Reduplication of adjectives
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Basic patterns
One way to intensify adjectives is to reduplicate them. This creates a sense of "really" or "very", and makes the descriptive power of the adjective stronger.
Adj + Adj + 的
In most Chinese textbooks and grammar books, this is known as the "AA" pattern. For example:
- 妈妈的手 暖暖的。
- 你的 脸 红红的。
- 果汁 甜甜的。
If the adjective has more than one character, then you should repeat each character individually. This is known as the "AABB" pattern. Examples:
- 高高兴兴
- 舒舒服服
- 糊糊涂涂
Note: The "AABB" pattern for reduplication of two-syllable adjectives contrasts with the "ABAB" pattern for reduplication of two-syllable verbs.
See also
Sources and further reading
Books
- Mandarin Chinese: A Functional Reference Grammar (pp. 32-6) →buy
- New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 50) →buy
- New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 103-4) →buy
