动词
dòngcí
In Chinese, the phrase for "verb" is 动词 (dòngcí).
The term 动词 is used to refer to a verb in a linguistic context. For example, the basic form of the verb for "to eat" is 吃, while 学习 is used for "to study". Other common verbs include 说 (to speak), 喝 (to drink), 玩 (to play) and 聊 (to chat).
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 动 (dòng), meaning "to move" and 词 (cí), meaning "word".
Which one should you use?
In Chinese grammar studies, 动词 is often contrasted with 名词 (míngcí), which means "noun".
How do you pronounce it?
dòngcí
Did you know?
- Chinese allows for 'serial verb constructions', where multiple 动词 are strung together in a row without any connecting words like 'and' or 'then'.
- Chinese grammar often uses 'resultative verb compounds', where a second 动词 is added to the first to show the outcome of an action.
- Some Chinese verbs can function as nouns or adjectives without changing their spelling, a trait much rarer in English.
Examples in context
- 一个完完全全的不及物动词既没有补语，又没有宾语。A complete intransitive verb takes neither complement nor object.This sentence is useful for illustrating how to use the term 动词 in a grammatical definition.Tatoeba #463858 by fucongcong, translation #328554 by fcbond
- 这个词是一个动词。zhè ge cí shì yī ge dòng cí.This word is a verb.
- 老师在解释动词用法。lǎo shī zài jiě shì dòng cí yòng fǎ.The teacher is explaining verb usage.
Example conversation
Two students are studying grammar together.
- 雨婷 Yuting俊杰，这个词是动词吗？Jùnjié, zhège cí shì dòngcí ma?Junjie, is this word a verb?
- 俊杰 Junjie是的，它表示一个动作。Shì de, tā biǎoshì yīgè dòngzuò.Yes, it represents an action.
- 雨婷 Yuting那我应该怎么使用它？Nà wǒ yīnggāi zěnme shǐyòng tā?Then how should I use it?
- 俊杰 Junjie你可以把它放在主语后面。Nǐ kěyǐ bǎ tā fàng zài zhǔyǔ hòumiàn.You can place it after the subject.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
