咱们 (zán mén) — inclusive “we”

咱们 (zánmen) + Verb; 咱们的 (zánmen de) + Noun; 咱们一起 (zánmen yìqǐ) + Verb

HSK 33.0

Pattern diagram

咱们Action

Rule structure

咱们 (zánmen) is a colloquial personal pronoun meaning "we" that necessarily includes the listener. Unlike 我们 (wǒmen), it emphasizes togetherness: the speaker invites the listener or groups them with himself. It is used in invitations and joint suggestions, often with 一起 (yìqǐ). The form 咱们的 (zánmen de) marks possession by a group that includes the listener.

Examples

咱们一起吃饭吧。

Zánmen yìqǐ chīfàn ba.

Let's eat together.

咱们走吧。

Zánmen zǒu ba.

Let's go.

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Words from this rule

Frequently asked questions

How do you say “inclusive ‘we’” in Chinese with 咱们?

Use the structure: 咱们 (zánmen) + Verb; 咱们的 (zánmen de) + Noun; 咱们一起 (zánmen yìqǐ) + Verb. For example: 咱们一起吃饭吧。 — “Let's eat together”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

咱们一起吃饭吧。 — “Let's eat together”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Level 3.

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More HSK 3.0 Level 3 grammar rules