NCEA Level 2 Chinese key terms

A paired conjunction meaning “because … therefore …”. Chinese usually keeps both halves in one sentence, linking a stated reason to its result. Example: 因为下雨，所以我没去。Do not add 所以 when the reason follows the result.

A concession pattern meaning “although … but …”. Chinese normally keeps 但是 even though English may drop “but”. Use it when the second clause contrasts with what the first clause leads you to expect.

A paired pattern meaning “not only … but also …”. It adds a second, often stronger point. The subject usually appears before 不但, and 而且 introduces the added information. Example: 他不但会中文，而且会日语。

An adverb pattern meaning “more and more”. It comes before an adjective or a mental verb to show a quality increasing over time, as in 天气越来越热。It is not used before a simple noun.

A pattern for two actions happening at the same time by the same person. Put the verb phrases after each 一边, as in 他一边听音乐一边做作业。It answers questions about simultaneous activities.

A sentence pattern that places a definite object before the main verb with 把, focusing on what happens to it. The verb needs a result, direction, or particle after it, as in 我把书放在桌子上。

A passive marker meaning “by” in sentences where something undergoes an action. The receiver comes first, then 被 + agent, then the verb with a result or particle, as in 杯子被弟弟打破了。

A preposition used to compare two people or things: A 比 B + adjective. It can take 得多 or 一点儿 after the adjective, but not 很 or 非常. Example: 今天比昨天冷。

A comparison pattern meaning “the same as”. It links two things with 跟 before the second item and 一样 after the adjective or verb, as in 我的书包跟你的一样。

A pattern meaning “besides” or “except”. With 还/也 it adds information; with 都 it excludes. Example: 除了中文以外，他还学法语。Context decides whether the meaning is addition or exclusion.

A conditional pattern meaning “if … then …”. 如果 introduces the condition and 就 comes before the result clause. The subject can appear before or after 如果, depending on focus.

A sequencing pattern meaning “first … then …”. It orders events or steps in a story, recipe, or plan. 先 comes before the first verb phrase and 然后 before the next step.

An adverb showing an action is in progress at a particular moment, often translated “is doing”. It comes before the verb and can end with 呢. Example: 他正在打电话。

An aspect particle placed after a verb to show that someone has experienced an action at least once, with the focus on the experience rather than a present result. Example: 我去过北京。

An aspect particle after a verb showing a continuing state or an action that stays in place, not a progressive action. It often appears with posture verbs, as in 门开着。

The particle de that links a verb or adjective to a degree complement describing how an action is done, as in 她跑得很快。Do not confuse it with 的 (possessive) or 地 (adverbial marker).

The particle de placed after an adverbial phrase and before a verb, showing how an action is performed, as in 他认真地做作业。It is written differently from 得 and 的 but sounds the same in standard Mandarin.

A modal verb for learned ability or a likely future event, as in 我会游泳 and 明天会下雨。It does not usually mean “permission”; use 可以 for that. Negate it with 不会.

A verb meaning “feel” or “think” in a personal, tentative opinion. It often introduces an adjective or a clause, as in 我觉得这部电影很有意思。It is common in spoken opinions.

A verb meaning “believe” or “consider”, used for a more formed opinion than 觉得. It often appears in formal discussion or writing, as in 我认为这个计划很好。

A word meaning “suggest” or “advice”. As a verb it takes a clause or a noun; as a noun it can follow 提. Example: 医生建议我多休息。It is useful for giving polite recommendations.

A word meaning “plan”, used as a noun or verb. It can refer to a study plan, travel plan, or future intention, as in 我们计划明年去中国。It often pairs with 制定 or 实现.

A noun or verb meaning “experience” in the sense of events someone has lived through. It is not the same as 经验 (skill gained). Example: 这次旅行是一次难忘的经历。

A noun meaning “hobby” or “interest” pursued for pleasure. It commonly appears in self-introductions with 我的爱好是… or 我对…有兴趣. Example: 我的爱好是打篮球和看书。

A noun meaning “environment”, covering natural surroundings or the conditions around people. It is common in topics about pollution, city life, and school, as in 保护环境很重要。

A noun or adjective meaning “health” or “healthy”. It appears in advice about diet, exercise, and sleep, as in 多做运动对健康有好处。The adjective form describes habits or lifestyles.

A noun meaning “traffic” or “transport”. It covers roads, buses, trains, and how people move around, as in 这里的交通很方便。It often appears in travel and city-life topics.

A noun or verb meaning “travel” or “trip”. It refers to going to places for pleasure or experience, as in 我喜欢去南方旅行。It is common in listening and reading passages about holidays.

A noun meaning “festival” or “holiday”. It refers to a named celebration such as 春节 or 中秋节. Candidates should know dates, foods, and customs linked to major Chinese festivals.

A noun meaning “custom” or “traditional practice”. It describes what people habitually do in a culture or place, especially during festivals, as in 春节有很多习俗。

A noun meaning “culture”. It covers values, traditions, food, art, and everyday behaviour of a group. In Level 2 topics it often appears with 中国, 了解, and 不同.

A noun meaning “internet” or “network”. It appears in topics about online learning, social media, and communication, as in 我常用网络查资料。It can also refer to a network of people or computers.

A noun meaning “mobile phone”. It is common in listening tasks about daily communication, apps, and habits. Example: 他每天用手机听音乐。Candidates should recognise both 手机 and 电话 in context.

A noun meaning “volunteer”. It refers to someone who helps without payment, often in community, environmental, or event work. Example: 她周末去当志愿者。

A verb meaning “to work part-time” or “do a temporary job”. It often appears in topics about holiday plans, money, and experience, as in 暑假我想去打工。

A noun meaning “future”. It appears in writing and speaking about plans, hopes, and goals, as in 我对未来有很多计划。It can also function as an adjective before a noun.

A noun meaning “goal” or “target”. It refers to something a person aims to achieve, often in study or career contexts, as in 我的目标是考上大学。