Chinese: Basic Grammar Patterns

What is the basic word order for a simple declarative sentence in Chinese?

Subject + Verb + Object (SVO). For example: 我 (Subject) 爱 (Verb) 你 (Object).

How do you use the verb 是 (shì) to link a subject to a noun?

Subject + 是 + Noun. Example: 他是老师 (Tā shì lǎoshī) - He is a teacher.

Which verb is used to express possession or existence, similar to 'to have' or 'there is'?

有 (yǒu). Example: 我有三本书 (Wǒ yǒu sān běn shū) - I have three books.

How do you indicate possession or a descriptive relationship between two nouns?

Use the particle 的 (de). Structure: Owner + 的 + Object. Example: 他的书 (Tā de shū) - His book.

How do you turn a statement into a yes/no question in Chinese?

Add the question particle 吗 (ma) to the end of a statement. Example: 你好吗？ (Nǐ hǎo ma?) - Are you well?

What is the standard word used to negate verbs in the present or future tense?

不 (bù). Example: 我不吃肉 (Wǒ bù chī ròu) - I do not eat meat.

Which negative particle must be used to negate the verb 有 (yǒu) or to negate past actions?

没 (méi) or 没有 (méiyǒu). Example: 我没有钱 (Wǒ méiyǒu qián) - I don't have money.

What does the particle 了 (le) indicate when placed immediately after a verb?

It indicates a completed action or a change of state. Example: 我买了书 (Wǒ mǎi le shū) - I bought the book.

How do you express that an action is currently in progress (the progressive 'ing' form)?

Place 在 (zài) before the verb. Example: 我在吃饭 (Wǒ zài chīfàn) - I am eating.

Which particle is used after a verb to indicate that an action has been experienced at least once in the past?

过 (guò). Example: 我去过中国 (Wǒ qù guò Zhōngguó) - I have been to China.