How to use 多
Subj. + 多 + Adj. ?
多 before an adjective asks about the extent of a quality. The subject usually comes first, followed by 多 and the descriptive word. The choice of adjective tells the listener what measurement or degree to supply. Height, size, distance, and other measurable qualities fit this useful question pattern.
Some combinations have conventional meanings. 多大 may ask about physical size or a person's age, depending on its subject and the situation. Age questions also require attention to familiarity and politeness, especially with adults. Because 多 already supplies the interrogative meaning, a straightforward degree question does not need 吗. Distinguish this questioning use from emotional exclamations built with the same word.
Examples with pinyin and English
她多高？
How tall is she?
你家多大？
How large is your house?
你的孩子多大？
How old is your child?
黄河多长？
How long is the Yellow River?
What to remember
- Put 多 before the relevant adjective.
- Read 多大 as size or age contextually.
- Degree questions normally omit 吗.
Practise the pattern
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
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