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Adverb Placement

Adverbs in Mandarin Chinese (biànlì) tell us how, when, where, or to what extent something happens, and they usually stick close to the verb or adjective they modify. This guide goes over common types of adverbs and where to put them so your sentences sound natural.

Manner Adverbs

Manner adverbs show how an action is done, and they typically appear right before the verb they modify. Common manner adverbs are often formed by adding de (地) to an adjective.

Hanzi Example	Pinyin Example	English Translation
📝 我认真地写了那篇报告。	Wǒ rènzhēn de xiěle nà piān bàogào.	I wrote the report carefully.
🗣️ 他清楚地说明了问题。	Tā qīngchǔ de shuōmíngle wèntí.	He explained the problem clearly.
🕒 我们准时地开始了会议。	Wǒmen zhǔnshí de kāishǐle huìyì.	We started the meeting on time.
📢 她经常地提醒大家注意时间。	Tā jīngcháng de tíxǐng dàjiā zhùyì shíjiān.	She often reminded everyone to watch the time.

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Time Adverbs

Time adverbs tell us when something happens and usually come at the very beginning of the sentence for emphasis, or immediately before the verb. Placing them upfront sets the scene for the action.

Hanzi Example	Pinyin Example	English Translation
🌅 我今天早上准备了演示文稿。	Wǒ jīntiān zǎoshang zhǔnbèile yǎnshì wéngǎo.	I prepared the presentation this morning.
🕑 会议下午三点开始。	Huìyì xiàwǔ sān diǎn kāishǐ.	The meeting starts at 3 PM.
📧 我刚才发了邮件给客户。	Wǒ gāngcái fāle yóujiàn gěi kèhù.	I just sent an email to the client.
🗓️ 我下周要参加一个培训。	Wǒ xià zhōu yào cānjiā yīgè péixùn.	I will attend a training next week.

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Frequency Adverbs

Frequency adverbs indicate how often something occurs and normally sit before the main verb. Adverbs like chángcháng (常常) or yǒushíhòu (有时候) help convey habitual actions.

Hanzi Example	Pinyin Example	English Translation
✅ 我每天都检查一次邮件。	Wǒ měitiān dōu jiǎnchá yīcì yóujiàn.	I check emails once every day.
⚡ 我经常加班准备项目。	Wǒ jīngcháng jiābān zhǔnbèi xiàngmù.	I often work overtime to prepare projects.
💤 我很少在周末工作。	Wǒ hěn shǎo zài zhōumò gōngzuò.	I rarely work on weekends.
⛔ 我从不忘记回复重要客户。	Wǒ cóng bù wàngjì huífù zhòngyào kèhù.	I never forget to reply to important clients.

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Degree Adverbs

Degree adverbs modify adjectives or other adverbs to show intensity, and they appear immediately before the word they enhance. Words like hěn (很), tài (太), or fēicháng (非常) fine-tune the meaning.

Hanzi Example	Pinyin Example	English Translation
👍 我非常满意这次的合作结果。	Wǒ fēicháng mǎnyì zhè cì de hézuò jiéguǒ.	I am very satisfied with the cooperation result.
✅ 这份报告比较详细，方便阅读。	Zhè fèn bàogào bǐjiào xiángxì, fāngbiàn yuèdú.	This report is rather detailed and easy to read.
⚠️ 我有点儿担心时间不够用。	Wǒ yǒudiǎnr dānxīn shíjiān bù够 yòng.	I am a bit worried about not having enough time.
✔️ 会议准备得很充分。	Huìyì zhǔnbèi de hěn chōngfèn.	The meeting was prepared very thoroughly.

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Place Adverbs

Place adverbs tell where an action occurs and usually come before the verb, or they can start the sentence for emphasis. Adverbs like nàlǐ (那里) or zhèlǐ (这里) guide the listener to the location.

Hanzi Example	Pinyin Example	English Translation
📍 我们在办公室开了讨论会。	Wǒmen zài bàngōngshì kāile tǎolùn huì.	We held the discussion in the office.
🏢 客户在公司总部见了我们。	Kèhù zài gōngsī zǒngbù jiànle wǒmen.	The client met us at the company headquarters.
💻 我常常在家远程工作。	Wǒ chángcháng zài jiā yuǎnchéng gōngzuò.	I often work remotely from home.
🏪 我们临时在咖啡厅换了地点。	Wǒmen línshí zài kāfēitīng huànle dìdiǎn.	We temporarily changed location to a café.

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Adverbs of Probability

Adverbs of probability express how likely something is and typically precede the main verb. Words such as kěnéng (可能) and yídìng (一定) signal chance or certainty.

Hanzi Example	Pinyin Example	English Translation
🔍 他可能会晚一点到会议。	Tā kěnéng huì wǎn yīdiǎn dào huìyì.	He might arrive late to the meeting.
✅ 我应该能按时完成任务。	Wǒ yīnggāi néng ànshí wánchéng rènwù.	I should be able to finish the task on time.
❓ 会议大概在四点左右开始。	Huìyì dàgài zài sì diǎn zuǒyòu kāishǐ.	The meeting probably starts around 4 PM.
⚠️ 任务可能需要额外的支持。	Rènwù kěnéng xūyào éwài de zhīchí.	The task may require additional support.

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Summary

Adverbs in Mandarin Chinese usually follow a consistent order: time adverbs first (often at the sentence start), then frequency, manner, place, and degree adverbs right before the word they modify. Keeping adverbs close to their verbs or adjectives ensures clear and natural sentences.

Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025