他 (tā) — topic + subject + predicate

Topic (Subj.) + Subj. + V./Adj.

HSK 23.0

Pattern diagram

Who / whatNounAdjective

Rule structure

In Chinese, the predicate itself can be a subject-predicate clause: a large topic comes first, followed by a small subject and its predicate. This two-layer structure often translates as "as for the topic, its/his…". For example, 他身体很好 (tā shēn tǐ hěn hǎo) means "as for him, his health is very good".

Examples

他身体很好。

Tā shēntǐ hěn hǎo.

He is in good health.

这家饭馆菜很好吃。

Zhè jiā fànguǎn cài hěn hǎochī.

The food at this restaurant is delicious.

Try this rule

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Words from this rule

Frequently asked questions

How do you say “topic + subject + predicate” in Chinese with 他?

Use the structure: Topic (Subject) + Subject + Verb/Adj.. For example: 他身体很好。 — “He is in good health”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

他身体很好。 — “He is in good health”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Level 2.

Tomyo

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More HSK 3.0 Level 2 grammar rules