Learn patterns by using them.
Practise Chinese grammar →Build sentences from word tiles, level by level
What makes Chinese grammar different
Chinese language grammar has no tenses, no plural endings and no gender. A verb stays the same whether the action is past, present or future; time words and particles carry the meaning.
That leaves word order as the main thing to learn, plus measure words and some common particles.
The building blocks
Most beginner sentences use the same few tools.
- Basic order: subject, verb, object — 我喝茶 (I drink tea).
- 吗 turns a statement into a yes/no question — 你好吗？
- 不 and 没 make negatives — 我不去, 我没去.
- 了 marks a completed action or change — 我吃了.
- 的 links a description or owner to a noun — 我的书.
- Measure words sit between a number and a noun — 三本书.
How to learn Chinese grammar
Learn each pattern from three example sentences, then make your own. Reading and listening also teach grammar when you notice repeating patterns. The sentence game trains word order by asking you to arrange the words of a sentence; the study guides for each HSK level list the patterns to know.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chinese grammar hard?
It is simple in structure, but word order and measure words take practice. Most learners find the sounds and characters harder than the grammar.
Does Chinese have tenses?
No. Time is shown with time words such as 昨天 (yesterday) and particles such as 了 and 过.
Ready to practise?
Build sentences from word tiles, level by level
Practise Chinese grammar →Explore HSK vocabulary, practise with Chinese exercises, or take a NewHSK Mock Exam.