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

New to Chinese Grammar?

Start with the basics and build your foundation step by step.

Start Here
Active filters: CEFR level: C1
C1 Advanced Patterns Verified

Formal Passives: 蒙 (méng), 遭 (zāo), and 受 (shòu)

Use {受|shòu}, {遭|zāo}, and {蒙|méng} to create formal, agent-less passive sentences that emphasize the subject's experience rather than the doer's action.

  • {受|shòu}: Neutral/Positive "receive" (abstract no...
  • {遭|zāo}: Negative "encounter" (disasters/misfortu...
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
Read rule
C1 Measure Words Verified

Formal Quantifiers: All, Every, Any (诸, 每, 凡)

Use these formal quantifiers to sound like a native professional when making broad statements or setting rules.

  • `诸` ({诸|zhū}) means "various" or "all" for forma...
  • `每` ({每|měi}) specifies "every single one" indiv...
11 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
Read rule
C1 Conjunctions & Connectors Verified

Formal Examples in Chinese: Beyond 'Liru' (诸如, 譬如, 比方)

Mastering formal exemplification markers allows you to adjust your linguistic register for academic, professional, and literary contexts.

  • Upgrade from `例如` to `诸如` or `譬如` for a form...
  • Use `诸如` for listing specific items within a cat...
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
Read rule
C1 Advanced Patterns Verified

Formal Degree Modifiers: 极其, 至为, 颇为

Use `极其`, `至为`, and `颇为` to express high degrees of formality and intensity in written and formal Chinese.

  • `极其` (jíqí) means 'extremely' and is very strong...
  • `至为` (zhìwéi) means 'of utmost' and is super for...
10 examples 2 exercises 1 FAQ
Read rule
C1 Time Expressions Verified

Formal Time Expressions: At the moment of... (之际 / 之时)

Elevate your formal Chinese by replacing casual 'when' with these sophisticated temporal markers for significant occasions.

  • Formal C1-level 'when' markers for significant lif...
  • 之际 (zhī jì) focuses on the precise juncture or t...
10 examples 1 exercises 1 FAQ
Read rule
C1 Conjunctions & Connectors Verified

Formal Connectors: 然而, 然, & 乃 (However / Is Actually)

Literary connectors like 然而 and 乃 elevate your writing to C1, replacing casual words like 但是 and 就是 in formal or dramatic contexts.

  • 然而 is the formal, academic version of 'however'.
  • 乃 replaces '是' in proverbs to mean 'is actually'...
10 examples 8 exercises 1 FAQ
Read rule
C1 Conjunctions & Connectors Verified

Formal Summarizing: Wrapping it Up (Zongzhi, Gaiyanzhi)

Use {总之|zǒngzhī} for daily summaries, {概言之|gàiyánzhī} for analysis, and {一言以蔽之|yīyányǐbìzhī} for dramatic, literary conclusions.

  • {总之|zǒngzhī}: "In short" / "Anyway" (Versatile,...
  • {概言之|gàiyánzhī}: "In summary" (Formal, academic...
11 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
Read rule
C1 Advanced Patterns Verified

Advanced Formal Coverbs: Using 以, 于, and 与

Upgrade your formal Chinese by swapping everyday prepositions for 以, 于, and 与 to instantly sound professional and literary.

  • 以 (yǐ) replaces 用 (yòng) for formal 'using/by me...
  • 于 (yú) replaces 在/到 (zài/dào) for 'at/in', ofte...
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
Read rule
C1 Advanced Patterns Verified

Advanced Formal Passives: 为...所 and 见

Upgrade your formal Chinese by using 为...所 for objective, academic passives, and 见 for polite, idiomatic modesty.

  • Use 为...所 (wéi...suǒ) for highly formal, written...
  • 为 (wéi) introduces the agent; 所 (suǒ) precedes t...
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
Read rule
C1 Conjunctions & Connectors Verified

Literary Chinese Connectors: and, but, let alone (而, 且, 况)

Master these literary connectors to transform basic sentences into sophisticated, logical, and professional-sounding Chinese discourse.

  • Use `而` to link adjectives or verbs for smooth 'a...
  • Use `且` for formal addition of qualities, often i...
10 examples 8 exercises 8 FAQ
Read rule

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.

Pass Language Exams

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.

Progress Faster

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.