Linking words in Chinese 连词
lián cí
How do you join ideas together? 15 essential linking words words in Mandarin Chinese, with pinyin and English. Open it in the app to hear each word, tick off the ones you know and turn them into flashcards.
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 和 | hé | and (between nouns) |
| 但是 | dàn shì | but |
| 可是 | kě shì | but; however |
| 因为 | yīn wèi | because |
| 所以 | suǒ yǐ | so; therefore |
| 虽然 | suī rán | although |
| 如果 | rú guǒ | if |
| 或者 | huò zhě | or (in statements) |
| 还是 | hái shi | or (in questions) |
| 然后 | rán hòu | then; after that |
| 而且 | ér qiě | and also; moreover |
| 不但 | bù dàn | not only |
| 就 | jiù | then; just |
| 也 | yě | also; too |
| 先 | xiān | first |
Example sentences
- 我和妹妹都喜欢猫。My sister and I both like cats.
- 我想去，但是没时间。I want to go, but I don't have time.
- 很贵，可是很好看。It's expensive, but it looks great.
- 因为下雨，我没去。I didn't go because it was raining.
- 我很累，所以早睡了。I was tired, so I went to bed early.
- 虽然很难，但是很有意思。Although it's hard, it's interesting.
- 如果明天不下雨，我们去爬山。If it doesn't rain tomorrow, we'll go hiking.
- 周六或者周日都可以。Saturday or Sunday both work.
- 你喝茶还是咖啡？Would you like tea or coffee?
- 先洗手，然后吃饭。Wash your hands first, then eat.
- 这家店便宜，而且好吃。This place is cheap, and tasty too.
- 他不但会说中文，还会写汉字。He can not only speak Chinese, but also write characters.
- 你到了就给我打电话。Call me as soon as you arrive.
- 我也是学生。I'm a student too.
- 你先走吧。You go first.
Practise speaking
Ready to use these words? The Linking words speaking island has 8 everyday questions about linking words to prepare your own answers to.