In Mandarin Chinese, there are special words called measure words (量词) that help us sort nouns. Each noun needs the correct measure word based on its qualities. Here are some common measure words for different items:

1. People:

   • 个 (gè) is the general word we use for people.
     • For example: 两个人 (liǎng gè rén) means "two people."

2. Animals:

   • 只 (zhī) is often used for animals.
     • For example: 三只猫 (sān zhī māo) means "three cats."

3. Books/Papers:

   • 本 (běn) is used for items that are bound, like books.
     • For example: 五本书 (wǔ běn shū) means "five books."

4. Flat Objects:

   • 张 (zhāng) is used for flat things like paper or tables.
     • For example: 一张桌子 (yī zhāng zhuōzi) means "one table."

To make longer sentences, you can connect ideas using words like "if." For example:

• 我们去旅行，如果天气好的话。(Wǒmen qù lǚxíng, rúguǒ tiānqì hǎo de huà.) means "We will travel if the weather is good."

You can also change the focus of a sentence using the passive voice.

• For example: 书被我读了。(Shū bèi wǒ dúle.) means "The book was read by me."

Some words show when an action is finished:

• 了 (le) shows that something is complete: 我吃了。(Wǒ chīle.) means "I have eaten."
• 过 (guò) talks about past experiences: 我去过中国。(Wǒ qùguò Zhōngguó.) means "I have been to China."
• 在 (zài) shows that something is happening right now: 我在吃饭。(Wǒ zài chīfàn.) means "I am eating."

To express feelings, you can say: 我感到很高兴。(Wǒ gǎndào hěn gāoxìng.) which means "I feel very happy."

For suggestions, you might say: 你应该试试这个。(Nǐ yīnggāi shìshì zhège.) which means "You should try this."

By practicing these parts of Mandarin, you will improve your speaking and understanding of the language!