HSK Grammar and Sentence Structures Flashcards

Which Chinese sentence structure is equivalent to the English passive voice using 被?

Answer: 被 + agent + verb phrase

The 被 (bèi) passive construction is: Subject + 被 + (agent) + verb phrase, e.g., 书被他拿走了 (The book was taken away by him).

What function does the particle 了 serve when placed at the end of a sentence?

Answer: Indicates a change of state or new situation

Sentence-final 了 indicates a new situation or change of state, e.g., 天黑了 (It's gotten dark) — contrasting with verbal 了 which marks completion.

Which structure expresses 'the more … the more …' in Chinese grammar?

Answer: 越…越…

越…越… (yuè … yuè …) expresses proportional increase, e.g., 越学越有趣 (The more you study, the more interesting it becomes).

What is the function of 把 in the 把 sentence structure?

Answer: To move the object before the verb to emphasize disposal or handling

The 把 construction places the object before the verb to emphasize what happens TO the object, requiring a resultative or directional complement.

Which grammar pattern means 'only if … then …' in Chinese?

Answer: 只有…才…

只有…才… means 'only if/when … then …', expressing a necessary condition, e.g., 只有努力才能成功 (Only by working hard can you succeed).

What does the complement 得 indicate in Chinese grammar?

Answer: Degree or potential complement after a verb

得 (de) introduces a degree complement describing how well an action was performed (e.g., 说得很好 — speaks very well) or a potential complement (说得了 — can speak).