Answer to HSK grammar: Learn how to use conjunctions in Chinese

Correct Answer: C

1. 或者 (huòzhě) — or; possibly; maybe; perhaps
The word “或者 (huòzhě)” can be used to connect words when one is offering/considering choices such as “chicken or beef” It is used for “or” statements.
Structure: Possibility 1 + 或者 (huòzhě) + Possibility 2

Wǒ hē kāfēi huòzhě chá, dōu kěyǐ.
我  喝  咖啡   或者    茶，都  可以。
I drink coffee or tea. Either is OK.

2. 和 (hé) —and
The most common way to express “and” in Chinese is “ 和 (hé).” It’s important to note that “和 (hé)” is mainly used to link nouns. This is how you should use it exclusively as you get used to it. Don’t try to link verbs (or whole sentences) with “和 (hé).”
Structure: Noun 1 + 和 (hé) + Noun 2

Lǎobǎn xǐhuan kāfēi hé chá.
老板      喜欢   咖啡  和  茶。
The boss likes coffee and tea.

3. 而 (ér) — and; as well as; and so; but; yet
The conjunction “而 (ér)” is used to connect two sentences that are related to each other, but talk about contrasting ideas or subjects. In this manner, it can be seen as a word meaning “but” or “rather.” “而 (ér)” is often used in a more formal or literary sense, but it is also common in everyday speech.
Structure: Sentence 1 , 而 (ér) + Sentence 2

Wǒ xǐhuān zhōngguó cài, ér tā bú xǐhuān.
我    喜欢       中国 菜，  而 他 不   喜欢。
I like Chinese food, but he does not.

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