Adverbs Study Guide
Discover the role of adverbs in Chinese language. Learn their categories, formation, position in sentences, and comparison.
这里 (zhè lǐ)
here
“这里” is used in Chinese in a similar way as 'here' in English. It refers to the specific location or place where someone or something is. It can also be used to introduce a subject, similar to 'here is' or 'here are' in English.
远 (yuǎn)
far
The Chinese word for 'far' is '远', which is often used to describe a distance that is a long way off. It can relate to physical distance, as in the space between two places, but can also be used metaphorically to describe, for instance, a future event that is a long way off (远期 'yuǎn qī'). It is frequently used in a variety of contexts in the Chinese language.
Example sentences with 远 →适当地 (shì dàng de)
properly
The Chinese word '适当地' is an adverb often used to describe something that is done correctly or in a satisfactory manner. It can be used in various contexts like '做事要适当地' meaning 'things should be done properly'.
Example sentences with 适当地 →适当的 (shìdàng de)
proper
The Chinese word '适当的' (shìdàng de) is used similarly to the English word 'proper'. It's an adjective that can describe something as suitable, appropriate, or correct. Just as in English, it can be used in a wide variety of contexts.
通常 (tōngcháng)
usually
The Chinese word for 'usually' is '通常'. It is used in the same context as in English. You would use the word '通常' when describing something that generally or mostly occurs.
通过 (tōng guò)
through
The Chinese word '通过' is usually used to describe the particular action of passing or moving through something. It could also mean to be approved or accepted, similar to the English word 'through' when it's used to signify completion of a process or procedure.
那 (nà)
that
The Chinese word for 'that', '那', is used similar to the English word. It is used to point forward to something coming later in conversation or to indicate an object at a bit of distance. Unlike English, Chinese doesn't have a specific singular or plural form so '那' can refer to either 'that' or 'those' based on context.
那里 (nàlǐ)
there
The Chinese word '那里' translates to 'there' in English. It is used to point towards a place or item that is located at a distance from the speaker. It can be used in a variety of contexts, ranging from directing someone to a far-off location, to indicate where an object is located, to formulating rhetorical or existential questions.
部分 (bù fèn)
part
The Chinese word '部分' gets used in similar contexts as 'part' in English. It can be used to denote a fraction or a segment of something. For instance, in a sentence '这只是故事的一部分' - 'This is only a part of the story'.
重 (Zhòng)
heavy
The Chinese character '重' represents the concept of 'heavy'. In Chinese, it can be used in a similar context as in English, to describe the weight of an object. It can also be used to express the weight of a situation or feeling, much like how 'heavy' is used metaphorically in English.
Example sentences with 重 →野生 (yě shēng)
wild
The Chinese word '野生' is used to describe someone or something that is not tamed or controlled, just as it is in English. It could be used in a variety of contexts like 'wild animals' (野生动物), 'wild plants' (野生植物), even in phrases like 'to grow wild' (野生生长).
错误 (cuò wù)
wrong
The Chinese word '错误' is used to signify something that is incorrect. Much like 'wrong' in English, it can refer to a mistake, an incorrect answer, or something that is morally or fundamentally not right. It is frequently used in both formal and informal contexts.
长 (zhǎng)
long
In Mandarin Chinese, the word '长' is used to describe something that has great length or duration. It can be used to describe physical objects, like a long road, or nonphysical things, such as a long time. While the word '长' commonly means 'long', it can also mean 'grow' or 'increase' or can be used as a reference for someone of higher status in certain contexts.
附近 (fù jìn)
nearby
The Chinese word '附近' indicates something or some place that is not far away. It can be used to refer to the location that's in close proximity to a person or object, similar to how we use the word 'nearby' in English.
Example sentences with 附近 →非常 (fēicháng)
very
The Chinese word '非常' is commonly used to intensify adjectives and adverbs, similar to the English word 'very'. It often comes just before the adjective or adverb it modifies in a sentence structure. For example, '非常好' means 'very good'.
额外 (é wài)
extra
The Chinese word '额外' is used similarly to the English word 'extra'. It refers to something that is in addition to what is usual or expected, or more than the usual amount. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in '额外的费用' (extra fee), '额外的工作' (extra work), or '额外的时间' (extra time).
Example sentences with 额外 →高 (gāo)
high
In Chinese, '高' is used to represent the concept of 'high' or 'tall'. Just like in English, it can be used to describe the physical height of objects and people. However, it can also describe a high level or standard, illustrating superiority or advancement. For instance, '高质量' means 'high quality'.