Degree Adverbs: Expressing Intensity
程度副词：多、多么、好、更、十分、特别、挺、有(一)点儿
Express various degrees of intensity from slightly to extremely using degree adverbs
Place the degree adverb before the adjective or verb to indicate intensity. Each adverb occupies a different position on the intensity scale.
From weak to strong: 有(一)点儿 (slightly) → 挺 (quite) → 好/更 (very/more) → 特别/十分 (extremely) → 多/多么 (exclamatory). The emotional tone varies — some are neutral, some are exclamatory.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Degree Adverbs: Expressing Intensity (程度副词：多、多么、好、更、十分、特别、挺、有(一)点儿)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 程度副词：多、多么、好、更、十分、特别、挺、有(一)点儿 pattern
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Understanding 程度副词：多、多么、好、更、十分、特别、挺、有(一)点儿
At HSK 1 you learned 很 (very) and 太 (too). Now your intensity toolkit expands dramatically. Think of these adverbs as a volume knob. 有(一)点儿 is volume 1 — "a little bit," and it often carries a negative or reluctant feeling (有点儿冷 = a bit cold, implying you wish it were not). 挺 is volume 4 — "quite" or "pretty," casual and friendly. 好 and 更 are volume 6 — 好 is exclamatory ("so!") while 更 means "even more." 特别 and 十分 are volume 8-9 — "especially" and "extremely." Finally, 多 and 多么 are the exclamatory peak — used in exclamations like 多美啊! (How beautiful!)
Key Points
- 有(一)点儿 (yǒu (yì) diǎnr) = a little bit — often implies dissatisfaction: 有点儿贵 (a bit expensive, i.e., too expensive for my liking).
- 挺 (tǐng) = quite / pretty — casual and positive: 挺好的 (pretty good).
- 好 (hǎo) = so / really — exclamatory: 好大啊! (So big!).
- 更 (gèng) = even more / more — comparative: 他弟弟更高 (His younger brother is even taller).
- 特别 (tèbié) = especially / particularly — strong emphasis: 特别好吃 (especially delicious).
- 十分 (shífēn) = extremely / very much — formal intensity: 十分感谢 (extremely grateful).
- 多 (duō) / 多么 (duōme) = how / what a — exclamatory: 多可爱! (How cute!).
- 有(一)点儿 is almost always used with undesirable qualities: 有点儿累, 有点儿难. For positive qualities, use 挺 or 有一点儿 with a smile.
Chinese speakers use 挺 constantly in casual conversation. If someone asks 你觉得怎么样？a very natural reply is 挺好的 (Pretty good). It sounds modest and friendly — very Chinese in spirit.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
这孩子多可爱啊！
What an adorable child!
Exclamatory — expressing strong emotion
他弟弟更高。
His younger brother is even taller.
这道菜十分好吃。
This dish is extremely delicious.
这儿挺安静的。
It is quite quiet here.
Casual — the 的 at the end is typical with 挺
今天有（一）点儿热。
It is a little hot today.
Slight dissatisfaction with the heat
多么美丽的地方！
What a beautiful place!
今天的考试特别难。
Today's exam was especially difficult.
好大的房子！
What a big house!
Exclamatory 好
Common Mistakes
有点儿 is typically used with negative or undesirable qualities. For something positive like "delicious," use 挺 or 很.
Do not combine 更 with 很. 更 already implies comparison — adding 很 is redundant.
挺 typically requires 的 at the end of the phrase: 挺好的, 挺大的, 挺有意思的.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Remember: 有点儿 is the "complainer" — use it when something is slightly bad or unpleasant.
挺……的 is the most natural casual compliment: 挺好看的, 挺聪明的, 挺有意思的.
更 is your comparison word — whenever you want to say "even more," reach for 更.
In formal writing or speeches, choose 十分 over 很 for a more elevated tone.
Practice exclamations with 多/多么: Look at photos and say 多美啊! 多大啊! 多可爱啊!
Homework
Describe five things you like using 挺……的 and 特别, five things you dislike using 有点儿, and write three exclamatory sentences using 多/多么. Then compare two people or things using 更.