很 + Adjective

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Structure (结构 jiégòu)

SubjectAdjective

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, is typically inserted between them.

Here, 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, is said lightly, without stress.

If you genuinely want to emphasize "very," you can stress when speaking, or use other adverbs such as 非常 (extremely) or 特别 (especially).

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 他很高兴。
    繁: 他很高興。 hěn gāoxìng.

    He is very happy.

  2. 今天天气很好。
    繁: 今天天氣很好。Jīntiān tiānqì hěn hǎo.

    The weather today is very nice.

  3. 这个苹果很甜。
    繁: 這個蘋果很甜。Zhège píngguǒ hěn tián.

    This apple is very sweet.

  4. 我的老师很忙。
    繁: 我的老師很忙。 de lǎoshī hěn máng.

    My teacher is very busy.

  5. 越南咖啡很好喝。
    Yuènán kāfēi hěn hǎo hē.

    Vietnamese coffee tastes very good.