很 + Adjective Predicates

Frequently asked questions

When is 很+形容词 used?

In Chinese, adjectives act as verbs — they do not need 是 (to be). Instead, use 很 (hěn) before the adjective in neutral statements.

How is 很+形容词 formed?

Important: 很 in neutral statements does NOT mean 'very' — it is just a structural filler. For real emphasis, use 非常 (fēicháng) or stress 很 with tone.

What are common mistakes with 很+形容词?

The biggest error is using 是 (shì) before adjectives like English 'is': *她是漂亮. Chinese adjectives function as verbs — use 很, not 是. 🇬🇧 English speakers: English requires 'is/are' before adjectives (She IS pretty). Chinese adjectives are stative verbs — 很 replaces 'is'. 🇩🇪 German speakers: German uses 'ist/sind' (Sie IST hübsch). Remove this reflex — just say 她很漂亮. 🇷🇺 Russian speakers: Russian often drops the copula (Она красивая — no 'is'). This is actually closer to Chinese! But use 很 as a neutral filler. 🇨🇿 Czech speakers: Czech uses 'je' (Ona JE hezká). In Chinese, 是 is never used with adjectives.