Languages 1001

What is a Subject? 主语 (zhǔyǔ)
The subject is the "who" or "what" that does the action or “is” described in the sentence. In English, the subject comes before the verb: "Lili eats breakfast." In Chinese, the subject works the same way and usually comes at the beginning of the sentence.

Possible Subjects:

• Nouns (like 张莉莉, 房间, 衣服)
• Pronouns (like 我, 他, 你)
• Noun phrases (like 这个房间, 那个朋友的书)

Examples with our characters:

• 衣服很好看。(The clothes look good.)
  Subject: 衣服
  Friendly tip: Even if you're not fashionable, "衣服" can always look good – especially if Lili picked them!
• 他在看电视。(He is watching TV.)
  Subject: 他
  Haoran probably binge-watching dramas when he should be doing homework...
• 这个房间很干净。(This room is very clean.)
  Subject: 这个房间
  Because when Grandma Xiulan visits, everything gets spotless!

How do I spot the subject?
Ask yourself: WHO or WHAT is this sentence talking about? That’s your subject!

Formula:

[Subject] + [Verb] + [Other]

You can’t have a Chinese sentence without the subject—it’s like having a birthday party without cake.

Let's practice!

1) Lili is very hardworking.
很努力。

    <p>2) <b>He</b> is eating.<br>
    <input type="text" answer="他"> 在吃饭。</p>

    <p>3) <b>This store clerk</b> is friendly.<br>
    <input type="text" answer="这个店员"> 很友好。</p>

    <p>4) <b>Lili’s sister</b> is a student.<br>
    <input type="text" answer="张晓彤"> 是学生。</p>

    <p>5) <b>The clothes</b> are pretty.<br>
    <input type="text" answer="衣服"> 很好看。</p>

    <p>6) <b>This room</b> is clean.<br>
    <input type="text" answer="这个房间"> 很干净。</p>

    <submit>Submit</submit><show-answer>Show Answer</show-answer>

Pro-tip: Next time you read a Chinese sentence, wink at the subject — it’s the star of the show! 🌟