也

• Pinyin: yě
• Hanzi breakdown: 也 — a standalone character; originally a pictograph, exact original meaning debated by scholars

Meaning

Also; too. An adverb used to indicate that something applies equally to another subject or situation.

Placed before the verb or adjective it modifies. Used to connect parallel statements, showing similarity or addition. Common in both spoken and written Chinese.

Examples

1. 我喜欢喝茶，他也喜欢。 I like drinking tea, and he does too.
2. 她也来了，我很高兴。 She also came, and I was very happy.
3. 这本书也很有意思。 This book is also very interesting.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, conversation

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我也是学生。(I am also a student.)
• 他也不知道。(He doesn't know either.)

Don't Say

• 不要把'也'放在句末，如说'我喜欢也'是错的，应该说'我也喜欢'。(Don't place 也 at the end of the sentence — it must come before the verb, not after)

Origin & History

也 is one of the oldest function words in Classical Chinese, where it served as a sentence-final particle for emphasis or conclusion. Its modern usage as 'also/too' evolved during the vernacular language movement.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal