Serial verb 连动句
HSK 1- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
A serial verb construction expressing a single subject performing multiple actions in sequence.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
A serial verb sentence (连动句) is used to express a single subject performing two or more successive actions. These actions typically share a relationship of purpose or manner, and are arranged in the chronological order in which they occur.
For example, the first action 去食堂 (going to the cafeteria) is performed in order to carry out the second action 吃饭 (eating a meal). No conjunctions such as 和 (and) appear between the verbs.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 我去食堂吃饭。繁: 我去食堂吃飯。Wǒ qù shítáng chīfàn.
I went to the cafeteria to eat.
- 他坐飞机去北京。繁: 他坐飛機去北京。Tā zuò fēijī qù Běijīng.
He took a plane to Beijing.
- 我回家看书。繁: 我回家看書。Wǒ huí jiā kàn shū.
I went home to read a book.
- 老师来教室上课。繁: 老師來教室上課。Lǎoshī lái jiàoshì shàngkè.
The teacher came to the classroom to teach the lesson.
- 他用筷子吃饭。繁: 他用筷子吃飯。Tā yòng kuàizi chīfàn.
He uses chopsticks to eat rice.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我去食堂和吃饭。Correct:我去食堂吃饭。
In a serial verb construction, there is no need to use conjunctions like 和 (and) to connect the verbs.
- Wrong:我吃饭去食堂。Correct:我去食堂吃饭。
Verbs must be arranged in the order that actions occur in time. You must go to the cafeteria first before you can eat.