HSK 1

非主谓句

fēi zhǔ wèi jù

Non-subject-predicate sentences

Explanation

Non-subject-predicate sentence (非主谓句 fēi zhǔwèi jù — a sentence that CANNOT be clearly divided into two parts, a subject and a predicate), unlike an ordinary sentence which has "who/what + does what".

Structure

it consists only of a verb + 了 (le) to describe a phenomenon (下雨了 — it's raining), or just a noun used as an exclamation/warning (车!— a car!).

When to use

describing natural phenomena, weather (下雨了, 刮风了 — the wind has picked up); calling out, warning, sudden exclamations; responding in conversation.

Common mistakes

trying to add a subject (the doer, the person or thing at the start of the sentence) "the sky" following Vietnamese habit (wrong: 天下雨了 when you just mean "it's raining") — weather phenomena in Chinese usually need no subject.

Examples

下雨了。
xiàle

It's raining.

车!
chē

A car!

Practice

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Learn “非主谓句” effectively

The grammar point “非主谓句” (Non-subject-predicate sentences) is one of the key structures at HSK 1. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.

Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.

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