Level 2 Lesson 21.1 – He Speaks Mandarin Especially Well!

GRAMMAR

Grammar 1: Compare 特别 真 非常 很 太 · HSK 2-3

We've learned a few Adjectives that describe degree before, such as 很(hěn, very), 非常(fēicháng, unusually) and 太(tài, too; overly). In today's lesson we have two more: 特别 and 真.

When describing degree, 特别, 真, 非常 and 很 are different, as shown in the table below:

NOTE: ① Usually 很 is weaker than 非常, 非常 is about the same as 特別 and 真 is considered very strong. However, if 真 is pronounced with less stress and 非常 is pronounced with extra stress, in that context, 非常 might be intended to be stronger than 真.

Grammar 2: The 得 structure - Complement of State in Chinese · HSK 2

The 得 structure is commonly used as a Complement of State in Chinese.

Complement of State is called 情态补语(Qíngtài Bǔyǔ) or 状态补语(Zhuàngtài Bǔyǔ).A Complement of State can give the action a description, a comment or a judgement. So it involves the speaker’s personal perspective.

A Complement of State goes after a Verb, in such a structure:

Verb + 得 + [Adj. (Phrase)]

For example,

• nǐ mèimèi zhǎng de zhēn piàoliang
  你妹妹长得真漂亮。
  your little sister grows/looks really pretty
• tā shuō Pǔtōnghuà shuō de tèbié hǎo
  他说普通话说得特别好！
  he speaks Mandarin speaks especially good
• nǐ bié xiǎng de tài jiǎndān le
  你别想得太简单了。
  (you) don't think (it as) too simple

Grammar 3: Really in Chinese · HSK 2

真 is real, true or really in Chinese. 真的 can either mean, really, or refer to something that is real or something that is true. If we want to ask "really?" or "is it real?" or "is it true?", we can say 真的吗？

To answer the question "真的吗(zhēn de ma)？" For short answers, we can say "真的(zhēn de)。" for yes and "不是真的(bú shì zhēnde)。" for no.