A1 Sentence Structure 10 min read Easy

Chinese Adjectives Don't Need 'is' (No 是)

To describe something in Chinese, connect the subject and adjective with an adverb like 很 (hěn), not the verb 是 (shì).
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

In Chinese, adjectives act like verbs, so you never use {是|shì} (to be) before them.

  • Use {很|hěn} before an adjective in simple sentences: {他|tā} {很|hěn} {高|gāo} (He is tall).
  • To make it negative, use {不|bù}: {他|tā} {不|bù} {高|gāo} (He is not tall).
  • To make it a question, add {吗|ma} at the end: {他|tā} {很|hěn} {高|gāo} {吗|ma}? (Is he tall?)
Subject + (很) + Adjective

Overview

In Chinese, directly describing a subject using an adjective often does not involve the verb 是 (shì). Unlike English, where you say "I am busy" or "The food is delicious," Chinese adjectives commonly function as stative verbs. This means they inherently carry the meaning of "to be" within themselves when used to describe a subject's quality or state.

Consequently, using 是 (shì) before a simple descriptive adjective is grammatically incorrect and will sound unnatural to native speakers. You will instead connect the subject and adjective with a connecting adverb, most frequently 很 (hěn). This seemingly small distinction is a cornerstone of Chinese grammar for beginners and mastering it will significantly improve your fluency.

How This Grammar Works

To understand why Chinese adjectives typically do not require 是 (shì), you must grasp the concept of predicates in Chinese grammar. A predicate is the part of a sentence that states something about the subject. In Chinese, there are several types of predicates, but for describing qualities, the most relevant are verbal predicates, adjectival predicates, and nominal predicates.
English relies heavily on the verb "to be" (is, am, are) to link a subject with an adjective. For example, in "He is tall," "is tall" is the predicate, and "tall" is a predicate adjective requiring a linking verb.
Chinese operates differently. Many adjectives are fundamentally stative verbs (状态动词 zhuàngtài dòngcí) or can function as adjectival predicates (形谓词句 xíngwèicí jù). This means they can stand alone as the main verb of a sentence, directly asserting a quality about the subject.
For instance, 高 (gāo) (tall) can function similarly to "to be tall" as a single unit of meaning. When you say 他高 (tā gāo), you are literally saying "he (is) tall." This structure directly asserts the quality without an explicit linking verb. This inherent "is-ness" within the adjective eliminates the need for 是 (shì).
Conversely, 是 (shì) primarily functions as a copula, used to establish identity or classification between two nouns (or noun phrases). It forms a nominal predicate (名词谓语句 míngcí wèiyǔ jù). For example, 我是一个学生 (wǒ shì yī gè xuéshēng) (I am a student).
Here, 学生 (xuéshēng) (student) is a noun, and 是 (shì) connects 我 (wǒ) to its identity as a student. Using 是 (shì) before an adjective like 忙 (máng) would imply 忙 (máng) is a noun, which it is not, leading to the grammatical error. Therefore, adjectives form a distinct type of predicate in Chinese, functioning much like verbs themselves, and thus do not need the additional copula 是 (shì).

Word Order Rules

When constructing simple descriptive sentences with adjectives in Chinese, the word order is highly consistent and follows a clear pattern. Understanding this structure is crucial for accurate and natural expression. The fundamental pattern is:
Subject + Adverb (Optional) + Adjective
Let's break down each component:
  • Subject: This is the person, object, or concept being described. It always comes first in the sentence. Examples include 我 (wǒ) (I), 他 (tā) (he), 这杯咖啡 (zhè bēi kāfēi) (this cup of coffee), 天气 (tiānqì) (weather).
  • Adverb (Optional): This word connects the subject to the adjective and often modifies the degree or manner of the adjective. The most common adverb used here is 很 (hěn). While 很 (hěn) can mean "very," in this specific structure, it frequently serves a grammatical function to neutralize the tone and simply state a fact, rather than emphasize intensity. Other adverbs you will encounter include 不 (bù) for negation, 太 (tài) (too), 非常 (fēicháng) (extremely), and 真 (zhēn) (really).
  • Adjective: This is the descriptive word itself, expressing a quality or state of the subject. Examples include 好 (hǎo) (good), 冷 (lěng) (cold), 漂亮 (piàoliang) (beautiful), 贵 (guì) (expensive).
Consider these examples demonstrating the pattern:
  • 她很漂亮 (tā hěn piàoliang) – She is pretty. (Subject + Adverb + Adjective)
  • 我很高兴 (wǒ hěn gāoxìng) – I am happy. (Subject + Adverb + Adjective)
  • 这件衣服不贵 (zhè jiàn yīfu bù guì) – This piece of clothing is not expensive. (Subject + Negative Adverb + Adjective)
In these sentences, 很 (hěn) or 不 (bù) acts as the linking element, making the descriptive statement grammatically complete and natural-sounding. Omitting the adverb, especially 很 (hěn), without specific contextual reasons (like comparison or contrast) can make the sentence sound blunt or incomplete in a neutral statement.

Formation Pattern

1
Constructing sentences using adjectival predicates is a straightforward process once you understand the core components. You will combine a subject, an appropriate adverb, and the adjective. Here is a step-by-step guide to forming these sentences, along with a table illustrating common choices for each part.
2
Step 1: Identify Your Subject
3
Choose the person or thing you wish to describe. This will be the first element of your sentence.
4
| Subject | Pinyin | Meaning |
5
| :-------------- | :------------- | :------------ |
6
| 我 | wǒ | I, me |
7
| 他/她/它 | tā | he/she/it |
8
| 你 | nǐ | you |
9
| 老师 | lǎoshī | teacher |
10
| 这杯茶 | zhè bēi chá | this cup of tea |
11
| 今天 | jīntiān | today |
12
Step 2: Select Your Connecting Adverb
13
This adverb acts as the link between the subject and the adjective, and it also conveys the degree or negation of the adjective. For neutral statements, 很 (hěn) is the default. For negation, use 不 (bù).
14
| Adverb | Pinyin | Function/Meaning |
15
| :------------ | :---------- | :----------------------------- |
16
| 很 | hěn | Neutral statement, sometimes "very" |
17
| 不 | bù | Negation ("not") |
18
| 太...了 | tài...le | Exaggeration/emphasis ("too...!") |
19
| 非常 | fēicháng | Strong emphasis ("extremely") |
20
| 真 | zhēn | Genuine emphasis ("really") |
21
Step 3: Choose Your Adjective
22
Select the descriptive word that best fits the quality you want to express.
23
| Adjective | Pinyin | Meaning |
24
| :---------- | :----------- | :----------- |
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| 高兴 | gāoxìng | happy |
26
| 累 | lèi | tired |
27
| 好看 | hǎokàn | good-looking |
28
| 贵 | guì | expensive |
29
| 忙 | máng | busy |
30
| 热 | rè | hot |
31
Step 4: Combine the Elements
32
Assemble the subject, adverb, and adjective in order. Remember to include 了 (le) at the end when using 太 (tài) to form the 太...了 (tài...le) pattern.
33
他 + 很 + 累 → 他很累 (tā hěn lèi). (He is tired.)
34
这杯茶 + 不 + 热 → 这杯茶不热 (zhè bēi chá bù rè). (This cup of tea is not hot.)
35
这件衣服 + 太 + 贵 + 了 → 这件衣服太贵了 (zhè jiàn yīfu tài guì le). (This piece of clothing is too expensive!)
36
This pattern is highly versatile and forms the basis for countless descriptive sentences you will use in daily Chinese communication.

When To Use It

This grammatical structure is fundamental for expressing qualities, states, and conditions of subjects. You will use it whenever you need to describe someone or something without asserting an identity (e.g., "He is a teacher") but rather a characteristic (e.g., "He is tall"). The primary applications include:
  • Describing personal feelings or states: When discussing emotions, physical conditions, or personal opinions.
  • 我今天很忙 (wǒ jīntiān hěn máng) – I am very busy today.
  • 她很高兴 (tā hěn gāoxìng) – She is happy.
  • Describing characteristics of people or objects: For static qualities or attributes.
  • 这个手机很好看 (zhège shǒujī hěn hǎokàn) – This phone looks good.
  • 他很高 (tā hěn gāo) – He is tall.
  • Describing environmental conditions: Such as weather or atmosphere.
  • 今天天气很冷 (jīntiān tiānqì hěn lěng) – The weather today is cold.
  • 这儿很安静 (zhèr hěn ānjìng) – It's very quiet here.
  • Making comparisons (often implicitly): Although a direct comparison structure exists, sometimes simply omitting 很 (hěn) implies a comparison or contrast with something else.
  • If someone asks 谁高？ (shéi gāo?) (Who is tall?), you might answer 他高 (tā gāo) (He is tall [compared to others]).
  • Answering questions: When asked about a quality, a direct adjectival predicate response is natural.
  • A: 你累吗？ (nǐ lèi ma?) (Are you tired?)
  • B: 我有点儿累 (wǒ yǒudiǎnr lèi) (I'm a little tired.)
This pattern covers the vast majority of descriptive statements you will make as a Chinese learner. Focusing on its correct application will solidify your foundational grammar skills.

Common Mistakes

Beginners frequently make specific errors when learning about adjectival predicates due to interference from their native languages, particularly English. Recognizing and actively correcting these patterns is crucial for developing natural-sounding Chinese.
  1. 1Using 是 (shì) before a simple descriptive adjective: This is by far the most common and significant error. Learners directly translate "is" and insert 是 (shì). This makes the adjective sound like a noun, which is incorrect in this context.
  • Incorrect: 我是忙 (wǒ shì máng)
  • Correct: 我很忙 (wǒ hěn máng) (I am busy.)
  • Incorrect: 这件衣服是好看 (zhè jiàn yīfu shì hǎokàn)
  • Correct: 这件衣服很好看 (zhè jiàn yīfu hěn hǎokàn) (This piece of clothing looks good.)
Remember: 是 (shì) is for linking nouns (我是一个学生 wǒ shì yī gè xuéshēng), not for describing qualities with adjectives.
  1. 1Omitting 很 (hěn) in neutral statements: While 很 (hěn) literally means "very," it often serves a grammatical function to make a simple descriptive statement sound complete and neutral. Omitting it in such contexts can make the statement sound blunt, like an observation of contrast, or even incomplete.
  • Incorrect (sounds blunt/comparative): 他高 (tā gāo) (He is tall. — might imply "He is tall [whereas someone else is not]")
  • Correct (neutral statement): 他很高 (tā hěn gāo) (He is tall.)
  • Incorrect (sounds blunt/incomplete): 这杯咖啡好喝 (zhè bēi kāfēi hǎohē)
  • Correct (neutral statement): 这杯咖啡很好喝 (zhè bēi kāfēi hěn hǎohē) (This cup of coffee is delicious.)
Unless you explicitly intend a contrast or are giving a very short, punchy answer to a direct question (甜不甜？甜！ tián bu tián? tián!), it is safer and more natural to include 很 (hěn).
  1. 1Using 是 (shì) in negative statements with adjectives: When negating an adjectival predicate, the negative particle 不 (bù) directly precedes the adjective, or the adverb before it. 是 (shì) is not involved.
  • Incorrect: 这个不是贵 (zhège bù shì guì)
  • Correct: 这个不贵 (zhège bù guì) (This is not expensive.)
  • Incorrect: 他不不是很开心 (tā bù shì hěn kāixīn)
  • Correct: 他不是很开心 (tā bù shì hěn kāixīn) (He is not very happy.)
The correct placement of 不 (bù) is before the adjective or the adverb modifying it.
Avoiding these three common pitfalls will significantly enhance the naturalness and accuracy of your Chinese.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

To truly master Chinese adjectival predicates, it's essential to differentiate them from other grammatically similar-looking but functionally distinct patterns. Confusing these can lead to misunderstanding and incorrect usage.
  1. 1很 (hěn) as a Grammatical Marker vs. Intensifier:
Many learners initially understand 很 (hěn) solely as "very." While it can indeed function as an intensifier, its primary role in basic adjectival predicates is often to simply smooth the tone and make a neutral statement. Think of it as a default connector rather than always adding intensity. If you truly want to emphasize "very," stronger adverbs are available.
| Pattern | Pinyin | Meaning | Connotation |
| :--------------------- | :--------------- | :------------------- | :----------------------------------- |
| 他很高 | tā hěn gāo | He is tall | Neutral statement |
| 他非常高 | tā fēicháng gāo | He is extremely tall | Strong emphasis |
| 他特别高 | tā tèbié gāo | He is especially tall| Emphasizes uniqueness/degree |
| 他真高 | tā zhēn gāo | He is really tall | Genuine feeling, often exclamatory |
  • 这个菜很好吃 (zhège cài hěn hǎochī) – This dish is delicious. (Neutral, 很 simply connects.)
  • 这个菜真好吃！ (zhège cài zhēn hǎochī!) – This dish is really delicious! (Stronger, exclamatory.)
  1. 1太...了 (tài...le) for Exaggeration/Emphasis:
This pattern is used to express strong feelings, either positive or negative, often implying a sense of

Adjective Sentence Structure

Type Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + 很 + Adj
他 很 高
Negative
Subj + 不 + Adj
他 不 高
Question
Subj + Adj + 吗
他 高 吗
Emphasis
Subj + 非常 + Adj
他 非常 高
Comparison
A + 比 + B + Adj
他 比 我 高
Past/State
Subj + Adj + 了
天 蓝 了

Meanings

In Chinese, adjectives function as the main verb of a sentence. Because they carry the meaning of 'to be + adjective', you do not need the copula {是|shì}.

1

Descriptive Predicate

Describing the state or quality of a noun.

“{天|tiān} {很|hěn} {蓝|lán}.”

“{他|tā} {很|hěn} {忙|máng}.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Chinese Adjectives Don't Need 'is' (No 是)
Form Structure Example
Statement
Subject + 很 + Adjective
{我|wǒ} {很|hěn} {开|kāi}{心|xīn}
Negative
Subject + 不 + Adjective
{我|wǒ} {不|bù} {开|kāi}{心|xīn}
Yes/No Question
Subject + Adjective + 吗
{你|nǐ} {开|kāi}{心|xīn} {吗|ma}?
Short Answer (Yes)
Adjective
{开|kāi}{心|xīn}
Short Answer (No)
不 + Adjective
{不|bù} {开|kāi}{心|xīn}
Degree
Subject + 非常 + Adjective
{我|wǒ} {非|fēi}{常|cháng} {开|kāi}{心|xīn}

Formality Spectrum

Formal
此 菜 品 质 极 佳。

此 菜 品 质 极 佳。 (Dining)

Neutral
这 个 菜 很 好 吃。

这 个 菜 很 好 吃。 (Dining)

Informal
这 个 好 吃！

这 个 好 吃！ (Dining)

Slang
这 个 绝 了！

这 个 绝 了！ (Dining)

The Adjective Bridge

Adjective

Affirmative

  • 很 Glue

Negative

  • 不 Not

Question

  • 吗 Question Marker
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Examples by Level

1

{我|wǒ} {很|hěn} {好|hǎo}.

I am good.

2

{他|tā} {很|hěn} {忙|máng}.

He is busy.

3

{这|zhè} {很|hěn} {贵|guì}.

This is expensive.

4

{天|tiān} {很|hěn} {热|rè}.

The weather is hot.

1

{你|nǐ} {累|lèi} {吗|ma}?

Are you tired?

2

{我|wǒ} {不|bù} {饿|è}.

I am not hungry.

3

{她|tā} {很|hěn} {漂|piào}{亮|liang}.

She is pretty.

4

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {不|bù} {难|nán}.

This is not difficult.

1

{这|zhè} {部|bù} {电|diàn}{影|yǐng} {很|hěn} {有|yǒu}{意|yì}{思|si}.

This movie is interesting.

2

{他|tā} {并|bìng} {不|bù} {生|shēng}{气|qì}.

He is not actually angry.

3

{这|zhè} {里|lǐ} {的|de} {菜|cài} {很|hěn} {辣|là}.

The food here is spicy.

4

{你|nǐ} {觉|jué}{得|de} {这|zhè} {个|gè} {难|nán} {吗|ma}?

Do you think this is difficult?

1

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {情|qíng}{况|kuàng} {很|hěn} {常|cháng}{见|jiàn}.

This situation is very common.

2

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

His attitude is positive.

3

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {方|fāng}{案|àn} {并|bìng} {不|bù} {完|wán}{美|měi}.

This plan is not perfect.

4

{这|zhè} {项|xiàng} {任|rèn}{务|wu} {很|hěn} {艰|jiān}{巨|jù}.

This task is arduous.

1

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {说|shuō}{法|fǎ} {很|hěn} {有|yǒu}{争|zhēng}{议|yì}.

This statement is controversial.

2

{他|tā} {的|de} {表|biǎo}{现|xiàn} {并|bìng} {不|bù} {尽|jìn}{如|rú}{人|rén}{意|yì}.

His performance is not quite satisfactory.

3

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {问|wèn}{题|tí} {很|hěn} {棘|jí}{手|shǒu}.

This problem is thorny.

4

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {行|xíng}{为|wéi} {很|hěn} {不|bù}{妥|tuǒ}.

This behavior is inappropriate.

1

{这|zhè} {一|yī} {决|jué}{策|cè} {很|hěn} {具|jù} {有|yǒu} {前|qián}{瞻|zhān}{性|xìng}.

This decision is very forward-looking.

2

{此|cǐ} {举|jǔ} {并|bìng} {不|bù} {符|fú}{合|hé} {规|guī}{定|dìng}.

This action is not in accordance with the regulations.

3

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {现|xiàn}{象|xiàng} {很|hěn} {耐|nài}{人|rén}{寻|xún}{味|wèi}.

This phenomenon is thought-provoking.

4

{这|zhè} {项|xiàng} {研|yán}{究|jiū} {很|hěn} {具|jù} {有|yǒu} {深|shēn}{远|yuǎn} {意|yì}{义|yì}.

This research has profound significance.

Easily Confused

Chinese Adjectives Don't Need 'is' (No 是) vs Noun Predicates

Learners think 'shì' is always 'is'.

Chinese Adjectives Don't Need 'is' (No 是) vs Verb Predicates

Learners add 'hěn' to action verbs.

Chinese Adjectives Don't Need 'is' (No 是) vs Comparison

Learners use 'hěn' in comparisons.

Common Mistakes

✗

他 是 高

✓

他 很 高

Never use 'shì' with adjectives.
✗

他 很 不 高

✓

他 不 高

Drop 'hěn' when using 'bù'.
✗

他 高 吗 吗

✓

他 高 吗

Only one question particle needed.
✗

很 他 高

✓

他 很 高

Word order is Subject-Verb-Adjective.
✗

这 很 是 难

✓

这 很 难

Redundant 'shì'.
✗

他 不 很 高

✓

他 不 高

Negative structure error.
✗

你 很 累 吗

✓

你 累 吗

Usually drop 'hěn' in questions.
✗

这 个 很 是 有 意 思

✓

这 个 很 有 意 思

Still using 'shì'.
✗

他 不 是 忙

✓

他 不 忙

Incorrect copula usage.
✗

这 种 情 况 是 很 常 见

✓

这 种 情 况 很 常 见

Unnecessary 'shì'.
✗

这 种 现 象 是 很 耐 人 寻 味

✓

这 种 现 象 很 耐 人 寻 味

Over-formalization with 'shì'.
✗

他 的 表 现 不 是 尽 如 人 意

✓

他 的 表 现 不 尽 如 人 意

Incorrect negative.
✗

这 项 研 究 是 很 具 有 深 远 意 义

✓

这 项 研 究 很 具 有 深 远 意 义

Redundant 'shì'.

Sentence Patterns

___ 很 ___。

___ 不 ___。

___ ___ 吗？

我 觉 得 ___ 很 ___。

Real World Usage

Texting constant

这 个 很 好！

Social Media very common

天 很 蓝。

Job Interview common

我 很 积 极。

Ordering Food very common

这 个 很 辣。

Travel common

这 里 很 美。

Delivery App common

这 个 很 贵。

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🎯

Think of '很' as a Placeholder

Don't always translate 很 (hěn) as 'very'. In many simple sentences, it's just a neutral grammatical glue to make the sentence sound smooth and complete. Without it, your sentence might sound abrupt or comparative.
⚠️

Don't Confuse with '是...的'

You might see sentences with both 是 and an adjective, like 这件衣服是新的 (zhè jiàn yīfu shì xīn de). This is likely the 是...的 (shì...de) construction, which emphasizes details. It's a different, more advanced pattern, not a basic description.
💡

Drop '很' in Questions

When you ask a question using ...吗 (ma)? or the A-not-A format, you usually drop the 很 (hěn). So, ask 你忙吗 (nǐ máng ma)?, not 你很忙吗 (nǐ hěn máng ma)? The second one isn't strictly wrong, but it's much less common.
💬

Softer Compliments

Using adverbs like 很 (hěn) or 挺 (tǐng, quite) can make compliments sound more natural and less over-the-top than using stronger words like 非常 (fēicháng) all the time. 'You look good' (你很好看 nǐ hěn hǎokàn) is a perfectly nice and common compliment.

Smart Tips

Always add 'hěn' to avoid sounding like a robot.

他 高。 → 他 很 高。

Remember the 'bù' rule: drop 'hěn'.

他 很 不 高。 → 他 不 高。

Use 'ma' at the end instead of 'hěn'.

他 很 高 吗？ → 他 高 吗？

Use 'fēicháng' instead of 'hěn' for 'very'.

他 很 很 高。 → 他 非 常 高。

Pronunciation

hén hǎo

Tone of 'hěn'

When 'hěn' is followed by another 3rd tone, it sounds like a 2nd tone.

Question intonation

Nǐ lèi ma? (rising pitch at the end)

Signals a question.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'hěn' as a 'happy' bridge. You need it to cross from the Subject to the Adjective.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing next to a giant sign that says 'hěn'. If they are not happy, they kick the sign away (the 'bù' kick).

Rhyme

No 'is' in sight, just 'hěn' for the light.

Story

Xiao Ming is very tall. He says 'Wǒ hěn gāo'. But when he is not tall, he says 'Wǒ bù gāo'. If you ask him, 'Nǐ gāo ma?', he just smiles.

Word Web

很不吗高累忙好甜

Challenge

Describe three things in your room using the 'Subject + hěn + Adjective' pattern in 5 minutes.

Cultural Notes

Using 'hěn' is standard and polite. It shows you are following the rules of the language.

Similar to Mainland, but 'hěn' is used very frequently in casual speech.

They often struggle with 'hěn' because Cantonese doesn't have an exact equivalent.

The use of 'hěn' as a filler comes from its original meaning of 'very'. Over time, it became a rhythmic necessity.

Conversation Starters

“

你 累 吗？

“

这 个 好 吃 吗？

“

你 觉 得 这 个 难 吗？

“

你 现 在 忙 吗？

Journal Prompts

Describe your best friend.
Describe your favorite food.
Describe your current mood.
Describe a difficult task you completed.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

他 ___ 高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 很
Use 'hěn' for statements.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

他 是 累。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他 很 累
No 'shì' with adjectives.
Choose the correct negative. Multiple Choice

他 不 ___ 高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 无
Drop 'hěn' in negatives.
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-Verb-Adjective.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

I am not busy.

Answer starts with: 我 不...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我 不 忙
Negative structure.
Choose the correct question. Multiple Choice

你 忙 ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 吗
Question particle.
Fill in the blank.

这 个 ___ 贵。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 很
Statement structure.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

他 很 不 忙。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他 不 忙
Drop 'hěn' in negatives.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

他 ___ 高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 很
Use 'hěn' for statements.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

他 是 累。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他 很 累
No 'shì' with adjectives.
Choose the correct negative. Multiple Choice

他 不 ___ 高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 无
Drop 'hěn' in negatives.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

很 / 高 / 他

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他 很 高
Subject-Verb-Adjective.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

I am not busy.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我 不 忙
Negative structure.
Choose the correct question. Multiple Choice

你 忙 ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 吗
Question particle.
Fill in the blank.

这 个 ___ 贵。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 很
Statement structure.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

他 很 不 忙。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他 不 忙
Drop 'hěn' in negatives.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

11 exercises
Complete the sentence. Fill in the Blank

你的中文 ___ 好！

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 真
Find and fix the mistake. Error Correction

这个电影不是有意思。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这个电影没有意思。
Put the words in order. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 今天不是很冷。
Translate the following sentence into Chinese. Translation

The library is very quiet.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 图书馆很安静。
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence correctly says 'He is not happy'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他不高兴。
Match the Chinese phrases to their English meanings. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: [["\u5f88\u5fd9","is busy"],["\u4e0d\u7d2f","is not tired"],["\u592a\u597d\u4e86","is great! \/ that's great!"],["\u975e\u5e38\u5feb","is extremely fast"]]
Complete the question. Fill in the Blank

你累 ___ 累？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 不
Find and fix the mistake. Error Correction

我的手机是新的。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我的手机很新。
Which question is grammatically correct? Multiple Choice

How to ask 'Is Chinese difficult?'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 汉语难吗？
Translate 'This coffee is not good to drink.' Translation

Translate the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这个咖啡不好喝。
Put the words in order. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我觉得这本书非常有意思。

Score: /11

FAQ (8)

No. In simple sentences, it's just a grammatical filler.

Only if you are emphasizing a contrast, but generally no.

The question particle 'ma' provides the balance.

Yes, it applies to all descriptive adjectives.

Use 'fēicháng' or 'tèbié'.

It's standard for both.

Use 'shì' because 'student' is a noun.

Yes, colors are adjectives in Chinese.

Scaffolded Practice

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2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish low

Ser/Estar + Adjetivo

Chinese has no copula for adjectives.

French low

Être + Adjectif

Chinese uses adjectives as verbs.

German low

Sein + Adjektiv

Chinese does not conjugate 'to be'.

Japanese partial

Adjective + desu

Chinese 'hěn' is not a polite marker.

Arabic moderate

Nominal sentence (no copula)

Arabic doesn't require a filler like 'hěn'.

Chinese (Classical) high

Adjective alone

Modern Mandarin adds 'hěn' for rhythm.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
The 'is' word for descriptions (很 hěn)

Learn These First

A1 Requires

The 'To Be' Verb: 是 (shì)

Overview The Chinese verb `是 (shì)` is foundational for expressing identity in Mandarin. Unlike the highly versatile En...

Continue With

A1 Requires

The 'is' word for descriptions (很 hěn)

Overview `很 (hěn)` is a fundamental particle in Chinese grammar, frequently encountered in elementary descriptions. Whi...
A2 Requires

Describing Actions with 得 (de)

Overview In Chinese, describing the **manner, degree, or result** of an action often requires a specific grammatical str...

Related Grammar Rules

A1

Having things and 'There is' ({有|yǒu})

Overview In Chinese, the character `{有|yǒu}` is a foundational verb with two primary functions: expressing **possession...
B1

Emphasizing Details with 是...的 (shì...de)

Overview The `是...的 (shì...de)` construction is a fundamental Chinese grammar pattern. It acts as a linguistic spotlig...
B2

Explaining the 'Why' (之所以...是因为...)

Overview At the B2 level, you have likely mastered the fundamental cause-and-effect pattern `因为...所以...` (yīnwèi......
B1

Explaining 'Why': Emphasizing Reasons (之所以...是因为...)

Overview The Chinese correlative conjunction pattern `之所以...是因为...` (zhīsuǒyǐ...shìyīnwèi...) serves a crucial fun...
C1

Formal Topic-Comment Structures: Guanyu, Zhiyu, and Lun (关于、至于、论)

Overview In English, we structure sentences around a subject performing an action: "**The team** will discuss **the bud...
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