很

• Pinyin: hěn
• Hanzi breakdown: 很 = 彳 (step radical) + 艮 (tough, phonetic) — originally meant defiant, now means very

Meaning

Very; quite. The most common degree adverb in Chinese.

In Chinese, adjectives used as predicates typically need 很 before them, even when 'very' is not strongly intended: 他很高 can mean either 'he is tall' or 'he is very tall'. Without 很, a bare adjective implies comparison. This makes 很 far more frequent than English 'very'.

Examples

1. 今天很热。 Today is very hot.
2. 这个菜很好吃。 This dish is very delicious.
3. 她很漂亮。 She is very pretty.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我很高兴认识你。(I'm very happy to meet you.)
• 中国很大。(China is very big.)

Don't Say

• 他是很好。(Don't use 很 with 是 — say 他很好 without 是, or 他是好人 without 很)

Origin & History

Originally meant 'to defy' or 'cruel' in ancient Chinese. Over time, the meaning shifted entirely to the degree adverb 'very' in modern usage.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal