Every grammar point in our free HSK 2 course, explained in plain English and shown
in real sentences with pinyin.
In short
Our HSK 2 course teaches 40 grammar points across 15 lessons, and all
40 are explained in full on this page with 89 example sentences between them. Each
point gives you the pattern, what it means, and sentences using it with pinyin and an English translation.
Nothing here is a summary or a list of names — these are the same explanations a learner sees inside the
course, free to read without an account.
40Grammar points
89Example sentences
15Lessons
Lesson 1 · September is the best time to visit Beijing
The Auxiliary Verb 要 (yào)
Subject + 要 + Verb
The auxiliary verb '要' (yào) is essential for expressing intentions or future plans in Mandarin. It is placed before a main verb to indicate a strong desire to do something. For negation, '不想' (bù xiǎng) is commonly used to express a lack of desire, whereas '不要' (bú yào) often functions as a command meaning 'don't'.
我要吃米饭。
Wǒ yào chī mǐfàn.
I want to eat rice.
我们要不要买几个新的椅子？
Wǒmen yào bu yào mǎi jǐ ge xīn de yǐzi?
Do we want to buy some new chairs?
我不想去。
Wǒ bù xiǎng qù.
I don't want to go.
The Adverb of Degree 最 (zuì)
最 + Adjective/Verb
The adverb of degree '最' (zuì) is used to express the superlative degree, indicating that something is at the highest level or is the first among a group of similar items. It commonly precedes adjectives or verbs of psychological state to mean 'the most' or 'best' in a specific context.
大卫的汉语最好。
Dàwèi de Hànyǔ zuì hǎo.
David's Chinese is the best.
我最喜欢吃米饭。
Wǒ zuì xǐhuan chī mǐfàn.
I like eating rice the most.
它的眼睛最漂亮。
Tā de yǎnjing zuì piàoliang.
Its eyes are the most beautiful.
Expressions of Approximate Numbers: 几 (jǐ) and 多 (duō)
几 + Measure Word + Noun; For <10: Number + Measure Word + 多; For >10: Number + 多 + Measure Word
Mandarin uses '几' (jǐ) and '多' (duō) to express approximate numbers. '几' refers to an indefinite amount less than ten, while '多' indicates 'more than' or 'plus'. For numbers over ten, '多' follows the measure word (e.g., 十个多), but for round numbers like twenty, it precedes it (e.g., 二十多块).
几本书
jǐ běn shū
a few books
三个多星期
sān ge duō xīngqī
Three weeks and more
二十多块钱
èrshí duō kuài qián
Twenty something yuan
Lesson 2 · I get up at six every day
The Pronoun 每 (měi)
每 + (Measure Word) + Noun
每 indicates 'every' or 'each' individual in a group. It is often used with a measure word.
每天
měitiān
every day
每个同学
měi ge tóngxué
every classmate
我每天早上都要出去跑步。
Wǒ měitiān zǎoshang dōu yào chūqù pǎo bù.
I go out for a jog every morning.
The Interrogative Pronoun 多 (duō)
Subject + 多 + Adjective?
多 is used before an adjective to ask about degree or extent.
你多大？
Nǐ duō dà?
How old are you?
他多高？
Tā duō gāo?
How tall is he?
大卫今年多大？
Dàwèi jīnnián duō dà?
How old is David?
是不是 for Confirmation
Subject + 是不是 + Predicate?
是不是 is used to ask for confirmation or to express a guess.
你很少生病，是不是喜欢运动？
Nǐ hěn shǎo shēng bìng, shì bu shì xǐhuan yùndòng?
You rarely get sick. Is it true that you like sports?
他是不是你同学？
Tā shì bu shì nǐ tóngxué?
Is he your classmate?
Lesson 3 · The red one on the left is mine
The 的 Phrase (的字短语)
Adj/Verb/Pronoun + 的
The '的' (de) phrase is a highly versatile construction in Mandarin, formed by attaching '的' to adjectives, verbs, or pronouns to create a noun phrase. It is primarily used to identify or describe specific items when the noun itself is omitted, significantly streamlining communication when the context is already established.
这本书是新的。
Zhè běn shū shì xīn de.
This book is a new one.
那个红色的是我的。
Nàge hóngsè de shì wǒ de.
That red one is mine.
这块手表不是我的，是我爸爸的。
Zhè kuài shǒubiǎo bú shì wǒ de, shì wǒ bàba de.
This watch isn't mine, it's my dad's.
The Numeral-Measure Word Compound 一下 (yíxià)
Verb + 一下
The numeral-measure word compound '一下' (yíxià) is used immediately after a verb to indicate that an action is brief, experimental, or performed in a casual manner. This structure softens the tone of a sentence, making requests sound more polite and less demanding, similar to 'a bit' or 'for a moment' in English.
你看一下。
Nǐ kàn yíxià.
Take a look.
休息一下。
Xiūxi yíxià.
Rest a bit.
我问一下。
Wǒ wèn yíxià.
Let me ask.
The Adverb of Degree 真 (zhēn)
真 + Adjective
The adverb of degree '真' (zhēn) is used before adjectives to express a strong exclamation or an emphatic affirmative tone. It reflects the speaker's genuine surprise or sincere feeling about a quality, often translating to 'really' or 'truly' in sentences like '你真好!' (You are truly kind!).
你真好！
Nǐ zhēn hǎo!
You are so good!
今天天气真热！
Jīntiān tiānqì zhēn rè!
It's really hot today!
这件衣服真漂亮！
Zhè jiàn yīfu zhēn piàoliang!
This dress is really pretty!
Lesson 4 · He recommended me for this job
The 是……的 (shì... de) Construction
Subject + 是 + [Emphasized Part] + Verb + 的
The '是……的' (shì... de) construction is a critical structural pattern used to emphasize specific details—such as the agent, time, place, or manner—of a past action that has already occurred. By placing the emphasized element between '是' and '的', the speaker shifts the focus from the action itself to how or when it happened.
这本书是我妈妈买的。
Zhè běn shū shì wǒ māma mǎi de.
It was my mom who bought this book.
电话是谁打的？
Diànhuà shì shéi dǎ de?
Who was it that made the call?
这个工作是他帮我介绍的。
Zhège gōngzuò shì tā bāng wǒ jièshào de.
It was he who recommended this job to me.
The Preposition 给 (gěi)
A + 给 + B + Verb
In HSK 2, the preposition '给' (gěi) is used to introduce the recipient or beneficiary of an action. Following the 'A + 给 + B + Verb' pattern, it indicates that an action is performed specifically for or directed toward another person, which is fundamental for describing social interactions and professional assistance.
他给我介绍了一个工作。
Tā gěi wǒ jièshào le yí ge gōngzuò.
He introduced a job to me.
妈妈给我买了一本书。
Māma gěi wǒ mǎi le yì běn shū.
Mom bought a book for me.
Lesson 5 · I bought this one
The Adverb 就 (jiù)
Clause A, (那) + 就 + Clause B
In this lesson, 就 is used to connect two clauses. It indicates a conclusion or resolution drawn from the previous statement.
你不想去，就在家休息吧。
Nǐ bù xiǎng qù, jiù zài jiā xiūxi ba.
If you don't want to go, then just rest at home.
这儿的咖啡不错，就喝咖啡吧。
Zhèr de kāfēi búcuò, jiù hē kāfēi ba.
The coffee here is not bad, so let's drink coffee.
那就买这件吧。
Nà jiù mǎi zhè jiàn ba.
Then let's buy this one.
The Adverb 还 (hái)
还 + Adjective
The adverb '还' (hái) is used before an adjective to indicate that something is acceptable, passable, or fairly good, though perhaps not outstanding. It provides a balanced, realistic description, often used in responses like '还好' (fairly good) or '还可以' (not bad) to manage expectations politely.
身体怎么样？还好。
Shēntǐ zěnmeyàng? Hái hǎo.
How is your health? It's okay/fairly good.
这件衣服大吗？还行，不太大。
Zhè jiàn yīfu dà ma? Hái xíng, bú tài dà.
Is this piece of clothing big? It's okay, not too big.
还可以。
Hái kěyǐ.
Not bad.
The Particle 吧 (ba)
Statement + 吧
The particle '吧' (ba) is a foundational sentence-final particle in Mandarin used to indicate a suggestion, a request, or a mild command. By adding '吧' to a statement, the speaker makes their tone softer and more consultative, encouraging agreement from the listener and facilitating smooth social interactions.
我们去喝咖啡吧。
Wǒmen qù hē kāfēi ba.
Let's go drink coffee.
你休息一下吧。
Nǐ xiūxi yíxià ba.
You should take a rest.
就买这件吧。
Jiù mǎi zhè jiàn ba.
Let's just buy this one.
Lesson 6 · Why don't you eat more?
Interrogative Pronoun 怎么 (zěnme)
Subject + 怎么 + Verb/Adjective?
In HSK 2, the interrogative pronoun '怎么' (zěnme) is used to ask about the reason or cause of an action or state, often carrying a nuance of surprise or puzzlement. Unlike '为什么', '怎么' is typically used for immediate, observable situations where the speaker wonders how something came to be the case.
你怎么不高兴？
Nǐ zěnme bù gāoxìng?
Why are you unhappy?
今天怎么这么热？
Jīntiān zěnme zhème rè?
How come it's so hot today?
你怎么不吃了？
Nǐ zěnme bù chī le?
How come you aren't eating anymore?
因为……所以…… (yīnwèi... suǒyǐ...)
因为 [Cause], 所以 [Effect]
The '因为……所以……' (yīnwèi... suǒyǐ...) structure is the standard way to express cause and effect in Mandarin. While '因为' introduces the reason and 'suǒyǐ' introduces the result, it is important to note that they are frequently used together in a single sentence to provide a complete logical explanation.
因为昨天下雨，所以我们没去踢足球。
Yīnwèi zuótiān xià yǔ, suǒyǐ wǒmen méi qù tī zúqiú.
Because it rained yesterday, so we didn't go play soccer.
因为他很忙，所以没来。
Yīnwèi tā hěn máng, suǒyǐ méi lái.
Because he is busy, so he didn't come.
Measure Word 公斤 (gōngjīn)
Number + 公斤
Used for weight (Kilogram). In China, 斤 (jīn) is also commonly used in daily life (0.5 kg).
五公斤苹果
Wǔ gōngjīn píngguǒ
Five kilograms of apples
Lesson 7 · Do you live far from your company?
Adverb 还 (hái)
Subject + 还 + Verb/Adjective
The adverb '还' (hái) is used in HSK 2 to indicate the continuation of an action or state, similar to 'still' or 'yet' in English. It emphasizes that a situation has not changed since a previous point in time, which is essential for describing ongoing study, work, or health conditions.
已经九点多了，他还在学习。
Yǐjīng jiǔ diǎn duō le, tā hái zài xuéxí.
It's already past 9, he is still studying.
他的身体还没好。
Tā de shēntǐ hái méi hǎo.
His health is still not good.
Particle 呢 (ne)
Verb + (Object) + 呢
In HSK 2, the particle '呢' (ne) is often used at the end of a sentence to indicate that an action is currently in progress. It adds a sense of continuity and immediacy to the statement, similar to the '-ing' form in English, and helps set the scene for ongoing events.
他还在教室学习呢。
Tā hái zài jiàoshì xuéxí ne.
He is still studying in the classroom.
正在下雨呢。
Zhèngzài xià yǔ ne.
It is raining right now.
Expressing Distance with 离 (lí)
Place A + 离 + Place B + Adjective
The preposition '离' (lí) is used in Mandarin to describe the spatial or temporal distance between two points of reference. Following the 'A + 离 + B + Adjective' pattern, it is a fundamental structure for providing directions, discussing proximity to landmarks, and planning travel times.
我家离学校很远。
Wǒ jiā lí xuéxiào hěn yuǎn.
My home is very far from school.
学校离机场有20多公里。
Xuéxiào lí jīchǎng yǒu èrshí duō gōnglǐ.
The school is more than 20 km away from the airport.
Lesson 8 · I want to go to some other stores
Structure 有点儿 (yǒudiǎnr)
Subject + 有点儿 + Adjective
The structure '有点儿' (yǒudiǎnr) is used before adjectives or verbs to indicate a slight degree of something, typically carrying a negative connotation or a sense of dissatisfaction. It is a critical tool for politely expressing complaints about prices, weather, or personal comfort levels in Mandarin.
这件衣服有点儿贵。
Zhè jiàn yīfu yǒudiǎnr guì.
This piece of clothing is a bit expensive.
今天天气有点儿热。
Jīntiān tiānqì yǒudiǎnr rè.
Today's weather is a bit hot.
Reduplication of Verbs
AA / A一A / ABAB
Reduplicating verbs in Mandarin is a common strategy to indicate that an action is brief, experimental, or performed in a relaxed and casual manner. This HSK 2 pattern (AA or ABAB) softens the tone of a request or suggestion, making the conversation feel more natural and less formal.
看看
kànkan
take a look
休息休息
xiūxi xiūxi
have a rest
Lesson 9 · This question is not difficult
Result Complements
Subject + Verb + Result Complement + (Object)
In HSK 2, resultative complements are formed by adding specific verbs like '懂' (to understand), '完' (to finish), or '错' (to be wrong) after a main verb. These structures are vital for communicating whether an action was successful, completed, or performed incorrectly, adding linguistic precision to daily Mandarin communication.
我没听懂。
Wǒ méi tīngdǒng.
I didn't understand.
题太多，我没做完。
Tí tài duō, wǒ méi zuò wán.
Too many questions, I didn't finish.
Preposition 从 (cóng)
从 + Time/Place + Verb
The preposition '从' (cóng) is used in Mandarin to indicate the starting point of time, a location, or a process. It is frequently paired with '到' (dào) to express 'from... to...', making it a fundamental structure for discussing travel itineraries, work schedules, and historical timelines.
从北京到上海。
Cóng Běijīng dào Shànghǎi.
From Beijing to Shanghai.
我们从十点开始考试。
Wǒmen cóng shí diǎn kāishǐ kǎoshì.
We start the exam from 10 o'clock.
Ordinal Numbers with 第 (dì)
第 + Number
The prefix '第' (dì) is used before numbers in Mandarin to form ordinal numbers, such as '第一' (first) or '第二' (second). Mastering this HSK 2 structure is essential for discussing rankings, dates, lesson numbers, and the sequence of events in a narrative or instructions.
第一本书
Dì-yī běn shū
The first book
第二个工作
Dì-èr ge gōngzuò
The second job
Lesson 10 · Don't look for it
Imperative Sentence 别……了 (Bié... le)
别 + Verb/Adjective + 了
The '别……了' (Bié... le) structure is a standard imperative pattern in Mandarin used to advise or command someone to stop a current action or refrain from a future one. It often carries a concerned or urgent tone, making it essential for giving directions, health advice, and social guidance.
别找了。
Bié zhǎo le.
Stop looking for it.
别睡觉了。
Bié shuìjiào le.
Don't sleep.
Preposition 对 (duì)
对 + Object + Verb/Adjective
The preposition '对' (duì) is used in Mandarin to introduce the target, object, or recipient of an action, attitude, or effect. In the HSK 2 curriculum, it is commonly used in structures like 'A 对 B 有帮助' (A is helpful to B), which is critical for discussing influences and relationships.
这种药对身体很好。
Zhè zhǒng yào duì shēntǐ hěn hǎo.
This medicine is good for your health.
那个老师对学生很好。
Nàge lǎoshī duì xuésheng hěn hǎo.
That teacher is very nice to the students.
Lesson 11 · He is three years older than me
The 比 Sentence
A + 比 + B + Adjective
Used to compare the difference between two entities using 'bǐ'.
今天比昨天冷。
Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān lěng.
Today is colder than yesterday.
他比我大三岁。
Tā bǐ wǒ dà sān suì.
He is three years older than me.
他比我高得多。
Tā bǐ wǒ gāo de duō.
He is much taller than me.
Auxiliary Verb 可能 (kěnéng)
Subject + 可能 + Verb/Adj
Indicates estimation or possibility.
他可能早就知道了。
Tā kěnéng zǎo jiù zhīdào le.
He might have known already.
Lesson 12 · You wear too little
Complements of State
Verb + 得 + Adjective/Phrase
Used to describe or evaluate the result, degree, or state of an action.
他说得很好。
Tā shuō de hěn hǎo.
He speaks very well.
你穿得太少了。
Nǐ chuān de tài shǎo le.
You wear too little.
Reduplication of Adjectives
AA (often with 'de')
Monosyllabic adjectives are reduplicated to indicate a deep degree or signify appreciation.
红红的苹果
Hónghóng de píngguǒ
Red apples
Lesson 13 · The door is open
Aspect Particle 着 (zhe)
Verb + 着
Used after a verb to indicate the continuation of an action or a state.
门开着呢。
Mén kāi zhe ne.
The door is open.
他穿着红色的衣服。
Tā chuān zhe hóngsè de yīfu.
He is wearing red clothes.
Preposition 往 (wǎng)
往 + Direction/Place + Verb
Used to indicate direction.
往前走。
Wǎng qián zǒu.
Walk forward.
Lesson 14 · She has bought quite a few clothes
Particle 了 (le) for Completion
Verb + 了
Used after a verb to indicate the completion or realization of an action.
我去商店买东西了。
Wǒ qù shāngdiàn mǎi dōngxi le.
I went to the store to buy things.
她买了不少衣服。
Tā mǎi le bù shǎo yīfu.
She bought quite a few clothes.
Word 后 (hòu)
Time/Duration + 后
Used to express a time after a certain point or duration.
四十分钟后。
Sìshí fēnzhōng hòu.
After 40 minutes.
五点后。
Wǔ diǎn hòu.
After 5 o'clock.
Pronoun 啊 (a)
Sentence + 啊
A modal particle used at the end of a sentence to add an emotional tone.
是啊！
Shì a!
Yes, indeed!
她真漂亮啊！
Tā zhēn piàoliang a!
She is so beautiful!
Adverb 都 (dōu)
Subject + 都 + Verb/Adj
Emphasizes that the statement applies to the entire group mentioned.
我们都来了。
Wǒmen dōu lái le.
We have all come.
Lesson 15 · The New Year is coming
Future Tense: 要……了 (yào... le)
就要……了 / 快要……了 / 要……了
Indicates that an action or event is about to happen soon.
新年就要到了。
Xīnnián jiùyào dào le.
New Year is about to arrive.
火车快要开了。
Huǒchē kuàiyào kāi le.
The train is about to leave.
Structure 都……了 (dōu... le)
都 + Time/Quantity + 了
Indicates that something has already reached a certain point, often implying 'already'.
都八点四十了！
Dōu bā diǎn sìshí le!
It's already 8:40!
他都二十岁了。
Tā dōu èrshí suì le.
He is already 20 years old.
Adverb 更 (gèng)
更 + Adj/Verb
Used before an adjective or verb to indicate a higher degree in comparison.
这个更好。
Zhège gèng hǎo.
This one is better.
我希望能做得更快。
Wǒ xīwàng néng zuò de gèng kuài.
I hope to do it faster.
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