Comprehensive Chinese Language Study Notes Lessons 13 to 24
Lesson 13 – 这是不是中药 (Is this Chinese Medicine?)
Vocabulary
箱子 (xiāngzi): A noun referring to a box or a suitcase.
重 (zhòng): An adjective meaning heavy.
轻 (qīng): An adjective meaning light (in weight).
黑 (hēi): An adjective for the color black.
红 (hóng): An adjective for the color red.
旧 (jiù): An adjective meaning old, particularly in the sense of being used or worn.
药 (yào): A general noun for medicine.
中药 (zhōngyào): A noun specifically for Traditional Chinese Medicine.
茶叶 (cháyè): A noun for tea leaves.
衣服 (yīfu): A noun meaning clothes or clothing.
雨伞 (yǔsǎn): A noun for an umbrella.
词典 (cídiǎn): A noun meaning a dictionary.
毛笔 (máobǐ): A noun for a traditional writing brush.
有 (yǒu): A verb meaning to have or to possess.
没有 (méiyǒu): The negative form of the verb "to have," meaning do not have or there is not.
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
Adjectival Predicates (No 是): In Chinese, when an adjective functions as the predicate to describe a subject, the verb "是" (to be) is generally not used. Instead, the adjective often follows an intensity adverb like "很" (hén).
Example: “这个箱子很重。” (This suitcase is very heavy.)
V-not-V Question Pattern: This is a common way to form questions by juxtaposing the positive and negative forms of a verb or adjective.
Examples: “重不重？” (Is it heavy or not?), “有没有？” (Do you have it or not?), “是不是？” (Is it or is it not?)
The “的” (de) Phrase: A “的” phrase can be used to turn an adjective or possessive into a noun-like entity, often to avoid repeating a noun already mentioned.
Example: “红的是我的。” (The red one is mine.)
Lesson 14 – 你的车是新的还是旧的
Vocabulary
经理 (jīnglǐ): A noun meaning manager.
好久不见 (hǎojiǔ bùjiàn): A common greeting meaning "long time no see."
马马虎虎 (māmǎhūhū): An idiom meaning so-so or mediocre.
最近 (zuìjìn): An adverb/noun for recently or lately.
刚 (gāng): An adverb meaning just now or just.
有点儿 (yǒu diǎnr): An adverb phrase meaning a little or somewhat, usually preceding adjectives with a negative connotation.
还是 (háishì): A conjunction meaning "or," specifically used within questions to offer choices.
咖啡 (kāfēi): A noun for coffee.
车 (chē): A general noun for a vehicle.
自行车 (zìxíngchē): A noun for a bicycle.
颜色 (yánsè): A noun for color.
蓝 (lán): An adjective for the color blue.
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
Choice Questions with “还是” (háishì): This structure provides two or more options for the listener to choose from.
Example: “新的还是旧的？” (A new one or an old one?)
Elliptical Questions with “……呢？” (ne): This allows for a shortened question where the context is already understood. It can mean "Where is…?" or "How about…?"
Examples: “我的书呢？” (Where is my book?), “你呢？” (How about you?)
Subject-Predicate (S-P) Predicate: This refers to sentences where the predicate is itself a small subject-verb/adjective phrase.
Example: “我身体很好。” (My health is very good; literally "I [as for me], my body [subject] is good [predicate].")
Lesson 15 – 你家有几口人
Vocabulary
几口人 (jǐ kǒu rén): A phrase asking "how many people" in a family. "口" (kǒu) is the specific measure word for family members.
照片 (zhàopiàn): A noun for a photo or picture.
看 (kàn): A verb meaning to look, see, watch, or read.
哥哥 (gēge) / 姐姐 (jiějie): Nouns for older brother and older sister respectively.
弟弟 (dìdi) / 妹妹 (mèimei): Nouns for younger brother and younger sister respectively.
只 (zhǐ): An adverb meaning only.
做 (zuò): A verb meaning to do or to make.
大夫 (dàifu): A noun for a doctor (commonly used in spoken Chinese).
医院 (yīyuàn): A noun for a hospital.
公司 (gōngsī): A noun for a company.
商店 (shāngdiàn): A noun for a store or shop.
律师 (lǜshī): A noun for a lawyer.
大概 (dàgài): An adverb meaning about, approximately, or probably.
多 (duō): Used after a number to indicate "more than" or "over" a certain amount.
员工 (yuángōng): A noun meaning employee or staff member.
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
Possession with “有” (yǒu): Used to indicate what one possesses or what exists in a place.
Example: “我家有五口人。” (My family has five people.)
“几” (jǐ) vs. “多少” (duōshao):
“几” is generally used for numbers perceived to be small (typically under ).
“多少” is used for any quantity, specifically larger numbers over .
Number + Measure Word (MW) + Noun: In Chinese, a measure word is mandatory between a number and a noun.
Examples: “五口人” (Five people), “两本书” (Two books).
Lesson 16 – 你常去图书馆吗
Vocabulary
现在 (xiànzài): A noun/adverb for now or currently.
跟 (gēn): A preposition meaning with.
一起 (yīqǐ): An adverb meaning together.
咱们 (zánmen): A pronoun for "we" or "us," specifically including both the speaker and the listener.
走 (zǒu): A verb meaning to walk or to leave.
常常 (chángcháng): An adverb meaning often.
借 (jiè): A verb that can mean to borrow or to lend depending on context.
有时候 (yǒushíhou): An adverbial phrase meaning sometimes.
上网 (shàngwǎng): A verb-object phrase meaning to go online or surf the internet.
查 (chá): A verb meaning to look up, check, or investigate.
资料 (zīliào): A noun for materials, data, or information.
总是 (zǒngshì): An adverb meaning always.
宿舍 (sùshè): A noun for a dormitory.
安静 (ānjìng): An adjective for quiet or peaceful.
复习 (fùxí) / 预习 (yùxí): Verbs meaning to review (past material) and to preview (upcoming material).
生词 (shēngcí): A noun for new vocabulary words.
或者 (huòzhě): A conjunction meaning ’or,’ used exclusively in statement sentences.
练习 (liànxí): A verb/noun meaning to practice or an exercise.
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
Conjunction “跟” (gēn): Used to express doing an action with someone.
Example: “我跟你一起去。” (I will go with you.)
Distinction between “或者” (huòzhě) and “还是” (háishì):
或者 is used for ‘or’ in declarative statements: “我喝茶或者咖啡。” (I drink tea or coffee.)
还是 is used for ‘or’ in interrogative questions: “你喝茶还是咖啡？” (Do you drink tea or coffee?)
Lesson 17 – 他在做什么呢
Vocabulary
在 / 正在 / 正 (zài/zhèngzài/zhèng): Particles used to indicate an ongoing action (similar to the “-ing” suffix in English).
出来 (chūlái): A directional verb meaning to come out.
音乐 (yīnyuè): A noun for music.
录音 (lùyīn): A noun/verb for a recording or to record sound.
书店 (shūdiàn): A noun for a bookstore.
想 (xiǎng): An auxiliary verb meaning want or would like; also means to think/miss.
坐 (zuò): A verb meaning to sit; also used for taking most forms of transportation (bus, train, plane).
挤 (jǐ): An adjective meaning crowded; can also be a verb for to squeeze.
骑 (qí): A verb used for riding animals or bicycles/motorcycles.
行 (xíng): An adjective meaning okay, fine, or alright.
学期 (xuéqī): A noun for a semester.
课 (kè): A noun for a lesson or class.
综合 (zōnghé) / 口语 (kǒuyǔ): Comprehensive (course) and spoken language courses.
听力 (tīnglì) / 阅读 (yuèdú): Listening comprehension and reading comprehension.
文化 (wénhuà) / 体育 (tǐyù): Culture and physical education (PE).
教 (jiāo): A verb meaning to teach.
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
Progressive Aspect with “在” or “正在”: To describe an action in progress.
Examples: “他在做什么？” (What is he doing?), “我在听音乐。” (I am listening to music.)
Auxiliary Verb “想” + Verb: Indicates a desire to perform an action.
Example: “我想去书店。” (I want to go to the bookstore.)
Lesson 18 – 我去超市买东西
Vocabulary
修 (xiū): A verb meaning to repair or fix.
顺便 (shùnbiàn): An adverb meaning conveniently, in passing, or along the way.
替 (tì): A preposition meaning on behalf of or for someone.
盒 (hé): A measure word meaning a box of.
曲别针 (qūbiézhēn): A noun for a paper clip.
拿 (ná): A verb meaning to take, hold, or bring.
用 / 不用 (yòng/búyòng): To use or to need. "不用" means there is no need to.
旅行 (lǚxíng): A verb/noun for travel or to travel.
代表 (dàibiǎo): A noun/verb meaning representative or to represent.
参观 (cānguān): A verb meaning to visit (a place like a museum or factory).
当 (dāng): A verb meaning to serve as or work as (a profession).
翻译 (fānyì): A noun/verb meaning translator/interpreter or to translate/interpret.
飞机 (fēijī) / 飞 (fēi): Plane (noun) and to fly (verb).
火车 (huǒchē): A noun for a train.
回来 (huílái): A verb meaning to come back.
帮忙 (bāngmáng) / 帮 (bāng): To help (帮忙 is a verb-object phrase; 帮 is the verb).
浇 (jiāo) / 花 (huā): To water (verb) and flower (noun).
问题 (wèntí) / 没问题 (méi wèntí): Problem/question (noun) and "no problem."
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
Using “顺便”: Often used to ask someone to do a small task while they are already doing something else.
Example: “你顺便替我买……” (While you're at it, please buy … for me.)
Using “替”:
Example: “请你替我去银行。” (Please go to the bank for me/on my behalf.)
Using “不用”: Indicates that something is unnecessary.
Example: “你不用去了。” (You don't need to go.)
Lesson 20 – 祝你生日快乐
Vocabulary
年 (nián) / 今年 (jīnnián): Year and this year.
明年 (míngnián) / 后年 (hòunián): Next year and the year after next.
去年 (qùnián): Last year.
毕业 (bìyè): A verb meaning to graduate.
多大 (duō dà): A phrase used to ask "how old" for adults/peers.
岁 (suì): A measure word meaning years old.
属 (shǔ): A verb meaning to belong to (a Chinese zodiac sign).
狗 (gǒu) / 猪 (zhū): Nouns for dog and pig.
生日 (shēngrì): A noun for birthday.
月 (yuè) / 号 (hào): Nouns for month and date of the month.
打算 (dǎsuàn): A verb/noun meaning to plan or a plan.
过 (guò): A verb meaning to spend time or celebrate (a holiday/birthday).
准备 (zhǔnbèi): A verb meaning to prepare.
举行 (jǔxíng): A verb meaning to hold or host (an event).
晚会 (wǎnhuì): A noun for a party or evening gala.
参加 (cānjiā): A verb meaning to participate or join.
时间 (shíjiān): A noun for time.
就 (jiù): An adverb meaning exactly or precisely.
一定 (yīdìng): An adverb meaning definitely or certainly.
祝 (zhù) / 快乐 (kuàilè): To wish (verb) and happy (adjective).
祝你生日快乐 (zhù nǐ shēngrì kuàilè): The standard phrase for "Happy Birthday!"
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
Zodiac with “属”:
Example: “我属狗。” (My zodiac sign is the dog.)
Planning with “打算”:
Example: “你打算怎么过生日？” (How do you plan to celebrate your birthday?)
Celebrating with “过”:
Example: “我过生日。” (I am celebrating my birthday.)
Lesson 21 – Daily Routine
Vocabulary
每 (měi): A pronoun/determiner meaning every or each.
早上 (zǎoshang): A noun for early morning.
半 (bàn): A number/adjective meaning half.
起床 (qǐchuáng): A verb-object phrase meaning to get out of bed.
早饭 (zǎofàn) / 午饭 (wǔfàn) / 晚饭 (wǎnfàn): Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
差 (chà): A verb meaning to fall short of; used in time-telling to say "to" the hour.
分钟 (fēnzhōng): A noun for a minute (duration).
教室 (jiàoshì): A noun for a classroom.
上课 (shàngkè) / 下课 (xiàkè): Verb-object phrases for class starting and class ending.
以后 (yǐhòu): A noun/conjunction meaning after or later.
操场 (cāochǎng): A noun for a playground or sports field.
锻炼 (duànliàn): A verb meaning to exercise or work out.
洗澡 (xǐzǎo): A verb-object phrase meaning to take a shower/bath.
然后 (ránhòu): A conjunction meaning then or afterwards.
睡觉 (shuìjiào): A verb meaning to sleep.
们 (men): A suffix used to make pronouns and some nouns plural.
爬山 (páshān): A verb-object phrase meaning to climb a mountain or hike.
年级 (niánjí): A noun for grade level.
出发 (chūfā): A verb meaning to depart or set out.
前 (qián): A noun meaning before or in front of.
集合 (jíhé): A verb meaning to assemble or gather.
上车 (shàngchē) / 下车 (xiàchē): To get on and off a vehicle.
准时 (zhǔnshí): An adjective/adjective phrase meaning on time or punctual.
带 (dài): A verb meaning to bring, carry, or lead.
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
Sequencing with “然后”: Used to link actions in chronological order.
Example: “我起床，然后吃早饭。” (I get up, then eat breakfast.)
Telling Time with “差” (chà): Used to express how many minutes until a specific hour.
Example: “差五分八点。” (Five minutes to eight.)
Lesson 22 – 我打算请老师教我京剧
Vocabulary
自己 (zìjǐ): A pronoun meaning oneself.
爱好 (àihào): A noun/verb for hobby or to love an activity.
让 (ràng): A verb meaning to let, allow, or make (someone do something).
京剧 (jīngjù): A noun for Peking Opera.
喜欢 (xǐhuān): A verb meaning to like.
非常 (fēicháng): An adverb meaning very or extremely.
唱 (chàng): A verb meaning to sing.
玩儿 (wánr): A verb meaning to play or have fun.
电脑 (diànnǎo): A noun for a computer.
游戏 (yóuxì): A noun for a game.
感到 (gǎndào): A verb meaning to feel.
心情 (xīngqíng): A noun for mood or state of mind.
愉快 (yúkuài): An adjective for happy or cheerful.
业余 (yèyú): An adjective meaning spare time or amateur.
以前 (yǐqián): A noun meaning before or previously.
就 (jiù): In this context, an adverb emphasizing how early or soon an action occurred (already).
对 (duì): A preposition meaning towards or to.
书法 (shūfǎ): A noun for calligraphy.
特别 (tèbié): An adverb meaning especially or particularly.
感兴趣 (gǎn xìngqù): A phrase meaning to be interested.
派 (pài): A verb meaning to send (someone on a mission/assignment).
画 (huà): A verb meaning to draw/paint.
画儿 (huār): A noun meaning a picture/painting.
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
Pivotal Sentences with 让/请/派: A pattern where the object of the first verb is the subject of the second verb.
Example: “我请老师教我京剧。” (I invited the teacher to teach me Peking Opera.)
Expressing Interest: “对……感兴趣” (Dùi… gǎn xìngqù).
Example: “我对书法很感兴趣。” (I am very interested in calligraphy.)
Adverb “就” for Early Occurrence:
Example: “我从小就喜欢唱京剧。” (Since I was little, I already liked singing Peking Opera.)
Lesson 23 – Directions & Locations
Vocabulary
Cardinal Directions:
东边 (dōngbiān): East
西边 (xībiān): West
南边 (nánbiān): South
北边 (běibiān): North
Relative Positions:
前边 (qiánbiān): Front
后边 (hòubiān): Back
左边 (zuǒbiān): Left
右边 (yòubiān): Right
里边 (lǐbiān): Inside
外边 (wàibiān): Outside
上边 (shàngbiān): Above/on top
下边 (xiàbiān): Below/under
中间 (zhōngjiān): In the middle.
离 (lí): A preposition indicating distance away from a location.
远 (yuǎn) / 近 (jìn): Adjectives for far and near.
从……到…… (cóng…dào): Structure meaning from (Point A) to (Point B).
一直 (yīzhí): An adverb meaning straight or continuously.
往 (wǎng): A preposition meaning towards.
拐 (guǎi): A verb meaning to turn.
红绿灯 (hónglǜdēng): A noun for traffic lights.
马路 (mǎlù): A noun for a road or street.
座 (zuò): A measure word for large immovable objects like buildings or mountains.
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
Asking for Locations:
Example: “学校在哪儿？” (Where is the school?)
Expressing Distance:
Example: “从这儿到学校远不远？” (Is it far from here to the school?)
Giving Directions:
Example: “一直往前走，到红绿灯往左拐。” (Go straight ahead, and when you get to the traffic light, turn left.)
Expressing Relative Location:
Example: “学校在公园东边。” (The school is at the east side of the park.)
Lesson 24 – 我想学太极拳
Vocabulary
会 (huì): An auxiliary verb indicating a skill learned through study (can/know how to).
能 (néng): An auxiliary verb indicating physical capability or situational ability (can/able to).
打太极拳 (dǎ tàijíquán): To practice or perform Tai Chi.
听说 (tīngshuō): A verb meaning to hear of or be told.
报名 (bàomíng): A verb-object phrase meaning to sign up or register.
开始 (kāishǐ): A verb/noun for begin or start.
懂 (dǒng): A verb meaning to understand.
意思 (yìsi): A noun for meaning.
次 (cì): A measure word for frequency (occurrences).
遍 (biàn): A measure word for frequency, specifically emphasizing the process from beginning to end.
再 (zài): An adverb meaning again (used for future actions).
Medical Symptoms:
头疼 (tóuténg): Headache
发烧 (fāshāo): Fever
咳嗽 (késou): Cough
感冒 (gǎnmào): To catch a cold
看病 (kànbìng): To see a doctor.
病 (bìng): Noun for illness or verb for being sick.
舒服 (shūfu): An adjective for comfortable.
请假 (qǐngjià): A verb-object phrase meaning to ask for leave/time off.
可能 (kěnéng): An adverb/adjective meaning perhaps or possible.
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
Modal Verbs:
会: Used for skills: “我会打太极拳。” (I know how to do Tai Chi.)
能: Used for ability/possibility: “我能去。” (I am able to go.)
可以: Used for permission: “我可以试试吗？” (Can I give it a try?)
Frequency Markers “次” vs. “遍”:
次: Focuses on number of times: “我去过三次。” (I have been there three times.)
遍: Focuses on the whole duration/completion: “请再读一遍。” (Please read it over once more from start to finish.)