Reduplication of adjectives

Revision as of 05:30, 13 June 2012 by 61.170.233.22 (talk)

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