HSK 4
连接分句或句子：此外、而、总之
lián jiē fēn jù huò jù zi ： cǐ wài 、 ér 、 zǒng zhī
Connectives linking clauses or sentences in Chinese
Explanation
此外 (cǐwài), 而 (ér), and 总之 (zǒngzhī) are conjunctions / correlative conjunctions (words that link clauses or sentences) that make writing more coherent and logical.
clause 1, + 此外/而/总之 + clause 2. Each connective stands at the head of the second clause to signal the logical relationship.
此外 (cǐwài, "besides/in addition") is used to ADD more information, often paired with 还 (hái, also); 而 (ér, "while/but") is used to link two clauses with a slight COMPARISON or CONTRAST; 总之 (zǒngzhī, "in short") is used to SUM UP, wrapping up the point already made.
此外 adds a new idea, 而 states a difference between two clauses, while 总之 closes and generalizes the preceding ideas. Don't mix them up: if you want to summarize, you must use 总之, not 此外.
Vietnamese learners often drop 而 when linking two contrasting clauses (using only a comma), making the sentence unnatural; or use 总之 when they are actually just adding an idea (should use 此外). Remember each of these connectives stands at the HEAD of the second clause, not at the end of the sentence.
Examples
We must listen to lectures attentively; besides, we must also actively complete our assignments.
Why does it snow less and less in the north, while it snows more and more in the south?
Listening and speaking are important, reading and writing are also very important; in short, all four of these skills are very important.
Practice
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Learn “连接分句或句子：此外、而、总之” effectively
The grammar point “连接分句或句子：此外、而、总之” (Connectives linking clauses or sentences in Chinese) 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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