Learn English coordinating conjunctions: including and, but, or, so, nor, yet, and for. Learn the correct placement and common structures with example sentences. Step-by-step exercises help to connect sentences and phrases smoothly, improving flow and clarity.
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses that are of equal importance, making your sentences smoother and more natural in Mandarin yǔyán (语言). This brief guide covers the key coordinating conjunctions with clear examples.
The main coordinating conjunctions in Mandarin are hé (和), gēn (跟), lián (连), huòzhě (或者), ér (而), dànshì (但是), and yǐjí (以及). Each serves a slightly different function in linking ideas.
Hé 和 (and)
Hé（和）是最常用且中性的连接名词、代词，有时也连接短语。它在口语和书面语中都被广泛使用。
Hé (和) is the most common and neutral way to join nouns, pronouns, and sometimes phrases. It is widely used in speech and writing.
Examples
Notes
Hé (和) normally connects elements within the same category, and you can repeat it for emphasis or rhythm.
Gēn 跟 (and, with)
Gēn（跟）字面意思是“与”，在口语中常用来连接人或事物，听起来比hé（和）更随意。
Gēn (跟) literally means "with" and is often used in spoken Mandarin to link people or things. It can sound more casual than hé (和).
Examples
Notes
Use gēn (跟) when emphasizing association or companionship, and it comfortably appears in dialogues.
Lián 连 (even) and yě 也 (also)
Lián (连) adds emphasis meaning "even," and it pairs with yě (也) to highlight that something includes an unexpected or notable element.
Examples
Notes
Use lián... yě... (连……也……) to stress that something applies in all cases, often to strengthen an argument or description.
Huòzhě 或者 (or)
Huòzhě（或者）用于提出选择或备选项。在疑问句中，háishì（还是）更常用。
Huòzhě (或者) offers alternatives and is used for choices within statements. In questions, háishì (还是) is more common.
Examples
Notes
Use huòzhě (或者) in declarative sentences when listing options; avoid mixing it with háishì (还是) in the same sentence.
Ér 而 (but, and)
Ér（而）连接对比或补充的思想，听起来比dànshì（但是）更书面或正式。多用在书面语中。
Ér (而) links contrasting or complementary ideas and sounds more formal or literary than dànshì (但是). It often appears in written texts.
Examples
Notes
Use ér (而) to highlight a balanced opposition or to connect two related clauses with different perspectives.
Dànshì 但是 (but)
Dànshì（但是）表示直截了当的对比，常用于口语和书面语。可以放在句子的开头加强强调。
Dànshì (但是) introduces a straightforward contrast and is common in both speech and writing. It can appear at the beginning of a clause.
Examples
Notes
Use dànshì (但是) for clear, everyday contrasts; it is more flexible in placement than ér (而).
Yǐjí 以及 (as well as)
Yǐjí（以及）用于连接多个事项，语气比hé（和）更正式，经常用在正式或书面表达中。
Yǐjí (以及) connects multiple items in a list and sounds more formal than hé (和). It is often used in official or written contexts.
Examples
Notes
Use yǐjí (以及) to neatly add additional elements after a list and to maintain a polished tone.
Summary
Coordinating conjunctions shape how ideas join and contrast in Mandarin. Use hé (和) for simple additions, gēn (跟) for casual linking, huòzhě (或者) for choices, ér (而) and dànshì (但是) for contrasts, and yǐjí (以及) for formal lists. Practice switching them to feel their subtle nuances.
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