When learning Chinese, knowing how to connect your ideas smoothly is important. Whether you're telling a story, making an argument, or simply having a conversation, using the right linking words will improve your fluency and clarity.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of Chinese linking words and how you can use them effectively.
Why Are Linking Words Important?
Using linking words allows you to:
- Express relationships between ideas more clearly.
- Make your speech and writing more fluid and natural.
- Improve your ability to construct complex sentences.
- Sound more like a native speaker.
Without linking words, sentences can feel choppy and disconnected. For example, instead of saying:
“I like Chinese food. I like Japanese food. I think Japanese food is delicious.”
“我喜欢中国菜。我喜欢日本菜。我觉得日本菜很好吃。” (Wǒ xǐhuan zhōngguó cài. Wǒ xǐhuan rìběn cài. Wǒ juéde rìběn cài hěn hǎochī.)
You can say:
“I like Chinese food, and I also like Japanese food because I think it is delicious.”
“我喜欢中国菜，也喜欢日本菜，因为我觉得它很好吃。” (Wǒ xǐhuan zhōngguó cài, yě xǐhuan rìběn cài, yīnwèi wǒ juéde tā hěn hǎochī.)
See how the sentence flows more smoothly? That’s the power of linking words!
Categories of Linking Words
To help you navigate Mandarin Chinese linking words, here are 100 essential Mandarin Chinese linking words into different functions with examples to help you use them correctly.
一、并列连词 (bìngliè liáncí) Coodinating Conjunctions
表示两个或多个并列的事物、动作或情况：
biǎoshì liǎng gè huò duō gè bìngliè de shìwù, dòngzuò huò qíngkuàng:
Indicates two or more parallel things, actions, or situations:
1. 和 (hé) - and
我喜欢看书和爬山。
(Wǒ xǐhuan kànshū hé páshān.)
—I like reading books and hiking.
2. 也 (yě) - also
我喜欢喝咖啡，也喜欢喝茶。
(Wǒ xǐhuan hē kāfēi, yě xǐhuan hē chá.)
—I like drinking coffee, and I also like drinking tea.
3. 及 (jí) - and (Formal, Often Used In Lists)
这个项目包括设计、开发及测试阶段。
(Zhège xiàngmù bāokuò shèjì, kāifā jí cèshì jiēduàn.)
—This project includes the design, development, and testing stages.
4. 并 (bìng) - and (Formal, Emphasizing Addition Or Connection)
他学了法语，并开始学习西班牙语。
(Tā xuéle fǎyǔ, bìng kāishǐ xuéxí Xībānyáyǔ.)
—He learned French and started studying Spanish.
5. 并且 (bìngqiě) - and (Stronger Emphasis, Often Used In Written Language)
她聪明，并且很努力。
(Tā cōngmíng, bìngqiě hěn nǔlì.)
—She is smart and also hardworking.
6. 而且 (érqiě) - and (Used To Add Emphasis, Especially In Spoken Language)
这本书有趣，而且内容很丰富。
(Zhè běn shū yǒuqù, érqiě nèiróng hěn fēngfù.)
—This book is interesting and very informative.
7. 与 (yǔ) - with (Formal, Used In Written Contexts)
公司的发展战略与市场需求密切相关。
(Gōngsī de fāzhǎn zhànlüè yǔ shìchǎng xūqiú mìqiè xiāngguān.)
—The company's development strategy is closely related with market demand.
8. 又 (yòu) - and (Used For Parallel Actions Or Qualities, Often In Informal Speech)
他又会弹钢琴，又会拉小提琴。
(Tā yòu huì tán gāngqín, yòu huì lā xiǎotíqín.)
—He can play the piano and also the violin.
9. 同时 (tóngshí) - at the same time
他是一个好老师，同时也是一个好父亲。
(Tā shì yí gè hǎo lǎoshī, tóngshí yě shì yí gè hǎo fùqīn.)
—He is a good teacher and, at the same time, a good father.
10. 既 (jì) - both
这个房间既宽敞又明亮。
(Zhège fángjiān jì kuānchǎng yòu míngliàng.)
—This room is both spacious and bright.
11. 既……又…… (jì... yòu...) - both...and...
她既聪明又漂亮。
(Tā jì cōngmíng yòu piàoliang.)
—She is both smart and beautiful.
12. 不仅……而且…… (bùjǐn... érqiě...) - not only... but also...
他不仅会画画，而且会写诗。
(Tā bùjǐn huì huàhuà, érqiě huì xiě shī.)
—He can not only draw but also write poems.
13. 既然……就…… (jìrán... jiù...) - since... then...
既然天气这么好，我们就去公园吧。
(Jìrán tiānqì zhème hǎo, wǒmen jiù qù gōngyuán ba.)
—Since the weather is so nice, then let's go to the park.
14. 既不……也不…… (jì bù... yě bù...) - neither...nor...
他既不喝酒，也不抽烟。
(Tā jìbù hējiǔ, yěbù chōuyān.)
—He neither drinks alcohol nor smokes.
二、转折连词 (zhuǎnzhé liáncí) Adversative Conjunctions
表示前后两个意思相反或有对立关系：
Biǎoshì qiánhòu liǎng gè yìsi xiāngfǎn huò yǒu duìlì guānxì:
Indicates that the preceding and following meanings are opposite or have a contrasting relationship:
15. 但 (dàn)
— But; however
Example: 他很努力，但成绩并不理想。
(Tā hěn nǔlì, dàn chéngjì bìng bù lǐxiǎng.)
— He worked hard, but his results were not ideal.
16. 但是 (dànshì) - More Formal
— But; however
Example: 我想去旅行，但是我没有时间。
(Wǒ xiǎng qù lǚxíng, dànshì wǒ méiyǒu shíjiān.)
— I want to travel, but I don’t have time.
17. 不过 (búguò) - Softer And More Conversational
— But; only; however
Example: 他很有钱，不过他很低调。
(Tā hěn yǒu qián, búguò tā hěn dīdiào.)
— He is very rich, but he is very low-key.
18. 然而 (rán'ér) - Formal And Literary
— However; yet; nevertheless
Example: 天气预报说今天会下雨，然而阳光明媚。
(Tiānqì yùbào shuō jīntiān huì xiàyǔ, rán'ér yángguāng míngmèi.)
— The weather forecast said it would rain today; however, it is sunny and bright.
19. 却 (què) - Emphasizes Unexpected Contrast, Placed Before The Verb
— But; yet; however
Example: 他明明很生气，却没有表现出来。
(Tā míngmíng hěn shēngqì, què méiyǒu biǎoxiàn chūlái.)
— He was clearly angry, yet he didn’t show it.
20. 可是 (kěshì) - Often Used In Speech
— But; however
Example: 我很想去参加聚会，可是我有工作要做。
(Wǒ hěn xiǎng qù cānjiā jùhuì, kěshì wǒ yǒu gōngzuò yào zuò.)
— I really want to go to the party, but I have work to do.
21. 而 (ér) - Often Contrasts Two Clauses
— Whereas; while; but; and
Example: 他很喜欢运动，而我更喜欢安静。
(Tā hěn xǐhuan yùndòng, ér wǒ gèng xǐhuan ānjìng.)
— He loves sports, whereas I prefer peace and quiet.
22. 尽管 (jǐnguǎn)
— Although; even though
Example: 尽管下雨了，我们还是坚持去爬山。
(Jǐnguǎn xiàyǔ le, wǒmen háishì jiānchí qù páshān.)
— Even though it rained, we still insisted on going hiking.
23. 虽然……但是…… (suīrán... dànshì...) - A Set Structure And More Conversational
— Although...
Example: 虽然他很忙，但是他还是抽空来看我。
(Suīrán tā hěn máng, dànshì tā háishì chōukòng lái kàn wǒ.)
— Although he is busy, he still made time to visit me.
24. 即使……也…… (jíshǐ... yě...)
— Even if... still...
Example: 即使你不同意，我也要坚持自己的决定。
(Jíshǐ nǐ bù tóngyì, wǒ yě yào jiānchí zìjǐ de juédìng.)
— Even if you disagree, I will still stick to my decision.
25. 反之 (fǎnzhī)
— On the contrary; conversely
Example: 勤奋能带来成功，反之，懒惰会导致失败。
(Qínfèn néng dàilái chénggōng, fǎnzhī, lǎnduò huì dǎozhì shībài.)
— Hard work leads to success; conversely, laziness leads to failure.
26. 然而 (rán'ér) - Formal And Literary, stronger contrast than 但是
— However; yet
Example: 他看起来很开心，然而内心却很孤单。
(Tā kàn qǐlái hěn kāixīn, rán'ér nèixīn què hěn gūdān.)
— He looks happy, yet he feels lonely inside.
三、因果连词（yīnguǒ liáncí) Causal Conjunctions
表示因果关系，前因后果或先果后因：
Biǎoshì yīnguǒ guānxì, qiányīn hòuguǒ huò xiān guǒ hòu yīn:
Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, with either cause first and effect later or effect first and cause later:
27. 因为 (yīnwèi)
— Because
Example: 我迟到了，因为路上堵车。
(Wǒ chídào le, yīnwèi lùshàng dǔchē.)
—I was late because there was a traffic jam.
28. 由于 (yóuyú)
— Due to; because of
Example: 由于天气不好，航班被取消了。
(Yóuyú tiānqì bù hǎo, hángbān bèi qǔxiāo le.)
— Due to bad weather, the flight was canceled.
29. 所以 (suǒyǐ)
— Therefore; so
Example: 他病了，所以没有来上课。
(Tā bìng le, suǒyǐ méiyǒu lái shàngkè.)
— He was sick, so he didn’t come to class.
30. 因此 (yīncǐ)
— Therefore; thus
Example: 他非常努力，因此取得了好成绩。
(Tā fēicháng nǔlì, yīncǐ qǔdé le hǎo chéngjì.)
— He worked very hard, therefore he achieved good results.
31. 因而 (yīn'ér)
— Thus; as a result
Example: 他受了伤，因而不能参加比赛。
(Tā shòu le shāng, yīn'ér bùnéng cānjiā bǐsài.)
— He got injured, and as a result, he couldn't participate in the competition.
32. 于是 (yúshì)
—So; As a result; hence
Example: 我听说那里风景很美，于是决定去旅游。
(Wǒ tīngshuō nàlǐ fēngjǐng hěn měi, yúshì juédìng qù lǚyóu.)
— I heard the scenery there is beautiful, so I decided to travel there.
33. 既然 (jìrán)
— Since; as
Example: 既然你已经决定了，那我支持你。
(Jìrán nǐ yǐjīng juédìng le, nà wǒ zhīchí nǐ.)
— Since you’ve already made a decision, I’ll support you.
34. 之所以……是因为…… (zhī suǒyǐ... shì yīnwèi...)
— The reason why... is because...
Example: 他之所以成功，是因为他从不放弃。
(Tā zhī suǒyǐ chénggōng, shì yīnwèi tā cóng bù fàngqì.)
— The reason why he succeeded is because he never gave up.
35. 由于……因此…… (yóuyú... yīncǐ...)
— Because of… therefore…
Example: 由于她表现出色，因此获得了奖励。
(Yóuyú tā biǎoxiàn chūsè, yīncǐ huòdé le jiǎnglì.)
— Because of her outstanding performance, therefore she received a reward.
36. 既然……就…… (jìrán... jiù...)
— Since... then...
Example: 既然天气这么好，我们就去爬山吧。
(Jìrán tiānqì zhème hǎo, wǒmen jiù qù páshān ba.)
— Since the weather is so nice, then let's go hiking.
37. 以致 (yǐzhì)
— Resulting in; so that
Example: 他没有认真学习，以致考试不及格。
(Tā méiyǒu rènzhēn xuéxí, yǐzhì kǎoshì bù jígé.)
— He didn’t study seriously, resulting in him failing the exam.
38. 以至于 (yǐ zhì yú)
— So much so that; to such an extent that
Example: 他太专注工作了，以至于忘了吃饭。
(Tā tài zhuānzhù gōngzuò le, yǐ zhì yú wàng le chīfàn.)
— He was so focused on his work, so much so that he forgot to eat.
四、条件连词 (tiáojiàn liáncí) Conditional Conjunctions
表示在某种条件下，事情才能发生：
Biǎoshì zài mǒu zhǒng tiáojiàn xià, shìqíng cáinéng fāshēng:
Indicates that something can only happen under certain conditions:
39. 如果 (rúguǒ) - The Most Common And Neutral Way To Say "If," Used In Both Spoken And Written Chinese
— If
Example: 如果明天下雨，我们就不去爬山了。
(Rúguǒ míngtiān xiàyǔ, wǒmen jiù bù qù páshān le.)
— If it rains tomorrow, we won’t go hiking.
40. 假如 (jiǎrú) - Introduce Hypothetical Or Unlikely Conditions
— If; supposing
Example: 假如我有时间，我一定去看你。
(Jiǎrú wǒ yǒu shíjiān, wǒ yídìng qù kàn nǐ.)
— If I have time, I will definitely visit you.
41. 倘若 (tǎngruò) - More Literary Or Formal, Often Seen In Written Chinese
— If; provided that
Example: 倘若他早一点出发，就不会迟到了。
(Tǎngruò tā zǎo yìdiǎn chūfā, jiù bù huì chídào le.)
— If he had left earlier, he wouldn’t have been late.
42. 若 (ruò) - More Formal, Often Seen In Written Or Classical Chinese
— If; suppose
Example: 若你同意，我们就开始准备吧。
(Ruò nǐ tóngyì, wǒmen jiù kāishǐ zhǔnbèi ba.)
— If you agree, let’s start preparing.
43. 假使 (jiǎshǐ) - Formal, Introduce Hypothetical Or Unlikely Conditions
— If; suppose
Example: 假使我赢了比赛，我会请大家吃饭。
(Jiǎshǐ wǒ yíng le bǐsài, wǒ huì qǐng dàjiā chīfàn.)
— If I win the game, I’ll treat everyone to a meal.
44. 要是 (yàoshi) - Casual And Mainly Used In Spoken Language
— If; in case
Example: 要是你来了，请给我打电话。
(Yàoshi nǐ lái le, qǐng gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà.)
— If you come, please give me a call.
45. 只要 (zhǐyào)
— As long as
Example: 只要努力学习，你一定能成功。
(Zhǐyào nǔlì xuéxí, nǐ yídìng néng chénggōng.)
— As long as you study hard, you will succeed.
46. 除非 (chúfēi)
— Unless
Example: 除非他道歉，否则我不会原谅他。
(Chúfēi tā dàoqiàn, fǒuzé wǒ bù huì yuánliàng tā.)
— Unless he apologizes, I won’t forgive him.
47. 如果……就…… (rúguǒ... jiù...) - Neutral & Formal, Suitable For Both Spoken & Written Chinese
— If... then...
Example: 如果你想去旅行，就提前订票吧。
(Rúguǒ nǐ xiǎng qù lǚxíng, jiù tíqián dìng piào ba.)
— If you want to travel, then book your tickets in advance.
48. 要是……就…… (yàoshi... jiù...) - Casual And Commonly Used In Spoken Chinese
— If... then...
Example: 要是明天不下雨，我们就去公园。
(Yàoshi míngtiān bù xiàyǔ, wǒmen jiù qù gōngyuán.)
— If it doesn’t rain tomorrow, we’ll go to the park.
五、递进连词 (dìjìn liáncí) Progressive Conjunctions
表示层层深入，后一层比前一层更进一步：
Biǎoshì céngcéng shēnrù, hòu yī céng bǐ qián yī céng gèng jìnyíbù:
Indicates a step-by-step progression, with each layer going further than the previous one：
49. 而且 (érqiě)
— "and," "moreover," "furthermore" (often used to add emphasis or progression between clauses)
Example: 他很聪明，而且很努力。
(Tā hěn cōngmíng, érqiě hěn nǔlì.)
— He is very smart and very hardworking.
50. 并且 (bìngqiě)
— "and," "as well," "in addition" (often used to connect actions or parallel ideas)
Example: 她完成了工作，并且帮助了其他同事。
(Tā wánchéng le gōngzuò, bìngqiě bāngzhù le qítā tóngshì.)
— She finished her work and helped other colleagues.
51. 甚至 (shènzhì)
— Even
Example: 他忙得连饭都顾不上吃，甚至连觉都没时间睡。
(Tā máng de lián fàn dōu gù bù shàng chī, shènzhì lián jiào dōu méi shíjiān shuì.)
— He was so busy that he didn’t even have time to eat, even no time to sleep.
52. 更 (gèng)
— Even more
Example: 今天比昨天更冷。
(Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān gèng lěng.)
— Today is even colder than yesterday.
53. 进一步 (jìnyíbù)
— Further; go a step further
Example: 我们需要进一步讨论这个问题。
(Wǒmen xūyào jìnyíbù tǎolùn zhège wèntí.)
— We need to further discuss this issue.
54. 不但……而且…… (bùdàn... érqiě...)
— Not only... but also… （More formal, emphasizes a stronger or unexpected addition.）
Example: 他不但会说英语，而且会说法语。
(Tā bùdàn huì shuō Yīngyǔ, érqiě huì shuō Fǎyǔ.)
— He can not only speak English but also French.
55. 不仅……还…… (bùjǐn... hái...)
— Not only... but also…（More casual, simply adds extra information without strong emphasis.）
Example: 她不仅喜欢画画，还喜欢弹钢琴。
(Tā bùjǐn xǐhuān huàhuà, hái xǐhuān tán gāngqín.)
— She not only likes painting but also playing the piano.
56. 不光……还…… (bùguāng... hái...)
— Not only... but also... (More spoken and informal, emphasizes unexpected additions)
Example: 他不光会做饭，还会打扫卫生。
(Tā bùguāng huì zuòfàn, hái huì dǎsǎo wèishēng.)
— He not only cooks but also cleans.
57. 何况 (hékuàng)
— Let alone; much less ("Let alone", introducing a stronger case but with moderate emphasis.)
Example: 他连基本规则都不懂，何况是复杂的问题。
(Tā lián jīběn guīzé dōu bù dǒng, hékuàng shì fùzá de wèntí.)
— He doesn’t even understand the basic rules, let alone complex issues.
58. 更何况 (gèng hékuàng)
— Let alone; much less ("Even more so", with stronger emphasis on the contrast.)
Example: 这件事连大人都不容易理解，更何况小孩子呢？
(Zhè jiàn shì lián dàrén dōu bù róngyì lǐjiě, gèng hékuàng xiǎoháizi ne?)
— Even adults find this hard to understand, let alone children.
59. 况且 (kuàngqiě)
— Besides; moreover
Example: 这份工作离家很近，况且工资也不错。
(Zhè fèn gōngzuò lí jiā hěn jìn, kuàngqiě gōngzī yě búcuò.)
— This job is close to home, and besides, the salary is good.
60. 甚至于 (shènzhìyú)
— Even to the extent that
Example: 他非常生气，甚至于把桌子都掀翻了。
(Tā fēicháng shēngqì, shènzhìyú bǎ zhuōzi dōu xiānfān le.)
— He was so angry that he even flipped the table.
六、选择连词（xuǎnzé liáncí）Alternative Conjunctions
表示在几种情况中选择其一：
Biǎoshì zài jǐ zhǒng qíngkuàng zhōng xuǎnzé qí yī:
Indicates a choice among several situations：
61. 或 (huò)
— Or （Formal, often in written contexts.）
Example: 你可以选择坐火车或坐飞机去。
(Nǐ kěyǐ xuǎnzé zuò huǒchē huò zuò fēijī qù.)
— You can choose to take the train or the plane.
62. 或者 (huòzhě)
— Or （Used in statements to list choices.）
Example: 我们明天去公园，或者去博物馆，你觉得呢？
(Wǒmen míngtiān qù gōngyuán, huòzhě qù bówùguǎn, nǐ juéde ne?)
— We can either go to the park or the museum tomorrow. What do you think?
63. 还是 (háishì)
— Or (Used In Questions To Ask About Choices）
Example: 你想喝茶还是咖啡？
(Nǐ xiǎng hē chá háishì kāfēi?)
— Do you want tea or coffee?
64. 要么 (yàome)
— Either... or...
Example: 要么你来我家，要么我们在咖啡店见面。
(Yàome nǐ lái wǒ jiā, yàome wǒmen zài kāfēidiàn jiànmiàn.)
— Either you come to my house, or we meet at the coffee shop.
65. 要不 (yàobù)
— Otherwise; how about
Example: 我们要不去吃火锅，要不就点外卖。
(Wǒmen yàobù qù chī huǒguō, yàobù jiù diǎn wàimài.)
— How about we go for hot pot, or we order takeout?
66. 抑或 (yìhuò)
— Or; either... or... (Formal, Rhetorical, Or Poetic)
Example: 这是天意，抑或只是巧合？
(Zhè shì tiānyì, yìhuò zhǐshì qiǎohé?)
— Is this fate, or is it just a coincidence?
67. 宁可……也不…… (nìngkě... yě bù...)
— Would rather... than...
Example: 我宁可迟到，也不想坐那辆挤满人的公交车。
(Wǒ nìngkě chídào, yě bù xiǎng zuò nà liàng jǐ mǎn rén de gōngjiāochē.)
— I’d rather be late than take that crowded bus.
68. 与其……不如…… (yǔqí... bùrú...)
— Rather than... it’s better to...
Example: 与其浪费时间玩游戏，不如去学习。
(Yǔqí làngfèi shíjiān wán yóuxì, bùrú qù xuéxí.)
— Rather than wasting time playing games, it’s better to study.
69. 或是 (huòshì)
— Or (Similar To "或者", But Sometimes More Flexible In Structure)
Example: 你或是自己解决问题，或是找别人帮忙。
(Nǐ huòshì zìjǐ jiějué wèntí, huòshì zhǎo biérén bāngmáng.)
— You can either solve the problem yourself or ask someone for help.
70. 或多或少 (huò duō huò shǎo)
— More or less
Example: 每个人在生活中或多或少都会遇到一些困难。
(Měi gèrén zài shēnghuó zhōng huò duō huò shǎo dūhuì yùdào yīxiē kùnnán.)
— Everyone will encounter some difficulties in life, more or less.
七、承接连词 (chéngjiē liáncí) Sequential Conjunctions
表示动作或情况的承接或顺承关系：
Biǎoshì dòngzuò huò qíngkuàng de chéngjiē huò shùnchéng guānxì:
Indicates the succession or sequential relationship of an action or situation：
71. 然后 (ránhòu)
— Then; afterwards (general sequence with no urgency, spoken & written)
Example: 我先完成了作业，然后去看电影。
(Wǒ xiān wánchéng le zuòyè, ránhòu qù kàn diànyǐng.)
— I finished my homework first, then went to watch a movie.
72. 接着 (jiēzhe)
— then （immediate continuation, spoken）
Example: 他讲完了故事，接着又开始唱歌。
(Tā jiǎng wán le gùshì, jiēzhe yòu kāishǐ chànggē.)
— He finished telling the story, and then started singing.
73. 于是 (yúshì)
— As a result; so
Example: 他没有带伞，雨突然下大了，于是他被淋湿了。
(Tā méiyǒu dài sǎn, yǔ tūrán xià dà le, yúshì tā bèi lín shī le.)
— He didn’t bring an umbrella, and it suddenly started raining heavily, so he got wet.
74. 后来 (hòulái)
— Later; afterwards
Example: 我们原本计划去爬山，后来因为下雨取消了。
(Wǒmen yuánběn jìhuà qù páshān, hòulái yīnwèi xiàyǔ qǔxiāo le.)
— We originally planned to go hiking, but later canceled it due to the rain.
75. 此后 (cǐhòu)
— From then on; thereafter
Example: 他搬到了新城市，此后很少和老朋友联系。
(Tā bān dào le xīn chéngshì, cǐhòu hěn shǎo hé lǎo péngyou liánxì.)
— He moved to a new city and rarely contacted his old friends thereafter.
76. 紧接着 (jǐn jiēzhe)
— Immediately after; following closely
Example: 会议结束后，紧接着是一个聚餐活动。
(Huìyì jiéshù hòu, jǐn jiēzhe shì yí gè jùcān huódòng.)
—After the meeting ended, there was a dinner event immediately after.
77. 接下来 (jiē xiàlái)
— Next; following that
Example: 接下来我们讨论下一个议题。
(Jiē xiàlái wǒmen tǎolùn xià yí gè yìtí.)
— Next, we will discuss the next topic.
78. 再 (zài)
— Then; again (First Action Must Be Completed Before The Next, Often Used In Instructions And Plans)
Example: 先吃完饭，再去散步吧。
(Xiān chī wán fàn, zài qù sànbù ba.)
— Let’s finish eating first, then go for a walk.
79. 继而 (jì'ér)
— Subsequently; then （emphasizing a smooth transition from one action to the next.）
Example: 他先是犹豫了一会儿，继而答应了我们的请求。
(Tā xiān shì yóuyù le yíhuìr, jì'ér dāyìng le wǒmen de qǐngqiú.)
— He hesitated for a moment, then agreed to our request.
80. 从而 (cóng'ér)
— Thus; thereby
Example: 他每天坚持锻炼，从而提高了身体素质。
(Tā měitiān jiānchí duànliàn, cóng'ér tígāo le shēntǐ sùzhì.)
— He exercises every day, thereby improving his physical fitness.
八、综合连词 (zōnghé liáncí) Comprehensive Conjunctions
这些连词有多重功能，可以用在不同语境中：
Zhè xiē lián cí yǒu duō chóng gōng néng, kě yǐ yòng zài bù tóng yǔ jìng zhōng:
These conjunctions have multiple functions and can be used in different contexts：
81. 而 (ér)
— And; but; while
Example: 他努力学习，而他的朋友却不太用功。
(Tā nǔlì xuéxí, ér tā de péngyǒu què bù tài yònggōng.)
— He studies hard, while his friend is not very diligent.
82. 而后 (érhòu)
— afterward
Example: 完成了报告，而后我们讨论了计划。
(Wánchéng le bàogào, érhòu wǒmen tǎolùn le jìhuà.)
—We finished the report, and afterward, we discussed the plan.
83. 然而 (rán'ér)
— However; yet
Example: 他准备得很好，然而比赛时还是输了。
(Tā zhǔnbèi de hěn hǎo, rán'ér bǐsài shí háishì shū le.)
— He prepared well, yet he still lost the competition.
84. 于是 (yúshì)
— Therefore; so
Example: 天气突然变冷，于是大家都穿上了外套。
(Tiānqì tūrán biàn lěng, yúshì dàjiā dōu chuān shàng le wàitào.)
— The weather suddenly became cold, so everyone put on their jackets.
85. 尽管 (jǐnguǎn)
— Although; despite
Example: 尽管天气不好，他们还是出门了。
(Jǐnguǎn tiānqì bù hǎo, tāmen háishì chūmén le.)
— Despite the bad weather, they still went out.
86. 虽然 (suīrán)
— Although
Example: 虽然他很累，但他坚持完成了任务。
(Suīrán tā hěn lèi, dàn tā jiānchí wánchéng le rènwù.)
— Although he was tired, he persisted and completed the task.
87. 即使 (jíshǐ)
— Even if
Example: 即使失败了，我们也不会放弃。
(Jíshǐ shībài le, wǒmen yě bú huì fàngqì.)
— Even if we fail, we won’t give up.
88. 何况 (hékuàng)
— Let alone; moreover
Example: 他连基本的礼貌都不懂，何况是复杂的道理。
(Tā lián jīběn de lǐmào dōu bù dǒng, hékuàng shì fùzá de dàolǐ.)
— He doesn’t even understand basic manners, let alone complex principles.
89. 况且 (kuàngqiě)
— Besides; moreover
Example: 我现在很忙，况且也不太想去。
(Wǒ xiànzài hěn máng, kuàngqiě yě bù tài xiǎng qù.)
— I’m very busy right now, besides, I don’t really want to go.
90. 要是 (yàoshi)
— If （Casual And Mainly Used In Spoken Language）
Example: 要是明天有空，我们就去爬山吧。
(Yàoshi míngtiān yǒu kòng, wǒmen jiù qù páshān ba.)
— If you’re free tomorrow, let’s go hiking.
91. 除非 (chúfēi)
— Unless
Example: 除非你答应我的条件，否则我不会帮你。
(Chúfēi nǐ dāyìng wǒ de tiáojiàn, fǒuzé wǒ bù huì bāng nǐ.)
— Unless you agree to my terms, I won’t help you.
92. 假如 (jiǎrú)
— If; suppose （Introduce Hypothetical Or Unlikely Conditions）
Example: 假如我是你，我就会接受这个机会。
(Jiǎrú wǒ shì nǐ, wǒ jiù huì jiēshòu zhège jīhuì.)
— If I were you, I would take this opportunity.
93. 若是 (ruòshì)
— If （Often used in written or formal contexts）
Example: 若是你早一点告诉我，就不会出错了。
(Ruòshì nǐ zǎo yìdiǎn gàosù wǒ, jiù bù huì chūcuò le.)
— If you had told me earlier, there wouldn’t have been a mistake.
94. 不管 (bùguǎn)
— No matter （Casual, spoken, flexible）
Example: 不管发生什么事，我都会支持你。
(Bùguǎn fāshēng shénme shì, wǒ dūhuì zhīchí nǐ.)
— No matter what happens, I will support you.
95. 无论 (wúlùn)
— No matter （Neutral, used in both speech & writing）
Example: 无论天气多冷，他每天都坚持跑步。
(Wúlùn tiānqì duō lěng, tā měitiān dōu jiānchí pǎobù.)
— No matter how cold it is, he insists on running every day.
96. 不论 (búlùn)
— No matter （Most formal, mostly in writing）
Example: 不论结果如何，我们都要尽力而为。
(Búlùn jiéguǒ rúhé, wǒmen dōu yào jìnlì ér wéi.)
— No matter the result, we must do our best.
97. 既然 (jìrán)
— Since; now that
Example: 既然你已经决定了，就不要后悔。
(Jìrán nǐ yǐjīng juédìng le, jiù bú yào hòuhuǐ.)
— Since you’ve already made a decision, don’t regret it.
98. 因此 (yīncǐ)
— Therefore
Example: 他工作很努力，因此得到了老板的赏识。
(Tā gōngzuò hěn nǔlì, yīncǐ dédào le lǎobǎn de shǎngshí.)
— He worked very hard, therefore he earned the boss’s recognition.
99. 因而 (yīn'ér)
— Thus; as a result
Example: 他身体不好，因而常常请假。
(Tā shēntǐ bù hǎo, yīn'ér chángcháng qǐngjià.)
— He is not in good health, thus he often takes leave.
100. 反之 (fǎnzhī)
— Otherwise
Example: 我们应该多锻炼身体，反之，就会变得越来越虚弱。
(Wǒmen yīnggāi duō duànliàn shēntǐ, fǎnzhī, jiù huì biàn de yuè lái yuè xūruò.)
— We should exercise more; Otherwise, we will become weaker and weaker.
How to Practice Using Linking Words
Read and Listen to Native Content – Pay attention to how native speakers use linking words in articles, podcasts, and conversations.
Write Sentences and Paragraphs – Try using different linking words to create smooth and connected ideas.
Practice Speaking Aloud – Use linking words in conversations to make your speech more natural.
Take Note of Common Patterns – Certain words are often paired together, so observing these patterns will help you use them correctly.
Review and Revise – After writing or speaking, review your use of linking words and see if there are better ways to connect ideas.
Final Thoughts
Mastering linking words in Chinese is an important step toward fluency. They help you connect ideas smoothly, make your speech more coherent, and enhance your ability to express yourself naturally. By learning and practicing these essential words, you’ll be well on your way to speaking and writing Chinese more effectively.
Now, go ahead and start incorporating these key linking words into your Chinese learning journey!
Want to make your learning even easier? Download our free PDF summary of the 100 key Chinese linking words.
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