Reduplication of adjectives

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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.

The structure is:

Adj + Adj + 的

In most Chinese textbooks and grammar books, this is known as the "AA" pattern. Some examples:

  • 外面 冷冷的
  • 你的 脸 红红的
  • 天气 热热的

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.

Sources and further reading

Books