HSK 4

由⋯⋯组成

yóu ⋯ ⋯ zǔ chéng

由⋯⋯组成

Explanation

由⋯⋯组成 (yóu...zǔchéng) is used to say that a whole is FORMED from certain parts or components. 由 yóu is a preposition (a word placed before a noun to indicate a relationship) that introduces the components, and 组成 zǔchéng means "to form, to make up".

Structure

whole + 由 yóu + the components + 组成 zǔchéng (e.g. 文章由三个部分组成 = the article consists of three parts). You can add 是...的 shì...de for emphasis: 是由...组成的.

When to use

when describing a whole that is put together from several parts — a class, an essay, an exam paper, an organization, etc.

Common mistakes

forgetting 组成 at the end (saying only 由... does not fully convey "is formed"); or reversing the order so the components come before 由. Remember the order: the whole comes first, the components go between 由 and 组成.

Examples

我们班由两位老师和二十位学生组成。
menbānyóuliǎngwèilǎoshīèrshíwèixuéshēngchéng

Our class is made up of two teachers and twenty students.

这篇文章由三个部分组成。
zhèpiānwénzhāngyóusānfenchéng

This article consists of three parts.

这张试卷是由十道选择题和一道写作题组成的。
zhèzhāngshìjuànshìyóushídàoxuǎndàoxiězuòchéngde

This exam paper is made up of ten multiple-choice questions and one writing question.

Practice

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Learn “由⋯⋯组成” effectively

The grammar point “由⋯⋯组成” (由⋯⋯组成) is one of the key structures at HSK 4. 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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