Bootstrap Chinese Grammar · Free book sample
Free Chinese
grammar PDF
Start with 10 small steps. Read clear explanations, follow the translated examples, and see how Chinese sentences fit together.
A sample of the companion book, with the first 10 grammar topics
A manageable place to begin
Inside your free sample
Build your first Mandarin sentences with 是 (shì), 不 (bù) and 吗 (ma), then explore plurals, numbers and measure words.
- 01The verb 是 (shì) - 'to be' and personal pronouns
- 02Negation using 不 (bù)
- 03Chinese verbs and sentence word order
- 04Asking questions with 吗 (ma)
- 05Personal pronouns as verb objects
- 06'This (thing)' and 'that (thing)' using 这 (zhè) and 那 (nà)
- 07'What?' Asking questions with 什么 (shénme)
- 08Plurals and the plural marker 些 (xiē)
- 09Numbers in Chinese
- 10The counter or measure word 个 (gè)
Put the page into practice
Read the rule
Then hear it work
The Bootstrap Chinese Grammar app adds native-speaker audio and interactive exercises. Make a mistake and a “Why?” explanation helps you understand it. Spaced repetition helps you revisit what you learn.
The first 10 app topics are free, with explanations, audio and exercises. One purchase unlocks all 204 topics for lifetime access. No subscription.
Before you download
A few questions
Is this the full grammar book?
No. This is a free sample containing the first 10 topics, plus the book’s introductory material. Explore the full book or continue in the app.
Does the PDF include audio?
The PDF is a reading sample. Native-speaker audio and interactive exercises are available in the Bootstrap Chinese Grammar app. The first 10 app topics are free.
Do I need an account to download it?
No. Use the download button to save the PDF directly. There is no signup form.
Can I use the sample alongside the app?
Yes. Match the topic number in the sample to the same topic in the app. You can read the explanation in the PDF and listen to the examples in the app.