Are you feeling stuck with your Mandarin skills, especially while preparing for the HSK4 exam? Many learners have a tough time grasping key phrases in the listening section and using them correctly in writing, which can hold back their scores.
To tackle these challenges, focusing on high-frequency phrases is essential. These phrases play a crucial role in every section of the HSK4 exam—listening, reading, writing, and speaking. By incorporating them into your study routine, you’ll not only enhance your understanding but also boost your confidence. Mastering these key expressions will help you identify important information quickly and respond accurately. So, let’s dive into the high-frequency phrases you need to know!
1. 一…就…(Yī…jiù…, As soon as…）
“（一…… 就……，Yī…jiù…) “is a commonly used correlative conjunction in Chinese. It is used to express a close connection between two actions or situations, emphasizing that the second action or situation occurs immediately after the first one. It is equivalent to “as soon as” in English.
Usage Structure:
“一(yi ) + verb/verb phrase + 就 (jiu) + verb/verb phrase”
Examples:
Wǒ yī huí dào jiā jiù kāi shǐ zuò fàn.
我一回到家就开始做饭。
As soon as I get home, I start cooking.
Tā yī tīng dào zhè gè hǎo xiāo xi jiù gāo xìng de tiào le qǐ lái.
她一听到这个好消息就高兴地跳了起来。
As soon as she heard the good news, she jumped for joy.
2. 又…又…(Yòu…yòu…，.. and…)
“又…… 又……” (Yòu…yòu…) is a commonly used parallel structure in Chinese. It is used to connect two words with the same part of speech or similar semantic categories, indicating that two qualities, states, actions, etc. exist simultaneously. It is equivalent to “both… and…” in English.
Usage Structure:
又(Yòu) + adjective + 又(yòu) + adjective
Examples:
Zhè gè xiǎo nǚ hái yòu cōng míng yòu kě ài.
这个小女孩又聪明又可爱。
This little girl is both smart and cute.
Wài miàn de yǔ yòu dà yòu jí.
外面的雨又大又急。
The rain outside is both heavy and urgent.
3. 因为…所以…(Yīn wèi…suǒ yǐ…, .. so…)
It clearly expresses a cause – and – effect relationship, with the reason stated after “因为(Yīn wèi, because)” and the result after “所以(suǒ yǐ, so)“. Unlike in English, these two can be used together in the same Chinese sentence.
Usage Structure:
因为 (Yīn wèi) + clause of reason + 所以 (suǒ yǐ) + clause of result
Examples:
Yīn wèi tā nǔ lì xué xí，suǒ yǐ zài kǎo shì zhōng qǔ dé le hǎo chéng jì.
因为他努力学习，所以在考试中取得了好成绩。
Because he studied hard, he got good grades in the exam.
Yīn wèi jīn tiān xià yǔ le，suǒ yǐ wǒ men qǔ xiāo le hù wài huó dòng.
因为今天下雨了，所以我们取消了户外活动。
Because it rained today, we canceled the outdoor activities.
4. 不但…而且(bù dàn…ér qiě…, Not only… but also…)
“不但…… 而且……” (bù dàn…ér qiě…) is a commonly used correlative conjunction in Chinese, equivalent to “Not only… but also…” in English. When using “不但…… 而且……”, the components connected before and after need to be consistent in grammatical structure. That is, they should both be verbs, adjectives, nouns, sentences, etc. Otherwise, it will result in a grammatical error.
Usage Structure:
不但(bù dàn) + verb/verb phrase +而且(ér qiě) + verb/verb phrase
Examples:
Tā bù dàn huì shuō zhōng wén，ér qiě hái néng xiě yī shǒu piào liàng de hàn zì.
他不但会说中文，而且还能写一手漂亮的汉字。
He can not only speak Mandarin but also write beautiful Chinese characters.
Zhè jiā cān tīng bù dàn cài pǐn měi wèi，ér qiě fú wù tài dù yě fēi cháng hǎo.
这家餐厅不但菜品美味，而且服务态度也非常好。
This restaurant not only has delicious dishes but also has a very good service attitude.
5. 越…越(Yuè…yuè…, More and more…)
越…… 越……” (Yuè…yuè…) is used to indicate that two related things or situations gradually change in degree simultaneously. It is similar to the “more and more” structures in English.
Usage Structure:
越 (Yuè) + verb/adjective + 越 (yuè) + verb/adjective
Examples:
Suí zhe liàn xí de zēng duō，tā de zhōng wén shuō de yuè lái yuè liú lì.
随着练习的增多，她的中文说得越来越流利。
With more practice, she speaks Mandarin more and more fluently.
Tiān qì yuè lái yuè nuǎn huo le.
天气越来越暖和了。
The weather is getting warmer and warmer.
Overcome HSK Challenges with eChineseLearning
Preparing for the HSK can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to mastering essential phrases and grammar. But with eChineseLearning, you’re not alone on this journey!
As a leading online Chinese school, we understand your needs and are dedicated to helping you succeed. Here’s how we make your HSK preparation effective and enjoyable:
- Personalized 1-on-1 Classes: Learn at your own pace with live, interactive sessions. Our expert teachers provide immediate feedback, ensuring you grasp every concept.
- Tailored Study Plans: Whether you’re starting with HSK 1 or aiming for higher levels, we customize a learning plan that aligns with your goals and current proficiency.
- Experienced Instructors: Our teachers are HSK specialists with extensive experience. They’ll equip you with the strategies and skills you need to excel in your exams.
- Risk-Free Learning: We believe in our ability to help you succeed, which is why we offer a refund guarantee. Learn with peace of mind!
Don’t just take our word for it—experience it yourself! We offer free trial lessons for all new students. Sign up today and take the first step toward achieving your HSK goals and mastering the Chinese language!
