他工作很忙
X, (its) Y is …: name the topic, then say something about one part of it
Structure
主语 + （小主语 + 谓语）
What it means
Name a topic first, then add a short sentence about one part of it: 他 + 工作很忙, literally “he, work is busy”.
How it is built
Topic + (small subject + predicate): 这套房子房租不贵 (The rent on this flat isn’t high). 我头有点儿疼 (I’ve got a bit of a headache).
When to use it
This is the normal way to talk about health, work, prices and places. English says “I have a headache”; Chinese says 我头疼.
Watch out
Don’t add 有 or 是. ✗ 我有头疼。 ✓ 我头疼。 ✗ 他工作是很忙。 ✓ 他工作很忙。
Examples
王明工作很忙。
Wang Ming is very busy at work.
这套房子房租不贵。
The rent on this flat isn’t high.
我头有点儿疼。
I’ve got a bit of a headache.
他个子很高。
He’s tall.
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 1: 搬家 (Moving in)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
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