CN test V3

Grammar

Grammar rule #1: “往 + 方向/地点 + 走” (go toward)
Use 往 to indicate direction, followed by a direction word or place, then a movement verb like 走. Preposition placement is before the verb.
Pattern: 往 + 左/右/前/后/那边/某地 + 走/开/跑.
This structure is common in giving directions and is very natural in speech.
It can be combined with “一直” or “到…再…” to add steps.

Examples:
你从这个出口往右走，一直走到第一个红绿灯。
再拐弯往左走。
小周一边走一边在心里记录：右走、红绿灯、拐弯、药房、对面。

Grammar rule #2: “看到…就…” (once you see…, then…)
Use 看到 + 事物 to set a condition, and 就 to show an immediate result or next step. Condition comes before the action.
Pattern: 看到 + 地标/东西 + 就 + 知道/可以/该 + 动作.
This is helpful for directions because landmarks give clear checkpoints.
It also reduces uncertainty when there are many turns or exits.

Examples:
你会看到一家药房，医院就在药房的对面。
你看到了药房吗？看到药房就对了。
他终于看到了药房，抬头一看，医院就在对面。

Idiomatic Expressions

• 一出…就…
  Explanation (EN): Describes something that happens immediately after another action, often used for quick sequences.
  Example (ZH): 他一出站就发现附近有两个出口。
  Example (Pinyin): Tā yí chūzhàn jiù fāxiàn fùjìn yǒu liǎng gè chūkǒu.
  Example (EN): As soon as he left the station, he discovered there were two exits nearby.
• 不太…
  Explanation (EN): A soft way to say something is “not very” good/clear/strong, making the tone more polite.
  Example (ZH): 路牌也不太清楚。
  Example (Pinyin): Lùpái yě bù tài qīngchu.
  Example (EN): The road signs also weren’t very clear.
• 还是…更…
  Explanation (EN): Used to express a preference after comparing options (e.g., map vs. asking people).
  Example (ZH): 他想：还是问人更方便。
  Example (Pinyin): Tā xiǎng: háishi wèn rén gèng fāngbiàn.
  Example (EN): He thought: asking people is still more convenient.
• 要是…也…
  Explanation (EN): A common conditional pattern: if something happens, then an additional suggestion or result follows.
  Example (ZH): 要是你走错了，也别担心，再回来就行。
  Example (Pinyin): Yàoshi nǐ zǒu cuò le, yě bié dānxīn, zài huílái jiù xíng.
  Example (EN): If you go the wrong way, don’t worry—just come back.
• 终于
  Explanation (EN): Expresses that something took time/effort and was achieved at last.
  Example (ZH): 他终于看到了药房。
  Example (Pinyin): Tā zhōngyú kàn dào le yàofáng.
  Example (EN): He finally saw the pharmacy.

Cultural Insights

• Hospitals as landmarks
  In many Chinese cities, large public hospitals are well-known reference points, so locals often use them as landmarks.
  When asking for directions, saying the full name (e.g., “人民医院”) helps avoid confusion with smaller clinics.
  People may also ask you to identify nearby landmarks like a pharmacy or a traffic light.
  This “landmark first” style is practical in crowded areas.
• Pharmacies near hospitals
  It’s common to find pharmacies near hospital entrances because patients often buy medicine right after appointments.
  That’s why “药房/药店” frequently appears in real-life directions around medical areas.
  Locals may describe the hospital as “opposite the pharmacy” or “next to the pharmacy.”
  This makes directions quick and easy.
• Politeness in public help
  Using “请问” and a calm tone is the default polite way to ask strangers for help in China.
  It signals respect and increases the chance of getting a friendly response.
  Many people will also add reassurance like “别担心” when giving directions.
  This helps reduce the other person’s stress.