Using 了 (le) to Talk About the Past

In Mandarin, we use 了 (le) after a verb to say that something has already happened.

For example:

• 我吃了 (Wǒ chī le) - "I ate."

Important Grammar Points

1. Using 把 (bǎ) Construction

   • This helps us show that we are handling or moving something.
   • 我把书放在桌子上。 (Wǒ bǎ shū fàng zài zhuōzi shàng.) - "I put the book on the table."

2. If Sentences with 如果 (rúguǒ)

   • The word 如果 means "if" and is used for conditions.
   • 如果下雨，我就不去。 (Rúguǒ xià yǔ, wǒ jiù bù qù.) - "If it rains, I won’t go."

3. How to Ask Questions (疑问句 - yíwènjù)

   • This is how we ask questions:
   • 你吃了吗？ (Nǐ chī le ma?) - "Did you eat?"

4. Making Comparisons with 比 (bǐ) and 更 (gèng)

   • We use these to compare two things:
   • 她比我高。 (Tā bǐ wǒ gāo.) - "She is taller than me."
   • 他更聪明。 (Tā gèng cōngmíng.) - "He is smarter."

5. Talking About Directions with 来 (lái) and 去 (qù)

   • These words show where someone is going:
   • 我去学校。 (Wǒ qù xuéxiào.) - "I go to school."
   • 他来我家。 (Tā lái wǒ jiā.) - "He comes to my house."

6. Talking About Ability (能...)

   • This shows what someone is able to do:
   • 我能游泳。 (Wǒ néng yóuyǒng.) - "I can swim."

7. Ongoing Actions with 在 (zài)

   • This helps us describe what someone is doing right now:
   • 我在吃饭。 (Wǒ zài chīfàn.) - "I am eating."

8. Talking About Experiences with 过 (guò)

   • This tells us about things you have done before:
   • 我去过中国。 (Wǒ qù guò Zhōngguó.) - "I have been to China."

9. Using 吧 (ba) at the End of Sentences

   • This word suggests something or makes a guess:
   • 你想吃吧？ (Nǐ xiǎng chī ba?) - "You want to eat, right?"