HSK 3
动词或动词性短语、形容词或形容词性短语作主语
dòng cí huò dòng cí xìng duǎn yǔ 、 xíng róng cí huò xíng róng cí xìng duǎn yǔ zuò zhǔ yǔ
Verbs, verb phrases, adjectives, or adjective phrases as the subject
Explanation
Normally the subject (the person or thing performing the action, at the start of the sentence) is a noun, but in Chinese a verb, verb phrase, adjective, or adjective phrase can also directly serve as the subject to talk about that very action or state in an abstract way.
[verb / adjective / phrase] + predicate (the part stating the action or quality of the subject). For example: 哭 kū (to cry) + 对身体有好处 (is good for the body) → 哭对身体有好处 - the very act of "crying" serves as the subject.
Use it when you want to discuss an action/state as a general concept: 哭对身体有好处 (crying is beneficial), 早一点儿来比较合适 (coming a bit early is more suitable), 紧张有什么用 (what use is being nervous). Chinese does not need to add words like "the act of" or "the matter of" in front; just leave the verb/adjective as it is.
Vietnamese learners often add 的事 or a measure word to "nominalize" it, but this is usually unnecessary. Also note that an adjective phrase serving as subject usually carries 了 or a degree marker (太冷了 - too cold) rather than standing as a single bare adjective.
You need to distinguish this type of subject from an ordinary noun; here the subject is the very action/quality being discussed.
Examples
Crying is good for your health.
Coming a bit early is more suitable.
What is the use of being nervous?
Too cold is no good, and too hot is no good either.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “动词或动词性短语、形容词或形容词性短语作主语” effectively
The grammar point “动词或动词性短语、形容词或形容词性短语作主语” (Verbs, verb phrases, adjectives, or adjective phrases as the subject) is one of the key structures at HSK 3. 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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