Chinese Connectors and Transition Words is built for learners who want useful Chinese vocabulary in a clean reference format instead of a long, fluffy article.
Work through the list at your own pace, check the examples, and use the free Download PDF button under the table when you’re ready to study offline.
Use this list as a starting point, then keep going in the Yak Yacker Chinese section for more words, phrases, and study-friendly reference pages.
Quick Quiz
Think you’ve got these connectors nailed? Take the quick quiz below to check your memory-no stress, just a friendly way to see which ones need a second look.
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| Connector | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 一方面 | yī fāngmiàn | on the one hand |
| 不然 | bùrán | otherwise |
| 不过 | búguò | but, however |
| 也就是说 | yě jiù shì shuō | that is to say; in other words |
| 于是 | yúshì | thus, consequently |
| 但是 | dànshì | but |
| 例如 | lì rú | for example |
| 其次 | qícì | secondly, next |
| 即使 | jíshǐ | even if |
| 反之 | fǎn zhī | on the contrary, conversely |
| 反而 | fǎn'ér | on the contrary, instead |
| 另一方面 | lìng yī fāngmiàn | on the other hand |
| 另外 | lìngwài | besides, in addition |
| 只有 | zhǐ yǒu | only if, only when |
| 只要 | zhǐyào | as long as |
| 同时 | tóng shí | at the same time, meanwhile |
| 否则 | fǒu zé | otherwise, or else |
| 因为 | yīnwèi | because |
| 因此 | yīn cǐ | therefore, thus |
| 如果 | rúguǒ | if |
| 实际上 | shíjì shàng | actually, in fact |
| 尤其是 | yóu qí shì | especially, particularly |
| 尽管 | jǐn guǎn | although, even though |
| 并且 | bìngqiě | and, moreover |
| 总之 | zǒng zhī | in short; in summary |
