Adjective-Predicate Sentences
形容词谓语句
Describe states using adjectives as predicates (no 'is' needed!)
In Chinese, adjectives act as verbs — they don't need "is." Just pair the subject with a degree adverb and the adjective. It's one of the most elegant features of the language.
The default degree adverb is 很. Without it, a bare adjective in a predicate implies comparison: 他高 = "He is tall (compared to someone)."
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Adjective-Predicate Sentences (形容词谓语句)
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Understanding 形容词谓语句
Here's a mind-blowing difference between Chinese and English: in Chinese, adjectives don't need the verb "to be"! Where English says "The room IS clean," Chinese says 房间很干净 — literally "Room very clean." The adjective itself carries the meaning of "is." This is one of the coolest things about Chinese grammar, and once it clicks, you'll love it. Think of it this way: in English, the adjective is lazy and needs a helper ("is"). In Chinese, the adjective is independent and does the job alone. You just pair it with a degree adverb like 很 to keep the rhythm smooth.
Key Points
- No 是 before adjectives! 房间很干净。(Fángjiān hěn gānjìng.) — The room is clean.
- 很 doesn't always mean "very" — it often just fills the slot: 我很好 = I'm fine (not "I'm VERY good").
- For real emphasis, use 太…了, 真, or 非常: 这个学生最认真。(Zhège xuéshēng zuì rènzhēn.) — This student is the most serious.
- Negate with 不: 今天不热。(Jīntiān bù rè.) — Today is not hot.
- A bare adjective implies comparison: 她高 vs. 她很高. The first suggests "she is tall (compared to someone)."
- You can use 有点 for "a bit" (usually negative): 这个菜有点咸。(Zhège cài yǒudiǎn xián.) — This dish is a bit salty.
- The pattern 越来越 + Adj means "more and more": 天气越来越冷。(Tiānqì yuèláiyuè lěng.) — The weather is getting colder and colder.
- Questions about degree use 怎么样: 今天天气怎么样？(Jīntiān tiānqì zěnmeyàng?) — How's the weather today?
When Chinese people greet each other with 你好 (nǐ hǎo), they're literally saying "you good" — an adjective predicate! No "are" needed. The whole language is built around this elegant simplicity.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
房间很干净。
The room is clean.
很 + adjective as predicate
这个学生最认真。
This student is the most serious.
Superlative with 最
今天太热了！
It's too hot today!
Emphasis with 太…了
这个苹果真大！
This apple is really big!
Emphasis with 真
中文不难。
Chinese is not hard.
Negation of adjective predicate
她的衣服非常漂亮。
Her clothes are extremely pretty.
Strong emphasis with 非常
这家餐厅的菜有点贵。
The food at this restaurant is a bit expensive.
Mild complaint with 有点 — at a restaurant
你今天气色很好啊！
You look great today!
Complimenting a friend — adjective predicate with 啊
这道题比较简单。
This question is relatively easy.
Degree adverb 比较 — at school
飞机票越来越贵了。
Plane tickets are getting more and more expensive.
Progressive change with 越来越 — talking about travel
Common Mistakes
Never use 是 before adjective predicates. Use 很 (or 太, 真, 非常) instead.
是 does not belong in adjective predicate sentences, even with degree adverbs like 太.
To negate, use 不 directly before the adjective. No 是 involved anywhere!
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Repeat after me: "No 是 before adjectives! No 是 before adjectives!" Make it your mantra.
When you hear 很, don't always translate it as "very." Often it just makes the sentence flow smoothly.
Degree adverb power ranking: 有点 (a bit) < 比较 (rather) < 很 (quite) < 非常 (very) < 太…了 (too much!).
Use 有点 for gentle complaints: 有点贵 (a bit expensive), 有点累 (a bit tired), 有点远 (a bit far). It's polite and non-confrontational.
Try this daily exercise: describe the weather, your mood, and your energy level using three different degree adverbs each morning.
Homework
Describe the weather, your mood, and three objects around you using adjective predicates. Try using different degree adverbs: 很, 太…了, 真, 非常, 最.