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    Chinese Grammar

    Clauses with omitted subjects

    Manner & Method
    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    (Subject omitted) + Predicate

    Explanation

    In Chinese, the subject of a clause can be omitted when it is clear from context, previously mentioned, or understood as general. This is far more common in Chinese than in English and occurs frequently in formal writing, news, and sequential descriptions. The verb or predicate simply begins the clause without an explicit subject.

    Examples

    • 看了这本书，觉得很有意思。

      Kàn le zhè běn shū, juéde hěn yǒu yìsi.

      After reading this book, I found it very interesting.

    • 吃完饭就出发吧。

      Chī wán fàn jiù chūfā ba.

      Let's set off after finishing the meal.

    • 希望下次能再见面。

      Xīwàng xià cì néng zài jiànmiàn.

      I hope we can meet again next time.

    Clauses with omitted subjects | Chinese Grammar