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HSK 6

二重复句2：复句+复句

èr chóng fù jù 2 ： fù jù + fù jù

Second-level nested compound sentences

Explanation

This is a two-level compound sentence (二重复句 èr chóng fùjù: a compound sentence in which one large clause itself contains a smaller compound sentence), that is, a compound sentence (a sentence with two or more clauses linked by conjunctions) nesting another compound sentence.

Structure

[large clause 1 = a compound sentence] + outer-level conjunction (所以 suǒyǐ: therefore / 同时 tóngshí: at the same time…) + [large clause 2 = a compound sentence]. A semicolon (；) or a major comma usually separates the two large levels, while inside each level there are smaller conjunction pairs such as 只有…才… (zhǐyǒu…cái…: only… then…), 既…也… (jì…yě…: both… and…).

When to use

when expressing multi-layered, interconnected reasoning (cause-effect, condition, addition) in one long sentence; commonly found in written and argumentative texts.

Note

to read and understand it, first find the LARGEST separating level (usually at a semicolon or the conjunctions 所以/同时), then analyze each smaller cluster inside.

Common mistakes

beginners tend to translate each clause in isolation while missing the outer-level relationship (所以, 同时…), which makes the sentence lose its logical flow; one should identify the large framework first and only then piece together the meaning of the sub-clauses.

Examples

成功的基础是奋斗，奋斗的收获是成功，所以，只有不断努力的人才有机会走上成功的高峰。
chénggōngdejīchǔshìfèndòu，fèndòudeshōuhuòshìchénggōng，suǒyǐ，zhǐyǒubúduànnǔlìderéncáiyǒujīhuìzǒushàngchénggōngdegāofēng。

The foundation of success is struggle, and the harvest of struggle is success; therefore, only those who keep striving have the chance to climb to the peak of success.

这个国王既不关心他的军队，也不喜欢去看戏，也不喜欢乘着马车去游玩儿，——除非是要展示一下儿自己的新衣服。
zhègèguówángjìbùguānxīntādejūnduì，yěbùxǐhuanqùkànxì，yěbùxǐhuanchéngzhemǎchēqùyóuwánr，——chúfēishìyàozhǎnshìyíxiàrzìjǐdexīnyīfu。

This king neither cared about his army, nor liked to go watch plays, nor liked to ride in a carriage to go sightseeing — unless it was to show off his new clothes.

承认错误，才能正确看待出现在自己身上的问题；同时，只有虚心接受别人的批评，解决了自己的问题，才能取得下一步的成功。
chéngrèncuòwù，cáinéngzhèngquèkàndàichūxiànzàizìjǐshēnshàngdewèntí；tóngshí，zhǐyǒuxūxīnjiēshòubiéréndepīpíng，jiějuélezìjǐdewèntí，cáinéngqǔdéxiàyíbùdechénggōng。

Admitting mistakes is the only way to correctly view the problems that arise within oneself; at the same time, only by humbly accepting others' criticism and solving one's own problems can one achieve success at the next step.

Practice

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Learn “二重复句2：复句+复句” effectively

The grammar point “二重复句2：复句+复句” (Second-level nested compound sentences) is one of the key structures at HSK 6. 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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