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
I was late because it was raining.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥪 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
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌧️ 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" |>
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍎 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" |>
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔌 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" |>
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🧥 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" |>
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⏰ 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" |>
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🛒 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" |>
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔔 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" |>
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥡 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" |>
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💡 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" |>
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍊 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" |>
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🧺 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" |>
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥬 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" |>
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍯 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.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025