In Chinese, 还是 (háishi) is used to ask or questions where the listener must choose between options. The pattern is: Option A + 还是 + Option B? For example: 你喝茶还是喝咖啡？(Do you drink tea or co...

• Use 还是 between two options in a question.
• Means "or" when asking someone to choose.

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A1 Sentence Structure Verified

Serial Verb Constructions: Chaining Actions Together

Chinese allows you to chain multiple verbs together in one sentence without conjunctions. The verbs happen in sequence: Subject + Verb1 + Verb2 + (Object). For example: 我去商店买东西 (I go to the sto...

• Chain verbs together without conjunctions.
• Actions flow in sequence: V1 then V2.

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A1 Sentence Structure Verified

Topic-Comment Structure: What Chinese Sentences Are Really About

Chinese is a topic-prominent language. Many sentences start with a topic (what we are talking about), followed by a comment (what we say about it). The topic does not have to be the grammatical subjec...

• Chinese sentences often start with a topic.
• Topic sets the scene, comment says something about...

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A1 Sentence Structure Verified

Golden Rule: Basic Word Order (STPVO)

Remember **STPVO**: Subject, Time, Place, Verb, Object—set the scene before the action.

• Order: Subject + Time + Place + Action
• Time can go before or after Subject

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Chinese Word Order: The Golden Rule (STPVO)

Always put Time and Place details BEFORE the verb, unlike in English where they go at the end.

• Subject + Time + Place + Action
• Time goes before the verb

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A1 Conjunctions & Connectors Verified

Natural Success with {就|jiù}: If this, then that!

Use {就|jiù} to show that if one thing happens, the next thing follows naturally and easily.

• Use {就|jiù} to link a condition to a natural, eas...
• Always place {就|jiù} after the subject and before...

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A1 Conjunctions & Connectors Verified

As Soon As (yī...jiù): Expressing Instant Reactions

Use 一...就 to show that as soon as one thing happens, another follows immediately without any delay.

• Connects two actions happening in immediate, rapid...
• Pattern: Subject + 一 (yī) + Action 1 + 就 (jiù) +...

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Grammar is the foundation of language fluency. Without understanding grammar patterns, you can memorize vocabulary but struggle to form correct sentences. Here's why structured grammar study matters:

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Grammar

SubLearn covers 399 Chinese grammar rules organized across 6 CEFR proficiency levels (from A1 to C2), spanning 73 structured chapters. Each rule includes clear explanations, real-world examples, and interactive practice exercises.

Our Chinese grammar curriculum covers CEFR levels from A1 to C2. Each level is designed to match your current proficiency — beginners start with basic sentence patterns at A1, while advanced learners tackle nuanced structures at C1-C2.

Yes! All Chinese grammar rules, explanations, and examples are completely free to access. You can browse the full curriculum, read detailed explanations, and practice with exercises at no cost.

Grammar is organized into 73 thematic chapters following the CEFR framework. Each chapter groups related rules together — for example, verb tenses, sentence structure, or particles — so you can learn related concepts in a logical sequence.

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