Which one should you use?
While 你很漂亮 is a neutral way to say "you are very pretty", using 你真漂亮 replaces the standard "very" with a word that adds an emotional tone of exclamation. This makes the phrase sound more like "You are truly/really pretty!" rather than a simple statement of fact. Additionally, replacing 漂亮 (piàoliang) with 美 (měi) shifts the compliment from being "pretty" to a more profound or elegant "beautiful".
How does it change in a sentence?
In a neutral compliment like "you are very pretty", the standard way to say "very" is by using 很 (hěn). However, as noted in the differences, using 真 (zhēn) instead of 很 changes the tone from a neutral statement to an exclamation of "really" or "truly".
How do you pronounce it?
nǐ zhēn piàoliang
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid adding a question particle like 吗 (ma) to the end of the phrase, such as 你很漂亮吗？, as this mistakenly turns your compliment into the question "Are you very pretty?"
Did you know?
- In Chinese culture, a person receiving a compliment like 你真漂亮 may modestly deny it by saying 哪里哪里 (nǎlǐ nǎlǐ), which literally means 'where, where'.
- The character 美 (měi) originally depicted a large sheep, as livestock were ancient symbols of abundance and beauty in China.
- While 漂亮 (piàoliang) is common, calling a woman 美女 (měinv) is a very popular way to address a stranger, such as a waitress or a shop assistant, essentially using 'pretty woman' as a polite title.
Examples in context
- 朋友，你超级漂亮，每次见到你都是一道靓丽的风景。Friend, you're super pretty. Every time I see you, it's a beautiful scenery.
- 你真漂亮。Nǐ zhēn piàoliang.You're very pretty.
- 今天你真漂亮！Jīntiān nǐ zhēn piàoliang!You're very pretty today!
- 穿这件衣服的你真漂亮。Chuān zhè jiàn yīfu de nǐ zhēn piàoliang.You're very pretty in this dress.
Example conversation
Wei is complimenting Jiayi on her appearance at a party.
- 佳怡 Jiayi伟，你在看什么？Wěi, nǐ zài kàn shénme?Wei, what are you looking at?
- 伟 Wei佳怡，你真漂亮！Jiāyí, nǐ zhēn piàoliang!Jiayi, you're very pretty!
- 佳怡 Jiayi谢谢你的夸奖。Xièxie nǐ de kuājuǎng.Thank you for the compliment.
- 伟 Wei这是实话。Zhè shì shíhuà.It's the truth.
