This worksheet you’re reading right now is the 🌳 Advanced version, specifically designed for learners around HSK levels 4–5-6.

If you’re looking for something simpler to practice first, check your inbox for the Easy version or click here!

Not interested in the Advanced worksheets? No problem, you can opt out and receive only the Easy version by clicking here.

In CGG #116, we explored how Mandarin handles multipliers and doubling.

Today’s exercises will help you practice picking the right pattern for different multiplier situations. Each word has its own personality, and choosing well makes your Mandarin sound sharp and natural. With a bit of practice, these patterns will click into place.

Let’s put these multiples to work!

🌳 Today’s Advanced Exercises

Translate these English sentences into Mandarin:

1. Mount Everest is more than twice as tall as Mount Fuji.

2. The government hopes to quadruple green energy output over the next decade.

3. Once peak tourist season hits, housing prices on the island climb exponentially.

4. After the Beijing Winter Olympics, the number of people taking up winter sports increased severalfold.

Take your time, and remember: practicing will help you sound more natural and confident in your Mandarin conversations. You’ve got this! 💫

🌳 Translation #1

Mount Everest is more than twice as tall as Mount Fuji.

Here, we’re comparing two heights with a multiplier, but with a small extra on top (“more than twice”). For stating exact multiples in Mandarin, the go-to pattern is 是……的……倍 (shì…de…bèi), which literally places one thing as “(a certain number of) times of” the other. The number before 倍 is the full multiplier, so 两倍 [兩倍] (liǎng bèi) means “×2,” the total height, not “two times extra on top of the baseline.” That’s a crucial distinction from the 比…倍 pattern we’ll see later. To add the “more than” nudge, we simply attach 多 (duō) right after 倍, signaling “and a bit extra” without committing to a precise figure.

Let’s break down the translation step by step:

• 珠穆朗玛峰 [珠穆朗瑪峰] (Zhūmùlǎngmǎ fēng) means “Mount Everest.”

  • This is the full Chinese name, transliterated from the Tibetan “Qomolangma.”

• 的 (de) is the possessive particle.

• 高度 (gāodù) means “height.”

• 是 (shì) means “is.”

  • In casual speech, you might also hear 有 (yǒu) in place of 是 with the same meaning.

• 富士山 (Fùshìshān) means “Mount Fuji.”

• 的 (de) is the possessive particle again, linking Mount Fuji’s height to the multiplier.

• 两 [兩] (liǎng) means “two.”

  • Before measure words and 倍, Mandarin uses 两 [兩] rather than 二 (èr).

• 倍 (bèi) means “times” as a multiplier.

  • The number before 倍 here is the full multiple, so 两倍 [兩倍] equals ×2.

• 多 (duō) means “more than” or “and a bit.”

  • Tacked on after 倍, it signals a small unspecified excess beyond the stated multiple.

Notes

• Don’t confuse 倍 (bèi) with 次 (cì). 倍 expresses multipliers (how much bigger), while 次 counts occurrences (how many times an event happened).

• In the 是……的……倍 pattern, the number before 倍 is the total multiplier. 两倍 [兩倍] (liǎng bèi) means ×2, NOT “two extra times on top.”

• Placement of 多 (duō) matters. 两倍多 [兩倍多] means “a bit more than twice,” while 多两倍 [多兩倍] would sound wrong in this exact structure.

• 📖 Review Mandarin comparison patterns in CGG #11–#13.

Recap

• 珠穆朗玛峰的高度是富士山的两倍多。

• 珠穆朗瑪峰的高度是富士山的兩倍多。

• 珠穆朗玛峰 / 的 / 高度 / 是 / 富士山 / 的 / 两 / 倍 / 多 。

• Zhūmùlǎngmǎ fēng de gāodù shì Fùshìshān de liǎng bèi duō.

• Mount Everest is more than twice as tall as Mount Fuji.

• Mount Everest / (possessive particle 的) / height / is / Mount Fuji / (possessive particle 的) / two / times / more.

🌳 Translation #2

The government hopes to quadruple green energy output over the next decade.

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Level: HSK 4-5 (prefer something easier? HSK 2-3-4 version here)

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Written from Beijing

🎯 HSK Comprehension Test

1. 我在网师园的茶馆里觉得“时间都变慢了”，主要是因为什么？
   我在網師園的茶館裡覺得「時間都變慢了」，主要是因為什麼？

   1. 我们什么也不做，就坐在那儿安静地喝茶聊天
      我們什麼也不做，就坐在那兒安靜地喝茶聊天

   2. 茶馆的服务很慢，等了很长时间
      茶館的服務很慢，等了很長時間

   3. 那个时候快要关门了，客人都走了
      那個時候快要關門了，客人都走了

   4. 我在上海玩得太累了，想好好休息一下
      我在上海玩得太累了，想好好休息一下

2. 我说“旅行不一定要去有名的地方，找一个能让自己静下来的角落，可能更让人难忘”，我想表达什么？
   我說「旅行不一定要去有名的地方，找一個能讓自己靜下來的角落，可能更讓人難忘」，我想表達什麼？

   1. 有名的地方人太多，不好玩儿
      有名的地方人太多，不好玩兒

   2. 小地方的消费比大城市便宜
      小地方的消費比大城市便宜

   3. 旅行最重要的是心灵的感受和体验
      旅行最重要的是心靈的感受和體驗

   4. 苏州的园林比上海的景点更有名
      蘇州的園林比上海的景點更有名

3. 我说苏州“慢慢的，安安静静的”，这主要想强调什么？
   我說蘇州「慢慢的，安安靜靜的」，這主要想強調什麼？

   1. 苏州的园林都是古老的建筑
      蘇州的園林都是古老的建築

   2. 苏州的景点人比较少
      蘇州的景點人比較少

   3. 苏州的生活节奏和氛围跟上海很不一样
      蘇州的生活節奏和氛圍跟上海很不一樣

   4. 苏州的天气比上海凉快
      蘇州的天氣比上海涼快

4. 从这篇文章来看，我觉得苏州之行最让我难忘的是什么？
   從這篇文章來看，我覺得蘇州之行最讓我難忘的是什麼？

   1. 体验到了一种慢下来、静下来的生活节奏
      體驗到了一種慢下來、靜下來的生活節奏

   2. 亲眼看到了像比萨斜塔一样的虎丘塔
      親眼看到了像比薩斜塔一樣的虎丘塔

   3. 看到了很多有名的园林
      看到了很多有名的園林

   4. 在茶馆里喝到了特别好喝的茶
      在茶館裡喝到了特別好喝的茶

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This worksheet you’re reading right now is the 🌳 Advanced version, specifically designed for learners around HSK levels 4–5-6.

If you’re looking for something simpler to practice first, check your inbox for the Easy version or click here!

Not interested in the Advanced worksheets? No problem, you can opt out and receive only the Easy version by clicking here.

This week, we explored how Mandarin builds fractions and percentages from one logical pattern: state the whole first, then the part.

Today’s exercises will help you practice using fractions in real sentences, from asking questions about proportions to expressing casual percentages and extreme probabilities. You’ll see how the same core blueprint adapts to very different contexts.

Let’s put those fractions to work!

🌳 Today’s Advanced Exercises

Translate these English sentences into Mandarin:

1. Do you know what fraction of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans?

2. Two thirds of the students passed the final exam.

3. The box office of this blockbuster dropped 40% in its second week.

4. The odds of winning the lottery jackpot are about the same as getting struck by lightning, less than one in ten million.

Take your time, and remember: practicing will help you sound more natural and confident in your Mandarin conversations. You’ve got this! 💫

🌳 Translation #1

Do you know what fraction of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans?

When you want to ask “what fraction?” in Mandarin, you need a way to leave both the numerator and the denominator open. That’s what 几分之几 [幾分之幾] (jǐ fēn zhī jǐ) does: it replaces both numbers in the fraction structure with the question word 几 [幾], creating “how many out of how many?” Unlike English, which moves the question word to the front, Mandarin keeps 几 [幾] right where the numbers would normally sit.

Let’s break down the translation step by step:

• 你 (nǐ) means “you.”

• 知道 (zhīdào) means “to know.”

  • 📖 Learn more about words meaning “to understand” in CGG #42.

• 海洋 (hǎiyáng) means “ocean.”

• 占 (zhàn) means “to account for” or “to make up (a proportion).”

  • This verb is essential when talking about proportions and fractions of a total.

• 地球 (dìqiú) means “Earth.”

• 表面 (biǎomiàn) means “surface.”

• 的 (de) is the possessive particle linking “Earth’s surface” to the fraction.

• 几分之几 [幾分之幾] (jǐ fēn zhī jǐ) means “what fraction.”

  • The first 几 [幾] replaces the denominator (the whole), and the second 几 [幾] replaces the numerator (the part).

  • This follows the standard fraction blueprint: denominator + 分之 + numerator, with both slots filled by a question word.

• 吗 [嗎] (ma) is the yes/no question particle.

Notes

• Don’t use 百分之多少 (bǎi fēn zhī duōshǎo) here, because we’re asking about a general fraction, not specifically a percentage. 几分之几 [幾分之幾] (jǐ fēn zhī jǐ) keeps both the denominator and numerator open.

• The verb 占 (zhàn) is the standard way to express “to account for” or “to make up” a proportion.

• Notice how the indirect question is structured: 你知道 + [embedded question] + 吗 [嗎]. The question word 几 [幾] stays in place within the embedded clause.

Recap

• 你知道海洋占地球表面的几分之几吗？

• 你知道海洋占地球表面的幾分之幾嗎？

• 你 / 知道 / 海洋 / 占 / 地球 / 表面 / 的 / 几分之几 / 吗？

• nǐ zhīdào hǎiyáng zhàn dìqiú biǎomiàn de jǐ fēn zhī jǐ ma?

• Do you know what fraction of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans?

• you / know / ocean / account for / Earth / surface / (possessive particle 的) / what fraction / (question particle 吗)?

🌳 Translation #2

Two thirds of the students passed the final exam.

Read more

Level: HSK 4-5 (prefer something easier? HSK 2-3-4 version here)

Only interested in the Easy worksheets? You can opt out of Advanced lessons here.

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Written from Beijing

🎯 HSK Comprehension Test

1. 从我在文章里的描述来看，我最看重城市的什么特点？
   從我在文章裡的描述來看，我最看重城市的什麼特點？

   1. 城市要有很多高楼大厦
      城市要有很多高樓大廈

   2. 城市要有历史悠久的古建筑
      城市要有歷史悠久的古建築

   3. 城市适合步行，而且有丰富的绿化
      城市適合步行，而且有豐富的綠化

   4. 城市要有很多购物中心和餐厅
      城市要有很多購物中心和餐廳

2. 我说在豫园看到上海中心大厦的画面“到现在都忘不了”，这主要说明什么？
   我說在豫園看到上海中心大廈的畫面「到現在都忘不了」，這主要說明什麼？

   1. 我认为上海中心大厦太高了
      我認為上海中心大廈太高了

   2. 我觉得新旧建筑的对比非常震撼
      我覺得新舊建築的對比非常震撼

   3. 我对上海的传统园林不太感兴趣
      我對上海的傳統園林不太感興趣

   4. 我认为豫园应该搬到别的地方去
      我認為豫園應該搬到別的地方去

3. 我差点儿误车的直接原因是什么？
   我差點兒誤車的直接原因是什麼？

   1. 我起床太晚了
      我起床太晚了

   2. 我订错了火车票
      我訂錯了火車票

   3. 早上那个时候叫不到出租车
      早上那個時候叫不到出租車

   4. 地铁太挤了，我上不去
      地鐵太擠了，我上不去

4. 我说上海虽然“又大又现代”，但“特别适合慢慢走”，主要想表达什么意思？
   我說上海雖然「又大又現代」，但「特別適合慢慢走」，主要想表達什麼意思？

   1. 上海的交通不太方便，只能走路
      上海的交通不太方便，只能走路

   2. 上海虽然是大城市，但有很多适合散步的地方
      上海雖然是大城市，但有很多適合散步的地方

   3. 上海的地铁系统不如北京好
      上海的地鐵系統不如北京好

   4. 在上海不需要坐车，因为距离都很近
      在上海不需要坐車，因為距離都很近

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Apologies for the delay on this one. I've been sick for a couple of days, but I’m feeling better now and happy to be back! The comprehension worksheets will follow tomorrow.

In this week’s lesson on conditional sentences, we explored conditions that carry a specific logical meaning. Today’s advanced exercises will challenge you to use these patterns in real, meaningful contexts. You’ll practice expressing necessary conditions, urgent warnings, point-of-no-return triggers, and precautionary advice.

With practice, you’ll be able to express complex conditional logic naturally and precisely. Let’s put these conditional patterns to the test!

🌳 Today’s Advanced Exercises

Translate these English sentences into Mandarin:

1. Only by understanding history can you truly understand today’s China.

2. These endangered species need immediate protection, or else they’ll go extinct within a few years.

3. Once war breaks out, ordinary people are always the biggest victims.

4. Before climbing the mountain, make sure to bring a first aid kit, just in case.

Take your time, and remember: practicing will help you sound more natural and confident in your Mandarin conversations. You’ve got this! 💫

🌳 Translation #1

Only by understanding history can you truly understand today’s China.

When you want to say that something is the one and only way to achieve a result, you need a strict conditional pattern. This sentence isn’t just suggesting that understanding history is helpful; it’s saying it’s absolutely required. That’s where 只有...才... (zhǐyǒu...cái...) comes in. It marks a necessary condition, meaning “without this, the result simply cannot happen.” Unlike 只要...就... (zhǐyào...jiù...), which sets a low bar (“as long as”), 只有...才... draws a hard line. It’s perfect for strong claims like this one.

Let’s break down the translation step by step:

• 只有 (zhǐyǒu) means “only if” or “only by.”

  • This opens the necessary condition clause, signaling that what follows is the sole path to the result.

• 了解 (liǎojiě) means “to understand” or “to know about.”

  • This refers to gaining factual knowledge or familiarity with a subject.

  • 📖 Learn more about the differences between 了解, 理解, 懂, and other “understand” words in CGG #42.

• 历史 [歷史] (lìshǐ) means “history.”

• 才 (cái) means “only then.”

  • This always pairs with 只有 to complete the necessary condition pattern.

  • 📖 Learn more about 才 and its many uses in CGG #15 and CGG #16.

• 能 (néng) means “can” or “to be able to.”

  • Combined with 才 as 才能 (cái néng), it means “only then can.”

  • 📖 Learn more about 能 and how it differs from 会 [會] and 可以 in CGG #8.

• 真正 (zhēnzhèng) means “truly” or “genuinely.”

• 理解 (lǐjiě) means “to understand” in a deeper, more analytical sense.

  • While 了解 is about having knowledge of something, 理解 means grasping the meaning or significance behind it. This sentence uses both deliberately: first you gain factual knowledge (了解), then you reach deep comprehension (理解).

• 今天 (jīntiān) means “today” or “today’s.”

• 的 (de) is the possessive particle linking “today” to “China.”

• 中国 [中國] (Zhōngguó) means “China.”

Notes

• Don’t mix up the pairs: 只有 (zhǐyǒu) always goes with 才 (cái), and 只要 (zhǐyào) always goes with 就 (jiù). Swapping them breaks the sentence’s logic.

• Notice the deliberate choice of two different “understand” verbs: 了解 (liǎojiě) for gaining knowledge and 理解 (lǐjiě) for reaching deeper comprehension. Using the same verb twice would lose this progression.

• 真正 (zhēnzhèng) adds weight to the result clause, emphasizing that this isn’t superficial understanding but deep, genuine comprehension.

Recap

• 只有了解历史，才能真正理解今天的中国。

• 只有了解歷史，才能真正理解今天的中國。

• 只有 / 了解 / 历史 / ， / 才 / 能 / 真正 / 理解 / 今天 / 的 / 中国 。

• zhǐyǒu liǎojiě lìshǐ, cái néng zhēnzhèng lǐjiě jīntiān de Zhōngguó.

• Only by understanding history can you truly understand today’s China.

• only if / to know about / history / only then / can / truly / to understand / today / (possessive particle 的) / China.

🌳 Translation #2

These endangered species need immediate protection, or else they’ll go extinct within a few years.

Read more

A quick word before you get started: I wrote this worksheet on Sunday, during 清明节, while I was spending the weekend in Shanghai. The writing came together fine, but my hotel room was hopeless for recording, every take had traffic, voices in the corridor etc. I’d rather hold a lesson back than send you audio you can’t actually learn from, so I waited until I was back at my desk in Beijing to finish it.

Qingming itself has passed, but the vocabulary, the grammar, and the 青团 cravings are all still very much relevant. Here’s your Advanced lesson.

A friend told me his family spent yesterday cleaning graves in the morning and enjoying the sun in a parc in the afternoon, which turns out to be the whole point of Qingming Festival.

Level: HSK 4-5 (prefer something easier? HSK 2-3-4 version here)

Only interested in the Easy worksheets? You can opt out of Advanced lessons here.

Free subscribers: you get the natural speed audio and comprehension test.
Paid subscribers: you get everything. Slow audio, full transcripts, grammar breakdowns, vocabulary lists.

Subscribe Now

Hit play and see how much you can catch.

Written from Shanghai

🎯 HSK Comprehension Test

1. 从我的描述来看，我认为清明节“很特别”主要是因为什么？
   從我的描述來看，我認為清明節「很特別」主要是因為什麼？

   1. 它是中国最重要的传统节日之一
      它是中國最重要的傳統節日之一

   2. 可以品尝青团这种特别的食物
      可以品嚐青團這種特別的食物

   3. 家人可以在这一天团聚在一起
      家人可以在這一天團聚在一起

   4. 它既包含对逝者的思念，也有享受春天的活动
      它既包含對逝者的思念，也有享受春天的活動

2. 我朋友说扫墓“也是家人团聚的机会”，这说明了什么？
   我朋友說掃墓「也是家人團聚的機會」，這說明了什麼？

   1. 很多家庭成员平时都住得很远
      很多家庭成員平時都住得很遠

   2. 尽管扫墓听起来伤感，但它也有积极的社会意义
      儘管掃墓聽起來傷感，但它也有積極的社會意義

   3. 清明节是个热闹的节日
      清明節是個熱鬧的節日

   4. 扫墓的主要目的是让家人聚在一起
      掃墓的主要目的是讓家人聚在一起

3. 根据我的描述，清明节期间人们通常不会做什么？
   根據我的描述，清明節期間人們通常不會做什麼？

   1. 去户外欣赏春天的风景
      去戶外欣賞春天的風景

   2. 去墓地祭拜祖先
      去墓地祭拜祖先

   3. 吃青团这种传统食物
      吃青團這種傳統食物

   4. 去寺庙烧香祈福
      去寺廟燒香祈福

4. 我在文章中主要想表达什么？
   我在文章中主要想表達什麼？

   1. 春天是一年中最适合外出活动的季节
      春天是一年中最適合外出活動的季節

   2. 清明节的扫墓习俗值得保留
      清明節的掃墓習俗值得保留

   3. 中国的传统节日都有深刻的文化内涵
      中國的傳統節日都有深刻的文化內涵

   4. 清明节展现了中国文化对生死和自然的独特态度
      清明節展現了中國文化對生死和自然的獨特態度

Curious how you did?

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It’s one lesson a week. The kind of consistent practice that actually adds up.

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This worksheet you’re reading right now is the 🌳 Advanced version, specifically designed for learners around HSK levels 4–5-6.

If you’re looking for something simpler to practice first, check your inbox for the Easy version or click here!

Not interested in the Advanced worksheets? No problem, you can opt out and receive only the Easy version by clicking here.

In CGG #113, we explored the many ways to build conditional sentences in Mandarin, from casual 要是 to literary 倘若, and from the crisp result marker 就 to the softer 那/那么.

Today’s exercises will help you practice mixing and matching these “if” and “then” pieces in real sentences. You’ll work with counterfactuals, soft suggestions, travel recommendations, and formal writing, each one calling for a different combination.

With practice, picking the right conditional pair will become second nature.

Let’s put those conditional patterns to work!

🌳 Today’s Advanced Exercises

Translate these English sentences into Mandarin:

1. If we had known the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, we wouldn’t have made the trip for nothing.

2. Then let’s try it for three months first and see how it goes before deciding.

3. If you’re interested in Suzhou gardens, you absolutely cannot miss the Humble Administrator’s Garden.

4. Had the Silk Road never existed, cultural exchange between East and West would have been delayed by centuries.

Take your time, and remember: practicing will help you sound more natural and confident in your Mandarin conversations. You’ve got this! 💫

🌳 Translation #1

If we had known the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, we wouldn’t have made the trip for nothing.

You know that feeling when you travel all the way somewhere only to find the doors locked? This sentence captures that regret about a wasted trip. When you want to express “if we had known earlier,” Mandarin uses 要是 (yàoshi) paired with 早 (zǎo) to create a warm, conversational counterfactual: “if only we’d known sooner.” For the result, 就 (jiù) delivers the direct consequence. The word 白 (bái) before a verb is a vivid way to say the action was completely pointless. Unlike 如果 (rúguǒ), which sounds more neutral, 要是 gives this sentence a personal, everyday feel, perfect for chatting with friends about a travel mishap.

Let’s break down the translation step by step:

• 要是 (yàoshi) means “if.”

  • This is the casual, conversational form of 如果 (rúguǒ).

  • It’s especially common in spoken Mandarin, and gives the sentence a warm, personal feel.

• 早 (zǎo) means “early” or “earlier.”

  • Placed before the verb 知道, it creates the meaning “had known earlier,” turning this into a counterfactual about the past.

• 知道 (zhīdào) means “to know.”

• 故宫 [故宮] (Gùgōng) means “the Forbidden City” (literally “former palace”).

• 周一 [週一] (zhōuyī) means “Monday.”

• 闭馆 [閉館] (bìguǎn) means “to be closed” (for a venue or exhibition hall).

  • 闭 [閉] (bì) means “to close.”

  • 馆 [館] (guǎn) means “hall” or “venue.”

• 我们 [我們] (wǒmen) means “we.”

• 就 (jiù) marks the result clause, meaning “then.”

  • 就 creates a direct, clear link between the condition and the consequence.

• 不会 [不會] (bú huì) means “would not.”

  • 会 [會] (huì) here expresses probability or likelihood, and the negative 不会 [不會] means “would not have.”

  • 📖 Learn more about 会 [會] expressing probability in CGG #7.

• 白 (bái) means “in vain” or “for nothing.”

  • Placed before a verb, 白 turns the action into a wasted effort.

  • 📖 Learn more about 白 + verb for expressing wasted effort in CGG #53.

• 跑 (pǎo) means “to run” or, more loosely, “to make a trip.”

  • 白跑 together means “to make the trip for nothing.”

• 一 (yī) means “one.”

• 趟 (tàng) is the measure word for trips or journeys.

  • 📖 Learn more about measure words in CGG #104.

• 了 (le) marks the change of state, indicating that the wasted trip already happened.

Notes

• 要是 (yàoshi) + 早 (zǎo) is a very common spoken pattern for expressing “if only we had… sooner.” You’ll hear this all the time in casual conversation.

• Don’t confuse 白跑 (bái pǎo, “make a trip for nothing”) with simply 跑 (pǎo, “to run/go”). The 白 (bái) is essential for conveying the pointlessness of the effort.

• The measure word 趟 (tàng) is specifically for round trips or journeys. Don’t use 次 (cì) here, which counts occurrences more generally. 趟 (tàng) emphasizes the physical effort of traveling somewhere and back.

• Notice that the subject 我们 [我們] (wǒmen) appears after 要是 (yàoshi) in the condition clause but could also appear before it. Both placements are natural.

Recap

• 要是早知道故宫周一闭馆，我们就不会白跑一趟了。

• 要是早知道故宮週一閉館，我們就不會白跑一趟了。

• 要是 / 早 / 知道 / 故宫 [故宮] / 周一 [週一] / 闭馆 [閉館] / ，/ 我们 [我們] / 就 / 不 / 会 [會] / 白 / 跑 / 一 / 趟 / 了 / 。

• yàoshi zǎo zhīdào Gùgōng zhōuyī bìguǎn, wǒmen jiù bú huì bái pǎo yī tàng le.

• If we had known the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, we wouldn’t have made the trip for nothing.

• if / early / know / Forbidden City / Monday / closed / we / then / not / would / in vain / run (trip) / one / (measure word for trips) / (change-of-state particle 了).

🌳 Translation #2

Then let’s try it for three months first and see how it goes before deciding.

Read more

Level: HSK 4-5 (prefer something easier? HSK 2-3-4 version here)

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Written from Beijing

🎯 HSK Comprehension Test

1. 我第二学期决定去健身房，主要是因为什么？
   我第二學期決定去健身房，主要是因為什麼？

   1. 我的朋友推荐我去
      我的朋友推薦我去

   2. 在北京这是最方便的运动选择
      在北京這是最方便的運動選擇

   3. 我想认识新的朋友
      我想認識新的朋友

   4. 健身房的费用比较低
      健身房的費用比較低

2. 我说“我以前对健身房有偏见”，这意味着什么？
   我說「我以前對健身房有偏見」，這意味著什麼？

   1. 健身房的环境让我感到不舒服
      健身房的環境讓我感到不舒服

   2. 我以前对健身房的看法不够公平，但现在改变了
      我以前對健身房的看法不夠公平，但現在改變了

   3. 我以前经常在健身房锻炼
      我以前經常在健身房鍛鍊

   4. 我认为健身房的设备应该更新
      我認為健身房的設備應該更新

3. 这篇文章主要讲的是什么？
   這篇文章主要講的是什麼？

   1. 北京的环境不适合户外运动
      北京的環境不適合戶外運動

   2. 去健身房比跑步和攀岩更有效率
      去健身房比跑步和攀岩更有效率

   3. 边听播客边锻炼是学中文的好方法
      邊聽播客邊鍛鍊是學中文的好方法

   4. 我通过改变运动方式解决了在北京锻炼的困难
      我通過改變運動方式解決了在北京鍛鍊的困難

4. 我现在觉得去健身房还不错，主要原因是什么？
   我現在覺得去健身房還不錯，主要原因是什麼？

   1. 健身房离我住的地方很近
      健身房離我住的地方很近

   2. 我可以一边运动一边练习中文听力
      我可以一邊運動一邊練習中文聽力

   3. 我在健身房交到了很多新朋友
      我在健身房交到了很多新朋友

   4. 我找到了一个新的攀岩馆
      我找到了一個新的攀岩館

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This worksheet you’re reading right now is the 🌳 Advanced version, specifically designed for learners around HSK levels 4–5-6.

If you’re looking for something simpler to practice first, check your inbox for the Easy version or click here!

Not interested in the Advanced worksheets? No problem, you can opt out and receive only the Easy version by clicking here.

This week in CGG #112, we explored how 可 (kě) works at the sentence level to add emotion, stance, or rhetorical force, from firm refusals with 可不 to emphatic excitement with 可...了, playful contrasts with standalone 可, and emotionally charged questions.

Today’s exercises will help you practice using 可 in real situations where you need to express strong feelings, take a firm position, or add emotional weight to your words. Each sentence showcases a different way 可 shapes the tone of what you’re saying.

With practice, you’ll start reaching for 可 naturally whenever you want your Mandarin to carry real emotional punch.

🌳 Today’s Advanced Exercises

Translate these English sentences into Mandarin:

1. In this kind of extreme weather, I absolutely wouldn’t dare go out to sea; safety first.

2. There’s a long line at this hotpot place every day, but the flavor is truly worth the wait.

3. The architecture of the Forbidden City is truly spectacular; it would be a real shame not to see it in person.

4. The deadline is almost here; how on earth are we going to finish this project on time?

Take your time, and remember: practicing will help you sound more natural and confident in your Mandarin conversations. You’ve got this! 💫

🌳 Translation #1

In this kind of extreme weather, I absolutely wouldn’t dare go out to sea; safety first.

Sometimes you need to state your position with total conviction. It’s not just “I don’t dare” but “count me out, absolutely not.” That’s what 可不敢 does here. While a simple 不敢 (bù gǎn) would mean “I don’t dare,” adding 可 before it signals that you’ve made up your mind and there’s no room for persuasion. Think of it as the difference between “I wouldn’t dare” and “I absolutely wouldn’t dare, no way.”

Let’s break down the translation step by step:

• 这 [這] (zhè) means “this.”

• 种 [種] (zhǒng) is the measure word for types or kinds.

  • 📖 Learn more about measure words in CGG #104 and CGG #105.

• 极端 [極端] (jíduān) means “extreme.”

• 天气 [天氣] (tiānqì) means “weather.”

• 我 (wǒ) means “I.”

• 可不 (kě bù) expresses a firm personal stance, meaning “absolutely not” or “definitely wouldn’t.”

  • The 可 here adds conviction to the negation 不, making it much stronger than a plain 不敢.

• 敢 (gǎn) means “to dare.”

• 出海 (chūhǎi) means “to go out to sea.”

  • 出 (chū) means “to go out.”

  • 海 (hǎi) means “sea.”

• 安全 (ānquán) means “safety.”

• 第一 (dì yī) means “first” or “number one.”

  • 安全第一 together is a common expression meaning “safety first.”

Notes

• The opening 这种极端天气 [這種極端天氣] (zhè zhǒng jíduān tiānqì) functions as a topic that sets the scene before the comment. This is a classic topic-comment structure in Mandarin.

  • 📖 Learn more about topic-comment structures in CGG #44.

• 安全第一 (ānquán dì yī) is a fixed expression commonly used in Chinese, especially in workplace safety and travel contexts.

Recap

• 这种极端天气我可不敢出海，安全第一。

• 這種極端天氣我可不敢出海，安全第一。

• 这 / 种 / 极端 / 天气 / 我 / 可不 / 敢 / 出海 / ，/ 安全 / 第一 / 。

• zhè zhǒng jíduān tiānqì wǒ kě bù gǎn chūhǎi, ānquán dì yī.

• In this kind of extreme weather, I absolutely wouldn’t dare go out to sea; safety first.

• this / (measure word 种) / extreme / weather / I / absolutely not / dare / go out to sea / safety / first.

🌳 Translation #2

There’s a long line at this hotpot place every day, but the flavor is truly worth the wait.

Read more

Level: HSK 4-5 (prefer something easier? HSK 2-3-4 version here)

Only interested in the Easy worksheets? You can opt out of Advanced lessons here.

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Written from Beijing

🎯 HSK Comprehension Test

1. 我的头发为什么剪得比我想要的短很多？
   我的頭髮為什麼剪得比我想要的短很多？

   1. 因为理发师觉得板寸更适合我
      因為理髮師覺得板寸更適合我

   2. 因为理发师一边剪头发一边看手机
      因為理髮師一邊剪頭髮一邊看手機

   3. 因为我说话的时候说得不够清楚
      因為我說話的時候說得不夠清楚

   4. 因为理发师没有听清楚我的要求
      因為理髮師沒有聽清楚我的要求

2. 从这篇文章可以看出，我对这次理发的最后态度是什么？
   從這篇文章可以看出，我對這次理髮的最後態度是什麼？

   1. 非常生气，觉得理发师太不专业了
      非常生氣，覺得理髮師太不專業了

   2. 后悔去了学校里的理发店
      後悔去了學校裡的理髮店

   3. 虽然不满意但接受了，反正头发会长出来
      雖然不滿意但接受了，反正頭髮會長出來

   4. 想要投诉这家理发店
      想要投訴這家理髮店

3. 这篇文章主要想说明什么？
   這篇文章主要想說明什麼？

   1. 夏天剪短发比较凉快
      夏天剪短髮比較涼快

   2. 剪头发之前一定要说得特别详细
      剪頭髮之前一定要說得特別詳細

   3. 有时候得到的服务跟自己期待的不一样
      有時候得到的服務跟自己期待的不一樣

   4. 在北京剪头发一定要去大的理发店
      在北京剪頭髮一定要去大的理髮店

4. 我在剪头发的过程中注意到了什么？
   我在剪頭髮的過程中注意到了什麼？

   1. 很多顾客在排队等着剪头发
      很多顧客在排隊等著剪頭髮

   2. 理发师边剪头发边看抖音
      理髮師邊剪頭髮邊看抖音

   3. 理发店里很安静
      理髮店裡很安靜

   4. 理发师的技术非常好
      理髮師的技術非常好

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This worksheet you’re reading right now is the 🌳 Advanced version, specifically designed for learners around HSK levels 4–5-6.

If you’re looking for something simpler to practice first, check your inbox for the Easy version or click here!

Not interested in the Advanced worksheets? No problem, you can opt out and receive only the Easy version by clicking here.

In CGG #111, we explored the many faces of 可 in Mandarin, from everyday words like 可以 and 可能 to its role as a prefix meaning “-able.”

Today’s advanced exercises will help you practice recognizing and using different 可 patterns in context. You’ll work with permission, possibility, compound words, and the “also fine” expression that comes up all the time in conversation.

With practice, these patterns will feel like second nature.

Let’s put 可 to work!

🌳 Today’s Advanced Exercises

Translate these English sentences into Mandarin:

1. This region’s renewable energy output has doubled in the last five years.

2. If you’re interested, I can introduce you to our team lead.

3. Scientists believe it’s possible that there was once water on Mars.

4. We don’t have to fly. Taking the train is also an option, and the scenery along the way is beautiful.

Take your time, and remember: practicing will help you sound more natural and confident in your Mandarin conversations. You’ve got this! 💫

🌳 Translation #1

This region’s renewable energy output has doubled in the last five years.

When you want to describe something as “-able” in Mandarin, 可 works as a prefix you can attach to verbs. “Renewable” literally means “able to be regenerated,” and that’s exactly how Mandarin builds it: 可 + 再生 (“regenerate”) = 可再生 (“renewable”). Unlike everyday 可以, this prefix version mostly lives on signs, labels, and in technical writing. It’s like the English suffix “-able” but placed at the front.

Let’s break down the translation step by step:

• 这 [這] (zhè) means “this.”

• 个 [個] (gè) is the general measure word.

• 地区 [地區] (dìqū) means “region” or “area.”

• 的 (de) is the possessive particle.

• 可再生 (kě zàishēng) means “renewable.”

  • 可 (kě) is the prefix meaning “-able.”

  • 再生 (zàishēng) means “to regenerate.”

• 能源 (néngyuán) means “energy (source).”

• 产量 [產量] (chǎnliàng) means “output” or “production volume.”

• 在 (zài) means “in” or “during.”

• 过去 [過去] (guòqù) means “the past.”

• 五 (wǔ) means “five.”

• 年 (nián) means “year.”

• 翻 (fān) means “to multiply” or “to flip.”

  • When combined with a number, 翻 expresses multiplication of a quantity.

• 了 (le) is the perfective aspect marker showing the action has been completed.

• 一番 (yī fān) means “one fold” or “one time.”

  • 翻了一番 together means “doubled.” Each 番 (fān) represents one doubling, so 翻了两番 [翻了兩番] means “doubled twice,” i.e. quadrupled, and 翻了三番 means “doubled three times,” i.e. multiplied by eight, etc.

Notes

• Don’t confuse 可再生 (kě zàishēng) with 可以再生 (kěyǐ zàishēng). The prefix 可 (kě) creates a classification label (“renewable” as a category), while 可以再生 would mean “can regenerate” as a statement about ability.

• 翻了一番 (fān le yī fān) specifically means “doubled.” Be careful not to use 两倍 [兩倍] (liǎng bèi) with 翻 (fān), as 翻了两倍 [翻了兩倍] would actually mean “tripled” (the original amount plus two more times the original).

• The time frame 在过去五年 [在過去五年] (zài guòqù wǔ nián) is placed before the verb, following Mandarin’s standard word order where time expressions come before the action.

Recap

• 这个地区的可再生能源产量在过去五年翻了一番。

• 這個地區的可再生能源產量在過去五年翻了一番。

• 这 / 个 / 地区 / 的 / 可再生 / 能源 / 产量 / 在 / 过去 / 五 / 年 / 翻 / 了 / 一番 。

• zhège dìqū de kě zàishēng néngyuán chǎnliàng zài guòqù wǔ nián fān le yī fān.

• This region’s renewable energy output has doubled in the last five years.

• this / (measure word 个) / region / (possessive particle 的) / renewable / energy / output / in / past / five / year / multiply / (aspect marker 了) / one fold.

🌳 Translation #2

If you’re interested, I can introduce you to our team lead.

Read more

You’ll practice the 被 passive construction, the 让 causative pattern, and the 讲的是 structure for introducing topics.

Level: HSK 4-5 (prefer something easier? HSK 2-3-4 version here)

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Written from Beijing

🎯 HSK Comprehension Test

1. 我为什么决定看《死者代言人》？
   我為什麼決定看《死者代言人》？

   1. 因为第一本书太精彩了，我想继续看这个系列
      因為第一本書太精彩了，我想繼續看這個系列

   2. 因为朋友特别推荐这本书给我
      因為朋友特別推薦這本書給我

   3. 因为我对外星种族的故事特别感兴趣
      因為我對外星種族的故事特別感興趣

   4. 因为在北京我没有其他书可以看
      因為在北京我沒有其他書可以看

2. 《死者代言人》这本书让我最深刻的感受是什么？
   《死者代言人》這本書讓我最深刻的感受是什麼？

   1. 理解完全不同的思维方式和文化很困难
      理解完全不同的思維方式和文化很困難

   2. 人类和外星人之间的冲突无法避免
      人類和外星人之間的衝突無法避免

   3. 外星文明的科技比人类先进很多
      外星文明的科技比人類先進很多

   4. 安德是一个非常勇敢的指挥官
      安德是一個非常勇敢的指揮官

3. 关于这两本书，我的看法是什么？
   關於這兩本書，我的看法是什麼？

   1. 两本书都很精彩，让我非常震撼
      兩本書都很精彩，讓我非常震撼

   2. 第一本比第二本更有深度
      第一本比第二本更有深度

   3. 两本书都讲了安德的成长故事
      兩本書都講了安德的成長故事

   4. 第一本比较无聊，但第二本很精彩
      第一本比較無聊，但第二本很精彩

4. 我说《死者代言人》“可能不只是在讲外星人的问题”，我想表达什么？
   我說《死者代言人》「可能不只是在講外星人的問題」，我想表達什麼？

   1. 这本书主要讲的是科技发展的影响
      這本書主要講的是科技發展的影響

   2. 这本书也描写了很多人类社会的问题
      這本書也描寫了很多人類社會的問題

   3. 这本书其实在讨论理解不同文化的挑战
      這本書其實在討論理解不同文化的挑戰

   4. 这本书的重点是太空探索的重要性
      這本書的重點是太空探索的重要性

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Read more

This worksheet you’re reading right now is the 🌳 Advanced version, specifically designed for learners around HSK levels 4–5-6.

If you’re looking for something simpler to practice first, check your inbox for the Easy version or click here!

Not interested in the Advanced worksheets? No problem, you can opt out and receive only the Easy version by clicking here.

This week, we explored how Mandarin offers a wide toolkit of connectors that go far beyond a simple “and,” from step-by-step sequencing with 先...再 (xiān...zài) and 接着 [接著] (jiēzhe) to formal linking with 并 [並] (bìng) and emphatic building with 而且 (érqiě).

Today’s exercises will help you practice choosing the right connector for different situations. You’ll see how each one carries its own tone and logic, whether you’re giving cooking instructions, writing a government report, narrating dramatic events, or describing a favorite place.

With practice, picking the perfect connector will become second nature.

Let’s connect some ideas in Mandarin!

🌳 Today’s Advanced Exercises

Translate these English sentences into Mandarin:

1. For this dish, marinate the meat for half an hour first, then stir-fry on high heat.

2. The government approved the project and allocated thirty million for initial construction.

3. The typhoon had just passed when heavy rain followed right after, leaving coastal residents in great distress.

4. This teahouse has an elegant atmosphere, and the owner knows tea culture inside out; you learn something new every visit.

Take your time, and remember: practicing will help you sound more natural and confident in your Mandarin conversations. You’ve got this! 💫

🌳 Translation #1

For this dish, marinate the meat for half an hour first, then stir-fry on high heat.

When you want to give instructions where the order of steps really matters, you need a structure that makes the sequence crystal clear. That’s exactly what 先...再... (xiān...zài...) does: it signals “first do this, then do that.” Unlike 然后 [然後] (ránhòu), which simply narrates what happened next, 先...再 insists that the order is essential. We’ll also use 把 (bǎ) to bring “the meat” to the front of the clause, putting the spotlight on what’s being acted upon. It’s perfect for recipes, where you need to say what to do with a specific ingredient.

Let’s break down the translation step by step:

• 这 [這] (zhè) means “this.”

• 道 (dào) is the measure word for dishes, courses, or problems.

  • 📖 Learn more about measure words in CGG #104 and CGG #105.

• 菜 (cài) means “dish.”

• 要 (yào) means “need to” or “should.”

• 先 (xiān) means “first.”

  • This is the first half of the 先...再 pattern, signaling that the order of actions matters.

  • 📖 Learn more about 先...再 for sequential actions in CGG #47 and CGG #48.

• 把 (bǎ) is the disposal marker, bringing the object before the verb.

  • It tells the listener: “take this thing and do something to it.” Here, we’re taking the meat and marinating it.

  • 📖 Learn more about 把 sentences in CGG #21 and CGG #22.

• 肉 (ròu) means “meat.”

• 腌 [醃] (yān) means “to marinate.”

• 半 (bàn) means “half.”

• 个 [個] (gè) is the general measure word, used here for units of time.

• 小时 [小時] (xiǎoshí) means “hour.”

• 再 (zài) means “then” or “after that.”

  • This is the second half of the 先...再 pattern, introducing the next step in the sequence.

• 用 (yòng) means “to use.”

  • Here it functions as a coverb meaning “with” or “using.”

• 大火 (dàhuǒ) means “high heat” (literally “big fire”).

• 快 (kuài) means “quick” or “fast.”

• 炒 (chǎo) means “to stir-fry.”

  • 快炒 (kuàichǎo) together means “to stir-fry quickly.”

Notes

• Don’t use 然后 [然後] (ránhòu) here. While 然后 [然後] just means “and then,” 先...再 (xiān...zài) emphasizes that the order is essential: you must marinate before you stir-fry.

• The 把 (bǎ) construction is necessary here because the meat is being acted upon in a specific way (marinated for a set duration). Without 把, the sentence would sound incomplete.

• 用大火 (yòng dàhuǒ) is the standard way to specify cooking heat levels. Other common ones are 中火 (zhōnghuǒ, “medium heat”) and 小火 (xiǎohuǒ, “low heat”).

• Don’t confuse 快炒 (kuàichǎo, “to stir-fry quickly”) with just 炒 (chǎo, “to stir-fry”). The 快 adds the sense of high-heat, rapid cooking.

Recap

• 这道菜要先把肉腌半个小时，再用大火快炒。

• 這道菜要先把肉醃半個小時，再用大火快炒。

• 这 / 道 / 菜 / 要 / 先 / 把 / 肉 / 腌 / 半 / 个 / 小时 / ，/ 再 / 用 / 大火 / 快 / 炒 。

• zhè dào cài yào xiān bǎ ròu yān bàn gè xiǎoshí, zài yòng dàhuǒ kuàichǎo.

• For this dish, marinate the meat for half an hour first, then stir-fry on high heat.

• this / (measure word 道) / dish / need to / first / (disposal marker 把) / meat / marinate / half / (measure word 个) / hour / then / use / high heat / quickly / stir-fry.

🌳 Translation #2

The government approved the project and allocated thirty million for initial construction.

Read more

You’ll practice the 把 disposal construction, the 起来 pattern for “seems/sounds like,” and 什么的 for “and so on.”

Level: HSK 4-5 (prefer something easier? HSK 2-3-4 version here)

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Written from Beijing

🎯 HSK Comprehension Test

1. 从我的观察来看，现在的妇女节跟1949年刚确立时有什么不同？
   從我的觀察來看，現在的婦女節跟1949年剛確立時有什麼不同？

   1. 从纪念女性权利变成了购物节
      從紀念女性權利變成了購物節

   2. 从简单的节日变成了复杂的庆祝
      從簡單的節日變成了複雜的慶祝

   3. 从学校活动变成了网上购物
      從學校活動變成了網上購物

   4. 从送花变成了做美甲和发礼物
      從送花變成了做美甲和發禮物

2. 我提到”女神节“这个说法，主要想说明什么？
   我提到「女神節」這個說法，主要想說明什麼？

   1. 建议把妇女节正式改名
      建議把婦女節正式改名

   2. 说明人们对节日名称和意义有不同看法
      說明人們對節日名稱和意義有不同看法

   3. 批评年轻人不尊重传统节日
      批評年輕人不尊重傳統節日

   4. 解释为什么要给女老师送花
      解釋為什麼要給女老師送花

3. 我说“今天校园里挺热闹的，气氛也挺温暖”，这主要是因为什么？
   我說「今天校園裡挺熱鬧的，氣氛也挺溫暖」，這主要是因為什麼？

   1. 学校为女老师组织了活动和礼物
      學校為女老師組織了活動和禮物

   2. 大家都在讨论节日应该叫什么名字
      大家都在討論節日應該叫什麼名字

   3. 女老师们都在食堂一起聚会
      女老師們都在食堂一起聚會

   4. 所有学生都在网上购物庆祝
      所有學生都在網上購物慶祝

4. 这篇文章主要想表达什么？
   這篇文章主要想表達什麼？

   1. 年轻人对传统节日的态度
      年輕人對傳統節日的態度

   2. 电商平台的促销策略
      電商平台的促銷策略

   3. 学校工会如何庆祝妇女节
      學校工會如何慶祝婦女節

   4. 妇女节在中国的现状和变化
      婦女節在中國的現狀和變化

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This worksheet you’re reading right now is the 🌳 Advanced version, specifically designed for learners around HSK levels 4–5-6.

If you’re looking for something simpler to practice first, check your inbox for the Easy version or click here!

Not interested in the Advanced worksheets? No problem, you can opt out and receive only the Easy version by clicking here.

In CGG #109, we explored the many ways Mandarin expresses “and,” from the everyday 和 to formal connectors like 与 [與] and 以及, and from the paired 又...又... pattern to the important rule about stacking verbs without any connector at all.

Today’s exercises will help you practice choosing the right way to connect ideas in different contexts. You’ll work with formal writing, descriptive sentences with degree words, lists, and action sequences.

With practice, picking the right connector (or knowing when to skip one entirely!) will feel effortless.

Let’s connect some ideas in Mandarin!

🌳 Today’s Advanced Exercises

Translate these English sentences into Mandarin:

1. This documentary explores the relationship between humans and nature.

2. This ancient temple is very grand and very quiet, perfect for a solo walk.

3. This nature reserve is home to tigers, pandas, as well as many rare bird species.

4. She put down her chopsticks, stood up, and said, “I disagree.”

Take your time, and remember: practicing will help you sound more natural and confident in your Mandarin conversations. You’ve got this! 💫

🌳 Translation #1

This documentary explores the relationship between humans and nature.

When you’re writing or talking about something serious and intellectual, like a documentary’s subject matter, the register matters. You could say 和 here and be understood, but it would sound too casual for this kind of formal, written context. That’s where 与 [與] (yǔ) comes in: it’s the literary, elevated version of 和, perfect for titles, headlines, academic topics, and anything with a polished tone. Think of it as the difference between “humans and nature” in a casual chat versus in a documentary title card.

Let’s break down the translation step by step:

• 这 [這] (zhè) means “this.”

• 部 (bù) is the measure word for films, books, and similar works.

  • 📖 Learn more about measure words in CGG #104 and CGG #105.

• 纪录片 [紀錄片] (jìlùpiàn) means “documentary.”

  • 纪录 [紀錄] (jìlù) means “record.”

  • 片 (piàn) means “film.”

• 探讨 [探討] (tàntǎo) means “to explore” or “to investigate.”

  • This is a formal verb suited to academic or intellectual contexts.

• 了 (le) is the perfective aspect marker indicating a completed or realized action.

• 人类 [人類] (rénlèi) means “humankind” or “humans.”

• 与 [與] (yǔ) means “and.”

  • This is the formal, literary version of 和 (hé). It connects nouns just like 和 does, but it sounds polished and is best suited to written or formal contexts.

  • Unlike 和, you wouldn’t typically use 与 [與] in casual conversation.

• 自然 (zìrán) means “nature.”

• 的 (de) is the attributive particle linking the modifier to the noun.

• 关系 [關係] (guānxì) means “relationship.”

Notes

• Don’t use 和 (hé) here. While grammatically correct, 和 would sound too casual for the formal, intellectual tone of a sentence about a documentary’s subject matter. 与 [與] (yǔ) matches the register perfectly.

• Don’t use 跟 (gēn) here either, as 跟 is even more casual and conversational than 和.

• The verb 探讨 [探討] (tàntǎo) is more formal and analytical than 研究 (yánjiū), “to research,” which focuses on systematic study. 探讨 [探討] emphasizes open discussion and investigation of a topic.

• Notice the structure A 与 [與] B 的 C: “the relationship between A and B” becomes “A 与 [與] B 的 relationship” in Mandarin, with 的 connecting the whole phrase “A and B” to the final noun.

Recap

• 这部纪录片探讨了人类与自然的关系。

• 這部紀錄片探討了人類與自然的關係。

• 这 / 部 / 纪录片 / 探讨 / 了 / 人类 / 与 / 自然 / 的 / 关系 。

• zhè bù jìlùpiàn tàntǎo le rénlèi yǔ zìrán de guānxì.

• This documentary explores the relationship between humans and nature.

• this / (measure word 部) / documentary / to explore / (aspect marker 了) / humankind / and / nature / (attributive particle 的) / relationship.

🌳 Translation #2

This ancient temple is very grand and very quiet, perfect for a solo walk.

Read more

You’ll practice the 就要...了 pattern for imminent events, reduplication with 好好 for emphasis, and vocabulary for feelings and time.

Level: HSK 4-5 (prefer something easier? HSK 2-3-4 version here)

Only interested in the Easy worksheets? You can opt out of Advanced lessons here.

Free subscribers: you get the natural speed audio and comprehension test.
Paid subscribers: you get everything. Slow audio, full transcripts, grammar breakdowns, vocabulary lists.

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Written from Beijing

🎯 HSK Comprehension Test

1. 我觉得回到北京“有点儿奇怪”，主要是因为什么？
   我覺得回到北京「有點兒奇怪」，主要是因為什麼？

   1. 我离开了六个星期以后，突然又觉得这里很陌生
      我離開了六個星期以後，突然又覺得這裡很陌生

   2. 我的同事都变了，让我感到不舒服
      我的同事都變了，讓我感到不舒服

   3. 我在这里只住了四个月，时间太短了
      我在這裡只住了四個月，時間太短了

   4. 飞机上睡得太多，现在精神不太好
      飛機上睡得太多，現在精神不太好

2. 我说“会一晃就过去”，主要想表达什么意思？
   我說「會一晃就過去」，主要想表達什麼意思？

   1. 五个月的时间其实很短，会很快就过完了
      五個月的時間其實很短，會很快就過完了

   2. 我不太在乎时间过得快还是慢
      我不太在乎時間過得快還是慢

   3. 五个月真的很长，不会那么快过去
      五個月真的很長，不會那麼快過去

   4. 我希望时间能过得更慢一些
      我希望時間能過得更慢一些

3. 我打算怎么度过在中国剩下的时间？
   我打算怎麼度過在中國剩下的時間？

   1. 马上回法国，不想留在北京了
      馬上回法國，不想留在北京了

   2. 多去旅行、多写文章、还要好好享受北京的生活
      多去旅行、多寫文章、還要好好享受北京的生活

   3. 每天都在公寓里休息
      每天都在公寓裡休息

   4. 只想专心工作，不做其他的事情
      只想專心工作，不做其他的事情

4. 从这篇文章来看，我对要离开中国这件事的感受是什么？
   從這篇文章來看，我對要離開中國這件事的感受是什麼？

   1. 我对离开没有什么特别的感觉
      我對離開沒有什麼特別的感覺

   2. 我觉得很后悔来中国工作
      我覺得很後悔來中國工作

   3. 我希望能马上离开，不想再待下去了
      我希望能馬上離開，不想再待下去了

   4. 我很想珍惜剩下的时间，好好享受在中国的日子
      我很想珍惜剩下的時間，好好享受在中國的日子

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This worksheet you’re reading right now is the 🌳 Advanced version, specifically designed for learners around HSK levels 4–5-6.

If you’re looking for something simpler to practice first, check your inbox for the Easy version or click here!

Not interested in the Advanced worksheets? No problem, you can opt out and receive only the Easy version by clicking here.

In CGG #108, we explored how 怎么 [怎麼] (zěnme) goes far beyond simply asking “how,” serving as a tool for expressing surprise, disbelief, frustration, and even “no matter what” meanings.

Today’s exercises will challenge you to use these patterns in real contexts, from demanding explanations to expressing stubborn impossibility. You’ll also practice recognizing when to reach for 怎么 [怎麼] versus 为什么 [為什麼].

These patterns will make your Mandarin sound more natural and emotionally expressive.

🌳 Today’s Advanced Exercises

Translate these English sentences into Mandarin:

1. What exactly is going on with this train delay? We’ve been stuck here for two hours.

2. The good news just came out. How come the stock market dropped instead?

3. I’ve read this classical poem dozens of times, but I just can’t memorize the last two lines no matter what.

4. Scientists want to understand why certain species can survive in extreme environments.

Take your time, and remember: practicing will help you sound more natural and confident in your Mandarin conversations. You’ve got this! 💫

🌳 Translation #1

What exactly is going on with this train delay? We’ve been stuck here for two hours.

You know that feeling when something goes wrong and nobody is explaining why? You don’t just want to know the facts; you want someone to make sense of a confusing situation. That’s exactly what 是怎么回事 [是怎麼回事] (shì zěnme huíshì) expresses. It’s not a calm, neutral question like 为什么 [為什麼]; it carries a tone of “explain this to me.” Adding 到底 (dàodǐ) before it cranks up the urgency, like saying “what on earth” or “what exactly.” Think of it as the difference between politely asking for information and firmly demanding an explanation.

Let’s break down the translation step by step:

• 火车 [火車] (huǒchē) means “train.”

• 延误 [延誤] (yánwù) means “delay.”

  • 延 (yán) means “to delay” or “to extend.”

  • 误 [誤] (wù) means “to miss” or “error.”

• 到底 (dàodǐ) means “exactly” or “on earth,” adding urgency and emphasis to the question.

  • 到 (dào) means “to reach.”

  • 底 (dǐ) means “bottom.”

  • Together, they literally mean “to the bottom,” conveying a demand for the real, full explanation.

• 是 (shì) means “is.”

• 怎么 [怎麼] (zěnme) means “how” or “what.”

• 回事 (huíshì) means “matter” or “situation.”

  • Together, 是怎么回事 [是怎麼回事] means “what’s going on” or “what’s the story,” asking for an explanation of something confusing.

• 我们 [我們] (wǒmen) means “we.”

• 在 (zài) marks the location where the action takes place.

• 这儿 [這兒] (zhèr) means “here.”

• 等 (děng) means “to wait.”

• 了 (le) is the perfective aspect marker indicating completed duration.

• 两 [兩] (liǎng) means “two.”

• 个 [個] (gè) is the general measure word.

• 小时 [小時] (xiǎoshí) means “hour.”

• 了 (le) at the end of the sentence emphasizes the ongoing, current state: the waiting has reached two hours and is still continuing.

  • 📖 The pattern [Verb] + 了 + [Duration] + 了 for expressing ongoing duration is covered in CGG #93.

Notes

• Don’t use 为什么 [為什麼] (wèishénme) here, as it would sound too calm and neutral. The speaker is frustrated and wants an explanation, not just a factual reason.

• The sentence uses two instances of 了 (le) with different functions: the first marks the completed action of waiting, and the second at the end signals that the situation is ongoing and has reached the current moment.

• 到底 (dàodǐ) is an intensifier that pairs naturally with 是怎么回事 [是怎麼回事] to express strong demand for an explanation. Without it, the question would feel less urgent.

• 这儿 [這兒] (zhèr) is the northern pronunciation; southern speakers might use 这里 [這裡] (zhèlǐ).

Recap

• 火车延误到底是怎么回事？我们在这儿等了两个小时了。

• 火車延誤到底是怎麼回事？我們在這兒等了兩個小時了。

• 火车 / 延误 / 到底 / 是 / 怎么 / 回事 / ？ / 我们 / 在 / 这儿 / 等 / 了 / 两 / 个 / 小时 / 了 / 。

• huǒchē yánwù dàodǐ shì zěnme huíshì? wǒmen zài zhèr děng le liǎng gè xiǎoshí le.

• What exactly is going on with this train delay? We’ve been stuck here for two hours.

• train / delay / exactly / is / what / matter / we / at / here / wait / (aspect marker 了) / two / (measure word 个) / hour / (ongoing state marker 了).

🌳 Translation #2

The good news just came out. How come the stock market dropped instead?

Read more

This week’s lesson is about my last week in Paris before returning to Beijing. After six weeks at home, I’m caught between not wanting to leave family and looking forward to my final months in China.

You’ll practice the 一方面...另一方面 contrast structure, the 舍不得 pattern for expressing reluctance, and the 就要...了 marker for imminent actions.

Free subscribers: you get the natural speed audio and comprehension test.
Paid subscribers: you get everything. Slow audio, full transcripts, grammar breakdowns, vocabulary lists.

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Written from Paris

🎯 HSK Comprehension Test

1. 我对回北京的心情是怎样的？
   我對回北京的心情是怎樣的？

   1. 我有点儿舍不得离开巴黎，但也期待回北京
      我有點兒捨不得離開巴黎，但也期待回北京

   2. 我对回不回北京没什么感觉
      我對回不回北京沒什麼感覺

   3. 我完全不想回北京
      我完全不想回北京

   4. 我只觉得很兴奋，很期待
      我只覺得很興奮，很期待

2. 我为什么说“这些日子会一晃就过去”？
   我為什麼說「這些日子會一晃就過去」？

   1. 因为我想赶快回巴黎
      因為我想趕快回巴黎

   2. 因为我想抱怨时间过得太快
      因為我想抱怨時間過得太快

   3. 因为我在北京很无聊
      因為我在北京很無聊

   4. 因为我想强调应该珍惜在北京的时间
      因為我想強調應該珍惜在北京的時間

3. 我打算怎么度过在北京的最后几个月？
   我打算怎麼度過在北京的最後幾個月？

   1. 计划旅行，让每一天过得有意义
      計劃旅行，讓每一天過得有意義

   2. 只专心学习中文
      只專心學習中文

   3. 安静地待在家里
      安靜地待在家裡

   4. 尽快回到巴黎
      儘快回到巴黎

4. 从这篇文章来看，我觉得什么最重要？
   從這篇文章來看，我覺得什麼最重要？

   1. 珍惜时间和有意义的经历
      珍惜時間和有意義的經歷

   2. 挣很多钱
      掙很多錢

   3. 一个人安静地生活
      一個人安靜地生活

   4. 永远住在巴黎
      永遠住在巴黎

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In this week’s CGG lesson, we looked at the different ways Mandarin asks “how?” and “what kind?”, from casual spoken forms to more formal registers.

Today you’ll practice picking the right one in real situations, from relationship advice to bar reviews.

Let’s go!

🌳 Today’s Advanced Exercises

Translate these English sentences into Mandarin:

1. How do you keep a long distance relationship going?

2. Excuse me, what’s the fastest way to get downtown from the airport?

3. What kind of workout routine works best for someone who sits at a desk all day?

4. The reviews for this bar aren’t great, but I heard their cocktails are actually decent.

Take your time, and remember: practicing will help you sound more natural and confident in your Mandarin conversations. You’ve got this! 💫

🌳 Translation #1

How do you keep a long distance relationship going?

When you want to ask about method or approach for something serious and structured, you need a “how” word that matches that tone. While 怎么 [怎麼] (zěnme) would work fine in casual chat, 怎样 [怎樣] (zěnyàng) is a better fit here because it carries a slightly more deliberate, thoughtful feel, perfect for a topic like sustaining a relationship over distance. Think of it as the “classroom” version of “how”: still natural, but a notch more composed.
On top of that, the sentence needs to express “only then can,” conveying that maintaining a long-distance relationship requires something specific. That’s where 才能 (cái néng) comes in: it adds the condition that without the right approach, you simply can’t keep things going.

Let’s break down the translation step by step:

• 异地恋 [異地戀] (yìdìliàn) means “long-distance relationship.”

  • 异地 [異地] (yìdì) means “different places” or “separated locations.”

  • 恋 [戀] (liàn) means “love” or “romance.”

  • This compound literally captures the idea of “love across different places.”

• 怎样 [怎樣] (zěnyàng) means “how.”

  • This is a slightly more structured alternative to 怎么 [怎麼] (zěnme).

  • It fits the more reflective tone of asking about relationship advice.

• 才 (cái) means “only then.”

  • This implies that the result depends on finding the right approach.

  • 📖 Learn more about the many uses of 才 in CGG #15 and CGG #16.

• 能 (néng) means “can” or “be able to.”

  • Here it expresses feasibility: whether it’s realistically possible to keep a relationship going.

  • 📖 Learn more about the differences between 能, 可以 (kěyǐ), and 会 [會] (huì) in CGG #8.

• 维持 [維持] (wéichí) means “to maintain” or “to sustain.”

  • This is more formal and deliberate than 保持 (bǎochí), which leans toward “keeping a state.”

  • 维持 [維持] emphasizes the effort of actively holding something together.

• 下去 (xiàqù) is a directional complement meaning “to continue onward.”

  • It adds the sense of duration and persistence: not just maintaining, but keeping it going into the future.

Notes

• Don’t use 怎么 [怎麼] (zěnme) if you want the slightly more polished, reflective tone that 怎样 [怎樣] (zěnyàng) provides. That said, 怎么 [怎麼] would still be perfectly grammatical here.

• The combination 才能 (cái néng) is very common for expressing “only then can,” implying a necessary condition must be met first.

• 下去 (xiàqù) as a complement after 维持 [維持] (wéichí) emphasizes ongoing continuation. Without it, the sentence would ask how to maintain the relationship at a single point, rather than how to keep it going over time.

• 异地恋 [異地戀] (yìdìliàn) is a modern compound widely used in everyday Chinese, especially among younger speakers.

Recap

• 异地恋怎样才能维持下去？

• 異地戀怎樣才能維持下去？

• 异地恋 / 怎样 / 才 / 能 / 维持 / 下去 / ？

• yìdìliàn zěnyàng cái néng wéichí xiàqù?

• How do you keep a long distance relationship going?

• long-distance relationship / how / only then / can / maintain / continue onward.

🌳 Translation #2

Excuse me, what’s the fastest way to get downtown from the airport?

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Written from Paris

🎯 HSK Comprehension Test

1. 从这篇文章来看，我对未来的态度是什么？
   從這篇文章來看，我對未來的態度是什麼？

   1. 焦虑和担心
      焦慮和擔心

   2. 犹豫和不知所措
      猶豫和不知所措

   3. 平静但有些不确定
      平靜但有些不確定

   4. 兴奋和期待
      興奮和期待

2. 我为什么觉得”时间过得飞快”？
   我為什麼覺得「時間過得飛快」？

   1. 因为我在北京过得很充实，不知不觉就快五个月了
      因為我在北京過得很充實，不知不覺就快五個月了

   2. 因为找工作让我特别忙，没时间休息
      因為找工作讓我特別忙，沒時間休息

   3. 因为我担心找不到合适的工作，所以很着急
      因為我擔心找不到合適的工作，所以很著急

   4. 因为春节假期太短了，很快就要回北京了
      因為春節假期太短了，很快就要回北京了

3. 我在巴黎的春节假期主要做什么？
   我在巴黎的春節假期主要做什麼？

   1. 只是休息和享受假期
      只是休息和享受假期

   2. 准备回北京上课的材料
      準備回北京上課的材料

   3. 主要是参加各种行业聚会
      主要是參加各種行業聚會

   4. 滑雪、见朋友家人、找工作
      滑雪、見朋友家人、找工作

4. 我说”生活真是太精彩了”，这说明什么？
   我說「生活真是太精彩了」，這說明什麼？

   1. 我很高兴终于可以放假休息了
      我很高興終於可以放假休息了

   2. 我对在北京当老师的经历特别满意
      我對在北京當老師的經歷特別滿意

   3. 我对现在和未来的生活都很满意和期待
      我對現在和未來的生活都很滿意和期待

   4. 我觉得最近的生活太忙碌了
      我覺得最近的生活太忙碌了

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