HSK 4

⋯⋯,好⋯⋯

⋯ ⋯ , hǎo ⋯ ⋯

The structure '好' indicating purpose

Explanation

好 (hǎo) here does NOT mean "good" but is a conjunction (a word linking clauses) indicating PURPOSE, placed in the latter clause, meaning "so as to", "so that", "in order to".

Structure

clause 1 (an action/deed), + 好 (hǎo) + clause 2 (the purpose to be achieved). It very often goes together with 让 (ràng, to let/make): 好让父母放心 "so that the parents can rest assured". For example 好帮助学生练习汉字 "so as to help students practice Chinese characters".

When to use

when the action in the first clause is aimed at creating conditions for a good result in the second clause; it has a colloquial, gentle tone.

Distinguish

好 (hǎo, so as to) carries a spoken, informal color; whereas 以便 (yǐbiàn, in order to make convenient) is more formal and often used in written language. Both indicate purpose, but choose 好 for everyday conversation.

Common mistakes

misunderstanding 好 in this position as "good" or "done"; in fact it links the purpose clause. Also remember 好 comes at the START of the latter clause and often comes with 让 to indicate the beneficiary of the result.

Examples

老师布置了听写作业,好帮助学生练习汉字。
lǎoshīzhìletīngxiězuòhǎobāngzhùxuéshēngliànhàn

The teacher assigned a dictation exercise, so as to help the students practice Chinese characters.

我们应该不断地引导他,好让他对自己有信心。
menyīnggāiduàndeyǐndǎohǎoràngduìyǒuxìnxīn

We should continually guide him, so that he can have confidence in himself.

她每天都给家里打电话,好让父母放心。
měitiāndōugěijiādiànhuàhǎoràngfàngxīn

She calls home every day, so that her parents can rest assured.

Practice

Test your understanding with a quick quiz

Learn “⋯⋯,好⋯⋯” effectively

The grammar point “⋯⋯,好⋯⋯” (The structure '好' indicating purpose) 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.

You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.

Frequently asked questions