City University of Hong Kong CLASS CLASS
Making Sense of Grammar
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asked Feb 2, 2021 in Questions about Chinese Grammar by Ariel (34,480 points) | 77 views

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An entity of non-definite nature that is generic in meaning can also serve as the subject.

菠菜很有营养。

Bō cài hěn yǒu yíng yǎng 。

Spinach is nutritious.

 (菠菜 is generic.)

熊猫真可爱。

Xióng māo zhēn kě ài 。

Pandas are really cute.

 (熊猫 is generic.)

[1] Yip, P. C., Rimmington, D., Xiaoming, Z., & Henson, R. (2009). Basic Chinese: a grammar and workbook. Taylor & Francis.

[2] Teng, W. H. (2016). Yufa! A practical guide to Mandarin Chinese grammar. Taylor & Francis.

answered Feb 2, 2021 by Ariel (34,480 points)

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1,613 questions
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