Chinese imperative sentences, also known as command sentences or directives, serve the purpose of giving orders, making requests, or providing instructions. They play a vital role in communication in the Chinese language and find application in diverse contexts, such as daily conversations, business settings, or educational environments. This introduction aims to explore the structure, usage, and examples of Chinese imperative sentences, offering a comprehensive understanding for beginners.
Structure of Chinese Imperative Sentences:
Chinese imperative sentences typically follow a straightforward structure, comprising a subject and a verb. However, unlike declarative sentences that explicitly state the subject, imperative sentences in Chinese often omit the subject, assuming it to be the listener or the person being addressed. The verb in an imperative sentence is usually in the present tense and appears in its base form, without undergoing changes for tense or subject agreement.
Example Sentences:
吃饭 (Chī fàn) – Eat (command to a single person)
别跑 (Bié pǎo) – Don’t run (negative command to a single person)
打开窗户 (Dǎkāi chuānghù) – Open the window (command to a single person)
请安静 (Qǐng ānjìng) – Please be quiet (polite command to a single person)
Usage of Chinese Imperative Sentences:
Chinese imperative sentences find application in various situations to express commands, requests, or instructions. They are commonly used when giving direct orders or conveying urgency. Moreover, imperative sentences can also be utilized to provide advice, suggestions, or guidance. The tone and context play a significant role in determining the level of formality or politeness while using imperative sentences in Chinese.
Example Sentences:
快点来 (Kuài diǎn lái) – Come quickly (command to a single person)
请给我一杯水 (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ) – Please give me a glass of water (polite request to a single person)
多注意安全 (Duō zhùyì ānquán) – Pay more attention to safety (advice to a single person)
别迟到了 (Bié chídào le) – Don’t be late (command to a single person)
Politeness and Formality in Chinese Imperative Sentences:
Chinese culture places significant emphasis on politeness and respect, which is reflected in the language, including imperative sentences. The degree of politeness and formality in Chinese imperative sentences can be adjusted by incorporating specific words or phrases to soften the command or request. These modifiers help maintain harmonious relationships and demonstrate consideration for the listener’s feelings.
Example Sentences:
请你给我一杯水 (Qǐng nǐ gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ) – Please give me a glass of water (polite request to a single person)
希望你能来 (Xīwàng nǐ néng lái) – I hope you can come (polite request to a single person)
可以请你安静一下吗 (Kěyǐ qǐng nǐ ānjìng yīxià ma) – Can I ask you to be quiet for a moment? (polite request to a single person)
Plural Forms in Chinese Imperative Sentences:
When addressing a group of people in Chinese imperative sentences, the plural form can be expressed by adding specific words or modifying the sentence structure. These additions help indicate that the command or request is directed towards multiple individuals.
Example Sentences:
大家一起行动 (Dàjiā yīqǐ xíngdòng) – Let’s act together (command to a group)
各位请注意 (Gèwèi qǐng zhùyì) – Everyone, please pay attention (request to a group)
Adverbs and Modifiers in Chinese Imperative Sentences:
Chinese imperative sentences can be enhanced further by adding adverbs or modifiers to convey specific meanings or emotions. These words or phrases provide additional information about the urgency, intensity, or manner in which the command or request is given.
Example Sentences:
快点来 (Kuài diǎn lái) – Come quickly (command to a single person)
尽快完成任务 (Jǐnkuài wánchéng rènwù) – Complete the task as soon as possible (command to a single person)
缓慢行走 (Huǎnmàn xíngzǒu) – Walk slowly (command to a single person)
小心点开车 (Xiǎoxīn diǎn kāichē) – Drive carefully (command to a single person)
In conclusion, Chinese imperative sentences play a crucial role in communication in the Chinese language. Understanding the structure, usage, and nuances of imperative sentences is essential for beginners to effectively express commands, requests, and instructions in Chinese. By familiarizing themselves with various examples and considering the level of formality and politeness, learners can navigate different social situations and engage in effective communication in Chinese.
Quick quiz
Exercise 1:
Choose the correct Chinese imperative sentence for the given English command: “Please close the door.”
A) 请开门 (Qǐng kāimén)
B) 请关门 (Qǐng guānmén)
C) 请坐下 (Qǐng zuòxià)
D) 请喝水 (Qǐng hē shuǐ)
Answer: B) 请关门 (Qǐng guānmén)
Explanation: The correct answer is B because “关门” (guānmén) means “close the door” in Chinese. The word “请” (qǐng) is added to make the sentence polite.
Example Sentence: 请关门，谢谢！ (Qǐng guānmén, xièxie!) – Please close the door, thank you!
Exercise 2:
Select the appropriate Chinese imperative sentence for the given English command: “Don’t eat too much.”
A) 吃饭 (Chī fàn)
B) 不要跑 (Bùyào pǎo)
C) 多注意安全 (Duō zhùyì ānquán)
D) 不要吃太多 (Bùyào chī tài duō)
Answer: D) 不要吃太多 (Bùyào chī tài duō)
Explanation: The correct answer is D because “不要吃太多” (Bùyào chī tài duō) translates to “Don’t eat too much” in Chinese. The word “不要” (bùyào) expresses negation in a command.
Example Sentence: 不要吃太多，对身体不好 (Bùyào chī tài duō, duì shēntǐ bù hǎo) – Don’t eat too much, it’s not good for your health.
Exercise 3:
Choose the appropriate Chinese imperative sentence for the given English command: “Let’s go shopping together.”
A) 大家请注意 (Dàjiā qǐng zhùyì)
B) 请给我一杯水 (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ)
C) 大家一起去购物 (Dàjiā yīqǐ qù gòuwù)
D) 小心点开车 (Xiǎoxīn diǎn kāichē)
Answer: C) 大家一起去购物 (Dàjiā yīqǐ qù gòuwù)
Explanation: The correct answer is C because “大家一起去购物” (Dàjiā yīqǐ qù gòuwù) means “Let’s go shopping together” in Chinese. The phrase “一起” (yīqǐ) denotes doing something together as a group.
Example Sentence: 大家一起去购物，好吗？(Dàjiā yīqǐ qù gòuwù, hǎo ma?) – Let’s go shopping together, okay?
Exercise 4:
Choose the correct Chinese imperative sentence for the given English command: “Please wait for me.”
A) 请给我一杯水 (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ)
B) 请等我一下 (Qǐng děng wǒ yīxià)
C) 请开门 (Qǐng kāimén)
D) 请坐下 (Qǐng zuòxià)
Answer: B) 请等我一下 (Qǐng děng wǒ yīxià)
Explanation: The correct answer is B because “请等我一下” (Qǐng děng wǒ yīxià) translates to “Please wait for me” in Chinese. The phrase “等我一下” (děng wǒ yīxià) means “wait for me for a moment.”
Example Sentence: 请等我一下，我很快就到 (Qǐng děng wǒ yīxià, wǒ hěn kuài jiù dào) – Please wait for me, I’ll be there very soon.
Exercise 5:
Select the appropriate Chinese imperative sentence for the given English command: “Be careful while crossing the road.”
A) 快点来 (Kuài diǎn lái)
B) 不要跑 (Bùyào pǎo)
C) 缓慢行走 (Huǎnmàn xíngzǒu)
D) 吃饭 (Chī fàn)
Answer: C) 缓慢行走 (Huǎnmàn xíngzǒu)
Explanation: The correct answer is C because “缓慢行走” (Huǎnmàn xíngzǒu) means “Walk slowly” in Chinese. It is the appropriate command to be careful while crossing the road.
Example Sentence: 在过马路时，请缓慢行走 (Zài guò mǎlù shí, qǐng huǎnmàn xíngzǒu) – When crossing the road, please walk slowly.
Exercise 6:
Choose the correct Chinese imperative sentence for the given English command: “Please be quiet in the library.”
A) 请给我一杯水 (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ)
B) 别迟到了 (Bié chídào le)
C) 请坐下 (Qǐng zuòxià)
D) 图书馆请安静 (Túshūguǎn qǐng ānjìng)
Answer: D) 图书馆请安静 (Túshūguǎn qǐng ānjìng)
Explanation: The correct answer is D because “图书馆请安静” (Túshūguǎn qǐng ānjìng) translates to “Please be quiet in the library” in Chinese. The phrase “请安静” (qǐng ānjìng) specifically requests for silence.
Example Sentence: 图书馆请安静，不要大声说话 (Túshūguǎn qǐng ānjìng, bùyào dàshēng shuōhuà) – Please be quiet in the library, don’t speak loudly.
Exercise 7:
Select the appropriate Chinese imperative sentence for the given English command: “Don’t forget to call me.”
A) 别迟到了 (Bié chídào le)
B) 请关门 (Qǐng guānmén)
C) 别忘了给我打电话 (Bié wàngle gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà)
D) 小心点开车 (Xiǎoxīn diǎn kāichē)
Answer: C) 别忘了给我打电话 (Bié wàngle gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà)
Explanation: The correct answer is C because “别忘了给我打电话” (Bié wàngle gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà) means “Don’t forget to call me” in Chinese. The phrase “别忘了” (bié wàngle) emphasizes not forgetting to perform the action.
Example Sentence: 别忘了给我打电话，好吗？ (Bié wàngle gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà, hǎo ma?) – Don’t forget to call me, okay?
Exercise 8:
Choose the correct Chinese imperative sentence for the given English command: “Let’s start the meeting.”
A) 大家请注意 (Dàjiā qǐng zhùyì)
B) 请等我一下 (Qǐng děng wǒ yīxià)
C) 大家一起开始会议 (Dàjiā yīqǐ kāishǐ huìyì)
D) 请坐下 (Qǐng zuòxià)
Answer: C) 大家一起开始会议 (Dàjiā yīqǐ kāishǐ huìyì)
Explanation: The correct answer is C because “大家一起开始会议” (Dàjiā yīqǐ kāishǐ huìyì) translates to “Let’s start the meeting together” in Chinese. The phrase “一起开始” (yīqǐ kāishǐ) denotes starting an activity together as a group.
Example Sentence: 大家一起开始会议，让我们讨论今天的议程 (Dàjiā yīqǐ kāishǐ huìyì, ràng wǒmen tǎolùn jīntiān de yìchéng) – Let’s start the meeting together and discuss today’s agenda.
Exercise 9:
Select the appropriate Chinese imperative sentence for the given English command: “Please give me a pen.”
A) 请给我一杯水 (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ)
B) 请关门 (Qǐng guānmén)
C) 请给我一支笔 (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī zhī bǐ)
D) 不要跑 (Bùyào pǎo)
Answer: C) 请给我一支笔 (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī zhī bǐ)
Explanation: The correct answer is C because “请给我一支笔” (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī zhī bǐ) means “Please give me a pen” in Chinese. The phrase “一支笔” (yī zhī bǐ) specifically indicates a pen.
Example Sentence: 请给我一支笔，我要写些笔记 (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī zhī bǐ, wǒ yào xiě xiē bǐjì) – Please give me a pen, I want to take some notes.
Exercise 10:
Choose the correct Chinese imperative sentence for the given English command: “Please speak slowly.”
A) 请给我一杯水 (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ)
B) 请关门 (Qǐng guānmén)
C) 请慢慢说 (Qǐng màn màn shuō)
D) 图书馆请安静 (Túshūguǎn qǐng ānjìng)
Answer: C) 请慢慢说 (Qǐng màn màn shuō)
Explanation: The correct answer is C because “请慢慢说” (Qǐng màn màn shuō) translates to “Please speak slowly” in Chinese. The phrase “慢慢说” (màn màn shuō) specifically requests the person to speak slowly.
Example Sentence: 请慢慢说，我不太听得懂 (Qǐng màn màn shuō, wǒ bù tài tīng dé dǒng) – Please speak slowly, I don’t understand very well.
Originally posted 2023-07-20 05:37:39.