A1 Sentence Structure 12 min read Easy

Simple Descriptions with {很|hěn}

Never use {是|shì} to describe things; use {很|hěn} + Adjective instead.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

In Chinese, adjectives act like verbs. Use {很|hěn} before an adjective to make a complete sentence.

  • Use {很|hěn} + adjective for simple descriptions: {他|tā}{很|hěn}{高|gāo} (He is tall).
  • Do not use {是|shì} with adjectives: {他|tā}{是|shì}{高|gāo} is incorrect.
  • In the negative, use {不|bù}: {他|tā}{不|bù}{高|gāo} (He is not tall).
Subject + 很 + Adjective

Overview

Learning to describe things in Chinese is fundamental, yet it presents one of the most common pitfalls for beginners: the direct translation of "is." Unlike English, where a verb like "to be" (is, am, are) is essential to connect a subject to an adjective, Chinese handles this relationship differently. If you find yourself thinking 我是高兴 (Wǒ shì gāoxìng) for "I am happy," you've stumbled into the classic beginner trap. This grammar rule will illuminate how to create natural, grammatically correct descriptions from your very first steps.

In Chinese, adjectives often act as verbs themselves, inherently carrying the meaning of "to be" or "to seem." This unique characteristic means you generally do not need 是 (shì) when describing a person, place, or thing with an adjective. Instead, a crucial element for neutral descriptions is the word 很 (hěn), which often functions as a grammatical marker rather than strictly meaning "very." Mastering this structure early on will significantly improve the naturalness of your spoken and written Chinese.

How This Grammar Works

At the heart of simple Chinese descriptions lies the concept of stative verbs. Many words we categorize as "adjectives" in English function as verbs in Chinese. For instance, 忙 (máng) means "busy," but in Chinese, it carries the inherent meaning "to be busy." Similarly, 高兴 (gāoxìng) means "happy" or "to be happy," and 饿 (è) means "hungry" or "to be hungry." This intrinsic verb-like quality means these words do not require an additional verb like 是 (shì) to form a complete descriptive sentence.
Consider the sentence 他忙 (Tā máng). While grammatically complete, a sentence like this, featuring only a subject and an adjective, often carries an implicit comparative or contrastive nuance. It might subtly suggest "He is busy [but others are not]" or "He is busy [as opposed to being free]." To express a neutral, straightforward description without this implied comparison, Chinese grammar typically employs the degree word 很 (hěn).
Therefore, 他很忙 (Tā hěn máng – He is busy) is the standard and most natural way to state this fact.
Despite its common translation as "very," in this basic descriptive structure, 很 (hěn) frequently serves as a grammatical placeholder or a neutralizer. It smooths out the sentence and indicates a simple statement of fact, often without emphasizing a high degree of the adjective. Think of it as the grammatical "glue" that connects the subject and the adjective to form a balanced, non-comparative descriptive clause.
The actual intensity of "very" can be conveyed by stressing 很 (hěn) in speech or by using stronger degree words, which we will explore later.
This grammatical pattern is a hallmark of Sinitic languages, distinguishing them from many Indo-European languages. It's an efficient way to convey descriptive information, relying on the inherent verbal nature of adjectives rather than a separate copula. Understanding this fundamental difference is key to developing an intuitive grasp of Chinese sentence structure.

Word Order Rules

The fundamental word order for simple descriptive sentences in Chinese is remarkably consistent and easy to follow. It adheres to a pattern that avoids the English "Subject + is + Adjective" structure entirely. Instead, you'll use a Subject, followed by a Degree Word (most commonly 很 (hěn) for neutral statements), and then the Adjective itself.
This structure can be visualized as:
Subject + Degree Word + Adjective
Let's break down each component:
  • Subject: This is the noun or pronoun that you are describing. It can be a person (我 wǒ - I; 你 nǐ - you; 他 tā - he), an object (咖啡 kāfēi - coffee; 手机 shǒujī - phone), or even a concept (学习 xuéxí - study; 今天 jīntiān - today).
  • Degree Word: This word modifies the adjective, indicating its intensity. For neutral, straightforward descriptions, 很 (hěn) is your default choice. For negation, 不 (bù) is used, and in this case, 很 (hěn) is removed. Other degree words exist for stronger emphasis, but 很 (hěn) is the most common for A1 learners.
  • Adjective: This is the quality or characteristic you are attributing to the subject. Examples include 好 (hǎo - good), 漂亮 (piàoliang - beautiful), 大 (dà - big), 冷 (lěng - cold), 贵 (guì - expensive), 开心 (kāixīn - happy).
Here’s a table illustrating the basic positive and negative structures:
| Component 1 | Component 2 | Component 3 | Example | Pinyin & Translation |
| :------------ | :------------ | :------------ | :------------------------ | :---------------------------- |
| Subject | 很 (hěn) | Adjective | 我很高兴。 | Wǒ hěn gāoxìng. (I am happy.) |
| Subject | 很 (hěn) | Adjective | 上海很漂亮。 | Shànghǎi hěn piàoliang. (Shanghai is beautiful.) |
| Subject | 不 (bù) | Adjective | 他不高。 | Tā bù gāo. (He is not tall.) |
| Subject | 不 (bù) | Adjective | 今天不冷。 | Jīntiān bù lěng. (Today is not cold.) |
Notice that in negative statements, 很 (hěn) is dropped when 不 (bù) is used. This is a crucial rule to remember: 不 (bù) directly precedes the adjective, and 很 (hěn) is omitted.

Formation Pattern

1
Constructing descriptive sentences using 很 (hěn) is a simple, three-step process. This pattern forms the bedrock of basic descriptive grammar in Chinese, allowing you to convey a wide range of observations and feelings.
2
1. The Basic Positive Description
3
The formula for a straightforward, neutral description is:
4
Subject + 很 (hěn) + Adjective
5
Step 1: Identify your Subject. Who or what are you describing?
6
我 (wǒ - I)
7
这件衣服 (zhè jiàn yīfu - This piece of clothing)
8
他 (tā - he)
9
Step 2: Add 很 (hěn). This acts as your connector, ensuring a natural, non-comparative tone.
10
我很... (Wǒ hěn...)
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这件衣服很... (Zhè jiàn yīfu hěn...)
12
他很... (Tā hěn...)
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Step 3: Append the Adjective. What quality are you attributing?
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我很高兴。 (Wǒ hěn gāoxìng. - I am happy.)
15
这件衣服很贵。 (Zhè jiàn yīfu hěn guì. - This piece of clothing is expensive.)
16
他很聪明。 (Tā hěn cōngming. - He is smart.)
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2. The Basic Negative Description
18
To negate a description, you will use 不 (bù) directly before the adjective. Crucially, 很 (hěn) is removed in negative sentences.
19
The formula for a negative description is:
20
Subject + 不 (bù) + Adjective
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Step 1: Identify your Subject.
22
我 (wǒ - I)
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她 (tā - she)
24
Step 2: Add 不 (bù). This is your negative marker.
25
我不... (Wǒ bù...)
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她不... (Tā bù...)
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Step 3: Append the Adjective.
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我不好。 (Wǒ bù hǎo. - I am not good / I am not well.)
29
她不漂亮。 (Tā bù piàoliang. - She is not beautiful.)
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3. Asking Simple Questions (Interrogative Form)
31
To turn a positive descriptive statement into a question, simply add the question particle 吗 (ma) to the end of the sentence. The structure remains the same as the positive form, but with 吗 (ma) indicating an inquiry.
32
The formula for a question is:
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Subject + 很 (hěn) + Adjective + 吗? (ma)
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Example: 你很忙吗？ (Nǐ hěn máng ma? - Are you busy?)
35
Here, 你 (nǐ) is the subject, 很 (hěn) is the degree word, 忙 (máng) is the adjective, and 吗 (ma) makes it a question.
36
This straightforward pattern allows for clear and concise communication of simple descriptions right from the A1 level. Practicing these three forms will build a strong foundation for more complex sentence structures later on.

When To Use It

This grammatical pattern—Subject + 很 (hěn) + Adjective—is employed in several key scenarios, serving different communicative functions. Recognizing these contexts will help you apply the rule correctly and sound more natural.
1. For Neutral, Non-Comparative Descriptions
This is the most frequent use at the A1 level. When you simply want to state a fact or describe a quality without any implied comparison or contrast, 很 (hěn) acts as a grammatical marker. It fills the structural slot that would otherwise create an incomplete or comparative nuance.
  • 这很甜。 (Zhè hěn tián. - This is sweet.) – A simple statement about the taste.
  • 他很高。 (Tā hěn gāo. - He is tall.) – A straightforward observation about his height, not comparing him to others.
2. To Acknowledge or Confirm a Quality
You use this structure when confirming something that has been implied or asked. 很 (hěn) here reinforces the truth of the statement without necessarily adding intense emphasis.
  • A: 你的狗很可爱吗？ (Nǐ de gǒu hěn kě'ài ma? - Is your dog cute?)
  • B: 对，我的狗很可爱。 (Duì, wǒ de gǒu hěn kě'ài. - Yes, my dog is cute.)
3. When 很 (hěn) Actually Means "Very" (with stress)
While 很 (hěn) often functions neutrally, you can indeed use it to express actual intensity. The key lies in stressing 很 (hěn) during speech. If you pause slightly and emphasize 很 (hěn), its meaning shifts from a grammatical marker to a genuine intensifier.
  • 这件衣服很贵！ (Zhè jiàn yīfu hěn guì! - This piece of clothing is very expensive!) – Here, the speaker intends to convey a high degree of expense.
  • 我今天很累。 (Wǒ jīntiān hěn lèi. - I am very tired today.) – The emphasis on 很 indicates significant fatigue.
4. In Negative Statements (using 不 (bù))
As discussed, for negative descriptions, 不 (bù) replaces 很 (hěn) directly before the adjective. This structure is used to deny a quality.
  • 他不喜欢吃辣，所以他觉得这个菜不辣。 (Tā bù xǐhuān chī là, suǒyǐ tā juéde zhège cài bù là. - He doesn't like spicy food, so he thinks this dish isn't spicy.)
  • 这不贵。 (Zhè bù guì. - This isn't expensive.)
This pattern is versatile and forms the basis for many daily interactions. From expressing how you feel to describing objects around you, Subject + 很 (hěn) + Adjective (or Subject + 不 (bù) + Adjective) is your go-to structure for simple, accurate descriptions.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often make predictable errors when learning this pattern, primarily due to the interference of English grammatical structures. Recognizing and actively correcting these mistakes is crucial for fluency and naturalness in Chinese.
1. The "是 (shì)" Trap
This is by far the most common and persistent error. Learners frequently insert 是 (shì) between the subject and the adjective, directly translating the English "is," "am," or "are."
  • Incorrect: 我是高兴。 (Wǒ shì gāoxìng.) – "I am happy."
  • Incorrect: 这个房子是很大。 (Zhège fángzi shì hěn dà.) – "This house is very big."
Why it's wrong: In Chinese, 是 (shì) primarily functions as a copula to link nouns or noun phrases (e.g., 我是学生 Wǒ shì xuéshēng - I am a student) or to affirm identity. It is generally not used to link a subject with an adjective for a simple description. Adjectives are stative verbs and do not require 是 (shì) to stand on their own. Using 是 (shì) with an adjective in this manner makes the sentence sound ungrammatical and foreign to native speakers.
2. Omitting 很 (hěn) in Neutral Positive Statements
While seemingly minor, dropping 很 (hěn) in a positive descriptive statement can subtly change the meaning, making it sound incomplete or implying a comparison.
  • Ambiguous/Comparative: 他高。 (Tā gāo.) – "He is tall [compared to someone shorter]" or "He is tall [implying a contrast]."
  • Correct (Neutral): 他很高。 (Tā hěn gāo.) – "He is tall."
Why it's wrong (or nuanced): As discussed, adjectives in Chinese are stative verbs. A lone adjective without 很 (hěn) often feels like part of a larger, unspoken comparison or a more emphatic, sometimes evaluative, statement. 很 (hěn) serves to neutralize this comparative implication, making the statement a simple, objective description of a quality. Omitting 很 (hěn) for a neutral description is a common non-native pattern.
3. Over-Translating 很 (hěn) as "Very" Every Time
Beginners often assume 很 (hěn) always means "very" and try to inject extra intensity into every sentence containing it.
  • Misinterpretation: Thinking 我很好 (Wǒ hěn hǎo) means "I am very good" when you simply mean "I am good/fine."
Why it's misleading: In many contexts, 很 (hěn) functions as a grammatical particle that simply facilitates the connection between the subject and the adjective. Its intensifying meaning of "very" is often weak or absent unless specifically stressed in speech. Over-interpreting 很 (hěn)` as "very" can lead to miscommunications about the degree of a quality and can make your speech sound unnecessarily emphatic.
4. Incorrect Placement of the Negative 不 (bù)
While less common, some learners might mistakenly place 很 (hěn) before 不 (bù) or in other incorrect positions.
  • Incorrect: 我很好不高兴。 (Wǒ hěn bù gāoxìng.)
  • Correct: 我很高兴。 (Wǒ hěn gāoxìng.) (I am happy.)
  • Correct: 我不高兴。 (Wǒ bù gāoxìng.) (I am not happy.)
Why it's wrong: 不 (bù) must directly precede the adjective it negates, and it replaces 很 (hěn) in that position. 很 (hěn) and 不 (bù) do not typically appear together modifying the same adjective in simple descriptive sentences.
By consciously avoiding these common pitfalls and internalizing the proper structure, you will lay a solid foundation for accurate and natural Chinese communication.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Understanding how Subject + 很 (hěn) + Adjective differs from other seemingly similar structures is crucial for precise communication. Chinese grammar often features particles and adverbs that can convey different nuances of intensity or relationship.
1. 是 (shì) vs. Adjectives
  • The Difference: As highlighted, 是 (shì) is generally not used to directly link a subject to a descriptive adjective. Its primary function is to equate two nouns or noun phrases.
| Pattern | Function | Example & Translation |
| :----------------------- | :------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------- |
| Subject + 很 (hěn) + Adjective | Simple, neutral description | 他很高。 (Tā hěn gāo. - He is tall.) |
| Subject + 是 (shì) + Noun | Equating identity, classification | 他是我弟弟。 (Tā shì wǒ dìdi. - He is my younger brother.) |
  • Special Case: Emphatic 是 (shì) with Adjectives: In more advanced contexts (beyond A1), 是 (shì) can appear with adjectives, but it's typically for emphasis or correction, and it often requires an adverb like 很 (hěn) or another degree word to precede the adjective.
  • 他是很聪明的人。 (Tā shì hěn cōngming de rén. - He is a very smart person.) – Here, 是 emphasizes the truth of the statement, but 很聪明 still describes the person.
  • For A1 learners, the rule remains: avoid 是 (shì) with simple adjective descriptions.
2. 太...了 (tài...le) – "Too..." or "Extremely..."
  • The Difference: 太...了 (tài...le) indicates a high degree, often implying an emotional response, a sense of

Adjectival Predicate Formation

Type Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + 很 + Adj
他 很 高
Negative
Subj + 不 + Adj
他 不 高
Question
Subj + Adj + 吗?
他 高 吗?
A-not-A
Subj + Adj + 不 + Adj
他 高 不 高?
Past/State
Subj + 很 + Adj + 了
天 气 很 热 了
Emphasis
Subj + 真 + Adj
他 真 高

Meanings

The particle {很|hěn} functions as a grammatical bridge in Chinese when describing the state or quality of a subject.

1

State Description

Used to describe the quality or state of a noun.

“{天|tiān}{气|qì}{很|hěn}{好|hǎo}”

“{我|wǒ}{很|hěn}{忙|máng}”

Reference Table

Reference table for Simple Descriptions with {很|hěn}
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
S + 很 + Adj
我 很 忙
Negative
S + 不 + Adj
我 不 忙
Question
S + Adj + 吗
你 忙 吗
A-not-A
S + Adj + 不 + Adj
你 忙 不 忙
Emphasis
S + 真 + Adj
你 真 忙
Past/Change
S + 很 + Adj + 了
天 气 很 冷 了

Formality Spectrum

Formal
天气甚好 (Rare/Literary)

天气甚好 (Rare/Literary) (Describing weather)

Neutral
天气很好

天气很好 (Describing weather)

Informal
天气不错

天气不错 (Describing weather)

Slang
天儿挺好的

天儿挺好的 (Describing weather)

The {很|hěn} Bridge

Subject

Affirmative

  • 很 very/bridge

Negative

  • 不 not

Question

  • 吗 question particle
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Examples by Level

1

{我|wǒ}{很|hěn}{好|hǎo}

I am fine.

2

{他|tā}{很|hěn}{高|gāo}

He is tall.

3

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{很|hěn}{贵|guì}

This is expensive.

4

{天|tiān}{气|qì}{很|hěn}{热|rè}

The weather is hot.

1

{我|wǒ}{不|bù}{累|lèi}

I am not tired.

2

{她|tā}{很|hěn}{漂|piào}{亮|liang}

She is beautiful.

3

{这|zhè}{里|lǐ}{很|hěn}{安|ān}{静|jìng}

It is quiet here.

4

{他|tā}{不|bù}{忙|máng}

He is not busy.

1

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{电|diàn}{影|yǐng}{很|hěn}{有|yǒu}{意|yì}{思|si}

This movie is interesting.

2

{他|tā}{的|de}{中|zhōng}{文|wén}{很|hěn}{好|hǎo}

His Chinese is very good.

3

{那|nà}{家|jiā}{餐|cān}{馆|guǎn}{不|bù}{远|yuǎn}

That restaurant is not far.

4

{我|wǒ}{觉|jué}{得|de}{这|zhè}{个|gè}{很|hěn}{难|nán}

I think this is difficult.

1

{这|zhè}{种|zhǒng}{情|qíng}{况|kuàng}{很|hěn}{复|fù}{杂|zá}

This situation is very complex.

2

{他|tā}{对|duì}{这|zhè}{个|gè}{项|xiàng}{目|mù}{很|hěn}{感|gǎn}{兴|xìng}{趣|qù}

He is very interested in this project.

3

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{决|jué}{定|dìng}{不|bù}{明|míng}{智|zhì}

This decision is not wise.

4

{他|tā}{的|de}{态|tài}{度|dù}{很|hěn}{积|jī}{极|jí}

His attitude is very positive.

1

{这|zhè}{种|zhǒng}{方|fāng}{法|fǎ}{很|hěn}{有|yǒu}{效|xiào}

This method is very effective.

2

{他|tā}{的|de}{表|biǎo}{现|xiàn}{不|bù}{错|cuò}

His performance is not bad.

3

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{理|lǐ}{论|lùn}{很|hěn}{深|shēn}{奥|ào}

This theory is very profound.

4

{这|zhè}{项|xiàng}{政|zhèng}{策|cè}{很|hěn}{受|shòu}{欢|huān}{迎|yíng}

This policy is very popular.

1

{这|zhè}{件|jiàn}{事|shì}{很|hěn}{棘|jí}{手|shǒu}

This matter is very tricky.

2

{他|tā}{的|de}{言|yán}{论|lùn}{很|hěn}{激|jī}{进|jìn}

His remarks are very radical.

3

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{结|jié}{果|guǒ}{不|bù}{理|lǐ}{想|xiǎng}

This result is not ideal.

4

{这|zhè}{种|zhǒng}{现|xiàn}{象|xiàng}{很|hěn}{普|pǔ}{遍|biàn}

This phenomenon is very common.

Easily Confused

Simple Descriptions with {很|hěn} vs Adjectives vs. Verbs

Learners think adjectives need 'to be' like English.

Simple Descriptions with {很|hěn} vs Affirmative vs. Negative

Learners keep {很|hěn} in negative sentences.

Simple Descriptions with {很|hěn} vs Comparison

Learners use {很|hěn} when they mean to compare.

Common Mistakes

✗

我 是 很 高

✓

我 很 高

Do not use {是|shì} with adjectives.
✗

他 很 不 高

✓

他 不 高

Do not use {很|hěn} with {不|bù}.
✗

这 个 高

✓

这 个 很 高

Need {很|hěn} for a complete sentence.
✗

我 是 累

✓

我 很 累

Again, no {是|shì} with adjectives.
✗

她 是 很 漂亮

✓

她 很 漂亮

Redundant {是|shì}.
✗

这 很 不 好

✓

这 不 好

Remove {很|hěn} when using {不|bù}.
✗

他 忙 吗 很

✓

他 很 忙 吗

Word order error.
✗

这 个 是 很 难 的

✓

这 个 很 难

Over-complicating with {是|shì} and {的|de}.
✗

他 很 不 聪明

✓

他 不 聪明

Still keeping {很|hěn} in negative.
✗

这 种 情况 是 很 复杂

✓

这 种 情况 很 复杂

Unnecessary {是|shì}.
✗

这 个 结果 是 不 理想 的

✓

这 个 结果 不 理想

Adding {是|shì} and {的|de} makes it sound like a noun phrase rather than a predicate.
✗

他 的 态度 是 很 积极 的

✓

他 的 态度 很 积极

Again, over-using copula.
✗

这 个 现象 是 很 普遍 的

✓

这 个 现象 很 普遍

Over-using copula.

Sentence Patterns

___ 很 ___

___ 不 ___

___ 很 ___ 吗？

___ 真 ___

Real World Usage

Texting constant

今天很累

Social Media very common

风景很美

Job Interview common

我很努力

Ordering Food common

这个很辣

Travel common

这里很远

Classroom common

老师很好

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💡

The 'Is' Trap

Whenever you want to say 'is' before an adjective, stop and use {很|hěn} instead.
⚠️

Negative Rule

Never use {很|hěn} with {不|bù}. It's one or the other.
🎯

Rhythm Matters

Chinese sentences like to be at least two syllables long. {很|hěn} helps with that.
💬

Casual Speech

In very casual speech, you can drop {很|hěn}, but as a learner, keep it to sound correct.

Smart Tips

Pause and check if the next word is an adjective.

他是高 → 他很高

Remember to remove {很|hěn} when you add {不|bù}.

他很不好 → 他不好

If it's a simple description, just add it. It's safer.

天气好 → 天气很好

Keep the {很|hěn} in the question form.

他忙吗 → 他很忙吗

Pronunciation

hén hǎo (written hěn hǎo)

Tone of {很|hěn}

It is a third tone, but when followed by another third tone, it changes to a second tone.

Declarative

Subject + 很 + Adj ↓

Falling intonation for statements.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of {很|hěn} as a 'Happy Bridge' that connects your subject to their quality.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing on a bridge labeled '很'. On one side is the person, on the other side is the adjective (like 'tall'). Without the bridge, they can't reach each other!

Rhyme

When you want to say 'is', don't use {是|shì}, just use {很|hěn} to make it fit.

Story

Xiao Ming is very tall. He tries to say '{我|wǒ}{是|shì}{高|gāo}', but the grammar police stop him. They give him a bridge labeled '{很|hěn}'. Now he says '{我|wǒ}{很|hěn}{高|gāo}' and everyone is happy.

Word Web

很不高忙好累美难

Challenge

Describe 5 things in your room using the {很|hěn} + adjective pattern right now.

Cultural Notes

Using {很|hěn} is standard. In casual speech, people often use {挺|tǐng} + Adj + {的|de} instead.

Similar to Mainland, but {很|hěn} is used very frequently, sometimes even when it's not strictly necessary.

Cantonese speakers learning Mandarin sometimes drop the {很|hěn} because their native grammar is different.

The character {很|hěn} originally meant 'to be fierce' or 'to be obstinate'.

Conversation Starters

“

你今天忙吗？

“

你觉得这个电影怎么样？

“

你觉得中文难吗？

“

你今天心情好吗？

Journal Prompts

Describe your best friend.
Describe your favorite food.
Describe your current mood and why.
Describe your city.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with {很|hěn} or {不|bù}.

他 ___ 高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 很
Affirmative sentence needs {很|hěn}.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他很高
No {是|shì} with adjectives.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

我 是 很 累。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我 很 累
Remove {是|shì}.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他很高
Subject + {很|hěn} + Adj.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

She is not busy.

Answer starts with: 她不忙...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 她不忙
Negative uses {不|bù}.
Match the English to Chinese. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他很高 / 他不高
Affirmative uses {很|hěn}, negative uses {不|bù}.
Choose the correct question. Multiple Choice

Is he busy?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他很忙吗
Add {吗|ma} to the affirmative.
Fill in the blank.

天气 ___ 冷。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 很
Affirmative description.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with {很|hěn} or {不|bù}.

他 ___ 高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 很
Affirmative sentence needs {很|hěn}.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他很高
No {是|shì} with adjectives.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

我 是 很 累。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我 很 累
Remove {是|shì}.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

很 / 高 / 他

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他很高
Subject + {很|hěn} + Adj.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

She is not busy.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 她不忙
Negative uses {不|bù}.
Match the English to Chinese. Match Pairs

He is tall / He is not tall

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他很高 / 他不高
Affirmative uses {很|hěn}, negative uses {不|bù}.
Choose the correct question. Multiple Choice

Is he busy?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他很忙吗
Add {吗|ma} to the affirmative.
Fill in the blank.

天气 ___ 冷。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 很
Affirmative description.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Choose the correct negative form Fill in the Blank

He is not busy: {他|Tā} ___ {忙|máng}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {不|bù}
Translate 'My home is very far.' Sentence Reorder

Arrange correctly:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我的|Wǒ de} {家|jiā} {很|hěn} {远|yuǎn}
Which sentence emphasizes 'extremely'? Multiple Choice

I am EXTREMELY hungry.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我非常饿|Wǒ fēicháng è}
Find the mistake Error Correction

{苹果|Píngguǒ} {是|shì} {红|hóng} {的|de}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Correct as is
Match the adjective to its meaning Match Pairs

Connect the pairs

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["{\u597d|h\u01ceo} - Good","{\u5927|d\u00e0} - Big","{\u5c0f|xi\u01ceo} - Small","{\u574f|hu\u00e0i} - Bad"]
Make a question Sentence Reorder

Is the movie good?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {电影|Diànyǐng} {好看|hǎokàn} {吗|ma}
Casual intensifier Fill in the Blank

This game is SUPER fun: {游戏|Yóuxì} ___ {好玩|hǎowán}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {超|chāo}
Fix the negation Error Correction

{我|Wǒ} {不|bù} {是|shì} {饿|è}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我不饿|Wǒ bù è}
Context check Multiple Choice

Your friend asks 'How are you?' You say:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我很忙|Wǒ hěn máng}
Adverb placement Fill in the Blank

My dad is also tall: {我|Wǒ} {爸爸|bàba} ___ {很|hěn} {高|gāo}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {也|yě}

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

It started as 'very', but now it's a grammatical requirement for rhythm.

Only if you are emphasizing a contrast, like 'He IS tall (but he's not smart)'.

It sounds like a comparison or incomplete.

No, use {不|bù} instead.

No, it's the same for everyone.

No, only with adjectives.

Add {吗|ma} at the end.

No, some dialects have different particles.

Scaffolded Practice

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Mastery Progress

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Mastered

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In Other Languages

English low

Subject + to be + Adjective

Chinese does not use 'to be'.

Spanish low

Sujeto + ser/estar + Adjetivo

Chinese has no copula.

German low

Subjekt + sein + Adjektiv

Chinese does not conjugate.

Japanese partial

Subject + wa + Adjective + desu

Chinese {很|hěn} is not a polite marker.

Arabic moderate

Nominal sentence (Subject + Adjective)

Chinese requires {很|hěn} for rhythm.

Chinese (Dialects) high

Subject + Adj

Standard Mandarin mandates {很|hěn}.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
The 'is' word for descriptions (很 hěn)
Next
Too Much! (太...了)

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