Greetings! If you’re interested in learning how to express the concept of “very” in Chinese, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore various formal and informal ways to convey intensity, as well as delve into regional variations where necessary. Whether you’re a beginner or already have some knowledge of Chinese, this guide will provide you with many useful tips and examples to enhance your language skills!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Very” in Chinese
When it comes to formal situations in Chinese, it’s important to use the appropriate terminology to maintain respect and politeness. Let’s take a look at some common expressions:
非常 (fēi cháng)
This is the most standard and formal way to express “very” in Chinese. It can be used in both spoken and written language. For example:
- 这个问题非常困难。
(Zhè ge wèn tí fēi cháng kùn nán.)
This problem is very difficult.
极其 (jí qí)
Similar to “extremely” in English, 极其 (jí qí) conveys a heightened level of intensity. This term is commonly used in formal speeches or written articles:
- 这次会议极其重要。
(Zhè cì huì yì jí qí zhòng yào.)
This meeting is extremely important.
十分 (shí fēn)
When you wish to emphasize a certain quality, 十分 (shí fēn) is a suitable choice. It translates to “very” or “utterly” and can be used in various contexts:
- 她是一个十分聪明的女孩。
(Tā shì yí gè shí fēn cōng míng de nǚ hái.)
She is a very intelligent girl.
Informal Ways to Say “Very” in Chinese
In informal situations, you have more flexibility to choose among a wider range of expressions to add emphasis. Here are some commonly used informal terms to express “very” in Chinese:
超级 (chāo jí)
The term 超级 (chāo jí) means “super” in English. It is often used in colloquial language to indicate a high degree of something:
- 这个餐馆的菜超级好吃。
(Zhè ge cān guǎn de cài chāo jí hǎo chī.)
The food at this restaurant is super delicious.
特别 (tè bié)
The term 特别 (tè bié) carries a sense of “particularly” or “especially” and can be used in both formal and informal contexts:
- 他给我买了一件特别的礼物。
(Tā gěi wǒ mǎi le yí jiàn tè bié de lǐ wù.)
He bought me a particularly special gift.
非常地 (fēi cháng de)
When you want to add the intensity of “very” to an adjective, you can use 非常地 (fēi cháng de). This expression is commonly used in informal conversations:
- 今天的天气非常地糟糕。
(Jīn tiān de tiān qì fēi cháng de zāo gāo.)
The weather today is very awful.
Regional Variations
Chinese is a diverse language with regional variations and dialects. While the aforementioned expressions are widely understood across mainland China, here are a couple of additional variations:
好 (hǎo)
In some regions, such as southern China and parts of Taiwan, locals use 好 (hǎo) to indicate “very” or “really” in a casual way:
- 这个电影好好看啊！
(Zhè ge diàn yǐng hǎo hǎo kàn a!)
This movie is so enjoyable!
挺 (tǐng)
In northern China, the term 挺 (tǐng) is commonly used to convey “quite” or “rather.” It can be used in both formal and informal contexts:
- 这个地方的风景挺美的。
(Zhè ge dì fāng de fēng jǐng tǐng měi de.)
The scenery of this place is quite beautiful.
Wrapping Up
Congratulations! You have reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “very” in Chinese. Remember, when it comes to formal situations, stick with the more standard expressions like 非常 (fēi cháng), 极其 (jí qí), and 十分 (shí fēn). In informal contexts, feel free to use expressions such as 超级 (chāo jí), 特别 (tè bié), and 非常地 (fēi cháng de).
Keep practicing and using these expressions in everyday conversations to become more comfortable with their usage and nuances. Chinese is a fascinating language with many regional variations, so don’t be afraid to explore and learn more!
Wishing you all the best in your Chinese language journey!
