Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Coordinating two or more constituents at the top level

    Connecting Ideas
    Listing & Enumeration

    Explanation

    Two or more phrases of the same type can be joined together at the top level of a sentence through coordination. In Chinese, this can be done with conjunctions like 和, 或, or 并, or sometimes through juxtaposition without an explicit conjunction. This pattern allows multiple actions, descriptions, or items to be expressed in a single sentence.

    Examples

    • 周末我喜欢看书和听音乐。

      zhōumò wǒ xǐhuan kàn shū hé tīng yīnyuè.

      On weekends I like reading and listening to music.

    • 他会说英语、法语并且正在学中文。

      tā huì shuō yīngyǔ, fǎyǔ bìngqiě zhèngzài xué zhōngwén.

      He can speak English and French and is currently studying Chinese.

    • 我们可以坐地铁或打车去机场。

      wǒmen kěyǐ zuò dìtiě huò dǎchē qù jīchǎng.

      We can take the subway or a taxi to the airport.

    Coordinating two or more constituents at the top level | Chinese Grammar