Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “also” in Chinese! Whether you are a beginner or at an advanced level of Mandarin Chinese, this article will help you understand the various ways to express “also” in different contexts. We will cover both formal and informal ways, with tips, examples, and even a touch of regional variations when necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Also” in Chinese
In formal Mandarin Chinese, the word “also” is commonly translated as “yě” (也). Here are a few examples using this formal term:
我喜欢游泳，也喜欢跑步。
Wǒ xǐhuān yóuyǒng, yě xǐhuān pǎobù.
I like swimming, also like running.
In the sentence above, “也” (yě) is placed immediately before the verb or action it refers to. This structure is widely used in formal Chinese, indicating an additional action or preference.
If you want to emphasize the inclusive aspect of “also,” you can use “还” (hái) or “又” (yòu) instead of “也” (yě) in formal Mandarin. These words convey a similar meaning but may slightly change the tone of the sentence:
我还会游泳，又会跑步。
Wǒ hái huì yóuyǒng, yòu huì pǎobù.
I can swim too, and I can run as well.
Informal Ways to Say “Also” in Chinese
In informal Chinese conversations, native speakers often use a variety of phrases to express “also” more naturally. Here are some commonly used informal terms:
1. “还有” (háiyǒu)
“还有” (háiyǒu) is a versatile phrase that can be used as a casual equivalent of “also” in different situations:
- Connecting Nouns:
我喜欢吃水果，还有蔬菜。
Wǒ xǐhuān chī shuǐguǒ, háiyǒu shūcài.
I like to eat fruits, and also vegetables.
- Connecting Verbs:
我听音乐，还有看电影。
Wǒ tīng yīnyuè, háiyǒu kàn diànyǐng.
I listen to music, and also watch movies.
2. “也是” (yě shì)
“也是” (yě shì) is another informal phrase often used to express “also.” It is usually used to agree with a statement or confirm a fact:
他喜欢音乐，我也是。
Tā xǐhuān yīnyuè, wǒ yě shì.
He likes music, and so do I.
3. “同样” (tóngyàng)
“同样” (tóngyàng) is a more formal term that can also be used informally to express “also” or “likewise” in Mandarin Chinese:
这个电影很好看，同样那个电影也很棒。
Zhège diànyǐng hěn hǎokàn, tóngyàng nàge diànyǐng yě hěn bàng.
This movie is great, and likewise, that movie is excellent.
Regional Variations
Chinese is a rich and diverse language, with regional variations that add unique flavor to its expressions. In some regions, informal terms for “also” may vary slightly. For example, in Cantonese, a popular dialect spoken in southern China, you may encounter the term “亦都” (yat dou) as an informal equivalent of “也” (yě) or “还有” (háiyǒu).
Conclusion
Congratulations on reaching the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “also” in Chinese! You have learned various formal and informal ways to express this word, as well as some regional variations. Remember to practice these terms in context, as their usage often depends on the specific circumstance and tone of the conversation. Keep exploring the richness of Mandarin Chinese and enjoy your language learning journey!
