HSK 5 Grammar Reference

On the Contrary / Instead

fǎnér

反而 (fǎnér) means "on the contrary" or "instead" — it introduces a result that is the OPPOSITE of what was expected. The context must set up an expectation that is then contradicted.

Unavoidably / Inevitably

bùmiǎn

不免 (bùmiǎn) means "unavoidably" or "inevitably" — it states that something is a natural, expected consequence. The feeling or outcome is understandable given the circumstances. Often used with emotions or reactions.

For Example / Such As

bǐrú

比如 (bǐrú) means "for example" or "such as." It introduces specific examples to illustrate a general point. Very common in both spoken and written Chinese. Can be used at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle. ### Related Expression: * **例如 (lìrú)** — more formal equivalent of 比如, preferred in academic writing.

Exactly / After All (Emphasis in Questions)

jiūjìng

究竟 (jiūjìng) is used in questions to add emphasis, similar to "exactly" or "on earth" in English (e.g., "What *exactly* do you want?"). It shows that the speaker really wants to get to the bottom of something. ### Usage Rules: * It is typically placed before the verb or before the question word (什么, 哪儿, 谁, 怎么, etc.). * It cannot be used in simple yes/no questions ending with 吗. It must be used in questions that require specific information. * **Synonym:** 到底 (dàodǐ) is almost identical in meaning but slightly more colloquial.

Deliberately / Contrary to Expectations

piānpiān

偏偏 (piānpiān) is an adverb that expresses that something happened contrary to what was expected, desired, or normal. It often carries a tone of annoyance, frustration, or stubbornness. ### Meanings: 1. **Unfortunate timing:** Something bad happened at exactly the wrong time ("Why did it *have to*..."). 2. **Stubbornness:** Someone deliberately does the opposite of what is advised or expected ("He *insists on*...").

Anyway / Regardless

fǎnzhèng

反正 emphasises that the speaker's stance/conclusion holds no matter what other factors are. Often dismissive of alternatives — "regardless of X, Y is the case". Heavily colloquial; common in conversational reasoning.

No Wonder / That Explains It

nánguài

难怪 (literally "hard to blame") signals that the speaker has just understood the reason for something. Pairs with a previously noted observation and the newly-discovered cause. The cause clause can come before or after.

Not as Good As / Might as Well

bùrú

不如 (bùrú) is a versatile comparison word with two main uses: 1. **A is not as good as B:** It means A is inferior to B. It's similar to 没有, but strongly implies "not equal to / worse than." 2. **Might as well do B:** When comparing two actions or situations, it suggests that choosing option B is the better idea ("It would be better to..."). In this case, it's often followed by 我们 (we) or directly by an action.

The Reason Why...Is Because

zhīsuǒyǐ...shì yīnwèi

之所以...是因为 puts the RESULT first and the REASON second — the opposite of 因为...所以. This structure emphasizes the cause and is more formal and literary. Think of it as "The reason [result] is because [cause]."

If / Supposing That (Formal)

tǎngruò

倘若 (tǎngruò) is a formal/literary way to say "if." It's interchangeable with 如果 (rúguǒ) in meaning but carries a more refined, written tone. Often seen in literature, speeches, and formal writing. You may also encounter 倘 (tǎng) alone.

And / With (Formal)

yǔ

与 (yǔ) is the formal/literary equivalent of 和 (hé) meaning "and" or "with." It's used in written Chinese, headlines, academic papers, and formal speech. Never used in casual conversation. Also appears in the compound 与其 (rather than).

Due To / Owing To

yóuyú

由于 (yóuyú) means "due to" or "owing to." It's a formal equivalent of 因为, used primarily in writing, news, and official language. Unlike 因为 which can appear in casual speech, 由于 sounds stiff in conversation. ### Key Difference from 因为: * **因为** can come before or after the result: 我迟到了，因为堵车。 * **由于** can ONLY come before the result: 由于堵车，我迟到了。 * **由于** is often paired with 所以 or followed directly by the result.

Would Rather...Than Not

nìngkě...yě bù

宁可...也不 (nìngkě...yě bù) means "would rather A than B." It shows a firm preference — the speaker chooses A even if A is unpleasant, because B is worse. The emphasis is on the strength of the refusal of B. ### Variants: * **宁可...也不...** (would rather A than do B) * **宁可...也要...** (would rather endure A in order to do B) * **宁愿** can replace **宁可** with the same meaning.

In Order To Avoid / Lest

yǐmiǎn

以免 (yǐmiǎn) means "in order to avoid" or "lest." It introduces a negative consequence that the preceding action aims to prevent. Structure: Do A, 以免 [bad thing happens]. More formal than 免得 (miǎnde).

Once / As Soon As (Permanent)

yídàn...jiù

一旦...就 (yídàn...jiù) means "once...then." It emphasizes that when a condition occurs (often hypothetical or undesirable), the consequence is significant, lasting, or hard to reverse. Stronger and more serious than 一...就. ### Difference from 一...就: * **一...就:** casual, for everyday immediate sequences * **一旦...就:** serious, for significant/irreversible consequences

Since... Then (Logical Deduction)

jìrán...jiù

既然 (jìrán) means "since" or "now that." It states a known fact or a premise that cannot be changed. It is usually paired with 就 (jiù), 也 (yě), or 还 (hái) in the second clause to draw a logical conclusion or make a suggestion based on that fact. ### Key Difference from 因为 (Because): * **因为 (yīnwèi)** is for explaining the *cause* of a result (objective cause and effect). * **既然 (jìrán)** is for stating a *premise* to make a subjective suggestion or deduction (Since A is a fact, we should do B).

Not only... but on the contrary...

bùjǐn... fǎn'ér...

The structure 不仅...反而... (bùjǐn... fǎn'ér...) is used to express that not only did situation A happen (or not happen), but a completely contrary and often surprising situation B occurred instead. 反而 implies an unexpected reversal of expectations. ### Usage Notes - 不仅 (bùjǐn) is often followed by a negative word like 没 (méi) or 不 (bù). - 反而 (fǎn'ér) introduces the surprising counter-result. - It differs from 不仅...而且... which simply adds information in the same direction (Not only... but also...).

Even if...

nǎpà... yě...

哪怕...也... (nǎpà... yě...) is a conjunction structure that means "even if." It introduces a hypothetical or extreme condition (哪怕), and states that the result will not change regardless of that condition (也). It is very similar to 即使...也... but is slightly more colloquial and emphatic. > **Nuance:** 哪怕 often uses extreme or unlikely examples to prove a point (e.g., "Even if the sky falls...").

Even If / Even Though

jíshǐ…yě…

即使…也 introduces a hypothetical concession — "even if X were the case, Y would still hold". More formal than 就算…也; both work in writing but 即使 is preferred in essays and academic prose. Distinguishes from 虽然 (which states fact, not hypothesis).

No Matter / Regardless Of

wúlùn…dōu…

A formal-register synonym of 不管…都…, used in writing and official speech. The 无论 clause MUST contain something variable — a question word (什么/谁/怎么), an A-or-B alternative, or 多 + adjective. The 都 in the result clause is non-optional.

Must / Cannot Help But

fēi…bùkě

非…不可 is an emphatic double-negative meaning "must do X" — literally "not X is not OK". Stronger than 必须 because it conveys determination or necessity beyond the speaker's control. Often used to push back against alternatives or stress an obligation.

As Far As / In Terms Of

jiù...éryán

就...而言 (jiù...éryán) means "as far as X is concerned" or "in terms of X." It frames the scope of a statement. Very formal — used in essays, reports, and academic contexts.

Take/Regard...As

yǐ...wéi

以...为 (yǐ...wéi) means "to take A as B" or "to regard A as B." It's a classical Chinese structure that survives in modern formal usage. Common in slogans, mottos, and official language: 以人为本 (people-oriented), 以X为中心 (centered on X).

One Of (The)

zhī yī

之一 (zhī yī) means "one of" and is placed at the end. 之 is a classical possessive particle (like 的), so 之一 literally means "of one." It's used with superlatives and group descriptions.