For learners of Mandarin Chinese, understanding how to express different tenses is crucial. While Mandarin does not have tense in the same way that English does, it does employ various words and structures to indicate when an action takes place. One such word is 将 (jiāng), which is often used to denote the immediate future tense. This article will explore how to use 将 effectively to convey upcoming actions or events.
Understanding 将 (jiāng)
The word 将 (jiāng) is a versatile and frequently used character in Mandarin Chinese. It can be translated to mean “will,” “shall,” or “be going to” in English, depending on the context. It is commonly used to indicate an action that is about to happen or an event that is imminent. While English has distinct future tense constructions, Mandarin relies more on context and additional words like 将 to convey the timing of an action.
Basic Structure
To use 将 to indicate the immediate future, you generally follow this structure:
Subject + 将 + Verb + Object
For example:
– 我将去上班 (wǒ jiāng qù shàngbān) – I will go to work.
– 她将吃饭 (tā jiāng chīfàn) – She will eat.
In these sentences, 将 is placed before the verb to show that the action is going to happen soon.
Usage in Different Contexts
While the basic structure is simple, it’s important to understand how 将 can be used in different contexts to convey various nuances of the immediate future.
Expressing Scheduled Events
One of the most common uses of 将 is to indicate scheduled events or plans that will happen soon. For example:
– 我们将开会 (wǒmen jiāng kāihuì) – We will have a meeting.
– 飞机将起飞 (fēijī jiāng qǐfēi) – The plane will take off.
In these examples, 将 is used to show that the events are planned and will occur shortly.
Indicating Intentions
将 can also be used to express someone’s intention to do something in the immediate future. For instance:
– 我将学习中文 (wǒ jiāng xuéxí zhōngwén) – I will study Chinese.
– 他将去见朋友 (tā jiāng qù jiàn péngyou) – He will go to see a friend.
Here, 将 helps to communicate the speaker’s intention or plan to carry out an action soon.
Describing Predictions
Another usage of 将 is to make predictions about what will happen in the near future. For example:
– 天气将变冷 (tiānqì jiāng biàn lěng) – The weather will become cold.
– 市场将变得更好 (shìchǎng jiāng biàn de gèng hǎo) – The market will become better.
In these sentences, 将 is used to predict future changes or developments.
Distinguishing 将 from Other Future Markers
In Mandarin, there are other words and structures that can also indicate the future, such as 会 (huì) and 要 (yào). It is important to understand the differences between these words and 将.
将 vs. 会
The word 会 (huì) is often used to express a future action, particularly when talking about something that will happen eventually or a skill that someone will acquire. For example:
– 我会说中文 (wǒ huì shuō zhōngwén) – I will (can) speak Chinese.
– 他会成功 (tā huì chénggōng) – He will succeed.
While 将 implies immediacy, 会 is more general and can refer to the future in a broader sense.
将 vs. 要
要 (yào) is another word that can indicate the future, but it often carries a sense of necessity or obligation, similar to “need to” or “have to” in English. For example:
– 我们要离开了 (wǒmen yào líkāi le) – We are about to leave.
– 他要去医院 (tā yào qù yīyuàn) – He needs to go to the hospital.
While 将 is more neutral and straightforward in indicating future actions, 要 often suggests a requirement or necessity.
Practical Tips for Using 将
Using 将 effectively requires practice and attention to context. Here are some practical tips to help you master its usage:
Pay Attention to Context
As with many aspects of learning Mandarin, context is key. Pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation to determine if 将 is the appropriate choice. For example, in a formal setting, 将 may be more suitable than 会 or 要.
Practice with Common Phrases
To get comfortable using 将, practice with common phrases and sentences. Here are some examples to get you started:
– 我将去学校 (wǒ jiāng qù xuéxiào) – I will go to school.
– 他们将参加比赛 (tāmen jiāng cānjiā bǐsài) – They will participate in the competition.
– 会议将开始 (huìyì jiāng kāishǐ) – The meeting will start.
Listen and Observe
Listening to native speakers and observing how they use 将 in conversation can be incredibly helpful. Watch Chinese movies, listen to Mandarin podcasts, or engage in conversations with native speakers to hear 将 in action.
Use 将 in Writing
Writing exercises can also reinforce your understanding of 将. Try writing short paragraphs or dialogues that incorporate 将 to describe immediate future actions. For example:
– 明天我将去看医生 (míngtiān wǒ jiāng qù kàn yīshēng) – I will go to see the doctor tomorrow.
– 我们将一起吃晚饭 (wǒmen jiāng yīqǐ chī wǎnfàn) – We will have dinner together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When learning to use 将, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes so you can avoid them.
Overusing 将
While 将 is useful, it is not always necessary to use it for every future action. Mandarin often relies on context to convey meaning, so using 将 in every sentence can sound unnatural. For example:
– 我明天去上班 (wǒ míngtiān qù shàngbān) – I will go to work tomorrow.
In this sentence, the context (明天 – tomorrow) makes it clear that the action is in the future, so 将 is not needed.
Confusing 将 with Other Future Markers
As mentioned earlier, distinguishing 将 from 会 and 要 is crucial. Make sure you understand the nuances of each word to use them correctly. For example:
– 他将会来 (tā jiāng huì lái) – He will come.
In this sentence, both 将 and 会 are used, but it’s more natural to use one or the other, not both. So, you should say either:
– 他将来 (tā jiāng lái) – He will come.
or
– 他会来 (tā huì lái) – He will come.
Misplacing 将 in the Sentence
Remember that 将 typically comes before the verb in the sentence. Incorrect placement can lead to confusion or misunderstanding. For example:
– Incorrect: 我去将上班 (wǒ qù jiāng shàngbān).
– Correct: 我将去上班 (wǒ jiāng qù shàngbān).
Advanced Uses of 将
Once you are comfortable with the basic uses of 将, you can explore some of its more advanced applications.
将 as a Noun
In addition to its function as a future marker, 将 can also be used as a noun meaning “general” or “commander.” For example:
– 他是一名将军 (tā shì yī míng jiāngjūn) – He is a general.
This usage is more specialized, but it’s good to be aware of it as you advance in your Mandarin studies.
将 in Idiomatic Expressions
将 also appears in many idiomatic expressions and set phrases. For example:
– 旗开得胜 (qí kāi dé shèng) – to start off with a success (literally “open the flag and win the victory”).
– 一将功成万骨枯 (yī jiāng gōng chéng wàn gǔ kū) – the success of one general results in the death of ten thousand soldiers.
Learning these expressions can enrich your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of how 将 is used in different contexts.
Conclusion
Using 将 to indicate the immediate future in Mandarin Chinese is a valuable skill for any language learner. It helps to convey actions and events that are about to happen, making your communication more precise and effective. By understanding the basic structure, practicing with common phrases, and paying attention to context, you can master the use of 将 in no time. Remember to listen to native speakers, avoid common mistakes, and explore advanced uses to further enhance your proficiency.
Happy learning, and remember: practice makes perfect!
