Grammar
Mandarin Chinese A1
The first sentence patterns that make beginner Mandarin readable and usable.
On this level
- Core sentence order
Start with the structures that shape most beginner Mandarin sentences.
- Description and location
Use small but powerful words that make simple Mandarin sound natural.
- Basic communication
Ask simple questions and place information naturally.
Core sentence order
Start with the structures that shape most beginner Mandarin sentences.
Basic SVO word order
Mandarin often follows a clear subject-verb-object pattern, which gives beginners a strong base for reading simple clauses.
Measure words with nouns
Mandarin usually places a measure word between a number or demonstrative and the noun.
Description and location
Use small but powerful words that make simple Mandarin sound natural.
很 with adjectives
Mandarin often uses 很 before adjectives in basic descriptive sentences, even when the meaning is fairly neutral.
在 for location
Use 在 to say where someone or something is, or where an action is taking place in a basic way.
Basic communication
Ask simple questions and place information naturally.
Yes-no questions with 吗
Add 吗 to a statement to turn it into a basic yes-no question.
Question words and time placement
Mandarin question words usually stay in the same slot where the missing information would normally appear, and time expressions often come before the verb.