Browse HSK 3.0 grammar by level
HSK 3.0 Level 1 grammar
5 patterns — Personal pronouns, 是 for identity, Question words in place, 吗 yes-no questions, 会 for learned ability.
Elementary · Level 2HSK 3.0 Level 2 grammar
4 patterns — Simple comparisons with 比, 过 for experience, 还是 in a choice question, 为什么 and 因为.
Elementary · Level 3HSK 3.0 Level 3 grammar
4 patterns — 把 sentences, 被 passive sentences, 越来越…, 虽然…但是….
Intermediate · Level 4HSK 3.0 Level 4 grammar
4 patterns — 不仅…而且…, 只要…就…, 即使…也…, Verb + 起来.
Intermediate · Level 5HSK 3.0 Level 5 grammar
4 patterns — 与其…不如…, 之所以…是因为…, 无论…都…, 难怪.
Intermediate · Level 6HSK 3.0 Level 6 grammar
4 patterns — 与…相比, 并非…而是…, 一旦…就…, 固然…但….
Levels 7–9 share one combined advanced inventory. Grammar mapping for the advanced range is in progress.
Sample: what a grammar point looks like
Personal pronouns
我 / 你 / 他/她 + verb/noun
Use 我, 你 and 他/她 as the subject of a short sentence. HSK 3.0 Level 1 introduces these in personal-information contexts such as introductions, age and nationality.
我是中国学生。
Wǒ shì Zhōngguó xuéshēng.
I am a Chinese student.
Common mistake: Do not add 的 after a pronoun when it is the subject. 我学生 is wrong; use 我是学生.
Self-check
Which sentence uses a pronoun correctly as subject?
- 我的老师。
- ✓ 我是老师。
- 我很好老师。
我 is the subject; 是 links it to the noun 老师.
Every grammar point on this page follows this format: pattern, explanation, example, common mistake and self-check.
What each grammar point includes
Pattern structure
See exactly where nouns, verbs, particles and time words fit in the sentence.
Plain-English explanation
Understand how the pattern works and when to use it, without jargon.
Chinese example with pinyin
Each pattern has a real example sentence with pinyin and English translation.
Common mistake
Know the error learners typically make so you can avoid it.
Self-check exercise
A quick multiple-choice question to verify your understanding before moving on.
How grammar difficulty progresses
| Stage | Levels | Grammar focus | Example patterns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary | 1–3 | Basic sentence structures, questions, comparisons, simple connectors | 是, 吗, 比, 把, 被, 越来越 |
| Intermediate | 4–6 | Complex connectors, conditions, concessions, formal written patterns | 不仅…而且, 即使…也, 无论…都, 并非…而是 |
| Advanced | 7–9 | Academic and literary structures (in progress) | Mapping in progress |
Elementary levels build the sentence foundations you need for everyday communication. Intermediate levels add the connectors and conditions that let you express complex relationships between ideas. If a pattern at your level feels unfamiliar, review the lower-level grammar first.
How grammar connects to other modules
Grammar does not exist in isolation. The patterns on this page appear in the same vocabulary and texts used across HSK Atlas modules:
- Vocabulary: each level's vocabulary list contains the words used in grammar examples.
- Quiz: the vocabulary quiz tests recognition of words that appear in grammar patterns.
- Reading: reading passages use grammar patterns in context so you see how they work in real sentences.
- Listening: listening tasks let you hear the same patterns spoken aloud.
- Writing: writing tasks ask you to produce sentences using the patterns you have studied.
The most effective study cycle is: learn the pattern here, test recognition with the quiz, then reinforce with reading and listening.
All grammar patterns by level
HSK 3.0 Level 1 · 5 patterns
- Personal pronouns — 我 / 你 / 他/她 + verb/noun
- 是 for identity — subject + 是 + noun (identity / category)
- Question words in place — … 什么 / 哪 + noun / 几 + measure word …？
- 吗 yes-no questions — statement + 吗？
- 会 for learned ability — subject + 会 + verb
HSK 3.0 Level 2 · 4 patterns
- Simple comparisons with 比 — A + 比 + B + adjective
- 过 for experience — verb + 过 (+ object)
- 还是 in a choice question — A + 还是 + B？
- 为什么 and 因为 — 为什么 + question？因为 + reason。
HSK 3.0 Level 3 · 4 patterns
- 把 sentences — subject + 把 + object + verb + result
- 被 passive sentences — subject + 被 + (agent) + verb
- 越来越… — 越来越 + adjective / mental verb
- 虽然…但是… — 虽然 + concession，但是 + main point
HSK 3.0 Level 4 · 4 patterns
- 不仅…而且… — 不仅 + point A，而且 + point B
- 只要…就… — 只要 + condition，就 + result
- 即使…也… — 即使 + hypothetical condition，也 + unchanged result
- Verb + 起来 — verb / adjective + 起来
HSK 3.0 Level 5 · 4 patterns
- 与其…不如… — 与其 + less preferred choice，不如 + preferred choice
- 之所以…是因为… — 之所以 + result，是因为 + reason
- 无论…都… — 无论 + alternatives，都 + constant result
- 难怪 — new explanation，难怪 + understandable result
HSK 3.0 Level 6 · 4 patterns
- 与…相比 — 与 + comparison target + 相比，statement
- 并非…而是… — 并非 + rejected interpretation，而是 + intended interpretation
- 一旦…就… — 一旦 + condition，就 + consequence
- 固然…但… — 固然 + acknowledged point，但 + main qualification
Level 1 grammar in detail
Personal pronouns
我 / 你 / 他/她 + verb/noun
Use 我, 你 and 他/她 as the subject of a short sentence. HSK 3.0 Level 1 introduces these in personal-information contexts such as introductions, age and nationality.
我是中国学生。
Wǒ shì Zhōngguó xuéshēng.
I am a Chinese student.
Common mistake: Do not add 的 after a pronoun when it is the subject. 我学生 is wrong; use 我是学生.
Self-check
Which sentence uses a pronoun correctly as subject?
- 我的老师。
- ✓ 我是老师。
- 我很好老师。
我 is the subject; 是 links it to the noun 老师.
是 for identity
subject + 是 + noun (identity / category)
Use 是 to connect a person with an identity, nationality, job or category. 是 only links subjects to nouns — not to adjectives.
她是医生。
Tā shì yīshēng.
She is a doctor.
Common mistake: Do not use 是 before an adjective. Say 她很高兴, not 她是高兴.
Self-check
Which sentence uses 是 correctly?
- 他是高。
- ✓ 他是学生。
- 他是很好。
是 links a subject to a noun identity (学生). Adjectives need 很, not 是.
Question words in place
… 什么 / 哪 + noun / 几 + measure word …？
Keep the question word in the same position where the missing information would go. 什么 replaces a noun, 哪 + measure word/noun picks from options, 几 + measure word asks for a small number.
你叫什么名字？
Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?
What is your name?
Common mistake: Do not move 什么 to the front of the sentence like English "what". It stays in the noun position.
Self-check
Where does 什么 go?
- At the start of the sentence
- ✓ Where the missing noun would be
- At the end, after 吗
Chinese question words stay in the position of the information they replace.
吗 yes-no questions
statement + 吗？
Add 吗 to the end of a statement to turn it into a neutral yes-no question. The word order does not change.
你会说中文吗？
Nǐ huì shuō Zhōngwén ma?
Can you speak Chinese?
Common mistake: Do not combine 吗 with a question word. 你叫什么名字吗？ is wrong — use either 吗 or a question word, not both.
Self-check
Which is a correct yes-no question?
- ✓ 你喜欢中国吗？
- 你喜欢什么吗？
- 吗你喜欢中国？
吗 goes at the end of a statement. Do not mix 吗 with question words.
会 for learned ability
subject + 会 + verb
Use 会 before a verb for an ability someone has learned — a skill, not an innate capacity. 会 + verb means "can / know how to".
我会唱歌。
Wǒ huì chànggē.
I can sing.
Common mistake: 会 is for learned skills. For physical possibility or permission, other modals such as 能 or 可以 may be more appropriate.
Self-check
会 expresses…
- a physical possibility
- ✓ a learned skill or ability
- a future plan
会 marks an ability that someone has learned.
Level 2 grammar in detail
Simple comparisons with 比
A + 比 + B + adjective
Use 比 to directly compare one quality of two people or things. The adjective follows 比 and the comparison target — do not add 很 before it.
今天比昨天冷。
Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān lěng.
Today is colder than yesterday.
Common mistake: Do not put 很 before the adjective in a 比 sentence. 今天比昨天很冷 is wrong.
Self-check
Which comparison is correct?
- 他比我很高。
- ✓ 他比我高。
- 他很高比我。
比 sentences: A + 比 + B + adjective, with no 很.
过 for experience
verb + 过 (+ object)
Add 过 after a verb to say that someone has had an experience at least once before. The focus is on whether it has happened, not when.
我去过北京。
Wǒ qù guo Běijīng.
I have been to Beijing.
Common mistake: Negate 过 with 没(有), not 不. 我没去过 is correct; 我不去过 is wrong.
Self-check
How do you negate 去过?
- 不去过
- ✓ 没去过
- 去不过
过 is negated with 没 before the verb: 没去过.
还是 in a choice question
A + 还是 + B？
Use 还是 to offer two or more alternatives in a direct question. The listener picks one option.
你喝茶还是喝咖啡？
Nǐ hē chá háishi hē kāfēi?
Do you drink tea or coffee?
Common mistake: 还是 is for questions. In statements, use 或者 for "or".
Self-check
还是 is used in…
- statements
- ✓ questions
- commands
还是 offers alternatives in questions; 或者 is for statements.
为什么 and 因为
为什么 + question？因为 + reason。
Use 为什么 to ask for a reason and 因为 to give a simple reason. In a full sentence, 因为…所以… can make the link explicit.
你为什么学中文？因为我喜欢中国文化。
Nǐ wèishénme xué Zhōngwén? Yīnwèi wǒ xǐhuan Zhōngguó wénhuà.
Why do you study Chinese? Because I like Chinese culture.
Common mistake: 因为 gives the reason, not the result. Do not answer a 为什么 question with 所以.
Self-check
因为 introduces…
- a question
- ✓ a reason
- a result
因为 gives the reason; 所以 gives the result.
Level 3 grammar in detail
把 sentences
subject + 把 + object + verb + result
把 places a specific object before the action when the result or handling of that object matters. The verb normally needs a result complement, direction or other completion.
请把门关上。
Qǐng bǎ mén guān shàng.
Please close the door.
Common mistake: The verb after 把 cannot stand alone. 我把门关 is incomplete; add a result: 我把门关上了.
Self-check
把 moves the object to…
- after the verb
- ✓ before the action
- at sentence end
把 fronts the object when its handling or result matters.
被 passive sentences
subject + 被 + (agent) + verb
被 marks the receiver of an action as the sentence topic. The agent can be omitted when it is unknown or unimportant.
我的自行车被骑走了。
Wǒ de zìxíngchē bèi qí zǒu le.
My bicycle was ridden away.
Common mistake: Do not use 被 for every English passive. When an active Chinese sentence is more natural, prefer it.
Self-check
被 marks…
- the doer
- ✓ the receiver of the action
- the time
被 makes the affected thing the sentence topic.
越来越…
越来越 + adjective / mental verb
越来越 describes a continuing change in degree — something is becoming more and more of a quality.
天气越来越暖和了。
Tiānqì yuèláiyuè nuǎnhuo le.
The weather is getting warmer and warmer.
Common mistake: Do not insert 很 between 越来越 and the adjective. 越来越很暖和 is wrong.
Self-check
越来越 shows…
- a fixed state
- ✓ a continuing change
- a contrast
越来越 describes ongoing change in degree.
虽然…但是…
虽然 + concession，但是 + main point
Use this pair to concede one fact and then present a contrasting result. The main conclusion follows 但是.
虽然很累，但是他还在工作。
Suīrán hěn lèi, dànshì tā hái zài gōngzuò.
Although he is tired, he is still working.
Common mistake: Place the main conclusion after 但是, not before 虽然.
Self-check
但是 follows…
- the concession
- ✓ the main point
- the question
但是 carries the main point after a 虽然 concession.
Level 4 grammar in detail
不仅…而且…
不仅 + point A，而且 + point B
Use this pair to add a second, often stronger, piece of information. Both sides should be parallel in structure.
这本书不仅有意思，而且很实用。
Zhè běn shū bùjǐn yǒuyìsi, érqiě hěn shíyòng.
This book is not only interesting but also practical.
Common mistake: Keep parallel ideas on both sides. Do not mix a noun phrase with a clause.
Self-check
而且 adds…
- a weaker point
- ✓ a stronger point
- a question
而且 adds a second, stronger point.
只要…就…
只要 + condition，就 + result
This pattern presents a sufficient condition: once it is met, the result can follow. Do not confuse with 只有 (necessary condition).
只要每天练习，就会慢慢进步。
Zhǐyào měitiān liànxí, jiù huì mànmàn jìnbù.
As long as you practise every day, you will gradually improve.
Common mistake: 只要 = sufficient condition. 只有 = necessary condition. They are not interchangeable.
Self-check
只要 gives a…
- necessary condition
- ✓ sufficient condition
- past event
只要 = sufficient condition; 只有 = necessary condition.
即使…也…
即使 + hypothetical condition，也 + unchanged result
Use 即使…也… when the main result remains true despite a hypothetical obstacle. The second clause normally includes 也.
即使下雨，我们也要出发。
Jíshǐ xiàyǔ, wǒmen yě yào chūfā.
Even if it rains, we will still set off.
Common mistake: The second clause needs 也 to show the result does not change.
Self-check
即使…也… keeps the result true…
- ✓ despite a hypothetical obstacle
- because of a fact
- after the event
即使 concedes a hypothetical; 也 shows the result holds.
Verb + 起来
verb / adjective + 起来
起来 can mark the beginning of a change or introduce an impression based on perception. Interpret from context — it does not always mean physical upward movement.
天气渐渐暖和起来了。
Tiānqì jiànjiàn nuǎnhuo qǐlái le.
The weather has gradually started to warm up.
Common mistake: Do not interpret 起来 as only physical upward movement. It often marks the start of a change.
Self-check
起来 can mean…
- only upward movement
- ✓ beginning of a change
- a question
起来 often marks the start of a change or an impression.
Level 5 grammar in detail
与其…不如…
与其 + less preferred choice，不如 + preferred choice
Use this structure to compare two options and recommend the second. The preferred option belongs after 不如.
与其担心结果，不如认真准备。
Yǔqí dānxīn jiéguǒ, bùrú rènzhēn zhǔnbèi.
Rather than worry about the result, it is better to prepare carefully.
Common mistake: The preferred option goes after 不如, not after 与其.
Self-check
不如 follows…
- the less preferred option
- ✓ the preferred option
- the reason
不如 introduces the recommended option.
之所以…是因为…
之所以 + result，是因为 + reason
This formal pattern foregrounds a result and then identifies its cause. The first clause gives the result, not the cause.
他之所以进步快，是因为坚持复习。
Tā zhīsuǒyǐ jìnbù kuài, shì yīnwèi jiānchí fùxí.
The reason he improves quickly is that he reviews consistently.
Common mistake: The first clause gives the result. Do not put the cause before 之所以.
Self-check
之所以…是因为… leads with…
- the cause
- ✓ the result
- the time
之所以 foregrounds the result; 是因为 gives the cause.
无论…都…
无论 + alternatives，都 + constant result
Use 无论…都… to say the result is unchanged across every stated possibility. Include an open alternative such as 什么, 怎么 or 是否 after 无论.
无论遇到什么问题，她都很冷静。
Wúlùn yùdào shénme wèntí, tā dōu hěn lěngjìng.
No matter what problem she encounters, she stays calm.
Common mistake: Include an open alternative (什么, 怎么, 是否) after 无论. 无论问题 is incomplete.
Self-check
无论…都… means the result is…
- always changing
- ✓ unchanged across possibilities
- unknown
无论…都… holds the result constant across all possibilities.
难怪
new explanation，难怪 + understandable result
难怪 shows that new information makes an earlier fact understandable. Use it when a cause explains something already observed.
他每天都跑步，难怪身体这么好。
Tā měitiān dōu pǎobù, nánguài shēntǐ zhème hǎo.
He runs every day; no wonder he is so healthy.
Common mistake: Use 难怪 for something already observed, not for a future plan.
Self-check
难怪 explains…
- a future plan
- ✓ why something was already observed
- a command
难怪 makes an observed fact understandable.
Level 6 grammar in detail
与…相比
与 + comparison target + 相比，statement
This written pattern establishes a comparison target before giving the contrast. State the reference after 与 and the evaluated subject in the main clause.
与短期成绩相比，长期能力更难衡量。
Yǔ duǎnqī chéngjì xiāngbǐ, chángqī nénglì gèng nán héngliáng.
Compared with short-term scores, long-term ability is harder to measure.
Common mistake: The reference goes after 与; the evaluated subject goes in the main clause.
Self-check
与…相比 sets up…
- the evaluated subject
- ✓ the comparison reference
- the result
与 names the reference point for comparison.
并非…而是…
并非 + rejected interpretation，而是 + intended interpretation
Use this formal contrast to reject one explanation and replace it with a more accurate one. Both sides should describe comparable interpretations.
放慢速度并非拖延，而是为了降低风险。
Fàngmàn sùdù bìngfēi tuōyán, érshì wèile jiàngdī fēngxiǎn.
Slowing down is not procrastination; it is a way to reduce risk.
Common mistake: Both sides should describe comparable interpretations, not different categories.
Self-check
并非…而是… replaces one idea with…
- ✓ a better one
- a question
- a time
并非 rejects; 而是 offers the intended reading.
一旦…就…
一旦 + condition，就 + consequence
一旦 emphasizes that a consequence follows when a condition becomes reality, often irreversibly. Use it for a decisive condition, not an ordinary repeated habit.
方案一旦实施，就很难恢复原状。
Fāng'àn yídàn shíshī, jiù hěn nán huīfù yuánzhuàng.
Once the plan is implemented, it will be difficult to restore the original state.
Common mistake: Use 一旦 for a decisive condition, not for ordinary repeated habits.
Self-check
一旦…就… signals…
- ✓ a decisive condition
- a habit
- a wish
一旦 marks a decisive, often irreversible condition.
固然…但…
固然 + acknowledged point，但 + main qualification
This formal concessive pattern acknowledges a valid point before presenting the writer's main reservation. The main argumentative weight falls after 但.
数据固然重要，但不能代替现场判断。
Shùjù gùrán zhòngyào, dàn bùnéng dàitì xiànchǎng pànduàn.
Data is certainly important, but it cannot replace judgement on the ground.
Common mistake: The main argumentative weight normally falls after 但, not before 固然.
Self-check
固然…但… puts the main weight…
- before 固然
- ✓ after 但
- on the time
The main reservation follows 但.
Frequently asked questions
Is this grammar guide based on the official HSK 3.0 syllabus?
Yes. HSK Atlas organizes grammar patterns based on the New HSK Examination Syllabus, with each pattern mapped to the level where the syllabus introduces it. The site is an independent learning reference, not an official exam website.
Which HSK 3.0 grammar level should I study first?
Start with the level you are studying for vocabulary. If a pattern feels unfamiliar, review the lower-level grammar before moving up.
Will more HSK 3.0 grammar levels be added?
Levels 1–6 are published. Levels 7–9 share one combined advanced inventory; grammar mapping for the advanced range is in progress.
Do HSK 3.0 grammar patterns appear in quizzes and reading?
Yes. Grammar patterns are used in the same vocabulary that appears in quizzes, reading passages and listening tasks for each level.
How is HSK 3.0 grammar different from HSK 2.0 grammar?
HSK 3.0 grammar is organized by the nine-level syllabus instead of the six-level system. Many patterns overlap, but the level assignments and task context follow the new framework.
What is the best HSK 3.0 grammar guide for beginners?
Start with HSK 3.0 Level 1 grammar, which covers basic sentence structures like 是 (identity), 吗 (yes-no questions) and personal pronouns. Each grammar point includes the pattern structure, a Chinese example with pinyin, a common mistake to avoid and a self-check question. As you progress, Level 2 introduces comparisons and past experience, Level 3 adds 把/被 sentences, and Levels 4–6 cover complex connectors and formal written patterns.