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March 24, 2026
很hěn(hen3)
The character 很 (hěn) is an adverb used to indicate a degree or extent, commonly translated as 'very' or 'quite.' It is frequently used in descriptions and to express intensity, especially in positive or neutral contexts. For example, you might say '很好' (hěn hǎo) meaning 'very good.'
Strokes9Radical彳Frequency#22DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing feelings or opinions can often be more subdued than in some Western cultures. The use of 很 helps to emphasize positive sentiments without being overly dramatic, reflecting a cultural preference for modesty in expression.
Memory Tip
Imagine a very happy hen (hěn) strutting around proudly, emphasizing how 'very' special she feels. The hen symbolizes the intensity of the word, and its pronunciation closely resembles 'hen,' making it easier to remember.
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AI Study Notes for 很
Quick Contrast
很 (hěn) vs 非常 (fēicháng) — use 很 for moderate emphasis, while 非常 indicates a stronger degree.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a very happy hen (hěn) strutting around proudly, emphasizing how 'very' special she feels. The hen symbolizes the intensity of the word, and its pronunciation closely resembles 'hen,' making it easier to remember.
Usage Notes
When using 很, it's important to note that it usually precedes adjectives to enhance their meaning. Common mistakes include using it too formally in casual conversations or confusing it with other degree adverbs like 非常 (fēicháng), which means 'extremely.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, 很 connects to other basic adjectives and verbs, helping learners form simple sentences. Focus on practicing it within common phrases and vocabulary to solidify your understanding of degree expressions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing feelings or opinions can often be more subdued than in some Western cultures. The use of 很 helps to emphasize positive sentiments without being overly dramatic, reflecting a cultural preference for modesty in expression.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 很 in contexts where a stronger degree adverb like 非常 (fēicháng) is more appropriate. For example, saying '他很好' (tā hěn hǎo) is correct, but saying '这道菜很极好' (zhè dào cài hěn jí hǎo) is incorrect; it should be '这道菜非常好' (zhè dào cài fēicháng hǎo).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 很
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Grammar Patterns of 很
很 carries 5 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Don't worry. We'll have you out of here double-quick.
Cultural Notes for 很
💡Did you know?
在中文中，‘很’常用于形容词前，表示程度。例如：‘很高’、‘很漂亮’。它使句子更生动。
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, expressing feelings or opinions can often be more subdued than in some Western cultures. The use of 很 helps to emphasize positive sentiments without being overly dramatic, reflecting a cultural preference for modesty in expression.
Word Family of 很
Words Containing This Character1
很hěnquite
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 很 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 很
While 很 (hěn) is most commonly used to mean 'very,' it can also convey a sense of 'quite' or 'awfully' depending on the context. It's important to consider the overall tone and meaning of the sentence when interpreting its use.
Generally, 很 (hěn) can be used with many adjectives to express degree, but there are exceptions. For example, it is less commonly used with certain adjectives in colloquial speech, particularly in negative constructions.
很 (hěn) is an adverb in Chinese that means 'very' or 'quite.' It is commonly used to emphasize the degree of an adjective, such as in the phrase '很好' (hěn hǎo), which means 'very good.'
To use 很 (hěn) in a sentence, place it before an adjective to intensify its meaning. For example, you can say '我很高兴' (wǒ hěn gāoxìng), which translates to 'I am very happy.'
Yes, you can use 很 with negative adjectives, but it often sounds less natural. For example, '很不好' (hěn bù hǎo) means 'not very good,' but it's more common to just say '不好'.
很 is generally informal and is more commonly used in spoken language. In formal writing, you may use alternatives like 非常 (fēicháng) for emphasis.
很 indicates a moderate degree, while 非常 means 'extremely' or 'very much,' indicating a higher degree of intensity.
