Meanings of 挺
By ear
Play it, then pick what 挺 means.
About 挺
Podcast: 挺
Podcast: 挺
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 挺
很 (hěn) is used for degree modification but is more neutral, while 挺 (tǐng) adds a stronger emphasis or informal tone.
Learners often confuse 挺 with similar-sounding words like 停 (tíng, to stop), which can lead to misunderstandings. It's commonly used in both formal and informal settings, but be cautious with tone; 'tǐng' as a degree adverb can be slightly informal. Collocations include '挺好' (tǐng hǎo, quite good) and '挺住' (tǐng zhù, hold on).
As an HSK Level 4 word, 挺 connects well with other verbs and adjectives related to physical actions and descriptions. Students should focus on its usage as both a verb and an intensifier. Understanding its dual function will enhance sentence construction.
A common mistake is using 挺 incorrectly as a formal word, as in '挺好，谢谢' (this is quite good, thank you) in a formal letter, where '非常' (fēicháng, very) would be more appropriate. Be mindful of context and tone when using it.
Pronunciation of 挺
Drill the tone of 挺 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 挺 to You
Let me explain 挺 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 挺 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 挺?
Learning Lab
Knowing 挺 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 挺
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 廷 represents the sound.
hand
Origin
挺 = 扌 + 廷. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 挺
Parts
Which of these is part of 挺?
How to say to stick out in Chinese
“to stick out” in Chinese is挺
The character 挺 (tǐng) primarily means 'to stick out' or 'to straighten up.' It can be used to describe physical actions, such as standing upright or enduring a difficult situation. In informal contexts, it can also mean 'quite' or 'very,' adding emphasis to an adjective or verb.
When to use 挺
Learners often confuse 挺 with similar-sounding words like 停 (tíng, to stop), which can lead to misunderstandings. It's commonly used in both formal and informal settings, but be cautious with tone; 'tǐng' as a degree adverb can be slightly informal. Collocations include '挺好' (tǐng hǎo, quite good) and '挺住' (tǐng zhù, hold on).
挺 or something close to it
很 (hěn) is used for degree modification but is more neutral, while 挺 (tǐng) adds a stronger emphasis or informal tone.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is using 挺 incorrectly as a formal word, as in '挺好，谢谢' (this is quite good, thank you) in a formal letter, where '非常' (fēicháng, very) would be more appropriate. Be mindful of context and tone when using it.
Write 挺
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 挺 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 挺
挺 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 17 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我同意，那个电影是____有意思。
I agree, that movie is quite interesting indeed.
Common Confusions with 挺
挺 is used as an adverb meaning 'quite' or 'rather', while 很 is more neutral and means 'very'.
这件衣服挺好看的 vs 这件衣服很好看
挺 is used as an adverb meaning 'quite' or 'rather', while 很 is more neutral and means 'very'.
Usage Notes for 挺
Avoid using 挺 before adjectives without proper context; it should typically modify adjectives directly.
这本书挺有趣的。
This book is quite interesting.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这本书____有趣的。
This book is quite interesting.
Example Sentences for 挺 (14)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 挺?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 挺
'挺' is often used in colloquial Chinese to express approval or a positive opinion, making it a versatile word in conversations.
Word Family of 挺
Words with 挺
What does 挺进 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 挺
挺 (tǐng) and 直 (zhí) both convey the idea of being straight, but they are used in different contexts. 挺 often implies a sense of uprightness or support, while 直 is more about the linear quality of something. For example, you might use 挺 for describing posture and 直 for lines or paths.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 挺?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.