这么

§ Understanding 这么 (zhème)

The Chinese adverb 这么 (zhème) is a very useful word that indicates degree or manner, often translated as "so" or "such." It's similar to 那么 (nàme) but usually refers to something close to the speaker or something being discussed right now. You'll hear it a lot in everyday conversations, so mastering it will make your Chinese sound much more natural.

§ Basic Structure: 这么 + Adjective/Verb

The most common way to use 这么 (zhème) is to place it directly before an adjective or a verb to emphasize its degree.

§ Expressing Manner: 这么 + Verb + 得 + Adjective

When you want to describe how an action is performed, you can use the structure "这么 (zhème) + Verb + 得 (de) + Adjective." This is similar to how you'd use degree complements.

§ Asking Questions with 这么 (zhème)

You can also use 这么 (zhème) to ask about the degree or manner of something. This is often done by pairing it with a question word or in a statement that implies a question.

§ Comparing 这么 (zhème) and 那么 (nàme)

While both 这么 (zhème) and 那么 (nàme) mean "so" or "such," there's a subtle difference. 这么 (zhème) generally refers to something closer to the speaker or something that has just been mentioned. 那么 (nàme) refers to something further away or something that was mentioned earlier but isn't the immediate focus.

这么 (zhème)

Used for something immediately present or just stated. Think "this much" or "like this."

那么 (nàme)

Used for something more distant in space or time, or something previously discussed but not the current immediate focus. Think "that much" or "like that."

§ Common Phrases with 这么 (zhème)

Here are some common phrases where 这么 (zhème) is frequently used:

• 为什么这么 (wèishénme zhème)...?: Why so...?

  你为什么这么安静？
  Why are you so quiet?

• 没这么 (méi zhème)...: Not so...

  这个问题没这么复杂。
  This problem is not so complicated.

• 有这么 (yǒu zhème)...?: Is it so...?

  真的有这么好笑吗？
  Is it really that funny?

Practice using 这么 (zhème) in different contexts, and you'll find it becoming a natural part of your Chinese vocabulary quickly. Listen for it in conversations and try to imitate how native speakers use it.

§ Understanding 这么: So, Such

Definition

这么 (zhème) is an adverb used to indicate degree or manner, meaning "so" or "such." It often precedes an adjective or a verb to emphasize the extent of something.

You'll hear 这么 all the time in daily Chinese conversations. It's a super useful word for adding emphasis and expressing how you feel about something. Think of it like saying "so" or "such" in English. Let's break down how you'll encounter it in different situations.

§ 这么 in the Workplace

In a work setting, 这么 can be used to comment on tasks, situations, or even express surprise about how quickly something was done or how difficult something is. It's great for showing a bit of personal opinion or observation.

§ 这么 in School

Students and teachers use 这么 to talk about assignments, exams, or even how interesting (or not interesting) a class is. It helps express strong feelings or observations about academic life.

§ 这么 in News and Current Events

While news reports aim for objectivity, you might still hear 这么 in direct quotes or commentaries where people are expressing their reactions to events. It adds a human touch to the narrative.

§ General Uses of 这么

Beyond specific contexts, 这么 pops up everywhere. It's essential for expressing degrees of qualities or actions in everyday chit-chat. Here are some more examples:

• To express surprise or admiration:

  你这么早就来了！
  You came so early!

• To ask about the degree of something:

  为什么这么贵？
  Why is it so expensive?

• To comment on feelings or conditions:

  天气这么热。
  The weather is so hot.

As you can see, 这么 is incredibly versatile. Pay attention to how native speakers use it, and try to incorporate it into your own conversations to sound more natural and expressive. Practice these examples, and you'll master 这么 in no time!

§ Don't confuse 这么 (zhème) with 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng)

Many learners mix up 这么 (zhème) and 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng) because both can relate to asking about situations or degrees. However, their functions are quite different.

这么 (zhème)

Indicates 'so' or 'such,' expressing a degree or manner that is already known or implied by the speaker. It's often used for emphasis or comparison.

怎么样 (zěnmeyàng)

Means 'how is it?' or 'what about it?' It's a general question word used to inquire about situations, opinions, or suggestions.

Here's how they differ in context:

Here, 这么 (zhème) emphasizes the degree of spiciness. The speaker is reacting to something already experienced.

Here, 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng) asks for an opinion or assessment of the dish.

§ Incorrect placement of 这么 (zhème)

While 这么 (zhème) functions as an adverb, its placement can be tricky. It typically comes before adjectives or verbs to modify them, indicating degree.

• Correct: Subject + 这么 (zhème) + Adjective/Verb

• Incorrect: Subject + Adjective/Verb + 这么 (zhème)

Here, 这么 (zhème) directly precedes the adjective 高兴 (gāoxìng - happy).

A common mistake is placing it at the end or after the modified word:

§ Overusing 这么 (zhème) when other words are more appropriate

While 这么 (zhème) is useful for emphasis, it's not the only way to express degree. Sometimes, other adverbs like 很 (hěn - very), 太 (tài - too/very), or 非常 (fēicháng - extremely) might be more suitable, depending on the exact nuance you want to convey.

• Use 这么 (zhème) when the degree is surprising, unexpected, or being compared to something.

• Use 很 (hěn) for a neutral 'very.'

• Use 太 (tài) for 'too' (often with a negative connotation) or 'very' (when followed by 了 (le) for strong emphasis).

• Use 非常 (fēicháng) for a stronger 'extremely.'