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HSK 7

三重或三重以上的复句

sān chóng huò sān chóng yǐ shàng de fù jù

Complex sentences of three or more layers

Explanation

This is a multi-level compound sentence (a compound sentence of three or more layers) — a sentence with three or more clauses, connected to one another through several different layers of relationships to express a complex idea.

Structure

the clauses are linked by several nested pairs/types of conjunctions, e.g. 而且 (érqiě – moreover)... 所以 (suǒyǐ – therefore)... 但 (dàn – but)...; or 只要 (zhǐyào – as long as)... 就 (jiù – then)... 也 (yě – also)...; or a chain of prohibitions 不要……也不要……要……以免 (yǐmiǎn – lest, so as to avoid).

When to use

when you need to present an argument or narrate events involving several layers of relationships (progression, cause-effect, transition, condition...) within one long sentence. Common in argumentative written texts.

Note

you must layer it correctly — first identify the main relationship between the larger clusters, then the smaller relationships within them; choose conjunctions that fit each layer so the logical flow is clear.

Common mistakes

mixing up or omitting conjunctions between layers makes the relationships blurry; or mixing contradictory relationships (both 因果 cause-effect and 转折 transition without a 但/却 marking the pivot) makes the sentence obscure.

Examples

他对中文感兴趣，而且对中国文化也十分好奇，所以决定去中国留学，但遭到了父母的反对。
tāduìzhōngwéngǎnxìngqù，érqiěduìzhōngguówénhuàyěshífēnhàoqí，suǒyǐjuédìngqùzhōngguóliúxué，dànzāodàolefùmǔdefǎnduì。

He is interested in Chinese, and moreover he is also very curious about Chinese culture, so he decided to go study abroad in China, but he was opposed by his parents.

大家不要只看外面的风景，也不要只顾看手机，要看好自己的物品，以免产生不必要的损失。
dàjiābúyàozhǐkànwàimiàndefēngjǐng，yěbúyàozhǐgùkànshǒujī，yàokànhǎozìjǐdewùpǐn，yǐmiǎnchǎnshēngbúbìyàodesǔnshī。

Everyone, don't just look at the scenery outside, and also don't be absorbed only in your phones; you must keep an eye on your belongings, lest unnecessary losses occur.

只要多练习，你的中文水平就会有进步，成绩也会提高，自然也会得到奖学金。
zhǐyàoduōliànxí，nǐdezhōngwénshuǐpíngjiùhuìyǒujìnbù，chéngjìyěhuìtígāo，zìrányěhuìdédàojiǎngxuéjīn。

As long as you practice a lot, your Chinese level will improve, your grades will also go up, and naturally you will also win a scholarship.

Practice

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Learn “三重或三重以上的复句” effectively

The grammar point “三重或三重以上的复句” (Complex sentences of three or more layers) is one of the key structures at HSK 7. 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.

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