inappropriate. 这个东西有毒，吃不得。(This thing is poisonous — must not be eaten.)
• Preposition 随着 (along with, as) 介词 复习：随着 + NP的发展，结果句 (as X develops, Y happens) — 已经学过的基础结构。
• Reduplication Patterns: A来A去、A着A着 四字格 A来A去 — 动词重复，中间加'来…去'，表示来回反复做某事，常带'没有结果/没有进展'的语气：想来想去、说来说去、走来走去。 ✅ 他想来想去，还是决定辞职。
• Scope Adverb: 大都 范围副词 大都 (dà dōu) = 'mostly, for the most part'. It modifies a plural/collective subject, saying most (but not necessarily all) members share a trait.
• Serial Verb & Pivotal Constructions 连动句与兼语句 连动句 (serial verb construction): one subject, two or more verb phrases in sequence, describing consecutive or purposive actions. 他去图书馆借书。(He goes to the library to borrow books.) — same subject (他) does both.
• '有' Sentences: Existence & Attachment 有字句3 有着 = 'to have/possess' (an emphatic, more literary form of 有), used with abstract, enduring qualities — not concrete, countable objects. 这座城市有着悠久的历史。(This city has a long history.)
• Basis Prepositions: 凭、依据、依照 凭借介词 凭 (píng) = relying on / by virtue of — introduces a personal basis, qualification, or piece of evidence: 凭 + N(经验/感觉/证件/努力) + V. Often paired with 就 in a skeptical tone: 凭…就… (基于这么点依据就…, 'just based on this alone...').
• Clause Conjunctions: 从而、加上、完了、一旦 连接分句连词 从而 (cóng ér) = thus/thereby — connects a preceding method/action to the result it enables: A，从而B (by doing A, thereby achieving B). More formal than 因此, and emphasizes the causal mechanism, not just any result.
• Complex Sentences: Concession & Condition 复句 即使…也… = 'even if…still…' — hypothetical concession (the situation may not be true, but even if it were, the result still holds). 即使明天下雨，我们也要去爬山。(Even if it rains tomorrow, we'll still go hiking.)
• Degree & State Complements: 不得了、坏了、得+phrase 程度补语与状态补语 Adj/V + 得不得了 = extremely, to an extreme degree. 她激动得不得了。(She was extremely excited.)
• Discourse Cohesion: Anaphora & Ellipsis 句群 连续的句子说同一个人/事时，为避免啰嗦重复，中文常用两种衔接手段：
• Emphasis Patterns: 再也不、怎么都、X归X 强调方式 再也不/没…了 = 'never again' — emphasizes a firm, final change after an experience: 这些年来，他再也不相信别人的花言巧语了。(All these years, he has never again believed others' sweet talk.)
• Time Adverbs: 仍旧、时常、依旧、一向 时间副词 | 副词 | 意思 | 用法要点 | |------|------|----------| | 仍旧 réng jiù | still, as before | 强调动作/状态在变化或困难中继续，常与虽然/尽管搭配 | | 依旧 yī jiù | still, unchanged | 与仍旧近义，书面/抒情色彩更浓，常修饰景色、感情 | | 时常 shí cháng | often, frequently | 描述反复发生的动作，…
• Purpose & Consequence Clauses: 为的是、以便 目的与因果复句 为的是 = 'the purpose is…' — placed after the action, restating a general/personal goal: 他每天早起锻炼，为的是保持健康。(He gets up early to exercise every day — the goal is to stay healthy.)
• Multi-Clause Compound Sentences 二重复句 一个复句里，某个分句本身又是一个完整的复句，这就是二重复句（两层关联词嵌套）。

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 (ér) links two predicates (usually adjectives or verb phrases) about the same subject. It can show simple addition (both positive/negative) or contrast (positive→negative). 表面上…而实际上… is a classic contrast frame.
• Advanced Measure Words: Nominal and Verbal 高级量词 名量词修饰名词，放在'数词 + 量词 + 名词'的位置： - 缕 = 细长的一条（丝状物）：一缕阳光、一缕香烟、一缕头发。 - 栋/幢 = 整座建筑：一栋楼、一幢别墅。 - 丛 = 聚在一起的植物：一丛花、一丛竹子。
• Advanced Particles: Structural 所 and Modal 罢了/啦/嘛 高级助词 所 + V turns a verb into a noun-modifier, almost always followed by 的 + noun: 我所说的话 = 'the words that I said'. Fixed forms: 所谓 (the so-called), 有所 + 2-syllable verb (a mild change: 有所提高 = improved somewhat).
• Common Fixed Expressions: 不怎么, 好不容易, 那倒是, 算了 常用固定短语 不怎么 = 'not really / not particularly' — a mild negative degree marker before an adjective or verb: 不怎么好吃 = 'not really tasty'.
• Degree, Scope and Time Adverbs 程度、范围与时间副词 程度副词（放在形容词/心理动词前，加强程度）： - 格外 = 特别、超出一般：今天格外冷。语气比'很'重，比'非常'更书面。 - 极其 = 极度地，语气最强，多用于书面语：极其重要、极其罕见。
• Directional Complements: Extended Stative Meanings 趋向补语的引申用法 Beyond literal direction, these four complements carry extended, figurative meanings in HSK6 texts:
• Emphatic Constructions: 非…不可 强调句型 Structure: (Subject) + 非 + Verb Phrase + 不可. Literally "if not X, unacceptable" → "absolutely must X / nothing else will do."
• Formal Demonstrative Pronouns: 本 and 此 书面指示代词 口语中说'这'，正式书面语常用本和此代替，语气更庄重。
• 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 或A或B = 'either A or B / A-ish or B-ish', hedging over two possibilities of the same category: 或早或晚 (sooner or later), 或多或少 (more or less).
• Object Semantic Types: Locative and Result Objects 宾语的语义类型 处所宾语 (locative object): Certain verbs of arrival/motion (到、到达、登上、爬、离开、经过…) take a PLACE noun directly as their object, no preposition needed: 到达机场 = 'arrive at the airport'.
• Prepositions of Time, Place, Direction and Object 引出时间、处所、方向、对象的介词 书面语中，'于、自、至、朝着'常常替换口语的'在、从、到、向'，语气更正式，多见于新闻、公文、演讲。
• Productive Prefixes and Suffixes 类前缀与类后缀 中文里有一批高频'词缀'，加在词根前后，能批量构造新词，认识它们就能推测生词的意思。
• Advanced 把 and Passive Constructions 高级把字句与被动句 把 + O + V + 成/为/作 (regard-as / transform-into): 把A看成/当作/看作B = 'treat/regard A as B'. The complement 成/为/作 must follow the verb directly.
• Colloquial Spoken Patterns 口语格式 1. V + 到 + 人 + 头上 — blame, duty, or luck "lands on" someone. 别把错误推到我头上 = Don't push the mistake onto me.
• Connective, Manner and Modal Adverbs 关联、方式与情态语气副词 关联副词（连接前后分句，表逻辑关系，书面语常用）： - 从而 = 因此、由此产生的结果：提高了技术，从而降低了成本。强调'前因后果'的必然联系。 - 进而 = 在此基础上更进一步：先了解情况，进而提出建议。强调'层层递进'。
• Coordinate and Sequential Compound Sentences 并列复句与承接复句 时而…时而… = 'now...now...' — describes a state alternating unpredictably between two conditions over time: 天气时而晴，时而雨 (the weather is now sunny, now rainy). Formal/written register.
• Fixed Formats: A一量词B一量词, 东一A西一A, 为了…而… 固定格式 A一量词B一量词 describes two members of a pair/group by echoing the SAME classifier twice, each half naming one quality: 一个高一个矮 (one tall, one short). The classifier must repeat exactly — it creates the rhetorical parallelism.
• Numeral + Adjective + Classifier Phrases 数词+形容词+量词短语 Structure: Numeral + monosyllabic adjective (大/小/整/满…) + Classifier + Noun. The adjective sits between the numeral and the classifier, coloring how the speaker perceives the quantity — not just neutrally counting.
• Prepositions of Purpose, Exclusion and Basis 引出目的、原因、排除与凭借的介词 以 = 用、拿来（引出目的/方式，书面语）：以此表示感谢（=用这个表示感谢）；公司以质量取胜（=靠质量取胜）。常见结构'以…为…'（以诚信为本）。
• Progressive and Additive Compound Sentences 递进复句 不但不…反而… = 'not only not X, but on the contrary Y' — an adversative-progressive: the expected negative outcome is reversed into something surprising. 反而 (on the contrary) marks the reversal.
• Alternative, Conditional and Concessive Compound Sentences 选择、假设、条件与让步复句 要么…要么… (alternative): presents two mutually exclusive options: 要么现在走，要么错过火车 = 'either we leave now, or we miss the train'.
• Multi-Layer Compound Sentences 多重复句 A multi-layer compound sentence (多重复句) contains TWO OR MORE logical relations stacked inside one sentence — a compound clause nested inside one half of another compound clause.

HSK 6 grammar on its own page

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