Questions tagged [sentence-structure]
Questions concerning the types of words and phrases which are grouped and ordered meaningfully to express a statement, question, or another type of sentence
364
questions
2
votes
4
answers
70
views
What is the subject of 有 in "张涵请求提前解除合同是有一定法律依据的"?
What is the subject of 有 in "张涵请求提前解除合同是有一定法律依据的"?
Am I right in interpreting this sentence as having 张涵请求提前解除合同 being the subject for the verb phrase 有一定法律依据? So it directly translates to ...
- 101
2
votes
1
answer
102
views
How do you translate "budget" into Chinese from this context?
Budget can be translated as "预算", this translation sounds more like a verb for preestimate.
While budgeted expenses can be translated as "预算费".
However, I am unsure if either fits ...
- 78.8k
0
votes
3
answers
63
views
What is the Chinese equivalent of calling someone "marketable"?
Upon research, something like "销路" comes as a result. For example, 'to be marketable' would be "有销路的" (yǒu xiāo lù de).
However, this sounds off, as it sounds like too literal of a ...
- 18.3k
1
vote
1
answer
63
views
Difference between 他给妈妈打电话” and “他打电话给妈妈”
I learned that the sentence pattern is A 给 B + something: "他给妈妈打电话”
but recently I saw this 他打电话给妈妈. Are both grammarly correct?
Thanks is advance!
- 2,487
1
vote
4
answers
212
views
Difference between 地 and 得 in 他很難過[得/地]哭起來了
他很難過得哭起來了
他很難過地哭起來了
Which one is correct? 1 makes sense because 得 is describing the extent of how 難過 he is, but 2 also seems to make sense because 地 is just before the verb 哭. So I'm really confused ...
- 2,487
0
votes
1
answer
43
views
preposition structure
Are the following sentences correct？
a请你给她带来书。
b请你带来书给她
c请你把书给她带来
These are some examples that I've found in which the preposition 给's structure seems to change,if all of them are correct which one is ...
- 2,487
1
vote
1
answer
69
views
what is the position of duration in a sentence?
I understand that duration complement comes after the verb in a sentence i.e "我学了两个月汉语了" ,but with sentences like "我们得一个小时到机场" does the duration complement still apply here or is ...
- 78.8k
2
votes
4
answers
166
views
What are the key examples to demonstrate whether Mandarin Chinese has a rigid or flexible word order?
I am new to Chinese (Mandarin), and looking at some grammar guides like this word order page, it suggests a very rigid word order (saying sometimes you break the order, but doesn't say when/how):
...
- 660
0
votes
1
answer
84
views
Collection of Chinese sentence-level grammar rules as semi-structured "data"?
I am looking for structured data of Chinese grammar, however much might have been done. Specifically sentence-level grammar. By "structured data", I mean something more structured than ...
- 18.3k
1
vote
3
answers
97
views
Inverted word order for a sentence with a relative clause?
So traditionally, translating relative clauses into Chinese involves treating the relative clause a a modifier for a noun and putting the modifier in front of the noun separated by de/的.
I.e. a ...
- 18.3k
1
vote
2
answers
65
views
Rephrasing this Chinese sentence for emphasis (他和很多人在一起过, 但第二天他根本懒得打个电话.)
My source sentence is: 他和很多人在一起过, 但第二天他根本懒得打个电话. The source translation is: "He had been with many people that he didn't care to call the next day."
I was wondering if I could rewrite the ...
- 176
5
votes
3
answers
1k
views
What does the phrase "足矣" mean?
I saw this phrase recently in a post online. The whole sentence is 人生得一知己足矣. I think 人生得一知己 means "getting a BFF(?) in one's life". (The only meaning of the word 知己 that I know of is BFF, but please ...
- 31
0
votes
2
answers
54
views
How do I translate the following sentence to Chinese? e.g. what is the correct structure of the sentence in Chinese? Thanks
"Her positive and persuasive tone about studying overseas indicates that studying abroad at university will broaden your horizons and make you financially independent。”
I tried translating it to &...
- 18.3k
2
votes
3
answers
108
views
Can I put `昨天` before `为什么`?
Below is a correct sentence.
你为什么昨天没有跟我讲?
Can I put 昨天 before 为什么 as following?
你昨天为什么没有跟我讲?
- 4,251
3
votes
6
answers
454
views
旁边那个大点儿的杯子是我的 — how to correctly break down this sentence?
I think 『那个大点儿的杯子』will be translated together as "that bigger cup", though I do not understand which thing 『旁边』 is referring to.
Is it
The object that is nearby that bigger cup is mine,
or
...
- 660
1
vote
2
answers
188
views
What are some examples of how Chinese sentences are typically "short" (as opposed to "long" English sentences)?
I read here:
English emphasizes the structure of sentences, while Chinese focuses on the meaning.
In English, it is very common to see one long sentence with long modifiers including pronouns like “...
- 4,251
1
vote
9
answers
608
views
去飞机场坐汽车，前面上车，飞机场下车 。。。Is this statement grammatically correct?
While I’m on my Chinese learning journey, I faced this sentence : 去飞机场坐汽车，前面上车，飞机场下车。 It supposedly mean (go to the airport by car, then get off at the airport. Actually, I’m not getting the point of ...
- 95
1
vote
4
answers
2k
views
What is the role of 给 in this 把 ... 给 V construction?
I came across the following sentence in EP340 of the 故事FM podcast:
把一个垃圾桶的盖子给返过来，把小孩放在上面换了尿布。
My question is about the role 给 in the first part, before the comma. Without the 给 it would make perfect ...
1
vote
3
answers
122
views
When does 负面 or 正面 go before 影响, and when does it go afterwards?
Sometimes I'll see text saying that something 影响负面 another thing, and other times I'll see that something 负面影响 another. Is there a rule or concrete grammatical basis to determine which sentence uses a ...
- 1,570
0
votes
3
answers
67
views
Connecting Two Nouns 雀跃?
他心里一段说不出来的雀跃
I know what it means, but how come I can just connect two nouns? 雀跃has to be nominalised since it has 一段 and 的. Or if 雀跃 is a verb how come it can the 的 and measure word.
The only other ...
- 18.3k
1
vote
6
answers
632
views
Does this sentence make sense? 我打算工作在一个网站会完了在四月十五
I thought something like: 我打算工作在一个网站会完了在四月十五.
Pinyin Wǒ dǎsuàn gōngzuò zài yīgè wǎngzhàn huì wánliǎo zài sì yuè shíwǔ.
English: I'm working on a website that will be finished by April 15th.
Even ...
- 1
2
votes
4
answers
677
views
我放这个东西在这里 or 我在这里放这个东西
I have a little bit confusion on when to put the location of which the action is taking place, which is before or after the verb.
From what I know, if for example we want to say "I want to eat ...
- 1
2
votes
10
answers
1k
views
Need help with sentence structure/style: 当时, 我学习了更多关于中国的文化.。
Basically, I'm trying to say: "At that time I learned more about Chinese culture."
Google Translate told me: 那时我对中国文化有了更多的了解。
Pinyin: Nà shí wǒ duì zhōngguó wénhuà yǒule gèng duō de liǎojiě.
...
- 61
0
votes
1
answer
54
views
How to say "cross across the crossy cross" in Chinese, or other "preposition-dense" phrases?
Chinese uses Coverbs for a lot of prepositions, and has compound/serial verbs, which is different coming from English. So I have phrases like this in English, how would you translate them to Chinese?
...
- 2,295
0
votes
3
answers
184
views
Placement of characters in a simple question
I am really struggling with knowing where to place words in a sentence. In particular, I was trying to formulate some sentences using 什么 and the sentence 'What do you want to eat for lunch?' popped ...
- 91
1
vote
1
answer
89
views
How to literally translate this 就是一进街口靠墙的一个小棚子?
记得小时候，我家附近就有个小人书摊，就是一进街口靠墙的一个小棚子，里面用几块砖头支着粗糙的木头板子供人们坐着看书。
This is from the Standard Course Book of HSK5, chapter 20.
About the literal translation of this 就是一进街口靠墙的一个小棚子:
就是(was)一(a)进(classifier)街口(...
CommunityBot
- 1
0
votes
1
answer
72
views
Help translating this sentence: "They're speaking a different language"
I've run this through Google translate, and received this: 他们说的是不同的语言
Pinyin: Tāmen shuō de shì bùtóng de yǔyán
I would have expected it to be something like: 他们说不同的语言
Pinyin: Tāmen shuō bu tóng de ...
- 1,252
0
votes
2
answers
55
views
How to literally translate this: 随着小人书的流行，出现了从事租书业务的小人书摊?
随着小人书的流行，出现了从事租书业务的小人书摊，这对于那些想看又买不起书的人来说，只用很少的钱就能看一本，毫无疑问是件大好事。
This is from the Standard Course Book of HSK5, section 20.
I need your help in the literal translation of this: 随着小人书的流行，出现了从事租书业务的小人书摊
...
- 22.7k
0
votes
4
answers
107
views
What about the sentence structure of this 毫无疑问是件大好事?
随着小人书的流行，出现了从事租书业务的小人书摊，这对于那些想看又买不起书的人来说，只用很少的钱就能看一本，毫无疑问是件大好事。
I need your help about this part: 毫无疑问是件大好事
First of all, is my literal translation right? 毫无(without any)疑问(doubt)是(is)件(classifier)大(...
- 3,757
0
votes
1
answer
48
views
How to literally translate this: 这对于那些想看又买不起书的人来说?
随着小人书的流行，出现了从事租书业务的小人书摊，这对于那些想看又买不起书的人来说，只用很少的钱就能看一本，毫无疑问是件大好事。
Hi all, this is from the Standard Course Book of HSK5, section 20.
I need your help about the literal translation of this: ...
- 12.9k
1
vote
2
answers
117
views
Is this sentence structure ok? Time+ 平时+activity
is this sentence ok? 上午我平时上班 / 学习 /锻炼 等等
I wonder if the adverb 平时 can be used as follow: Time+ 平时+activity
Thanks in advance for your kind explanations :)
- 11
0
votes
2
answers
113
views
How to literally translate this: “鱼生火，肉生痰，青菜萝卜保平安”?
如今，美食家们对吃提出了更高的要求。他们不仅要观色、闻香、尝味、赏形，而且还要求食物具有养生方面的特色。我想，家乡的萝卜饼完全具备这几个方面的条件，人们不是常说吗——“鱼生火，肉生痰，青菜萝卜保平安”，养生的功能，让我更加喜爱它了。
This is from the Standard Course Book of HSK5, chapter 19. I want your opinion ...
- 12.9k
0
votes
2
answers
96
views
How to literally translate this: 盖锅前须放进一些温水，预防糊底?
接下来，拿一个平底锅，先在锅里淋一圈油，待油锅烫手时，将切好的萝卜饼一块一块地放进锅里。盖锅前须放进一些温水，预防糊底。
This is from the Standard Course Book of HSK5, section 19.
Please help me understand the literal translation of this: 盖锅前须放进一些温水，预防糊底。
I ...
- 12.9k
0
votes
1
answer
52
views
How to literally translate this: 待油锅烫手时?
接下来，拿一个平底锅，先在锅里淋一圈油，待油锅烫手时，将切好的萝卜饼一块一块地放进锅里。
This is from the Standard Course Book of HSK5, chapter 19. I need help to get the literal translation of this clause: 待油锅烫手时.
待: does it mean to wait, to ...
- 78.8k
1
vote
4
answers
179
views
What is the sentence structure when 有 is followed by a verb?
According to both the dictionary (Pleco) and the grammar rules (Chinese Grammar Wiki) it seems that 有 (or 没有) should typically be used in a combination 有 + object and expresses either possession or ...
- 12.9k
3
votes
2
answers
107
views
How to say complex adjective/noun phrase in Chinese
I am learning about de in Chinese a little, 的 (de) vs. 得 (de) vs. 地 (de).
Noun + 的 + Noun
Attribute + 的 + Noun
Verb + 得 + State
Adj + 地 + Verb
Adj + 地 + Adj
So combining all of these together, how ...
- 79
3
votes
4
answers
692
views
What function is 被 performing in the sentence: “现在，成龙的老板让他找回被偷的每个生肖雕像”?
What function is 被 performing in the sentence: “现在，成龙的老板让他找回被偷的每个生肖雕像。”
Translates to: Now, Jackie Chan's boss asks him to retrieve every zodiac statue that has been stolen.
I'm aware of 被's usage as ...
- 1,402
1
vote
1
answer
112
views
What do the ending sounds in Cantonese sentences mean or convey?
I think it's pretty well known that Cantonese has a lot of a's and la's attached to the end of sentences. However as a non-native, I have trouble understanding when these are used. For example, when ...
- 78.8k
4
votes
2
answers
467
views
What's the grammatical structure of 这是你第一次来中国吗？
I am confused about the sentence 这是你第一次来中国吗？
I think I know the correct translation: "Is this the first time you go to China?"
However, I am confused about the grammatical structure of the sentence.
...
3
votes
3
answers
143
views
Why do we use 的 at the end of this sentence 你穿这么少，会感冒的?
I'm familiar with some basics of the 的 usage. But what exactly does it do in this sentence?...Thank you in advance! Would welcome any other examples...
- 24k
4
votes
6
answers
362
views
Existence of a Chinese sentence with several meanings according to how the characters are grouped
In Chinese, there is no space between words (groups of characters). I have heard that most of the time there is no confusion possible. But is there any Chinese sentence where there are multiple ways ...
- 16.4k
2
votes
5
answers
91
views
Is 在 optional in 你们明天在咖啡馆见面?
I found this two examples at the same Chinese lesson text, but it is not explained why 在 is omitted in one of them:
你们明天在咖啡馆见面
你们明天咖啡馆见面
Is 在 optional?
- 151
5
votes
2
answers
1k
views
连……都 structure: is 连去过故宫都没有 correct?
I've been studying Chinese for about 9 months now and I am a little confused as to how to rewrite this sentence using the 连……都 structure. I've included what I've done but it just does not seem right. ...
- 16.4k
2
votes
4
answers
227
views
When using 多久, should I repeat the verb?
Change the sentence into a question with 多久。
1。 你看书。
Is it 你看书看多久？ or 你看书多久？
and are there any exceptions to this language pattern?
- 16.4k
2
votes
3
answers
152
views
Which one is the correct way to say "what I like most is to sing"?
Which is the correct way to say "what I like most is to sing"? Someone said no. 3. If it is, why we have to use 的 particle?
我最喜欢是唱歌
我最喜欢唱歌
我最喜欢的是唱歌
- 18.3k
4
votes
2
answers
487
views
How can I explain each word in 「想過過過兒過過的生活」
I know it's just a meme, but how to explain the structure of this setence:
小龍女深情的對楊過說：「我好想過過過兒過過的生活啊！」
- 78.8k
1
vote
3
answers
95
views
Structure for the phrase 尾班車開出前5分鐘
In this phrase: 尾班車開出前5分鐘, is meant to signify “5 minutes before the departure of the last train”.
I find the structure a bit strange for me. In my mind, I would have thought of something like: ...
- 367
1
vote
2
answers
80
views
What does 片 mean in 右肩已经一片麻木?
This is the whole paragraph:
车已经开了快三个小时了，车窗外的天还是很阴沉，身边坐的姑娘还在睡，脑门儿很踏实地枕在他肩上，右肩已经一片麻木。
It cannon be a measure word, since 麻木 is an adjective, right?
Also, the 一 yi means A/AN or ALL/WHOLE in this ...
- 18.3k
1
vote
4
answers
203
views
这段课文写对了没有? 请你们检查一下。谢谢
Please help me to check if my text for the video is correct. 大家好! 我是_, 我来自俄罗斯, 今年20岁。 目前还是一个_大学外国语学院的学生。 我是一个渴望知识的人, 学得很认真和努力。 我家不太富裕, 我从中学工作和帮助解决金钱问题。 从那时起，我试图了解金融和经济学是如何运作的, 觉得很有意思。 在我上学期间, ...
- 324
1
vote
3
answers
75
views
刚下完雨的地面尚且带着潮湿的水责. Grammatical and translating problam!
刚下完雨的地面尚且带着潮湿的水责.
Well, first of all, do you see the above sentence? Honestly, for example, I know what each of these characters position(grammatically) is in the sentence (except for this part 尚且带着), ...
- 314