Sometimes you may do something or experience something that you never ever want to do again. How do we express that in Chinese? One of the ways is to use 再也不 (zàiyěbù) in Chinese grammar!
Category: Chinese Grammar
Chinese grammar: “Just” with “jiu”
就 is often translated as simply "just", but there are some nuances to how it is used in Chinese grammar.
Chinese grammar:”Had better” with 还是”haishi”
One of the ways to use 还是 (háishì) is to have it mean "you had better," similar to how in English we may say "I think you had better start on your homework." in Chinese grammar.
Write 南(nán)(south) in Chinese character
南(nán)
Origin: “南”原来是乐器名和乐舞名。从字形上看像一种钟形乐器,上端有纽可以悬挂。后来多表示南方的“南”。“南” was originally the name of an instrument and dance. The character itself resembles a bell-shaped instrument that could be hung by a button in the top. Later, it became to be used as the word for “south.”
Chinese grammar: Two words for “but”
Using "but" in Chinese is really simple and easy to learn, and it involves two words. No "buts" about it!
Chinese grammar: The filler word 那个”neige”
Sometimes when speaking you may blank out a bit, forget a little word or phrase, and you need something to say while gathering your thoughts. Or maybe you need to stall for a while. Well, the word "那个"(nèige) is just what you need.
Chinese grammar:”Always” with “conglai”从来
Although perhaps more often used in the negative to mean "never," 从来 (cónglái) can be used with 都 (dōu) to mean "always" or "have always (done)." in Chinese grammar.
Chinese grammar: “Or” in statements
In English, "or" can used used in the sense of having a choice (Chicken or beef?), and as an "either or" statement (it doesn't matter if you're black or white). In Chinese, "或者"(huòzhě) is used for the latter.
Chinese grammar: Explaining causes with “yinwei”
A common way to explain causes in Chinese is with "因为"(yīnwèi). This is almost entirely equivalent to "because" in English. Usually "因为"will begin a new phrase in a sentence.
Write 获(huò)(win) in Chinese character
获(huò)
Origin: 甲骨文中,“获”的字形像一只手抓住了鸟,本义是“捕获”,现在也有“得到”、“赢得”的意思。
On ancient oracle bone inscriptions, “获” looks likes a hand catching a bird, so its original meaning is “to capture.” Now it also has the meaning of “to get” or “to win.”
Meaning: