A coordinate compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses. Each clause discusses different topics or aspects of the same thing and is equally important. They are connected without any special words.
Elementary Level Coordinate Compound Sentences in Chinese
When watching the movie, everyone laughs and cries for a while.
一方面……,另一方面…… (yī fāngmiàn……,lìng yī fāngmiàn……)
我们一方面要知道自己的优点,另一方面也要知道自己的缺点。这样才能找到合适的工作。 (Wǒmen yī fāngmiàn yào zhīdào zìjǐ de yōudiǎn, lìng yī fāngmiàn yě yào zhīdào zìjǐ de quēdiǎn. Zhèyàng cáinéng zhǎodào héshì de gōngzuò.)
On the one hand, we need to know our own strengths, and on the other hand, we also need to know our own shortcomings. Only in this way can you find a suitable job.
She sometimes wants to go on a trip, but then she also feels it’s too troublesome.
Advanced Level Coordinate Compound Sentences in Chinese
一面……,一面…… (yímiàn……,yímiàn……)
我一面学习汉语,一面学习中国文化。
I am learning Chinese and studying Chinese culture at the same time.
Successive Complex Sentences 承接复句
A Successive Complex Sentence is made up of two or more clauses, where each clause builds upon the previous one in a consecutive or continuous manner. This type of sentence is commonly used to express a series of related ideas or events that occur one after the other.
Elementary Level Successive Complex Sentences in Chinese
I saw that it was getting dark, so I turned off the TV.
……便…… (……biàn……)
他很饿,便去了餐厅。 (Tā hěn è, biàn qù le cāntīng.)
He was very hungry, so he went to the restaurant.
Advanced Level Successive Complex Sentences in Chinese
……,此后…… (……,cǐhòu……)
她做了个决定,此后她的生活就发生了很大的改变。
After she made a decision, her life underwent significant changes.
起初……,……才…… (qǐchū……,……cái……)
起初我没想到这个问题有多重要,直到他解释了一遍才明白了。
At first, I didn’t realize how important this issue was until he explained it to me.
Progressive Complex Sentences 递进复句
A progressive complex sentence usually consists of two clauses. The first clause provides a context, and the second clause progressively expands on the meaning of the first clause. This type of sentence is used to show the relationship between the two clauses, and how the second clause builds on the ideas presented in the first clause.
Elementary Level Progressive Complex Sentences in Chinese
Even I, someone who doesn’t like skirt, think this skirt is pretty, let alone you, who loves skirt.
Advanced Level Progressive Complex Sentences in Chinese
别说……,连……也…… (biéshuō……, lián……yě……)
我太累了。别说吃饭了,连出门的力气也没有了。
I’m too tired. Let alone eating, there is no energy to even go out.
别说……,连……都……; (biéshuō……, lián……dōu……)
别说参加会议了,连文件都还没写完。
Let alone attending the meeting, the documents haven’t even been finished.
连……也……,别说……; (lián……yě……, bié shuō……)
这件事情连我们老板也不知道,别说你这个普通员工了。
Even our boss doesn’t know about this, let alone you, an ordinary employee.
连……都……,别说……; (lián……dōu……, bié shuō……)
这道数学题连我这个小学生都能做,别说你这个大学生了。
Even I, a primary school student, can solve this math problem, let alone you, a college student.
别说……,即使……也……; (biéshuō……, jíshǐ……yě……)
别说去海外旅行了,即使是去隔壁城市,也需要提前安排好住宿和交通。
Not to mention traveling abroad, even going to the neighboring city requires advance arrangements for accommodation and transportation.
即使……也……,别说…… (jíshǐ……yě……, biéshuō…… ……)
即使做瑜伽也需要一定的体能,别说跑马拉松了。
Not to mention running a marathon, even doing yoga requires certain physical fitness.
……,何况…… (……, hékuàng……)
我已经累得走不动了,何况还要爬山呢?
I am already so tired that I can’t even walk, let alone climb a mountain.
……,进而…… (……, jìn’ér……)
为了提高生产效率,我们首先进行了设备升级,进而引进了先进的生产技术。
In order to improve production efficiency, we first upgraded our equipment, and then introduced advanced production technologies.
……,况且…… (……, kuàngqiě……)
这个方案的成本太高了,况且效果不一定好,我们需要重新考虑。
The cost of this plan is too high, besides, the effect is not necessarily good, we need to reconsider.
连……,更不用说…… (lián……, gèng bùyòng shuō……)
他连自己都不能照顾,更不用说照顾孩子们了。
He can’t even take care of himself, let alone the children.
……,乃至…… (……, nǎizhì……)
这家餐厅的服务非常好,乃至可以和五星级酒店的餐厅相比。
The quality of the service in this restaurant is very good, and it can even be compared to the restaurants in five-star hotels.
……,且…… (……, qiě……)
这种食品不但卖相好,且很健康。
This kind of food not only looks good, but is also very healthy.
……,甚至于…… (……, shènzhì yú……)
我们在学校学了很多知识,甚至于比一些成年人还要多。
We learned a lot of knowledge in school, even more than some adults.
The Alternative complex sentences 选择复句
“选择” (xuǎn zé) means “choice” or “option.” An alternative complex sentence is a type of sentence that presents two or more options or alternatives within the sentence. This is often done to list contrasting or opposing ideas, or to show different choices or courses of action that can be taken.
Elementary Level Alternative Complex Sentences in Chinese
You either go to sleep now, or come out and do your homework.
Advanced Level Alternative Complex Sentences in Chinese
或……,或…… (huò……, huò……)
或分手,或结婚,你选吧!
Or break up, or get married, you choose!
宁可……,也…… (nìngkě……, yě……)
宁可错过机会,也不要做错事情。
Better to miss an opportunity than to do something wrong.
宁愿……,也…… (nìngyuàn……, yě……)
他宁愿辞职也不愿意跟那个老板一起工作。
He would rather quit than work with that boss.
与其……,不如…… (yǔqí……, bùrú……)
与其担心未来的事情,不如把握当下的机会。
It is better to seize the opportunity now than to worry about the future.
与其……,宁可…… (yǔqí……, nìngkě……)
与其迟到,宁可早到等待。
Rather than being late, I’d rather arrive early and wait.
与其……,宁愿…… (yǔqí……, nìngyuàn……)
与其忍受这种不公平,我宁愿辞职不干了。
Rather than tolerating this kind of unfair treatment, I’d rather resign and not work here anymore.
The Adversative Complex Sentences 转折复句
An Adversative Complex Sentence usually consists of two clauses, which present a contrast or contradiction between them. These types of sentences are used to indicate a shift in the direction or tone of the sentence. They are often used to express a change in thoughts or actions, and to show a difference in ideas or concepts being presented in the sentence.
Elementary Level Adversative Complex Sentences in Chinese
虽然……,但是…… (suīrán……,dànshì……)
虽然她不喜欢学习,但是她很聪明,每次都能考第一。 (Suīrán tā bù xǐhuān xuéxí, dànshì tā hěn cōngmíng, měi cì dōu néng kǎo dì yī.)
Although she doesn’t like studying, she is very smart and can take the first place in the exam every time.
Although she has a bad temper, she is still likable.
Advanced Level Adversative Complex Sentences in Chinese
……,而……(则)…… (……, Ér……(zé)……)
她一直在学习,而他则一直在玩游戏。
She has been studying all along, while he has been playing games.
……,……倒…… (……, ……dào……)
她去旅行之前很紧张,但是到了目的地倒觉得很轻松。
She was very nervous before traveling, but once she arrived at the destination, she actually felt very relaxed.
……,……反倒…… (……, ……fǎndào……)
我想多睡一会儿,但喝了咖啡反倒更清醒了。
I wanted to sleep a little longer, but after drinking coffee, I became even more awake.
Hypothetical Complex Sentences 假设复句
A Hypothetical Complex Sentence usually consists of two clauses. The first clause presents a hypothetical situation or assumption, often introduced by words or phrases such as ‘如果’ (rú guǒ, ‘if’), ‘假如’ (jiǎ rú, ‘suppose that’), or ‘要是’ (yào shì, ‘in case that’). The second clause shows the possible consequences or outcomes of that condition. These sentences are commonly used to express imagined or possible scenarios, and to speculate about the results of different conditions.
Elementary Level Hypothetical Complex Sentences in Chinese
We must bring an umbrella today, otherwise it will be terrible if it rains.
Advanced Level Hypothetical Complex Sentences in Chinese
倘若……,…… (tǎngruò……, ……)
倘若明天天气不好,我们就改日再去吧。
If the weather is bad tomorrow, let’s postpone our trip.
若……,…… (ruò……, ……)
若你迟到了,我就先走了。
If you’re late, I’ll leave first.
倘若……,就/那(么)…… (tǎngruò……, jiù/nà (me)……)
倘若你不喜欢这个菜,那么我可以换一个给你。
If you don’t like this dish, I can order a different one for you.
假设……,就/那(么)…… (jiǎshè……, jiù/nà (me)……)
假设我们得到了足够的资金,那么我们就可以开始实施计划了。
If we have enough funding, then we can start implementing the plan.
假若……,就/那(么)…… (jiǎruò……, jiù/nà (me)……)
假若他不来,我们只能自己解决问题了。
If he doesn’t come, we will have to solve the problem ourselves.
若……,就/那(么)…… (ruò……, jiù/nà (me)……)
若你有任何问题,那么随时都可以问我。
If you have any questions, feel free to ask me at any time.
幸亏……,要不然…… (xìngkuī……, yào bùrán……)
幸亏你及时出现,要不然我就迟到了。
Luckily, you appeared in time, otherwise I would have been late.
幸亏……,不然…… (xìngkuī……, bùrán……)
幸亏下雨了,不然今天的火灾可能就无法扑灭了。
Fortunately, it rained, otherwise today’s fire might not have been able to be extinguished.
幸亏……,要不…… (xìngkuī……, yào bù……)
幸亏我听从了医生的建议,要不我的病情可能会恶化。
Luckily, I followed the doctor’s advice, otherwise my condition might have worsened.
幸亏……,否则…… (xìngkuī……, fǒuzé……)
幸亏你提醒我带伞,否则我就淋湿了。
Thanks for reminding me to bring an umbrella, otherwise I would have gotten soaked.
Conditional Complex Sentences 条件复句
A Conditional Complex Sentence usually consists of two clauses. The first clause expresses a hypothetical condition or certain situation. The second clause indicates the consequences or outcomes of that situation. This type of sentence presents a result that will occur if a particular condition is met. These sentences are commonly used to express possibilities and to speculate about the results of different conditions.
Elementary Level Conditional Complex Sentences in Chinese
Unless you leave earlier, otherwise you will be late.
凡是……,都…… (fán shì ……,dōu……)
凡是我让他做的事情,他都尽力完成了。 (Fán shì wǒ ràng tā zuò de shìqíng, tā dōu jìnlì wánchéngle.)
He tried his best to complete everything I asked him to do.
Advanced Level Conditional Complex Sentences in Chinese
别管……,都…… (biéguǎn……, dōu……)
别管他是谁,只要他能帮助我们就行了。
It doesn’t matter who he is, as long as he can help us.
任……,也…… (rèn……, yě……)
任你再有钱,也买不到幸福。
No matter how much money you have, you can’t buy happiness.
Cause-effect Complex Sentences 因果复句
A Cause-effect Complex Sentence usually consists of two clauses: one clause indicating a certain cause and the other indicating the effect it will have. These sentences are often introduced by words or phrases such as ‘因为’ (yīn wèi, ‘because’), ‘所以’ (suǒ yǐ, ‘therefore’), or ‘由于’ (yóu yú, ‘due to’). Cause-effect complex sentences are commonly used to explain the reasons behind a certain result or to show the consequences of a particular action or event. They can help to clarify the relationship between different ideas and events, and to show how they are related.
Elementary Level Cause-effect Complex Sentences in Chinese
因为……,所以…… (yīnwèi……, suǒyǐ……)
因为下雪,所以我们没去学校。 (Yīnwèi xià xuě, suǒyǐ wǒmen méi qù xuéxiào.)
We didn’t go to the school because of snow.
因为我起得太晚了,所以迟到了。 (Yīnwèi wǒ qǐ de tài wǎnle, suǒyǐ chídàole.)
Because I got up too late, I was late.
(由于)……,所以…… (yóuyú……, suǒyǐ……)
由于他的失误,所以我们输掉了比赛。 (Yóuyú tā de shīwù, suǒyǐ wǒmen shū diào le bǐsài.)
Since you don’t like her, you don’t have dinner together.
……,可见…… (……,kějiàn……)
她的成绩非常优秀,可见她付出了很多努力。 (Tā de chéngjì fēicháng yōuxiù, kějiàn tā fùchūle hěn duō nǔlì.)
Her grades are excellent, which shows that she has put in a lot of effort.
……,因而…… (……,yīn’ér……)
这个工作的难度非常大,因而我们需要更多的训练。 (Zhège gōngzuò de nándù fēicháng dà, yīn’ér wǒmen xūyào gèng duō de xùnliàn.)
This job is very difficult, so we need more training.
Advanced Level Cause-effect Complex Sentences in Chinese
(因)……,故…… (yīn)……, gù……
我因工作原因,故未能参会,深表歉意。
I apologize for not being able to attend the meeting due to work reasons.
鉴于……,…… (jiànyú……, ……)
鉴于你的良好表现,我们决定让你重新回到学校。
In view of your good performance, we have decided to send you back to school.
(由于)……,以致…… ((yóuyú)……, yǐzhì……)
由于这场比赛的失败,球队的排名下降了,以致无法参加下一阶段的比赛。
Due to the failure in this match, the team’s ranking has dropped, resulting in the inability to participate in the next stage of the competition.
……,以至于…… (……, yǐ zhìyú……)
外面下了那么大的雨,以至于我连路上的标志都看不清了。
It rained so heavily outside that I couldn’t even see the signs on the road.
之所以……,是因为…… (zhī suǒyǐ……, shì yīnwèi……)
我们之所以不参加这个活动,是因为老板不同意。
The reason why we didn’t participate in this activity was because the boss didn’t agree.
之所以……,是由于…… (zhī suǒyǐ……, shì yóuyú……)
之所以我选择这个专业,是由于我对这个领域的热爱和兴趣。
The reason why I chose this major is because of my passion and interest in this field.
The Purpose Complex Sentences 目的复句
A Purpose Complex Sentence usually consists of two clauses. It expresses why someone does something or explains the intended result or outcome of a particular action or event. Purpose complex sentences are often introduced by words or phrases such as “为了” (wèi le, “in order to”), “以便” (yǐ biàn, “so that”).
Elementary Level Purpose Complex Sentences in Chinese
I will call you daily to communicate the latest meeting content.
Advanced Level Purpose Complex Sentences in Chinese
……,以…… (……,yǐ……)
我们要注意用水量,以节约成本。
We must pay attention to water consumption to save costs.
……,以免…… (……,yǐmiǎn……)
快别考虑了,以免最后的机会都抓不住了。
Don’t think about it, lest you miss the last chance.
……,免得…… (……,miǎndé……)
我们得加快生产进度,免得被对手打败。
We have to speed up the production schedule so as not to be defeated by our opponents.
Concessive Complex Sentences 让步复句
A Concessive Complex Sentence often consists with two clauses. One clause often proposed a hypothetical situation, while the other indicates that the result won’t change, regardless of the assumed situation.
Intermediate Level Concessive Complex Sentences in Chinese