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Mandarin Grammar Lesson 2
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Function words |
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shi4 |
is |
是 |
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bu4 |
not |
不 |
Nouns |
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ren2 |
person |
人 |
shu1 |
book |
书 |
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che1 |
car |
車 |
teacher |
老师 |
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friend |
朋友 |
student |
學 生 |
The Equating Verb " shi4 "Grammar DescriptionEnglish vs. Chinese Linking VerbsEnglish uses the format NOUN + "to be" + NOUN to equate a subject and another noun (predicate nominative). Examples:
The exact same format is used to link nouns and adjectives (predicate adjective) in English: NOUN + "to be" + ADJECTIVE. Examples:
Chinese uses two different verbs, one to link nouns to nouns (shi4) and a second verb to link nouns to adjectives (hen3). The pattern given in this lesson is only used to link a noun to another noun. The pattern for linking a noun to an adjective is given in the next grammar lesson. The Negative bu4To form the negative of most sentences the prefix bu4 is added before the verb or adjective being negated.
Subject Verb AgreementIn Chinese, subjects and verbs automatically agree. They do not need to be adjusted for first person, second person, third person, or singular/plural considerations. English has "am, are, is" plus different forms for each tense. Mandarin uses " shi4 " for all these cases. Notes and Additional InformationThe negation character 不 is pronounced as a fourth tone in isolation ( bu4 ). However, when it precedes another 4th tone character the tone change rules take effect. Because the pronunciation will normally be that of the 2nd tone in such cases, the symbol 2* will be used in such cases. Be aware that in certain environments (such as when preceded by another 4th tone sound) it will revert to a 4th tone pronunciation. |
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