When you write longer sentences in Mandarin, conjunctions are super important. Let's look at some key conjunctions and how to use them:

1. And (和 hē)

   • This word connects two similar ideas.
   • Example: 我喜欢吃苹果和香蕉。
   • Translation: I like eating apples and bananas.

2. But (但是 dànshì)

   • This word shows a difference between ideas.
   • Example: 我想去旅行，但是我没有时间。
   • Translation: I want to travel, but I don’t have time.

3. Because (因为 yīnwèi)

   • This word explains why something happens.
   • Example: 我迟到了，因为我堵车。
   • Translation: I was late because I was stuck in traffic.

4. If (如果 rúguǒ)

   • This word is used when something depends on a condition.
   • Example: 如果明天下雨，我就不去。
   • Translation: If it rains tomorrow, I won’t go.

By learning these conjunctions, you can write longer and more interesting sentences in Mandarin!