At the A1 level, '造句' (zàojù) is one of the most important words you will learn because it is the main instruction your teacher will give you. It means 'to make a sentence.' At this stage, you are learning basic words like 'hello' (你好), 'apple' (苹果), and 'teacher' (老师). When your teacher says, '请用苹果造句' (Please use apple to make a sentence), they want you to say something simple like '我喜欢苹果' (I like apples). You should think of '造句' as a game where you take one new word and try to put it into a small, easy sentence. It helps you remember the word better. You don't need to worry about long or complicated sentences yet. Just focus on the basic 'Subject + Verb + Object' pattern. The word '造' means 'to make' and '句' means 'sentence.' So, you are literally 'making a sentence.' You will see this word in your first Chinese textbook, usually in the exercise section at the end of a chapter. It is the first step to talking in Chinese!
At the A2 level, you are starting to move beyond very simple phrases, and '造句' becomes a key tool for practicing grammar. You will be asked to '造句' using more complex structures, like 'although... but...' (虽然...但是...) or 'because... so...' (因为...所以...). At this level, '造句' isn't just about using a noun; it's about connecting ideas. You might also hear the word used as a noun, such as '今天的作业是五个造句' (Today's homework is five sentence-making [exercises]). This means you need to write five sentences using the vocabulary from your lesson. You should also start paying attention to the verb-object nature of the word. If you want to say you are good at making sentences, you would say '我造句造得不错.' This repetition of the word '造' is a common grammar point at the A2 level. You will also encounter '造句' in the HSK 2 or 3 preparation materials, where you might have to look at a picture and create a sentence that describes it. This is a great way to test if you really understand how a word works in a real context.
By the B1 level, '造句' (zàojù) is no longer just a simple classroom instruction; it becomes a method for refining your linguistic accuracy and expanding your range of expression. At this intermediate stage, you are expected to '造句' using specific conjunctions, prepositions, and resultative complements. The sentences you '造' should be longer and more nuanced. For example, instead of just saying 'I like apples,' a B1 student might be asked to '造句' with '与其...不如...' (rather than... it's better to...), resulting in a sentence like '与其买苹果,不如买西瓜,因为西瓜更甜' (Rather than buying apples, it's better to buy watermelon because watermelon is sweeter). You will also start to notice '造句' appearing in discussions about language style. A teacher might comment on your '造句' being a bit 'English-style' (中式英语) and suggest ways to make it sound more like a native speaker. This is the level where '造句' becomes about 'flow' and 'logic,' not just putting words in the right order. You might also encounter the word in the context of peer review, where you look at a classmate's '造句' and offer corrections.
At the B2 level, '造句' (zàojù) takes on a more sophisticated role as you tackle professional and academic Chinese. You aren't just making sentences for the sake of it; you are learning to '造句' with specific registers in mind. For instance, you might be asked to '造句' using formal vocabulary (书面语) that you would only use in a report or a news broadcast. At this level, you should be able to '造句' using complex structures like the 'Ba-structure' (把字句) or 'Bei-structure' (被字句) with multiple modifiers. The word '造句' might also be used in the context of discussing '遣词造句' (choice of words and sentence construction), a term that implies a higher level of literary craftsmanship. You are expected to demonstrate not just grammatical correctness, but also lexical variety and rhetorical effectiveness. In HSK 5 preparation, '造句' exercises often involve taking several unrelated words and weaving them into a coherent, logical paragraph. This requires a high level of cognitive flexibility and a deep understanding of how sentences relate to one another within a broader context. '造句' at B2 is about mastery over the architecture of the language.
For C1 learners, '造句' (zàojù) is an analytical and stylistic exercise. You are now exploring the nuances of the Chinese language, and '造句' is the laboratory where you experiment with tone, rhythm, and classical influences. At this level, you might be asked to '造句' using '成语' (idioms) or '惯用语' (colloquialisms) in a way that feels natural and not forced. You will study how '造句' differs between different genres of writing—for example, how a '造句' in a legal document differs from one in a modern poem. The term '造句法' (syntax) becomes more relevant as you study the formal linguistic theories behind how Chinese sentences are structured. You might also use '造句' as a way to practice 'synonym discrimination' (近义词辨析). If two words both mean 'important,' you would '造句' with both to see which one fits better in a specific context. At C1, your '造句' should reflect a sophisticated understanding of Chinese culture and social norms, using the right level of politeness and indirectness where appropriate. It is no longer an exercise in grammar; it is an exercise in cultural and stylistic precision.
At the C2 level, '造句' (zàojù) is approached from the perspective of a near-native speaker or a linguist. You are capable of creating sentences that are not only perfectly grammatical but also exhibit the elegance and complexity of high-level literature. '造句' at this stage might involve mimicking the styles of famous Chinese authors or experimenting with the boundary between '文言文' (Classical Chinese) and '白话文' (Modern Mandarin) in formal prose. You are also able to critique the '造句' of others with a high degree of sensitivity, identifying subtle errors in logic, tone, or cultural appropriateness. The word '造句' itself might be discussed in the context of 'generative grammar' or 'computational linguistics'—how the human brain or an AI '造句.' You understand that '造句' is the foundation of '修辞' (rhetoric), and you can use sentence construction to persuade, evoke emotion, or convey complex philosophical ideas. For a C2 learner, '造句' is a lifelong practice of refining one's voice in the Chinese language, moving toward a level where the 'construction' of the sentence is so seamless that it feels entirely natural and effortless.

造句 in 30 Seconds

  • 造句 (zàojù) is a Chinese term meaning 'to make a sentence' or 'sentence-making,' commonly used as a classroom instruction or a language exercise.
  • It is a verb-object compound where '造' means to create and '句' means sentence, reflecting the architectural nature of Chinese grammar.
  • The word is essential for HSK test preparation, particularly in sections requiring students to describe images or rearrange words into logical sentences.
  • Beyond simple exercises, it can refer to the broader art of sentence construction and word choice, often described by the idiom '遣词造句'.

The Chinese term 造句 (zàojù) is a fundamental concept in both the study of the Chinese language and the broader educational system in China. At its core, it is a compound word consisting of 造 (zào), meaning 'to create, to build, or to construct,' and 句 (jù), which means 'sentence.' Together, they form the noun or verb-object phrase meaning 'sentence-making' or 'to construct a sentence.' For an English speaker, the most direct translation is the act of composing a sentence, but in a Chinese pedagogical context, it carries a weight similar to 'composition exercises' or 'applied grammar practice.' It is the bridge that spans the gap between knowing individual characters and being able to express complex thoughts through prose.

Grammatical Function
In modern Mandarin, 造句 is most frequently encountered as a verb-object construction (离合词). While it can function as a noun (e.g., 'This sentence-making exercise is hard'), it is more often used in the command form: '请用这个词造句' (Please use this word to make a sentence).

Historically, the importance of 造句 cannot be overstated. In the traditional Chinese education system, moving from the rote memorization of the Three Character Classic to actual literary creation required thousands of hours of sentence construction practice. Even today, from the first grade of primary school, Chinese students are given lists of vocabulary words and asked to perform 造句. This isn't just a test of grammar; it is a test of logic, situational awareness, and the ability to apply abstract characters to real-world scenarios. For a second-language learner, mastering the art of 造句 is the first sign of moving beyond 'survival Chinese' into 'functional Chinese.'

老师叫我用“漂亮”造句,我说我的妈妈很漂亮。(The teacher asked me to make a sentence with 'beautiful,' and I said my mother is very beautiful.)

When do people use this word? You will hear it most frequently in classrooms, during language tutoring sessions, and in the instructions for standardized tests like the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi). If you are using a language learning app, the section where you are asked to rearrange words into a coherent sentence is essentially a 造句 exercise. Beyond the classroom, it can be used meta-linguistically. For example, if someone uses a word incorrectly in conversation, a friend might jokingly say, '你这个词造句造错了' (You made a mistake in constructing a sentence with that word).

Cultural Context
In China, there is a popular genre of internet humor involving 'hilarious student 造句.' Children often take words too literally or reveal embarrassing family secrets in their homework, leading to viral posts that highlight the innocent and often logical mistakes made during the 造句 process.

Furthermore, the word reflects the 'constructive' nature of the Chinese language. Unlike English, which relies heavily on inflectional morphology (changing word endings), Chinese is an isolating language where meaning is derived from the 'building' (造) of sequences. Therefore, 造句 is not just about following rules; it is about the architecture of thought. When you engage in 造句, you are learning how to stack the 'bricks' of characters in a way that is structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing to a native ear.

他的造句能力非常强,每个句子都很生动。(His sentence-making ability is very strong; every sentence is very vivid.)

Using 造句 (zàojù) correctly requires understanding its role as a verb-object (VO) compound. In Chinese, VO compounds behave differently than simple verbs. You can insert modifiers between '造' and '句,' or repeat the verb in a 'verb-object-verb' pattern to describe the manner of the action. This flexibility is key to sounding natural when discussing language studies.

Pattern 1: The Command/Request
The most common structure is: 用 [Word] 造句 (Yòng [Word] zàojù). This literally means 'Use [Word] to construct a sentence.' For example: '请用“虽然...但是...”造句' (Please make a sentence using 'although... but...').

When you want to describe how someone performs the act of sentence-making, you use the structural particle '得' (de). Because 造句 is a VO compound, you must either repeat the verb or drop the object. You would say '他造句造得很好' (He makes sentences very well) or '他造得很好' (He makes [them] very well). Simply saying '他造句很好' is grammatically incomplete in this context. This is a common hurdle for English speakers who are used to the 'Subject-Verb-Adverb' structure.

在考试中,我最讨厌的部分就是造句。(In the exam, my least favorite part is sentence-making.)

Another important usage is when 造句 acts as a noun. In this case, it often refers to the exercise itself or the result of the exercise. You might see a heading in a textbook that simply says '造句练习' (Sentence-making exercises). If you are looking at a student's homework, you might point to a specific line and say '这个造句很有创意' (This sentence [you made] is very creative). Note that in this specific noun usage, it's shorthand for 'the sentence produced through the act of 造句.'

Pattern 2: The Action in Progress
To say someone is currently making sentences, you use '在' (zài): '别打扰他,他正在为明天的考试练习造句呢。' (Don't disturb him; he is currently practicing making sentences for tomorrow's exam.)

For advanced learners, 造句 can be used in the context of linguistic analysis. You might discuss the '造句规则' (rules of sentence construction) or '造句法' (syntax/the method of sentence making). In these instances, it moves away from the classroom exercise and toward the structural laws of the language itself. However, for most daily use, it remains firmly rooted in the educational experience of learning and applying vocabulary.

想要提高写作水平,必须从基础的造句开始练起。(If you want to improve your writing level, you must start practicing from basic sentence-making.)

The most common 'natural habitat' for the word 造句 (zàojù) is the academic environment. If you walk past a primary school in Beijing or Taipei, you are almost guaranteed to hear a teacher saying, '现在,请大家用这组词语来造句' (Now, everyone please use this set of words to make sentences). It is a staple of the Chinese language arts (语文 - yǔwén) curriculum. For students, it represents the transition from recognizing characters to expressing ideas.

Language Learning Apps
In the digital age, you will see '造句' as a button or a category in apps like Pleco, HelloChinese, or Anki decks. It often labels the feature that provides example sentences for a word, or the exercise where you must type a sentence using a new vocabulary item.

Another place you will encounter this word is in the world of standardized testing. The HSK exams, which are the international standard for Chinese proficiency, frequently feature 造句 tasks. In HSK 3 and 4, there are specific sections where you are given a picture and a word and told to '看图造句' (Look at the picture and make a sentence). This is a high-stakes environment where the word 造句 is synonymous with 'demonstrating your proficiency.'

HSK考试的最后一部分通常要求考生根据给出的词语进行造句。(The last part of the HSK exam usually requires candidates to perform sentence-making based on the given words.)

Social media and internet culture also use 造句 in a playful way. There are '造句大赛' (sentence-making competitions) on platforms like Weibo or Little Red Book (Xiaohongshu), where users are challenged to use a trending slang word or a difficult classical Chinese term in a modern sentence. These challenges often result in humorous or poetic submissions, showing that 造句 is not just for kids—it's a form of linguistic play for adults as well.

Professional Contexts
In professional writing or editing, a supervisor might tell a junior writer, '这个句子的造句方式太啰嗦了,需要简化' (The way this sentence is constructed is too wordy; it needs to be simplified). Here, 造句 refers to the specific structural choices made by the writer.

Finally, you might hear it in the context of AI and technology. Developers working on Natural Language Processing (NLP) in Chinese often talk about '自动造句' (automatic sentence generation). As AI becomes more prevalent, the act of 造句 is being analyzed and replicated by machines, making the term relevant in high-tech discussions about the future of communication.

现在的AI已经可以进行非常复杂的造句了,甚至能写诗。(Modern AI can already perform very complex sentence-making, and can even write poetry.)

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using 造句 (zàojù) is treating it as a simple transitive verb like 'make.' In English, we 'make a sentence.' In Chinese, you don't usually say '做句' (zuò jù) or '办句' (bàn jù). Using the wrong verb is a 'dead giveaway' that someone is translating directly from English. The correct verb is always 造 (zào).

Mistake 1: The 'Make' Confusion
Incorrect: 我要做一个句子。(Wǒ yào zuò yīgè jùzi.)
Correct: 我要造句。(Wǒ yào zàojù.) or 我要造一个句子。(Wǒ yào zào yīgè jùzi.)

Another frequent error involves the word order when using a specific vocabulary word. Learners often forget the '用' (yòng - use) preposition. They might say '造句漂亮' (Make sentence beautiful), which is nonsensical. The correct structure is '用“漂亮”造句' (Use 'beautiful' to make a sentence). This prepositional phrase must come before the verb '造句.'

错误:造句这个词。
正确:这个词造句。(Error: Make sentence this word. Correct: Use this word to make a sentence.)

The third common mistake is failing to treat 造句 as a verb-object (VO) compound. As mentioned in the 'How to Use' section, if you want to add a result or a manner, you need to handle the VO structure correctly. Forgetting to repeat the verb '造' before the particle '得' is a classic mistake. For example, saying '他造句得很快' is incorrect; it must be '他造句造得很快' (He makes sentences very quickly).

Mistake 2: Overusing '造句' in Casual Contexts
In a casual conversation, if you want to say 'I wrote a sentence,' you should use '写了一个句子' (xiěle yīgè jùzi). Using '造句' can sound overly academic or like you are doing homework. Use '造句' when the focus is on the *act* of construction or the exercise itself.

Lastly, learners sometimes confuse '造句' with '组句' (zǔjù). While similar, '组句' usually implies taking existing words (like word magnets or flashcards) and putting them in order. '造句' is more creative; it implies you are generating the context and the other words yourself. If a teacher gives you five words and says '组句,' you must use all five. If they say '造句,' they might give you one word and you invent the rest.

虽然造句看起来简单,但要造出地道的句子并不容易。(Although sentence-making looks simple, it is not easy to make authentic sentences.)

To truly master 造句 (zàojù), it helps to understand the words that surround it in the semantic field of language production. Depending on the context—whether you are in a classroom, writing a book, or just chatting—different words might be more appropriate.

1. 写句子 (xiě jùzi)
This is the most common alternative. While '造句' emphasizes the construction and the exercise, '写句子' simply means 'to write a sentence.' If you are just jotting something down, use '写句子.'
2. 组句 (zǔ jù)
As mentioned before, '组' means 'to organize' or 'to assemble.' This is specifically used for 'scrambled sentence' exercises where the components are already provided.
3. 构思 (gòusī)
This means 'to conceive' or 'to design.' It is used for the mental process of planning a sentence or a story before writing it. You might '构思' a very complex '造句.'

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter terms like 遣词造句 (qiǎncí-zàojù). This is a four-character idiom (chengyu) that refers to the art of choosing words and constructing sentences. It is used to describe a writer's style or the care they take with their prose. If a teacher says your '遣词造句' is excellent, they are giving you a high compliment on your literary flair.

这位作家的遣词造句非常考究。(This writer's choice of words and sentence construction is very refined.)

Another related term is 翻译 (fānyì), meaning 'to translate.' While translating involves making sentences, it is a different cognitive task because the meaning is already provided in another language. 造句, by contrast, often requires you to come up with the meaning yourself based on a single keyword.

For those interested in the technical side of language, 语法 (yǔfǎ) means 'grammar.' While 造句 is the practice, 语法 is the set of rules that governs how you do it. Finally, 口头表达 (kǒutóu biǎodá) refers to oral expression. If you '造句' out loud, you are practicing your 口头表达 skills. Knowing these distinctions helps you navigate a Chinese-speaking classroom or study environment with precision.

不要只是死记硬背语法规则,多做造句练习更有用。(Don't just memorize grammar rules by rote; doing more sentence-making exercises is more useful.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Chinese, sentences were often called '章句' (zhāngjù). The term '造句' as a specific pedagogical exercise became standardized with the rise of modern schooling in the early 20th century.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tsaʊ̯⁵¹ tɕy⁵¹/
US /tsaʊ̯⁵¹ tɕy⁵¹/
In Mandarin, both syllables are equally stressed as they both carry the fourth (falling) tone.
Rhymes With
傲 (ào) 报 (bào) 道 (dào) 趣 (qù) 去 (qù) 律 (lǜ) 据 (jù) 虑 (lǜ)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'zào' like 'z-oh' (should be 'ts-ow').
  • Pronouncing 'jù' like 'joo' (should have the rounded 'ü' sound).
  • Failing to make both tones clearly falling.
  • Confusing 'zào' with 'zhào' (retroflex vs dental).
  • Pronouncing 'j' as a hard 'zh' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are relatively simple (A2 level).

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the strokes for '造' and '句'.

Speaking 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though tones must be precise.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound, common in classroom settings.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

句子 (sentence) 词 (word) 做 (do/make) 写 (write) 用 (use)

Learn Next

语法 (grammar) 作文 (essay) 表达 (expression) 关联词 (conjunctions) 修辞 (rhetoric)

Advanced

遣词造句 (diction/syntax) 构句法 (syntax structure) 语序 (word order) 虚词 (function words)

Grammar to Know

Verb-Object (VO) Compounds

他造句(V+O)造(V)得很(Particle)快。

Using '用' (yòng) for Instruments/Tools

用(Use) 电脑 (Computer) 造句 (Make sentences).

Word Order: Time/Place before Action

我 (Subject) 昨天 (Time) 在学校 (Place) 造句 (Action).

The 'De' Particle for Manner

你造句造得非常漂亮。

Measure Words for Sentences

造一个 (One) 句子 (Sentence).

Examples by Level

1

请用“老师”造句。

Please use 'teacher' to make a sentence.

This is a standard command using '用...造句'.

2

我会造句。

I can make sentences.

'会' indicates a learned skill.

3

这个造句很难。

This sentence-making exercise is hard.

Here, '造句' is used as a noun.

4

他在练习造句。

He is practicing making sentences.

'练习' is the verb, '造句' is the object.

5

你会造句吗?

Can you make a sentence?

A simple yes/no question with '吗'.

6

我不喜欢造句。

I don't like making sentences.

Negative form using '不'.

7

老师,怎么造句?

Teacher, how do I make a sentence?

'怎么' asks for the method.

8

这是一个简单的造句。

This is a simple sentence-making [example].

'简单的' modifies the noun '造句'.

1

他造句造得很快。

He makes sentences very quickly.

Verb-object-verb structure with '得'.

2

请用“虽然”和“但是”造句。

Please make a sentence using 'although' and 'but'.

Connecting two parts of a sentence.

3

造句是学习汉语的好方法。

Sentence-making is a good way to learn Chinese.

Using '造句' as the subject of the sentence.

4

我每天都要练习五个造句。

I have to practice five sentence-making exercises every day.

Using '造句' as a countable noun.

5

这个词怎么造句?我忘了。

How do you make a sentence with this word? I forgot.

Asking for instructions.

6

不要只看单词,要多造句。

Don't just look at words; make more sentences.

Imperative sentence with '不要'.

7

他在本子上写了一个造句。

He wrote a sentence in his notebook.

Measure word '个' used with '造句'.

8

老师在检查我们的造句作业。

The teacher is checking our sentence-making homework.

'造句' as a modifier for '作业'.

1

老师要求我们用这些生词造句。

The teacher required us to make sentences with these new words.

Pivotal sentence structure with '要求'.

2

通过造句,我可以更好地掌握语法。

Through sentence-making, I can better master grammar.

'通过' indicates the method.

3

你的造句虽然正确,但不太自然。

Your sentence-making is correct, but not very natural.

Using '虽然...但...' for contrast.

4

请根据图片内容造句。

Please make a sentence based on the content of the picture.

'根据' means 'according to'.

5

为了考试,我练习了很多种造句。

For the exam, I practiced many kinds of sentence-making.

'为了' indicates purpose.

6

他能用复杂的关联词造句了。

He can now make sentences with complex conjunctions.

'能' indicates ability.

7

这个造句练习很有趣,一点也不枯燥。

This sentence-making exercise is very interesting, not boring at all.

'一点也不' means 'not at all'.

8

如果你不会用这个词,就试着造句吧。

If you don't know how to use this word, try making a sentence.

Conditional sentence with '如果...就...'.

1

在写作时,遣词造句需要格外留心。

When writing, one needs to be extra careful with word choice and sentence construction.

Using the idiom '遣词造句'.

2

这篇作文的造句非常优美,富有逻辑性。

The sentence construction in this essay is very beautiful and logical.

'富有' means 'to be full of'.

3

他试图用最简单的词汇造出深刻的句子。

He tried to construct profound sentences using the simplest vocabulary.

'试图' means 'to attempt'.

4

HSK五级的造句题要求逻辑严密。

The sentence-making questions in HSK Level 5 require tight logic.

'要求' followed by an adjective phrase.

5

这种造句方式在正式公文中很常见。

This way of constructing sentences is very common in official documents.

'常见' means 'commonly seen'.

6

他造句时总是喜欢用倒装句来增强语气。

When making sentences, he always likes to use inverted sentences to strengthen the tone.

'增强' means 'to strengthen'.

7

尽管他的词汇量很大,但造句能力仍需提高。

Despite his large vocabulary, his sentence-making ability still needs improvement.

'尽管...但...' for concession.

8

老师指出,这几个造句存在语法偏误。

The teacher pointed out that these few sentences have grammatical errors.

'偏误' is a technical term for 'error' in linguistics.

1

在这部小说中,作者的遣词造句极具个人风格。

In this novel, the author's choice of words and sentence construction is highly personal in style.

'极具' means 'highly possesses'.

2

法律文书的造句必须精准,不能有歧义。

The sentence construction of legal documents must be precise and cannot have ambiguity.

'歧义' means 'ambiguity'.

3

他精通古汉语,造句中常带有文言色彩。

He is proficient in Classical Chinese, and his sentence construction often carries a classical flavor.

'带有...色彩' means 'to carry a flavor/color of...'.

4

翻译不仅是语意的转换,更是造句艺术的博弈。

Translation is not just a conversion of meaning, but also a contest in the art of sentence construction.

'不仅...更是...' for emphasis.

5

我们需要分析这种特殊句式的造句规律。

We need to analyze the sentence construction patterns of this special sentence structure.

'规律' means 'pattern/law'.

6

他的演说辞在造句上极其考究,动人心弦。

His speech is extremely refined in its sentence construction and very moving.

'考究' means 'refined/meticulous'.

7

通过对比不同时代的造句习惯,可以发现语言的演变。

By comparing sentence construction habits of different eras, one can discover the evolution of language.

'演变' means 'evolution'.

8

这个译本在遣词造句上略显生硬,不够地道。

This translation is slightly stiff in its word choice and sentence construction; it's not authentic enough.

'略显' means 'slightly appears'.

1

生成语法理论试图揭示人类大脑造句的内在机制。

Generative grammar theory attempts to reveal the inner mechanism of how the human brain constructs sentences.

Academic context.

2

文学批评家往往从遣词造句中挖掘作品的深层隐喻。

Literary critics often dig out deep metaphors of a work from its choice of words and sentence construction.

'挖掘' means 'to dig/excavate'.

3

在现代汉语修辞学中,造句的灵活性得到了广泛讨论。

In modern Chinese rhetoric, the flexibility of sentence construction has been widely discussed.

Passive voice with '得到'.

4

大语言模型通过海量数据学习人类的造句逻辑。

Large language models learn the logic of human sentence construction through massive amounts of data.

Technological context.

5

这篇文章在造句上故意打破常规,以求达到震撼的效果。

This article intentionally breaks conventions in its sentence construction to achieve a shocking effect.

'以求' means 'in order to seek'.

6

其散文风格清新自然,造句不落窠臼,深受读者喜爱。

His prose style is fresh and natural, and his sentence construction does not follow old ruts, being deeply loved by readers.

'不落窠臼' is an idiom meaning 'original'.

7

探讨诗歌中造句的节奏感,是音韵学研究的重要课题。

Exploring the sense of rhythm in the sentence construction of poetry is an important topic in phonology research.

Academic subject.

8

外交辞令在造句上极尽委婉之能事,旨在留有余地。

Diplomatic language goes to the extreme of being euphemistic in sentence construction, aiming to leave room for maneuver.

'极尽...之能事' means 'to go to extremes in...'.

Common Collocations

练习造句
学会造句
造句练习
看图造句
口头造句
造句能力
用词造句
造句规则
简单造句
造句错误

Common Phrases

用...造句

— The standard way to say 'make a sentence with...'.

请用“开心”造句。

造句造得好

— To be good at making sentences (using the 'de' particle).

他造句造得非常好。

造句作业

— Sentence-making homework.

我还没写完造句作业。

模仿造句

— To make a sentence by imitating a provided example.

请根据例句进行模仿造句。

造句法

— Syntax or the method of sentence construction.

这本书介绍了汉语的造句法。

自动造句

— Automatic sentence generation (often by AI).

这个软件可以自动造句。

造句比赛

— A sentence-making competition.

学校举办了造句比赛。

造句大意

— To be careless in sentence construction.

他造句时总是太大意。

联词造句

— To link provided words into a sentence.

请将这三个词联词造句。

造句规范

— Standards or norms for sentence construction.

造句应符合语言规范。

Often Confused With

造句 vs 写字 (xiězì)

写字 means 'to write characters,' while 造句 means 'to construct a full sentence.'

造句 vs 说话 (shuōhuà)

说话 is 'to speak/talk,' whereas 造句 is the specific linguistic act of building a sentence.

造句 vs 造反 (zàofǎn)

Don't confuse the 'zào' in 'zàojù' with 'zàofǎn' (to rebel). They share the character for 'create/make' but have very different meanings!

Idioms & Expressions

"遣词造句"

— To choose one's words and construct sentences; refers to writing style.

他遣词造句非常老练。

Literary
"造句生动"

— Vivid sentence construction (though not a strict idiom, it is a set phrase).

他的造句生动有趣。

Neutral
"文理通顺"

— The writing is clear and the sentences flow well.

这篇造句文理通顺。

Formal
"言之有物"

— Speech or writing that has substance; applicable to good 造句.

他的造句言之有物,不是空话。

Formal
"生搬硬套"

— To apply mechanically or copy blindly (often used for bad 造句).

造句不能生搬硬套例句。

Neutral
"望文生义"

— To interpret words literally without understanding the context (a common cause of bad 造句).

他造句时望文生义,结果闹了笑话。

Neutral
"点睛之笔"

— The crucial touch that brings a work to life; a great sentence in a 造句 exercise.

这个造句真是点睛之笔。

Literary
"画蛇添足"

— To add something unnecessary (ruining a good sentence).

你在造句后面加这个词是画蛇添足。

Neutral
"字斟句酌"

— To weigh every word and sentence; to write with great care.

他写这几个造句时字斟句酌。

Literary
"平铺直叙"

— To speak or write in a dull, straightforward way.

他的造句总是平铺直叙,没有新意。

Neutral

Easily Confused

造句 vs 组句 (zǔjù)

Both involve making sentences.

组句 is assembling provided words (like a puzzle), while 造句 is creating a sentence from your own mind using a keyword.

老师让我们把这些乱序的词组句。

造句 vs 写作 (xiězuò)

Both involve writing.

写作 refers to the whole process of writing an essay or book; 造句 is just one sentence.

他在进行文学写作。

造句 vs 口述 (kǒushù)

Can involve making sentences orally.

口述 is 'to dictate' or 'narrate orally'; 造句 is specifically the construction of a sentence unit.

他向秘书口述了一封信。

造句 vs 翻译 (fānyì)

Translating involves making sentences.

Translation preserves existing meaning; 造句 creates new meaning.

请把这段话翻译成中文。

造句 vs 填空 (tiánkòng)

Both are common exercises.

填空 is 'fill in the blank'; 造句 is writing the whole sentence.

这道填空题很难。

Sentence Patterns

A1

用 [Word] 造句。

用“苹果”造句。

A2

他造句造得 [Adjective]。

他造句造得很慢。

B1

通过造句来 [Action]。

通过造句来学习新词。

B2

不仅要学会造句,还要 [Action]。

不仅要学会造句,还要学会写文章。

C1

在 [Context] 中,造句应当 [Requirement]。

在公文中,造句应当简练。

C2

遣词造句之妙,在于 [Concept]。

遣词造句之妙,在于神韵。

General

请用 [Word 1] 和 [Word 2] 造句。

请用“因为”和“所以”造句。

General

这是一个 [Adjective] 的造句。

这是一个非常有意思的造句。

Word Family

Nouns

造句 (sentence-making)
句子 (sentence)
造句法 (syntax)

Verbs

造 (to create/build)
造句 (to make a sentence)

Adjectives

造句式的 (sentence-making style)

Related

语法 (grammar)
词汇 (vocabulary)
写作 (writing)
练习 (practice)
表达 (expression)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in educational and language-learning contexts.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '做' instead of '造'. 用 '造句'.

    In English we say 'make a sentence,' but in Chinese, the specific verb for constructing a sentence is '造'.

  • Incorrect word order with '用'. 用 [词] 造句。

    The prepositional phrase '用...' must come before the verb '造句'.

  • Forgetting verb repetition with '得'. 造句造得好。

    Since 造句 is a VO compound, you must repeat the verb '造' before the 'de' particle.

  • Treating 造句 as a single transitive verb. 造一个句子 (or) 进行造句练习。

    You cannot say '造句一个句子' because '句' is already the object.

  • Using 造句 when you mean 'translate'. 翻译这个句子。

    造句 is for original creation; 翻译 is for translating an existing sentence.

Tips

Use the VO Structure

Remember that 造句 is a Verb-Object compound. If you add a modifier like 'fast' or 'well,' repeat the verb: '造句造得快'.

Practice Daily

Pick one new word every day and 造句 with it. This is the fastest way to move from vocabulary to conversation.

HSK Strategy

In HSK 'look and write' sections, keep your 造句 simple. A correct simple sentence is better than a complex one with errors.

Say it Out Loud

Don't just write your 造句; say them aloud to practice the 4th-4th tone transition of 'zào-jù'.

Word Choice

Use words you are 100% sure of when constructing a 造句 around a difficult new word.

Self-Check

After you 造句, check if you have a subject, a verb, and a clear meaning. Chinese sentences need logic!

Be Creative

Try to make funny 造句. Humorous sentences are easier to remember than boring ones.

Study '遣词造句'

For advanced learners, read high-quality prose to see how famous authors '遣词造句' (construct their sentences).

Use Apps

Use the 'example sentence' features in apps like Pleco to see how native speakers 造句 with specific words.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are a 'Constructor' (造) building a 'Sentence' (句) out of Lego blocks. You are 'Zao-ing' a 'Ju'.

Visual Association

Picture a factory line where 'words' go in and 'sentences' come out. The sign on the factory says '造句'.

Word Web

造 (Create) 句 (Sentence) 词 (Word) 书 (Book) 写 (Write) 学 (Learn) 说 (Speak) 法 (Rule)

Challenge

Try to make a sentence using the word '造句' itself. For example: '造句并不难' (Making sentences is not hard).

Word Origin

The word is a modern compound. '造' (zào) originally depicted a boat being built or a person arriving at a destination, evolving to mean 'to create.' '句' (jù) originally meant 'curved' or 'hooked,' referring to the segments of speech that pause or 'hook' together.

Original meaning: To construct a segment of speech.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that in a classroom, being asked to 造句 is a formal request for performance.

English speakers might just say 'write a sentence,' but '造句' implies a more active 'construction' process.

HSK (Standard Chinese Proficiency Test) Primary school textbooks (语文) Online 'Funny 造句' memes

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Classroom Instruction

  • 请用这个词造句。
  • 你的造句不对。
  • 谁想上台造句?
  • 看黑板上的造句。

Language Exam

  • 看图造句题。
  • 造句要完整。
  • 注意造句的逻辑。
  • 最后一道题是造句。

Homework Discussion

  • 我有五个造句没写。
  • 这个词造句太难了。
  • 帮我检查一下造句。
  • 造句作业写完了吗?

Linguistic Analysis

  • 研究汉语造句法。
  • 造句的灵活性。
  • 遣词造句的艺术。
  • 分析学生的造句偏误。

AI/Tech

  • 自动造句技术。
  • AI造句逻辑。
  • 机器造句的准确性。
  • 训练造句模型。

Conversation Starters

"你能用“虽然...但是...”造句吗?"

"你觉得造句练习对学汉语有帮助吗?"

"你在HSK考试中觉得造句题难吗?"

"你小时候最讨厌写造句作业吗?"

"你最喜欢的中文造句是什么?"

Journal Prompts

今天我学会了五个新词,并用它们分别造句了。我觉得...

描述一次你在课堂上因为造句而闹出的笑话。

你认为造句和写作文之间有什么联系?

如果让你教一个初学者造句,你会怎么教?

写下三个你认为最难造句的中文词汇,并分析原因。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be both. As a verb, it means 'to make a sentence' (e.g., 我在造句). As a noun, it refers to the exercise or the sentence produced (e.g., 你的造句很好).

No. '做句' sounds incorrect to native speakers. Always use '造句' for sentence construction.

Use the pattern '用 [word] 造句'. For example: '用“快乐”造句' means 'Make a sentence with "happy".'

造句 is more academic and focuses on the 'construction' of the sentence. 写句子 is more general and just means 'to write a sentence.'

Yes, especially in HSK 3 and 4, where you must '看图造句' (make a sentence based on a picture).

Because it's a verb-object compound, you repeat the verb: '他造句造得很好' (He makes sentences well).

It is a literary idiom (chengyu) that refers to the art of choosing words and constructing sentences in writing.

Yes, you can '口头造句' (make a sentence orally) to practice speaking skills.

No. While it's a staple of primary school, language learners and even professional writers use the concept of 造句 to improve their skills.

组句 is 'assembling' words that are already given to you, like a 'scrambled sentence' exercise. 造句 is more creative.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'Please make a sentence with "happy".'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'His sentence-making is very good.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use the word '造句' as a noun in a sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I am practicing sentence-making.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Sentence-making is not easy.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'The teacher checked my homework.' (Use '造句' as a modifier for homework).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'How do you make a sentence with this word?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'I like making sentences.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Please use "although" and "but" to make a sentence.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'He makes sentences very fast.' (Use the 'de' structure).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I learned how to make sentences today.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'This sentence-making exercise is interesting.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Don't make a mistake in your sentence-making.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'He can make complex sentences.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'We need to analyze the rules of sentence construction.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'Sentence-making is the foundation of writing.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Look at the picture and make a sentence.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'His word choice and sentence construction are excellent.' (Use the idiom).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I have to finish ten sentence-making exercises.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'Oral sentence-making helps with speaking.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'Please make a sentence with "teacher".'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'I like making sentences.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'His sentence-making is very fast.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'Sentence-making is a good way to learn Chinese.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'How do you make a sentence with this word?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'I have to finish my sentence-making homework.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'Please follow the rules of sentence construction.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'Oral sentence-making is fun.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'Look at the picture and make a sentence.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'His word choice is very refined.' (Use 遣词造句).

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'I am practicing sentence-making.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'This sentence is well-made.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'Can you help me check my sentence-making?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'Try to make a sentence with "because".'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'Sentence-making helps me remember words.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'He can't make sentences yet.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'Don't worry about mistakes in sentence-making.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'Let's have a sentence-making competition.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'This word is used for sentence-making practice.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say out loud: 'The art of sentence construction is profound.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write down the word: zàojù

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '请用“高兴”造句。' What is the speaker asking you to do?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '他造句造得真快。' How does he make sentences?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '看图造句是考试的一部分。' What is part of the exam?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '今天的作业是五个造句。' How many sentences for homework?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: '造句不容易。'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the idiom: '他的遣词造句很有特色。'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and translate: '我喜欢造句练习。'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '你会造句吗?' Is this a question or a statement?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: '用这个词造句。'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '造句规则很重要。' What is important?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and translate: '他在练习造句。'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '别打扰他,他在造句。' Why shouldn't you disturb him?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: '你会用“但是”造句吗?'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: '这个造句很有创意。' What is creative?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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