Emphasizing with "henshi"

很是 is a degree adverb that adds emphasis to a sentence. It is more often used for literature than in spoken language.

Used with Adjectives

Structure

很是 usually modifies two-syllable or multi-syllable adjectives, but can also modify a small number of psychological verbs.

Subj. + 很是 + Adj.

Examples

• 这样做 很是 必要 。 Doing it this way is very necessary.
• 你 的 工作 表现 让 领导 很是 满意 。Your performance at work has made the leader very satisfied.
• 你 穿 西装 看起来 很是 精神 。When you wear a suit, you look very smart.
• 这 件 事 让 我 很是 不 舒服 。 This matter made me very uncomfortable.

Used with Psychological Verbs

Structure

Subj. + 很是 + Adj.

Examples

• 我 老板 很是 喜欢 你 的 设计 风格 。My boss really likes your design style.
• 他 都 退休 了 ，还在 创业 ，让人 很是 佩服 。He's already retired, but he's still starting a business. This makes me really admire him.
• 你们 的 表演 太 夸张 了 ，让 人 很是 受不了 。Your performance was too exaggerated, I really couldn't stand it.

Used with Auxiliary Verbs

Structure

Subj. + 很是 + 会 / 能 + Verb

Note that this usage is limited.

Examples

• 我 爸爸 当 过 大厨 ，他 很是 会 吃 。My dad was once a chef, he can really eat.
• 我 妹妹 虽然 小 ，但 很是 会 说话 。Although my sister is small, she can really talk a lot.
• 这个 男人 很是 会 骗女人 。This man is very good at lying to women .
• 大 老板 很是 能 喝 。This boss can really drink.

See also

• Simple "noun + adjective" sentences
• Special verbs with "hen"

Sources and further reading

Books

HSK6