01 / READExamples
Highlighted words show the grammar pattern. Reveal the English translation when needed.
这间教室很亮。
This classroom is bright.
很 makes this a neutral description; it need not mean exceptionally bright.
今天的汤很热。
Today’s soup is hot.
A longer noun phrase can be the subject without changing the pattern.
这个办法不难。
This method is not difficult.
不 directly negates the adjective 难.
02 / UNDERSTANDHow it works
Sentence pattern
Many Chinese adjectives can act as the main description of a sentence. To say that something is warm, convenient, or expensive, put the adjective after the subject. 很 often links the two in a neutral statement. You do not need an extra 是 before the adjective.
A dictionary may translate 很 as “very,” but its force depends on context and emphasis. In an ordinary sentence, the most natural English translation may simply be “is warm.” If you stress 很, the idea of a high degree becomes stronger. Do not automatically turn every 很 into an emphatic “very.”
An adjective without 很 can work when the context supplies a contrast, comparison, question, or other structure. As a beginner, use the complete 很 pattern for an ordinary description. For a straightforward negative description, use 不 directly before the adjective. 不很 has a different meaning: “not very.”
COMMON MISTAKESWhat to watch for
Avoid这条路窄很。
Use这条路很窄。
很 comes before the adjective 窄. It does not follow the adjective.
03 / PRACTISECheck your understanding
04 / VOCABULARYLesson vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning here |
|---|---|---|
| 教室 | jiàoshì | classroom |
| 亮 | liàng | bright |
| 舒服 | shūfu | comfortable |
Choose a Chinese word for dictionary definitions, examples and stroke order. The meanings above are specific to this lesson.
What is in the download?
The TSV contains Chinese words, pinyin and meanings. Import instructions are below.
Written for this website. Levels indicate difficulty, not official HSK placement. The app covers this topic with different wording and exercises.
