非常
fēicháng
The English phrase 'very much' can be expressed in Chinese using 非常 (fēicháng) or 很.
Meaning: to a very great extent (adv)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 非常 | fēicháng |
| 很 | hěn |
These terms are used to indicate that something is true to a great extent. They function as adverbs to modify adjectives or verbs of emotion, such as the verb 喜欢 (to like).
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, 非常 means 'extraordinary' or 'unusual'.
Which one should you use?
While both words mean 'very', 非常 is stronger than 很.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both 非常 and 很 are placed before an adjective or a verb of emotion to modify them.
How do you pronounce it?
fēicháng
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not place 非常 at the end of a sentence as you might in English (for example, 'I like it very much'). In Chinese, it must precede the verb or adjective.
Did you know?
- In many contexts, Chinese speakers use 很 as a 'filler' adverb that adds no real meaning of 'very' at all, simply to make the sentence feel complete.
- The word 很 was originally used to describe something 'cruel' or 'defiant' rather than a measure of degree.
- Chinese speakers often use 'reduplication' by repeating an adjective instead of using 很 to express a high degree of a quality.
Examples in context
- 我非常想见她I want to see her very much.This sentence shows how to use 非常 to express a strong desire to see someone.Tatoeba #12947981 by strawberz, translation #255253 by CK
- 我非常想离开。I would very much like to go.This sentence demonstrates using 非常 to express a strong desire to leave.Tatoeba #3579845 by CLARET, translation #51318 by CC
- 汤姆非常孤单。Tom is very much alone.This sentence shows how to use 非常 to describe a state of being alone.Tatoeba #5780625 by verdastelo9604, translation #2208433 by CK
- 他对这个项目的投入非常认真。He is very dedicated to this project.
- 这个新闻令人十分震惊。This news is extremely shocking.
- 这本书的内容极其有趣。The content of this book is extremely interesting.
- 你的礼物真特别，我非常喜欢。Your gift is really special, I like it very much.
- 你的帮助对我来说真的很重要。Your help is really important to me.
- 这个餐厅的食物好吃极了！The food at this restaurant is extremely delicious!
- 我非常喜欢这个城市的气氛。I really like the atmosphere of this city.
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Junjie and Yuting are talking about a new restaurant.
- 俊杰 Junjie那里的菜怎么样？Nàlǐ de cài zěnmeyàng?How is the food there?
- 雨婷 Yuting味道非常棒！Wèidào fēicháng bàng!The flavor is very great!
- 俊杰 Junjie真的吗？我也想去。Zhēnde ma? Wǒ yě xiǎng qù.Really? I want to go too.
- 雨婷 Yuting俊杰，你一定要去试试。Jùnjié, nǐ yīdìng yào qù shìshì.Junjie, you must go try it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “very much” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 很, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
