Mastering complex structures · 25 grammar points
HSK 3 grammar introduces some of the most distinctive and challenging Chinese sentence structures. The 把 construction, passive 被 sentences, and 是...的 structure are essential patterns that reshape how you think about Chinese word order. You will also learn compound directional complements, the potential complement, and a range of sophisticated conjunctions that let you express complex logical relationships.
Word order and sentence patterns
把字句
The 把 (bǎ) construction moves the object before the verb to emphasize what happens to it. It is used when the action causes a definite change, movement, or result to the object.
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被字句
The 被 (bèi) construction expresses the passive voice in Chinese: "X was done by someone." It often carries a negative or undesirable connotation, though modern usage is becoming more neutral.
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是...的
The 是...的 construction highlights specific details (time, place, manner, purpose) about an action that already happened. It answers "when / where / how / why did you do it?"
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话题句
Chinese is a topic-prominent language. The topic (what the sentence is about) goes first, followed by a comment (what you say about it). This differs from English subject-verb patterns.
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有字句
Existential 有 sentences describe what exists at a location. The pattern is Place + 有 + Something, equivalent to "There is/are..." in English. The thing that exists is always indefinite.
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Resultative, directional, degree, potential
复合趋向补语
Compound directional complements combine a directional verb (上, 下, 进, 出, 回, 过, 起) with 来 or 去 to indicate the direction of an action relative to the speaker.
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可能补语
Potential complements use 得 (able) or 不 (unable) between a verb and its complement to express whether an action can or cannot achieve a result. "Can you finish eating it?" becomes 吃得完吗？
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Connecting clauses and complex sentences
除了...以外
除了 (chúle) means either "except" or "besides/in addition to," depending on whether it pairs with 以外...都 (excluding) or 以外...也/还 (including). Context determines the meaning.
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不但...而且
不但...而且 (bùdàn...érqiě) connects two clauses to express "not only X, but also Y." It emphasizes that the second point goes beyond the first, adding intensity or surprise.
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一...就
一...就 (yī...jiù) means "as soon as A happens, B follows." It expresses an immediate or automatic connection between two events.
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无论...都
无论 (wúlùn) or 不管 (bùguǎn) means "regardless of / no matter what." They pair with 都 or 也 in the second clause to express that the result stays the same under all conditions.
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只有...才
只有...才 (zhǐyǒu...cái) expresses "only if / only when." It emphasizes that one specific condition is the sole way to achieve a result. Without that condition, the result cannot happen.
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先...再
先...再/然后 (xiān...zài/ránhòu) sequences two actions: "first do A, then do B." 先...再 is for plans and suggestions; 先...然后 works for both plans and past narratives.
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只要...就
只要...就 (zhǐyào...jiù) means "as long as / if only." It expresses a sufficient condition: if this one thing is met, the result will follow. It is less demanding than 只有...才.
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Fixed patterns and set phrases
连...都/也
连...都/也 (lián...dōu/yě) means "even" and is used to emphasize an extreme or surprising case. "Even a child knows this" = 连小孩都知道.
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是 for emphasis
Beyond its basic meaning of "to be," 是 (shì) can be placed before a verb or adjective to add emphasis, similar to "do/does" in English: "I DO like it" = 我是喜欢的.
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必须/得
必须 (bìxū) and 得 (děi) both express "must," but 必须 is formal and emphasizes obligation or rules, while 得 is colloquial and expresses practical necessity.
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了, 的, 地, 得, 吗, 呢, 吧, 啊
了, 过, 着, 在, 正在, 将要
也, 都, 才, 就, 又, 再, 还
又/再
又 (yòu) and 再 (zài) both mean "again," but 又 refers to something that has already happened again, while 再 refers to something that will happen again in the future.
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还
还 (hái) has two main meanings: "still" (a situation continues) and "also / in addition" (adding extra information). It goes before the verb or adjective it modifies.
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在, 从, 到, 对, 给, 向, 跟
向 + direction
向 (xiàng) means "towards" or "in the direction of." It indicates the direction of a physical movement or the target of an action, such as asking, learning from, or looking toward someone.
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根据
根据 (gēnjù) means "according to" or "based on." It introduces the source, basis, or evidence for a statement or decision.
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Counters and classifiers
Question words and question patterns
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