How to use 形容词重叠
A A + 的 (+ Noun)
Some Chinese adjectives can repeat to make a description vivid or expressive. Single-syllable adjectives often follow an AA pattern, commonly with 的 in a descriptive phrase. Suitable two-syllable adjectives often use AABB, repeating each syllable in turn. Not every adjective allows these patterns naturally, so learn familiar combinations rather than applying them mechanically.
Reduplicated descriptions can modify nouns, appear in predicates, or describe how an action is performed with 地 where appropriate. They often present an impression rather than an exact numerical increase in degree. Some state words also take ABAB when used more like activities, such as making oneself comfortable. Distinguish that limited-action use from ordinary adjective description and from the separate rules for verb reduplication.
Examples with pinyin and English
你的脸红红的。
Your face is red.
宝宝的眼睛大大的。
The baby's eyes are big.
今晚的月亮圆圆的。
The moon is round tonight.
她爸爸高高胖胖的。
Her father is tall and fat.
What to remember
- Learn which adjectives naturally permit repetition.
- AA and AABB are common descriptive patterns.
- Limited-action uses can follow different patterns.
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.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.