Joining sentences
和, 因为……所以, 虽然……但是, 如果……就, and 一……就.
和 hé "and" joins nouns, not sentences or verbs. To join two actions, just put them side by side, or use 也, 还 or 然后 ránhòu "then".
- wǒ hé wǒ mèimeimy younger sister and I
- Wǒmen xiān chī fàn, ránhòu qù kàn diànyǐng.We'll eat first, then go to a film.
Pairs
Chinese often marks both halves of a sentence, where English marks one.
| Pair | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 因为 yīnwèi …… 所以 suǒyǐ …… | because … so … |
| 虽然 suīrán …… 但是 dànshì …… | although … (but) … |
| 如果 rúguǒ …… 就 jiù …… | if … then … |
| 一 yī …… 就 jiù …… | as soon as … |
| 不但 búdàn …… 而且 érqiě …… | not only … but also … |
- Yīnwèi xià yǔ, suǒyǐ wǒ méi qù.Because it rained, I didn't go.
- Suīrán hěn guì, dànshì hěn hǎochī.It's expensive, but it's delicious.
- Rúguǒ míngtiān xià yǔ, wǒmen jiù bú qù le.If it rains tomorrow, we won't go.
- Wǒ yí dào jiā jiù gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.I'll call you as soon as I get home.
But and or
但是 dànshì, 可是 kěshì and 不过 búguò all mean "but". "Or" is 还是 in questions and 或者 huòzhě in statements.
- Nǐ kěyǐ zuò gōnggòng qìchē huòzhě zuò dìtiě.You can take the bus or the subway.
Cards from this guide
9 cardsEach card asks about one thing this guide teaches, and its back gives the answer with why and an example. They're reviewed with the rest of the Comparing and linking cards.
Can 和 join two verbs, as in "I eat and drink"?
No: 和 joins nouns.
How do you say "Because it rained, I didn't go"?
因为下雨，所以我没去。
What goes with 虽然 (although) in the second half?
但是 (or 可是): 虽然很贵，但是很好吃.
How do you say "If it rains tomorrow, we won't go"?
如果明天下雨，我们就不去了。
How do you say "as soon as I get home"?
我一到家就……
Which "or" goes in a statement, like "You can take the bus or the subway"?
或者 (huòzhě).
How do you say "not only … but also …"?
不但……而且…… (búdàn … érqiě …).
Which "or" goes in a question, like "Tea or coffee?"
还是 (háishi).
Which words mean "but"?
但是, 可是 and 不过.