Special verbs with "hen"

Using 很（hěn) to intensify verbs that express thoughts or feeling is really easy.

Structure

Subject + 很 + Verb + Object

Certain verbs in Chinese can be modified with 很 to increase their intensity. This similar to using "really" or "very much" in English. This can only be done with psychological verbs, such as:

• 喜欢
• 会
• 了解
• 希望
• 讨厌
• 能
• 爱
• 失望
• 伤心

Examples

• 我 很 喜欢 喝 啤酒。I really like to drink beer.
• 他 很 会 说话。He can really talk.
• 你 很 了解 中国。You really understand China.
• 我 妈妈 很 希望 我 早点 回 家。My mama really hopes I can return home a little earlier.

Structure

Subject + 很 + 让/使/令 Phrases

Examples

• 你的做法 很 让人生气。Your method really makes people angry.
• 你很 令 我 失望。You really make me feel disappointed.

See also

• Expressing "excessively" with tai
• The "zui" superlative
• Positive adjectives with "-ji le"

Sources and further reading

Books

• New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (pp. 143) →buy
• New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 166) →buy