# 🧩 Subordinating Conjunctions Subordinating conjunctions link a dependent clause to a main clause, showing relationships like cause, time, and condition. This guide covers common Mandarin subordinators with examples. --- ## 因为 (yīnwèi) — because 因为 introduces a reason and is often followed by 所以 in the main clause for emphasis. Use 因为 to clearly state causes. --- ### Examples ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "792f95c6", "topic": "chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "我迟到了，___ (because) 下雨了。", "answer": [ "因为" ], "translation": "I was late because it was raining.", "emoji": "🌧️", "explanation": " 因为 introduces the reason clause.", "name": "1fc86426" }, { "quiz": "792f95c6", "topic": "chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "___ (because) 我生病了，今天没去上班。", "answer": [ "因为" ], "translation": "Because I am sick, I didn't go to work today.", "emoji": "🤒", "explanation": " 因为 can appear at the start of a sentence to give the reason.", "name": "4fbb1f6c" }, { "quiz": "792f95c6", "topic": "chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which of these sentences uses 因为 correctly to introduce a reason?", "correct": [ "我没去商店，因为下雨了", "因为他努力工作，所以获得了奖金" ], "incorrect": [ "他因为喜欢跑步每天锻炼", "因为下雨了，我不喜欢" ], "emoji": "❓", "explanation": " 因为 should directly introduce the cause; common patterns are 因为 ... 所以 ... or main clause + 因为 + reason.", "name": "745faa15" }, { "quiz": "792f95c6", "topic": "chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "我们早起了，___ (because) 想赶火车。", "answer": [ "因为" ], "translation": "We got up early because we wanted to catch the train.", "emoji": "🚆", "explanation": " 因为 states the reason for the main clause action.", "name": "39e424ca" } ], "topic": "chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions", "name": "1697c330" }> ``` | Hanzi | Pinyin | English | | --- | --- | --- | | 🥪 我没吃早饭，
因为早点很忙。 | Wǒ méi chī zǎofàn,
yīnwèi zǎodiǎn hěn máng. | I didn’t eat breakfast
because the morning stall was very busy. | | ☕ 我买了咖啡，
因为我很累。 | Wǒ mǎi le kāfēi,
yīnwèi wǒ hěn lèi. | I bought coffee
because I was very tired. | --- ### More Examples ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "50eaa089", "topic": "chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "他没去上课，___ (because) 感冒了。", "answer": [ "因为" ], "translation": "He didn't go to class because he caught a cold.", "emoji": "🛌", "explanation": " 因为 introduces the reason clause explaining why he didn't attend.", "name": "149c29a1" }, { "quiz": "50eaa089", "topic": "chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which choice completes the sentence correctly? '我没买那个蛋糕，___'", "correct": [ "因为太贵了" ], "incorrect": [ "所以我很开心", "虽然我喜欢甜食", "当它刚出炉的时候" ], "emoji": "🧁", "explanation": " After a main clause, 因为 can be used to give the reason (because it was too expensive). The other options are result, concession, or time and don't fit the pattern.", "name": "2f007d0b" }, { "quiz": "50eaa089", "topic": "chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "___ (because) 天气不好，比赛被取消了。", "answer": [ "因为" ], "translation": "Because the weather was bad, the match was cancelled.", "emoji": "⛅", "explanation": " 因为 can appear at the start to emphasize the reason for the result.", "name": "7e96f7c4" }, { "quiz": "50eaa089", "topic": "chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which sentence is incorrect in its use of 因为?", "correct": [ "因为他喜欢跑步每天锻炼" ], "incorrect": [ "我没去商店，因为下雨了", "因为他努力工作，所以获得了奖金" ], "emoji": "⚠️", "explanation": " '因为他喜欢跑步每天锻炼' is incomplete or awkward without proper clause structure. The others use 因为 to clearly link cause and effect.", "name": "461c81ce" } ], "topic": "chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions", "name": "6adb4405" }> ``` | Hanzi | Pinyin | English | | --- | --- | --- | | 🌧️ 我带了伞，
因为天气预报说会下雨。 | Wǒ dàile sǎn,
yīnwèi tiānqì yùbào shuō huì xiàyǔ. | I brought an umbrella
because the forecast said it would rain. | | 📝 我多写了一页，
因为老师明天要交作业。 | Wǒ duō xiě le yī yè,
yīnwèi lǎoshī míngtiān yào jiāo zuòyè. | I wrote an extra page
because the teacher wants the homework tomorrow. | --- ## 所以 (suǒyǐ) — so 所以 connects a result to a prior reason and normally follows 因为. Place 所以 at the start of the result clause to signal consequence. --- ### Examples <|{ "type":"quiz","exercises":[{"name":"523efc9c","quiz":"55e209b1","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"他生病了，___ (so) 今天没来。","answer":["所以"],"translation":"He is sick, so he didn't come today.","emoji":"🤒","explanation":" 所以 introduces the result clause after a reason."},{"name":"59a0cb5f","quiz":"55e209b1","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"- 今天没去图书馆。 - __* (so) 你早点回家了？","answer":["所以"],"translation":"- I didn't go to the library today. - So you went home early?","emoji":"🏠","explanation":" 所以 can appear at the start of the response to highlight the consequence."},{"name":"b753ab4","quiz":"55e209b1","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"multiple-choice","category":"rule","prompt":"Where does 所以 typically appear in a 因为 ... 所以 ... sentence?","correct":["At the start of the result clause","After a comma separating the reason and result"],"incorrect":["Before 因为","At the very end of the sentence only"],"emoji":"🔍","explanation":" 因为 introduces the reason; 所以 commonly begins the result clause (e.g. 因为...，所以...)."},{"name":"687520d9","quiz":"55e209b1","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"交通堵塞，*__ (so) 我迟到了。","answer":["所以"],"translation":"Traffic jam, so I was late.","emoji":"🚗","explanation":" Main clause (reason) + ，+ 所以 + result clause."}],"name":"62b6a1b8","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions" |> | Hanzi | Pinyin | English | | --- | --- | --- | | 🍎 水果很新鲜，
所以我买了很多。 | Shuǐguǒ hěn xīnxiān,
suǒyǐ wǒ mǎi le hěn duō. | The fruit was very fresh,
so I bought a lot. | | 🚌 公交车晚点了，
所以我迟到了。 | Gōngjiāo chē wǎndiǎn le,
suǒyǐ wǒ chídào le. | The bus was delayed,
so I was late. | --- ### More Examples <|{ "type":"quiz","exercises":[{"name":"2d822156","quiz":"46c5042e","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"他没复习，___ (so) 考试考得不好。","answer":["所以"],"translation":"He didn't review, so he didn't do well on the exam.","emoji":"📉","explanation":" 所以 introduces the consequence of not studying."},{"name":"10e0dcb9","quiz":"46c5042e","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"multiple-choice","category":"rule","prompt":"Which of these sentences uses 所以 in a typical way?","correct":["天气很冷，所以大家穿得很厚","我饿了，所以先吃饭"],"incorrect":["所以因为天气冷大家穿得很厚","大家穿得很厚，因为所以天气冷"],"emoji":"✅","explanation":" Correct uses place 所以 before the result clause. Incorrect ones misuse the order or combine both conjunctions incorrectly."},{"name":"17bba9d9","quiz":"46c5042e","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"我们下雨没出门，___ (so) 呆在家里看电影。","answer":["所以"],"translation":"It rained so we stayed home to watch movies.","emoji":"🎥","explanation":" 所以 connects the result clause to the prior reason (implied or stated)."}],"name":"4ee473a6","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions" |> | Hanzi | Pinyin | English | | --- | --- | --- | | 🔌 手机没电了，
所以我去买了充电宝。 | Shǒujī méi diàn le,
suǒyǐ wǒ qù mǎi le chōngdiànbǎo. | My phone ran out of battery,
so I went to buy a power bank. | | 🏠 天晚了，
所以我们早点回家。 | Tiān wǎn le,
suǒyǐ wǒmen zǎodiǎn huí jiā. | It got late,
so we went home early. | --- ## 如果 (rúguǒ) — if 如果 introduces a condition and is used for real or hypothetical situations. The result clause can follow with 就 or be implied. --- ### Examples <|{ "type":"quiz","exercises":[{"name":"f28228","quiz":"2f8ddff9","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"___ (if) 明天下雨，我们就改天去。","answer":["如果"],"translation":"If it rains tomorrow, we'll go another day.","emoji":"🌧️","explanation":" 如果 introduces the conditional clause; 就 can mark the result clause."},{"name":"22c2befc","quiz":"2f8ddff9","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"你__* (if) 有时间，帮我看看这份报告。","answer":["如果"],"translation":"If you have time, please help me review this report.","emoji":"📄","explanation":" 如果 can appear at the start of the conditional clause; the result clause follows after a pause."},{"name":"2702419a","quiz":"2f8ddff9","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"multiple-choice","category":"rule","prompt":"Which sentences correctly use 如果 for real conditions?","correct":["如果天气好，我们去爬山","如果你早告诉我，我就不去了"],"incorrect":["如果明天去公园","我就去，如果今天去公园"],"emoji":"🧭","explanation":" The correct ones have a clear 如果 + condition and a result clause. The incorrect ones have incomplete or awkward structures."},{"name":"1c8bf220","quiz":"2f8ddff9","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"考试难，我*__ (if) 得好好复习。","answer":["如果"],"translation":"If the exam is hard, I need to study well.","emoji":"📝","explanation":" 如果 introduces the condition; the result clause follows (with or without 就)."}],"name":"lyt-22b","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions" |> | Hanzi | Pinyin | English | | --- | --- | --- | | 🧥 如果明天下雨，
我会带雨衣。 | Rúguǒ míngtiān xiàyǔ,
wǒ huì dài yǔyī. | If it rains tomorrow,
I will bring a raincoat. | | 🍞 如果面包卖完了，
我就买别的。 | Rúguǒ miànbāo mài wán le,
wǒ jiù mǎi bié de. | If the bread is sold out,
I will buy something else. | --- ### More Examples <|{ "type":"quiz","exercises":[{"name":"1e780c93","quiz":"5e09a932","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"___ (if) 他同意，我们就开始项目。","answer":["如果"],"translation":"If he agrees, we'll start the project.","emoji":"🚦","explanation":" Common pattern: 如果 + condition，[就] + result."},{"name":"1b7ce18a","quiz":"5e09a932","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"multiple-choice","category":"rule","prompt":"Which option often follows an 如果 clause to mark the result?","correct":["就"],"incorrect":["所以","但是","当"],"emoji":"➡️","explanation":" 就 commonly pairs with 如果 to emphasize the result (e.g. 如果...，就...)."},{"name":"1be0e770","quiz":"5e09a932","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"气温降到零下，___ (if) 水管可能会冻裂。","answer":["如果"],"translation":"If the temperature drops below zero, the pipes might freeze and burst.","emoji":"❄️","explanation":" 如果 introduces the conditional scenario for the potential result."},{"name":"51664714","quiz":"5e09a932","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"multiple-choice","category":"rule","prompt":"Which sentences are hypothetical conditionals using 如果? (choose multiple)","correct":["如果我是老板，我会给大家加薪","如果能早点完成，我们就休息"],"incorrect":["我每天跑步因为健康","虽然他很忙，但是帮了忙"],"emoji":"🔄","explanation":" Hypothetical or real conditionals commonly use 如果; the incorrect ones are cause/reason or concession."}],"name":"378296c3","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions" |> | Hanzi | Pinyin | English | | --- | --- | --- | | ⏰ 如果早点出门，
就能赶上地铁。 | Rúguǒ zǎodiǎn chūmén,
jiù néng gǎn shàng dìtiě. | If you leave early,
then you can catch the subway. | | 💡 如果店里有优惠，
我会多买几样。 | Rúguǒ diàn lǐ yǒu yōuhuì,
wǒ huì duō mǎi jǐ yàng. | If the store has a discount,
I will buy a few more items. | --- ## 就 (jiù) — then / exactly 就 often pairs with 如果 to mark the result clause and emphasizes quick or certain outcomes. It can also highlight sequence or focus. --- ### Examples <|{ "type":"quiz","exercises":[{"name":"5b63f35c","quiz":"38a08091","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"如果你去商店，___ (then) 买点水果。","answer":["就"],"translation":"If you go to the store, then buy some fruit.","emoji":"🍎","explanation":" 就 marks the result clause after an 如果 condition."},{"name":"6ffb4da","quiz":"38a08091","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"我说的就是 (exactly) 你要找的人。","answer":["就是"],"translation":"He/She is exactly the person you are looking for.","emoji":"🔎","explanation":" 就 can also emphasize exactness or identification (note the fixed phrase 说的就是)."},{"name":"5ba465d0","quiz":"38a08091","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"multiple-choice","category":"rule","prompt":"Which uses of 就 are correct? (choose multiple)","correct":["Conditional result: 如果...，就...","Emphasis: 这就是我要的"],"incorrect":["As a reason marker replacing 因为","To introduce contrast like 但是"],"emoji":"🧩","explanation":" 就 can mark results after conditions or emphasize 'exactly/precisely'. It is not a reason marker or contrast word."},{"name":"3893df95","quiz":"38a08091","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"你要是累了，___ (then) 我们休息一会儿。","answer":["就"],"translation":"If you're tired, then we'll rest for a while.","emoji":"🛋️","explanation":" Conditional pattern: 如果 (or 你要是) ...，就 ..."}],"name":"575bc592","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions" |> | Hanzi | Pinyin | English | | --- | --- | --- | | 🛒 今天买三份，
明天就有存货了。 | Jīntiān mǎi sān fèn,
míngtiān jiù yǒu cúnhuò le. | Buy three today,
and there will be stock tomorrow. | | 🧑‍🌾 你说时间，
我就去市场。 | Nǐ shuō shíjiān,
wǒ jiù qù shìchǎng. | You say the time,
and I will go to the market. | --- ### More Examples <|{ "type":"quiz","exercises":[{"name":"7ac4d4c2","quiz":"4e9a75e0","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"你来了，___ (then) 我们开始吧。","answer":["就"],"translation":"Now that you've arrived, let's start.","emoji":"🚀","explanation":" 就 can signal 'then' for immediate or certain outcomes."},{"name":"118e2e9a","quiz":"4e9a75e0","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"multiple-choice","category":"rule","prompt":"Which sentence uses 就 to emphasize sequence or immediacy?","correct":["他一到家，就给妈妈打电话"],"incorrect":["他很忙，就不上去了","虽然累了，就还是去了"],"emoji":"⏱️","explanation":" '一到家，就...' is a common pattern where 就 emphasizes immediate action. The incorrect ones misuse 就 for contrast or reason."},{"name":"2a5d3f8d","quiz":"4e9a75e0","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"我找的___ (exactly) 是这本书。","answer":["就是"],"translation":"This is exactly the book I was looking for.","emoji":"📚","explanation":" 就是 emphasizes exact identification."}],"name":"7ced8718","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions" |> | Hanzi | Pinyin | English | | --- | --- | --- | | 🔔 店开门了，
我们就进去看看。 | Diàn kāimén le,
wǒmen jiù jìnqù kàn kàn. | The store opened,
so we went in to take a look. | | 📞 电话一响，
我就知道是客户。 | Diànhuà yī xiǎng,
wǒ jiù zhīdào shì kèhù. | As soon as the phone rang,
I knew it was a client. | --- ## 虽然 (suīrán) — although 虽然 introduces a concession and is paired with 但是 or 可是 to present a contrasting main clause. Use 虽然 to acknowledge opposing points. --- ### Examples <|{ "type":"quiz","exercises":[{"name":"747036b1","quiz":"18a286e5","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"___ (although) 天气不好，我们还是去了公园。","answer":["虽然"],"translation":"Although the weather was bad, we still went to the park.","emoji":"🌂","explanation":" 虽然 introduces a concessive clause; the main clause often follows with 还是 / 但是 / 可是."},{"name":"6c7a8cd3","quiz":"18a286e5","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"__* (although) 他很忙，*__ (but) 还是帮了我。","answer":["虽然","但是"],"translation":"Although he was busy, he still helped me.","emoji":"🤝","explanation":" Pair 虽然 ... 但是 (or 可是) ... to show concession and contrasting result."},{"name":"6107ccd","quiz":"18a286e5","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"multiple-choice","category":"rule","prompt":"Which practice is correct for 虽然 ... 但是 ... ?","correct":["Put 虽然 before the concession clause and 但是 before the main clause","Use 还是 or 但是 after 虽然 clause to show contrast"],"incorrect":["Always put 但是 before 虽然","Use 只是 instead of 但是 in all cases"],"emoji":"⚖️","explanation":" 虽然 ... 但是 ... is the standard structure for concession; 只是 is different and 但是 should not come before 虽然."},{"name":"6d91817d","quiz":"18a286e5","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"__* (although) 我不懂中文，*__ (but) 我能看懂简单的标志。","answer":["虽然","但是"],"translation":"Although I don't understand Chinese, I can read simple signs.","emoji":"🔤","explanation":" Common pattern: 虽然 ... ，但是 ..."}],"name":"3bb0d7b7","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions" |> | Hanzi | Pinyin | English | | --- | --- | --- | | 🥡 虽然排队很长，
我还是想买那个。 | Suīrán páiduì hěn cháng,
wǒ háishì xiǎng mǎi nàge. | Although the line was long,
I still wanted to buy that. | | 🌧️ 虽然下雨了，
市场照常开张。 | Suīrán xiàyǔ le,
shìchǎng zhàocháng kāizhāng. | Although it was raining,
the market opened as usual. | --- ### More Examples <|{ "type":"quiz","exercises":[{"name":"6177ec2b","quiz":"3f387677","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"___ (although) 他不会游泳，__* (but) 他参加了比赛。","answer":["虽然","可是"],"translation":"Although he can't swim, he participated in the race.","emoji":"🏊‍♂️","explanation":" 可是 can replace 但是 after 虽然 to mark contrast."},{"name":"64f60541","quiz":"3f387677","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"multiple-choice","category":"rule","prompt":"Which of these is NOT a typical use for 虽然?","correct":["To show a cause or reason"],"incorrect":["To introduce a concession","To contrast with 但是 or 可是"],"emoji":"❌","explanation":" 虽然 is for concession/contrast, not for stating causes."},{"name":"69aa5a4f","quiz":"3f387677","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"天气冷，*__ (although) 他们还是出去滑雪。","answer":["虽然"],"translation":"Although it's cold, they still went skiing.","emoji":"⛷️","explanation":" 还是 after the 但是/可是 clause emphasizes the surprising or contrasting result."}],"name":"7cf3385f","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions" |> | Hanzi | Pinyin | English | | --- | --- | --- | | 💡 虽然价格有点高，
质量很好。 | Suīrán jiàgé yǒudiǎn gāo,
zhìliàng hěn hǎo. | Although the price is a bit high,
the quality is very good. | | 🚶‍♂️ 虽然走了很远，
还是没找到那个摊位。 | Suīrán zǒu le hěn yuǎn,
háishì méi zhǎodào nàge tānwèi. | Although I walked very far,
I still didn’t find that stall. | --- ## 但是 / 可是 (dànshì / kěshì) — but 但是 and 可是 signal contrast after a concession or different idea. They connect to the main clause and can follow an initial clause for effect. --- ### Examples <|{ "type":"quiz","exercises":[{"name":"-67c9602d","quiz":"19dca680","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"我想去看电影，___ (but) 太晚了。","answer":["但是"],"translation":"I want to go see a movie, but it's too late.","emoji":"🎬","explanation":" 但是 connects contrasting ideas; 可是 is similar in meaning and usage."},{"name":"-1d433c53","quiz":"19dca680","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"他很努力，__* (but) 成绩没有提高。","answer":["可是"],"translation":"He worked hard, but his grades didn't improve.","emoji":"📉","explanation":" 但是/可是 introduce a contrast after an initial clause."},{"name":"5ce4bafb","quiz":"19dca680","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"multiple-choice","category":"rule","prompt":"Which is true about 但是/可是?","correct":["They can follow an initial clause to introduce contrast","They are interchangeable in many spoken contexts"],"incorrect":["They must always directly follow 因为","They function to show cause rather than contrast"],"emoji":"🆚","explanation":" 但是/可是 signal contrast and often come after the first clause; they do not show cause."},{"name":"-29a3d080","quiz":"19dca680","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"我准备好了，*__ (but) 你还没来。","answer":["但是"],"translation":"I'm ready, but you haven't arrived yet.","emoji":"⏳","explanation":" Use 但是 or 可是 to connect contrasting statements."}],"name":"7a3e17eb","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions" |> | Hanzi | Pinyin | English | | --- | --- | --- | | 🍊 水果很好看，
但是有点贵。 | Shuǐguǒ hěn hǎokàn,
dànshì yǒudiǎn guì. | The fruit looks nice,
but it’s a bit expensive. | | 🕒 我想去买，
可是时间不够了。 | Wǒ xiǎng qù mǎi,
kěshì shíjiān bù gòu le. | I want to go buy it,
but there isn’t enough time. | --- ### More Examples <|{ "type":"quiz","exercises":[{"name":"-2e2982ad","quiz":"3c5ad01a","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"我想帮忙，___ (but) 他坚持自己做。","answer":["可是"],"translation":"I want to help, but he insists on doing it himself.","emoji":"👐","explanation":" 可是 is common in spoken Mandarin and interchangeable with 但是 in many cases."},{"name":"-45c9b900","quiz":"3c5ad01a","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"multiple-choice","category":"rule","prompt":"Which sentence incorrectly uses 但是/可是?","correct":["因为我累了，但是早睡了"],"incorrect":["我累了，但是没去上班","他想去，可是太忙了"],"emoji":"⚠️","explanation":" Contrast markers should connect contrasting ideas; '因为...但是...' needs parallel structure (usually 因为...所以... rather than 但是)."}],"name":"1c98c35f","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions" |> | Hanzi | Pinyin | English | | --- | --- | --- | | 🧺 我准备了购物袋，
但是忘带钱包了。 | Wǒ zhǔnbèi le gòuwù dài,
dànshì wàng dài qiánbāo le. | I prepared shopping bags,
but I forgot my wallet. | | 🚧 路上堵车了，
可是市场马上关门。 | Lùshàng dǔchē le,
kěshì shìchǎng mǎshàng guānmén. | There was a traffic jam,
but the market was about to close. | --- ## 当...的时候 (dāng...de shíhòu) — when 当...的时候 marks time for an action and frames specific moments or periods. The clause inside 当 can be short for events or longer for descriptions. --- ### Examples <|{ "type":"quiz","exercises":[{"name":"-3b6ca16e","quiz":"3991afd5","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"___ (when) 我还小的时候，家里很热闹。","answer":["当...的时候"],"translation":"When I was little, the house was lively.","emoji":"🏠","explanation":" 当...的时候 frames a time clause; the clause inside 当 can be short or longer."},{"name":"-33e84dae","quiz":"3991afd5","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"请注意安全，__* (when) 走楼梯的时候。","answer":["当...的时候"],"translation":"Please be careful when using the stairs.","emoji":"⚠️","explanation":" 当...的时候 marks the time of an action; the clause inside 当 describes the event/time."},{"name":"-43a8690d","quiz":"3991afd5","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"multiple-choice","category":"rule","prompt":"Which is true about 当...的时候?","correct":["It introduces a time clause for an action or event","The clause inside 当 can be short or long"],"incorrect":["It always requires 就 after it","It only appears at the end of a sentence"],"emoji":"🕒","explanation":" 当...的时候 is flexible for marking time; it does not always need 就 and can appear at the start or middle."},{"name":"-1a2cdacd","quiz":"3991afd5","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"*__ (when) 我在等车的时候，碰到了老朋友。","answer":["当...的时候"],"translation":"When I was waiting for the bus, I ran into an old friend.","emoji":"🚌","explanation":" Time clause with 当...的时候 marks the situational context for the main clause."}],"name":"47684a44","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions" |> | Hanzi | Pinyin | English | | --- | --- | --- | | 🥬 当我到了市场，
很多摊位已经开了。 | Dāng wǒ dào le shìchǎng,
hěn duō tānwèi yǐjīng kāi le. | When I arrived at the market,
many stalls were already open. | | 🛎️ 当收银员说价钱的时候，
我才拿出钱包。 | Dāng shōuyín yuán shuō jiàqián de shíhòu,
wǒ cái ná chū qiánbāo. | When the cashier said the price,
I finally took out my wallet. | --- ### More Examples <|{ "type":"quiz","exercises":[{"name":"7q-6437c","quiz":"3c3f8e79","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"___ (when) 开会的时候，请把手机调成静音。","answer":["当...的时候"],"translation":"When in the meeting, please set your phone to silent.","emoji":"🔕","explanation":" Instruction commonly uses 当...的时候 to specify timing of an action."},{"name":"2b2ab540","quiz":"3c3f8e79","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"multiple-choice","category":"rule","prompt":"Which sentences correctly use 当...的时候?","correct":["当孩子们放学的时候，公园里很热闹","我们当老师讲课的时候要注意声音"],"incorrect":["我们去公园的时候当孩子们放学了","当...的时候只能用于过去时"],"emoji":"📅","explanation":" Correct uses frame a time clause; the incorrect ones have awkward order or false rule about tense."},{"name":"1dae40a7","quiz":"3c3f8e79","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"我喜欢听音乐，___ (when) 做作业的时候。","answer":["当...的时候"],"translation":"I like to listen to music when doing homework.","emoji":"🎧","explanation":" 当...的时候 can mark simultaneous actions or situational time."}],"name":"4766805b","topic":"mandarin/chinese/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions" |> | Hanzi | Pinyin | English | | --- | --- | --- | | 🍯 当我试吃蜂蜜的时候，
摊主笑了。 | Dāng wǒ shì chī fēngmì de shíhòu,
tānzhǔ xiào le. | When I tasted the honey,
the vendor smiled. | | 🧮 当店里开始算账的时候，
客人们排队了。 | Dāng diàn lǐ kāishǐ suàn zhàng de shíhòu,
kèrén men páiduì le. | When the store started tallying accounts,
the customers lined up. | --- ## Summary Subordinating conjunctions like 因为, 所以, 如果, 就, 虽然, 但是, and 当...的时候 shape clear relations between clauses. Practice them in context to make your speech logical and natural.