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

我迟到了,(because) 下雨了。

I was late because it was raining.

HanziPinyinEnglish
🥪 我没吃早饭,<br>因为早点很忙。Wǒ méi chī zǎofàn,<br>yīnwèi zǎodiǎn hěn máng.I didn’t eat breakfast<br>because the morning stall was very busy.
☕ 我买了咖啡,<br>因为我很累。Wǒ mǎi le kāfēi,<br>yīnwèi wǒ hěn lèi.I bought coffee<br>because I was very tired.

More Examples

HanziPinyinEnglish
🌧️ 我带了伞,<br>因为天气预报说会下雨。Wǒ dàile sǎn,<br>yīnwèi tiānqì yùbào shuō huì xiàyǔ.I brought an umbrella<br>because the forecast said it would rain.
📝 我多写了一页,<br>因为老师明天要交作业。Wǒ duō xiě le yī yè,<br>yīnwèi lǎoshī míngtiān yào jiāo zuòyè.I wrote an extra page<br>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" |>

HanziPinyinEnglish
🍎 水果很新鲜,<br>所以我买了很多。Shuǐguǒ hěn xīnxiān,<br>suǒyǐ wǒ mǎi le hěn duō.The fruit was very fresh,<br>so I bought a lot.
🚌 公交车晚点了,<br>所以我迟到了。Gōngjiāo chē wǎndiǎn le,<br>suǒyǐ wǒ chídào le.The bus was delayed,<br>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" |>

HanziPinyinEnglish
🔌 手机没电了,<br>所以我去买了充电宝。Shǒujī méi diàn le,<br>suǒyǐ wǒ qù mǎi le chōngdiànbǎo.My phone ran out of battery,<br>so I went to buy a power bank.
🏠 天晚了,<br>所以我们早点回家。Tiān wǎn le,<br>suǒyǐ wǒmen zǎodiǎn huí jiā.It got late,<br>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" |>

HanziPinyinEnglish
🧥 如果明天下雨,<br>我会带雨衣。Rúguǒ míngtiān xiàyǔ,<br>wǒ huì dài yǔyī.If it rains tomorrow,<br>I will bring a raincoat.
🍞 如果面包卖完了,<br>我就买别的。Rúguǒ miànbāo mài wán le,<br>wǒ jiù mǎi bié de.If the bread is sold out,<br>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" |>

HanziPinyinEnglish
⏰ 如果早点出门,<br>就能赶上地铁。Rúguǒ zǎodiǎn chūmén,<br>jiù néng gǎn shàng dìtiě.If you leave early,<br>then you can catch the subway.
💡 如果店里有优惠,<br>我会多买几样。Rúguǒ diàn lǐ yǒu yōuhuì,<br>wǒ huì duō mǎi jǐ yàng.If the store has a discount,<br>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" |>

HanziPinyinEnglish
🛒 今天买三份,<br>明天就有存货了。Jīntiān mǎi sān fèn,<br>míngtiān jiù yǒu cúnhuò le.Buy three today,<br>and there will be stock tomorrow.
🧑‍🌾 你说时间,<br>我就去市场。Nǐ shuō shíjiān,<br>wǒ jiù qù shìchǎng.You say the time,<br>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" |>

HanziPinyinEnglish
🔔 店开门了,<br>我们就进去看看。Diàn kāimén le,<br>wǒmen jiù jìnqù kàn kàn.The store opened,<br>so we went in to take a look.
📞 电话一响,<br>我就知道是客户。Diànhuà yī xiǎng,<br>wǒ jiù zhīdào shì kèhù.As soon as the phone rang,<br>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" |>

HanziPinyinEnglish
🥡 虽然排队很长,<br>我还是想买那个。Suīrán páiduì hěn cháng,<br>wǒ háishì xiǎng mǎi nàge.Although the line was long,<br>I still wanted to buy that.
🌧️ 虽然下雨了,<br>市场照常开张。Suīrán xiàyǔ le,<br>shìchǎng zhàocháng kāizhāng.Although it was raining,<br>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" |>

HanziPinyinEnglish
💡 虽然价格有点高,<br>质量很好。Suīrán jiàgé yǒudiǎn gāo,<br>zhìliàng hěn hǎo.Although the price is a bit high,<br>the quality is very good.
🚶‍♂️ 虽然走了很远,<br>还是没找到那个摊位。Suīrán zǒu le hěn yuǎn,<br>háishì méi zhǎodào nàge tānwèi.Although I walked very far,<br>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" |>

HanziPinyinEnglish
🍊 水果很好看,<br>但是有点贵。Shuǐguǒ hěn hǎokàn,<br>dànshì yǒudiǎn guì.The fruit looks nice,<br>but it’s a bit expensive.
🕒 我想去买,<br>可是时间不够了。Wǒ xiǎng qù mǎi,<br>kěshì shíjiān bù gòu le.I want to go buy it,<br>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" |>

HanziPinyinEnglish
🧺 我准备了购物袋,<br>但是忘带钱包了。Wǒ zhǔnbèi le gòuwù dài,<br>dànshì wàng dài qiánbāo le.I prepared shopping bags,<br>but I forgot my wallet.
🚧 路上堵车了,<br>可是市场马上关门。Lùshàng dǔchē le,<br>kěshì shìchǎng mǎshàng guānmén.There was a traffic jam,<br>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" |>

HanziPinyinEnglish
🥬 当我到了市场,<br>很多摊位已经开了。Dāng wǒ dào le shìchǎng,<br>hěn duō tānwèi yǐjīng kāi le.When I arrived at the market,<br>many stalls were already open.
🛎️ 当收银员说价钱的时候,<br>我才拿出钱包。Dāng shōuyín yuán shuō jiàqián de shíhòu,<br>wǒ cái ná chū qiánbāo.When the cashier said the price,<br>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" |>

HanziPinyinEnglish
🍯 当我试吃蜂蜜的时候,<br>摊主笑了。Dāng wǒ shì chī fēngmì de shíhòu,<br>tānzhǔ xiào le.When I tasted the honey,<br>the vendor smiled.
🧮 当店里开始算账的时候,<br>客人们排队了。Dāng diàn lǐ kāishǐ suàn zhàng de shíhòu,<br>kèrén men páiduì le.When the store started tallying accounts,<br>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.

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Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025