Adjectival Phrases
形容词性短语
Build multi-word adjectival phrases using modifiers, comparisons, and paired structures
Adjectival phrases expand a simple adjective by adding degree adverbs (很, 非常, 特别), comparative markers (一点儿), or parallel structures (又……又……). They function as predicates, attributives, or complements.
Unlike English, Chinese adjectives do not need a linking verb like "is" when used as predicates. 很高兴 already means "is very happy" — no 是 needed.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Adjectival Phrases (形容词性短语)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 形容词性短语 pattern
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Understanding 形容词性短语
At HSK 1 you learned single adjectives like 好, 大, 冷. Now it is time to make them richer. Adjectival phrases let you say exactly how something is — not just "comfortable" but "very comfortable" (很舒服), not just "happy" but "extremely happy" (非常高兴), not just "big" but "a little bigger" (大一点儿). You can even describe something with two qualities at once using 又……又……: 又漂亮又可爱 (both pretty and cute). These phrases are the building blocks of natural, expressive Chinese. When you describe food, weather, people, or places, you are almost always using adjectival phrases rather than bare adjectives.
Key Points
- 很 + 形容词 is the most basic pattern: 很舒服 (very comfortable), 很好吃 (very delicious).
- 非常/特别/真 + 形容词 express stronger degrees: 非常高兴, 特别好看, 真漂亮.
- 形容词 + 一点儿 expresses "a little more": 大一点儿 (a little bigger), 便宜一点儿 (a little cheaper).
- 又 + Adj1 + 又 + Adj2 means "both...and...": 又漂亮又可爱 (both pretty and cute).
- When an adjectival phrase modifies a noun, add 的: 很好看的衣服 (very good-looking clothes).
- In predicate position, 很 is often "neutral" and does not necessarily mean "very" — it just makes the sentence grammatically complete.
- Negative adjectival phrases use 不: 不太舒服 (not very comfortable), 不够大 (not big enough).
Chinese speakers tend to soften descriptions. Instead of saying something is 不好 (bad), they might say 不太好 (not very good). Using adjectival phrases with 不太 or 有一点儿 shows politeness and tact.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
这个沙发很舒服。
This sofa is very comfortable.
我今天非常高兴。
I am extremely happy today.
你能给我大一点儿的吗？
Can you give me a slightly bigger one?
她的女儿又漂亮又可爱。
Her daughter is both pretty and cute.
今天的天气特别好。
The weather today is especially good.
这件衣服不太好看。
This piece of clothing is not very good-looking.
便宜一点儿行吗？
Can it be a little cheaper?
这道菜真好吃。
This dish is really delicious.
Common Mistakes
Do not add 是 before adjective predicates. In Chinese, 很舒服 already functions as a predicate — no linking verb needed.
In standard Mandarin, use 一点儿 (with the 儿 suffix) for "a little more." Dropping 儿 sounds incomplete in many contexts.
Only use 又 once before each adjective — the pattern is 又A又B, not 又A又又B.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
When shopping, 一点儿 phrases are your best friend: 大一点儿, 小一点儿, 便宜一点儿.
Remember that 很 in predicate position is often neutral — 我很好 just means "I am fine," not necessarily "I am VERY fine."
Use 又……又…… to give vivid descriptions: food (又辣又香), weather (又冷又干), people (又高又帅).
Layer modifiers for emphasis: 真的非常好看 (really extremely good-looking) — but do not overdo it!
Homework
Describe five things around you using different adjectival phrase patterns: use 很, 非常, 特别, 一点儿, and 又……又…… at least once each.