Give reasons and connect actions
Link two ideas with 因为, 所以, 但是, and 然后.
What you’ll work on
- Give a reason with 因为.
- Introduce a result with 所以.
- Distinguish “and” between nouns from linking full actions.
A short conversation
Google voice when available; device voice as a fallback. Pinyin shows dictionary tones; natural speech includes the tone changes taught in the lessons.
你为什么学习中文？
Why do you study Chinese?
因为我喜欢中文。
Because I like Chinese.
你今天想去学校吗？
Would you like to go to school today?
今天很忙，所以我在家学习。
I am busy today, so I am studying at home.
Ask why and give a reason
为什么 asks “why”. 因为 introduces a reason. You can answer a why question with a short 因为 clause when the result is already understood.
A full sentence can include 因为…所以…: because of one situation, a result follows. Unlike formal English, Mandarin commonly uses both parts in the same sentence.
Contrast is different from sequence
但是 introduces a contrast. 然后 introduces the next action in a sequence. Choose according to the relationship, rather than putting the same “and” word between everything.
先…然后… organizes two steps: first one thing, then another. Both action phrases can share the same subject when it is clear.
Use 和 between nouns
和 commonly joins nouns: 茶和咖啡, tea and coffee. It is not a general connector to place between any two full clauses. Link actions with a suitable sequence word or simply form two clear sentences.
Keep your first connected answers short. A correct two-sentence answer is more useful than a long sentence whose relationships are unclear.
Lesson vocabulary
Listen once, say it aloud, and try to recall the Chinese before looking.
| Chinese / pinyin | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| 为什么 wèi shén me | why | |
| 因为 yīn wèi | because | |
| 所以 suǒ yǐ | so / therefore | |
| 但是 dàn shì | but | |
| 先 xiān | first (before another action) | |
| 然后 rán hòu | then | |
| 和 hé | and (joining nouns) | |
| 出去 chū qù | to go out |
Practice questions
Try every question, then check your answers. Capital letters and punctuation do not affect your score. Pinyin tone marks matter. For typed answers, use simplified characters or the taught pinyin (spacing is flexible).
Showing an answer makes that question a practice item worth zero for this attempt. Retry with the answers hidden when you’re ready. If audio cannot play, use Show answer / text to practice by reading.
Independent practice
These are independent practice tasks. The site does not record your voice, save your writing, or grade open-ended answers. Ask a teacher or conversation partner for feedback when you can.
Speaking practice
Give a reason for studying Chinese, contrast two choices, and explain two actions in sequence.
Writing practice
Write one sentence with 因为…所以…, one with 但是, and one noun phrase with 和.
Review the lesson objectives
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