Chinese Grammar Hub

Understand Chinese Grammar Faster

Browse the grammar system by level and category, then open clear explanations with practical examples.

399 Total Rules
73 Chapters
6 CEFR level
Understand Chinese Grammar Faster

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Active filters: CEFR level: B1
B1 Particles Verified

Making Suggestions with `吧` (ba)

`吧` (ba) turns a command into a polite suggestion and a statement into a soft assumption.

  • Use `吧` (ba) at the end of a sentence to make a s...
  • It softens your tone, making you sound more polite...
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
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B1 Time Expressions Verified

First... then... (先...然后/再)

Structure sequences logicially by placing `先` before the first action and `然后` or `再` before the second.

  • Use `先` (xiān) before the first verb to mean 'fir...
  • Use `然后` (ránhòu) or `再` (zài) to connect the n...
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
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B1 Time Expressions Verified

Sequencing Actions: First... Then... (xiān... ránhòu...)

Connect sequential actions using {先|xiān} + Action 1 followed by {然后|ránhòu} + Action 2 to sound naturally organized.

  • Use {先|xiān} before the first verb phrase to mean...
  • Use {然后|ránhòu} to introduce the second action m...
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
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B1 Location & Direction Verified

In the Middle: Location Word (中间 zhōngjiān)

Always place '中间' (zhōngjiān) after the nouns or groups you are describing as the boundaries.

  • Used to describe 'in the middle' or 'between' two...
  • Place the nouns first, then '中间' (zhōngjiān) at...
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
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B1 Location & Direction Verified

Location Word: Across From ({对面|duìmiàn})

Always place your reference landmark before {对面|duìmiàn} to correctly describe locations 'across the street' or 'opposite' you.

  • Used for physical locations 'opposite' or 'across...
  • The reference point always comes BEFORE the word {...
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
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B1 Location & Direction Verified

Location Word: 之间 (zhījiān) - Between

之间 (zhījiān) defines the space, time, or relationship that exists *in the gap* between two or more specific things.

  • Use 之间 (zhījiān) to say 'between' or 'among'.
  • It connects two or more nouns: A 和 B 之间.
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
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B1 Measure Words Verified

Counting Businesses: The Measure Word 家 (jiā)

Use `家` ({家|jiā}) to count any establishment that conducts business, from tiny shops to massive corporations.

  • Used for businesses and establishments
  • Means 'family' or 'home' literally
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
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B1 Time Expressions Verified

Chinese Time Duration: How Long with 'le'

Place duration after the verb and use a second 'le' at the end for ongoing actions.

  • Duration (how long) always follows the verb in Chi...
  • Use one 'le' for completed actions that lasted a s...
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
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B1 Time Expressions Verified

How Long? Asking About Duration (多久 duōjiǔ)

Always place duration after the verb and use 'duōjiǔ' to ask about the length of an action.

  • Use 多久 (duōjiǔ) to ask 'how long' regarding time...
  • Duration words always go AFTER the verb in a Chine...
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
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B1 Time Expressions Verified

Every... Single... Time: Using 都 (dōu)

In Chinese, if you mention a recurring time like "every day," you must confirm it with {都|dōu} before the verb.

  • "Every" time words need {都|dōu}.
  • Structure: {每天|měitiān} + {都|dōu} + Verb.
11 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
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B1 Complement System Verified

Resultative Complement: '见' (jiàn) - Spotting & Hearing

Use 见 after sensory verbs to confirm you successfully perceived something, rather than just performing the action.

  • 见 indicates a result of sensory perception (seein...
  • It distinguishes between 'looking' (看) and 'actua...
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
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B1 Complement System Verified

Result Complement: Using `懂` (dǒng) for Understanding

`懂` ({dǒng|dǒng}) is a result complement that signals successful understanding from an action like seeing or hearing.

  • Use `懂` ({dǒng|dǒng}) after a verb to mean you 'u...
  • The most common pairs are `看懂` ({kàndǒng|kàndǒng...
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
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Why Learn Chinese Grammar?

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:

Build Accurate Sentences

Move beyond memorized phrases. Understand the rules so you can create original, correct sentences in any situation.

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Grammar is tested in every major language exam — IELTS, DELE, DELF, JLPT, HSK, TOPIK, and more. Our CEFR-aligned curriculum maps directly to exam requirements.

Understand Native Speakers

Knowing grammar helps you parse complex sentences, understand nuance, and follow conversations even when speakers use advanced constructions.

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Students who study grammar systematically reach fluency faster than those who rely on immersion alone. Structure accelerates learning.

How Our Chinese Grammar Course Works

1

Choose Your Level

Start with your CEFR level — from A0 Zero Point to C2 Mastery. Not sure? Begin at A0 and progress at your own pace.

2

Study Structured Chapters

Each chapter covers a grammar topic with clear explanations, pattern tables, and real-world example sentences.

3

Practice with Exercises

Test your understanding with interactive exercises — fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, sentence building, and translation practice.

4

Track & Progress

Your progress is saved automatically. Complete chapters, unlock new levels, and watch your grammar mastery grow.

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.

Yes! Create a free account to track which grammar rules you've studied, see your progress across all CEFR levels, and pick up exactly where you left off. Your learning progress syncs across devices.