In Mandarin, there’s a special word called 了 (le). This word helps show when something has changed or when an action is done. Let’s make it simple to understand how to use it.

1. Basic Structure:

   • You can create a basic sentence like this:
     Subject + Verb + Object + 了
   • For example:
     我吃了苹果 (Wǒ chīle píngguǒ), which means "I ate an apple."

2. Using Measure Words:

   • You can also use 了 with measure words.
   • For example:
     我读了两本书 (Wǒ dúle liǎng běn shū), which means "I read two books."

3. Asking Questions:

   • You can ask questions using 了 too.
   • For example:
     你吃了吗? (Nǐ chīle ma?), which means "Did you eat?"

4. Saying You Didn’t Do Something:

   • If you want to say you didn’t do something, use 没 (méi) with 了:
   • For example:
     我没吃 (Wǒ méi chī), which means "I did not eat."

5. Talking About Ongoing Actions:

   • If you want to show that something is happening right now, use 着 (zhe):
   • For example:
     我在吃着 (Wǒ zài chī zhe), which means "I am eating."

Try practicing these examples to get better at using 了!