Master 48 HSK 4 grammar patterns with clear explanations, examples, and practice exercises for Chinese learners.
48 grammar patterns
Action happens after ongoing action
Name or call something
In order to...
Contrary to expectation
Take… for example
Really / quite
By means of; through
Cause a change/result
Cause a change/result
V’ed by S
On the contrary
At the same time, …
Whatever/any...
Even...
From a perspective
Not only… but also…
Under a situation/condition
First… second…
Another # N
Fairly A
Although..., but...
Not much different
Just right
With regard to N
Just V’ed
Never V
No matter how...still
再...也 expresses that regardless of how extreme a condition is, the result remains unchanged. It emphasizes determination or inevitability.
If not X, then Y / Either X or Y
不是...就是 presents two alternatives, implying that one of them must be true. It means "if not X, then Y" or "either X or Y."
In order to / For the sake of
为了 expresses purpose or goal. It introduces the reason or objective for an action, similar to "in order to" or "for the sake of" in English.
Inferior to; not as...
A 不如 B means "A is not as good as B" or "A is inferior to B." It is more formal than 没有 and often implies overall quality.
Potential complement (ability)
V + 得了/不了 expresses whether an action CAN or CANNOT be accomplished. It focuses on possibility or capability based on circumstances.
Even if / Even though
即使...也 expresses that a result remains unchanged regardless of the condition. It emphasizes determination or inevitability.
Only if / Only when
只有...才 expresses that a result can ONLY happen under one specific condition. It emphasizes necessity and exclusivity.
Both...and / Not only...but also
既...又/也 means both...and - two qualities existing together.
Either...or
要么...要么 presents two alternatives - either...or.
No matter / Regardless of
无论/不管...都 means no matter what - result is unchanged regardless of conditions.
Even
連...都/也 means even and emphasizes an extreme or unexpected case to imply broader applicability.
As long as...then...
只要...就... means as long as...then... expressing that a result is guaranteed if the minimal condition is met.
Should be / That is the right thing
才對 is placed at sentence end to emphasize something should be a certain way. Expresses conviction about the correct course of action.
Except for / In addition to
除了...之外 means except for or in addition to depending on context. Used with 都 for exclusion or 也/還 for inclusion.
I'm afraid that / Probably
恐怕 softens statements about negative possibilities or bad news. Expresses worry, concern, or polite hedging when delivering unwelcome information.
Since / Given that...then
既然…就 connects an established fact to its logical consequence. "Since X is true, then Y follows." Used when the first clause is accepted as given.
On the contrary / Instead
反而 means "on the contrary" or "instead," used when the outcome is opposite to expectations. Introduces an unexpected result that contradicts what was anticipated.
Could it be that...? (rhetorical question)
难道 is a rhetorical question marker expressing disbelief or challenging assumptions. Means "could it be that...?" or "don't tell me..." with emotional emphasis.
Almost / Nearly did something
差点 means "almost" or "nearly." 差点 + bad thing = it almost happened (relief). 差点没 + good thing = it almost didn't happen (also relief). Both express narrow escapes.
Isn't it just... (rhetorical)
不就...吗 is a rhetorical pattern meaning "isn't it just..." Used to minimize something as no big deal or emphasize that something is obviously true.
Besides, what's more, let's talk later
再说 has multiple meanings: "besides/moreover" when adding reasons mid-sentence, or "let's talk later" with 吧 at sentence end. Context determines the meaning.
Even though, although
尽管…但 is a concessive structure meaning "although/even though...but." Acknowledges one fact while emphasizing a contrasting result or situation.
