很 + Adjective
HSK 1- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The adverb 很 typically precedes adjectives to complete a sentence, and does not necessarily carry the meaning "very."
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
In Chinese, a sentence with only "Subject + Adjective" (e.g., 我好) sounds unnatural and often implies comparison. To express a simple fact, 很 is typically inserted between them.
Here, 很 functions as a linking word, making the sentence complete and more natural. It does not emphasize degree and is generally not translated as "very." When spoken, 很 is said lightly, without stress.
If you genuinely want to emphasize "very," you can stress 很 when speaking, or use other adverbs such as 非常 (extremely) or 特别 (especially).
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 他很高兴。繁: 他很高興。Tā hěn gāoxìng.
He is very happy.
- 今天天气很好。繁: 今天天氣很好。Jīntiān tiānqì hěn hǎo.
The weather today is very nice.
- 这个苹果很甜。繁: 這個蘋果很甜。Zhège píngguǒ hěn tián.
This apple is very sweet.
- 我的老师很忙。繁: 我的老師很忙。Wǒ de lǎoshī hěn máng.
My teacher is very busy.
- 越南咖啡很好喝。Yuènán kāfēi hěn hǎo hē.
Vietnamese coffee tastes very good.