很

• 拼音: hěn
• 汉字拆解: 很 = 彳 (step radical) + 艮 (tough, phonetic) — originally meant defiant, now means very

含义

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'.

例句

1. 今天很热。
2. 这个菜很好吃。
3. 她很漂亮。

用法指南

语境: everyday

语气: neutral

正确说法

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

错误说法

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

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal