这么

• Pinyin: zhè me
• Hanzi breakdown: 这 = 辶 (walk) + 文 (culture/writing); 么 = simplified suffix particle meaning 'what/how'

Meaning

So; this much; like this. An adverb expressing degree or manner.

Used to emphasize the degree of something or to refer to a manner of doing things. Often appears in exclamations expressing surprise. The spoken form 这么 contrasts with the written or formal 如此. Can modify adjectives and verbs.

Examples

1. 今天的天气这么好！ The weather is so nice today!
2. 你怎么这么快就回来了？ How did you come back so quickly?
3. 这道菜这么好吃，我还想吃。 This dish is so delicious — I want more.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, conversation

Tone: expressive

Do Say

• 这么冷的天你还出门？(You're going out in such cold weather?)
• 你这么说我就明白了。(Now I understand since you put it that way.)

Don't Say

• 他这么人很好。(Don't place 这么 directly before a noun — say 这个人这么好 or 这么好的人.)

Origin & History

Compound of 这 (this) and 么 (a suffix particle indicating manner), literally 'in this manner/to this degree.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal