Chinese Grammar Wiki BOOK: Elementary Edition

I live in China. They don't teach grammar in most of their schools here. As John says in the book, they claim that there is no Chinese grammar. The truth is, Chinese is full of grammar. They don't learn/teach it in schools simply because it has become automatic for them.The foundation of natural language learning is speaking. The Chinese are raised speaking this language. Like anyone's native language, they have to know grammar structure in order to use the language. They learn it through speaking (just as you naturally use your native language.)John Pasden identified exactly what those who want to learn Chinese need. His book is anything but boring (as most grammar books are). I've tried to get into numerous Chinese grammar books and just couldn't. When I found this one, it was exactly what I wanted and needed. John has nailed it with these books.If you've been looking for the right grammar book of Chinese that is going to take you by the hand and guide you through this maze of learning, you needn't look any further. This book is it. I could say more, but I think that's enough said.

I was using the HSK app and doing horrible on the grammar sections, like all of em. I thought the book was too pricey, but soon as I opened it, the price was justified and I went back through my previous practice grammar tests on the app and aced em. For real for real. He makes it Hella simple

Great tool for learning chinese

Probably like most beginners self learning Chinese find it to be a monumental task. This book by far seems to the easiest fairly comprehensive book for the beginner and even advanced learner to understand hanyu. Obviously there is no one stand alone method to learn short of living in China. But this book is high on my list to study.

I recommend this book to all students of the Chinese language, not just beginners! If you're just getting started with the language your timing couldn't be better. because you will not find another book that explains the Chinese language so clearly and in so few words. Read the short section in the introduction titled "The Basics" to see what I mean! Those of you who have already studied the language for some time (20+ years in my case!), you will desperately wish you had found this book years ago. And another thing: I used to think that some Chinese grammar points were just intrinsically vague and difficult to master (I'm looking at you double "le"!), but then I discovered the AllSet Chinese Grammar Wiki and realized that the problem wasn't that these grammar points were especially hard, it was that they weren't explained to me properly!!!! Anyway, thanks to John Pasden, Chinese is now a little less mysterious and a lot easier to learn. Can't wait for the next volume!

If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. I own many Chinese grammar books, but this one fills a niche until now not in the market. The grammar explanations are clear with many examples given. It explains things in ways that help the concepts "click" in your head. Too many grammar books complicate concepts with the over use of grammatical terms and formulas. This book is very concise and covers a lot of concepts and structures. It should appeal to the beginning and advanced students alike. Do not underestimate the power of this book.

I've been learning Chinese for a few years and John Pasden has always been a source of great resources. The Chinese grammar wiki website has always been great but organizing it into an e-book took it up another level. I'd like to have a print copy as well, because the content is actually very readable, and in learning Chinese, I find that a paper book is somehow satisfying to read. But if I could only choose one version it would be the e-book version, because of the ability to search for what I need. I consider this book a necessity in studying Chinese; a paper copy would be a nice addition.

Nicely explained with many examples.I knew many stuff but now it’s all sorted in my head.I only wish book had more about the tones and how they change.

I live and work in China but never officially studied Chinese. Being an experienced English teacher, I’ve set my sights on mastering both the written and spoke form of the language.I’ve opted to use Memrise as it allows you to endlessly perfect your pronunciation while learning to recognize both the spoken, and written form of the language. However, Memrise doesn’t go into any sort of grammar (as yet 200/400 characters and 300 particles in the HSK course).This book is the perfect companion in that it introduces the grammar in a logical, ‘as you will need to use it’ kind of way. It’s shining a light on a lot of language that I’ve encountered, and since finding this book I’m now feeling extraordinarily confident at my chances of mastering at least basic and intermediate Chinese. I’ve never heard anyone say that about learning this language. Hooray!N.B. Do not start learning Chinese with this book. I think the worst mistake you can make is learning to say the words wrong. Pinyin the romanized spelling of the Chinese characters, hardly ever sound the way they are written even if you follow the tone markings. You need to learn how to say the words before you read them and then look at the grammar formula.

Very clear and concise explanations of Chinese grammar covering a lot of A1 and A2 (beginner) points. Explanations are clear. Plentiful examples. Clean layout. Divided into short chapters which makes it a very manageable and approachable read. Written with a light and friendly touch- far from the ‘intimidating’ or daunting grammar books of common stereotype (and reality).Lack of contents page for the kindle edition is a very unfortunate oversight. But, still, doesn’t detract from the overall product’s quality. I’m looking forward to getting the next book - intermediate level- in the series.I now own numerous Chinese grammar books and this one is my personal favourite. I highly recommend it.

I ploughed through two text books partly with my teacher, partly alone. This series is apparently the publication of choice in China as the grammar is so well explained. Not for me! I don't live in China, just visit for a few weeks per year and I know my spoken Chinese is not progressing so well as I do not have enough listening and speaking practise. Still, this book explains the grammar really clearly, in my opinion much better than my textbooks. I agree, you need another means of dealing with the pronunciation but for forming simple everyday sentences I found this book the best so far. To find a book which has characters, pinyin and English all together was such a gift! Only disappointed that I can't seem to find a follow on to take me to the next level.

Clearly explained grammar but I would suggest getting some online pronunciation guidance. I use Yoyo Chinese. Getting this on kindle has been very useful as you can increase the size of the characters. Some of them are very similar and almost impossible for me to distinguish when I tried using a real book.

It will take me a while to go through this but so far it seems very good in describing the rules of Chinese grammar. I use it to check what I’m taught in my Chinese class and try the examples. Easy to understand. I think it will be very useful.