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    Chinese Grammar

    Making "-ize" and "-ify" words with 化 (huà) as an adjective suffix

    HSK 4
    Actions & Events
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    Noun/Adjective + 化

    Explanation

    化 is attached to nouns or adjectives to create words meaning "to become" or "to make into," similar to English suffixes "-ize" and "-ify." As a suffix forming adjectives, it describes a state of transformation, such as 现代化 (modernized). It is extremely productive in formal and technical vocabulary.

    Examples

    • 这座城市越来越现代化了。

      Zhè zuò chéngshì yuè lái yuè xiàndàihuà le.

      This city is becoming more and more modernized.

    • 我们的目标是实现教育信息化。

      Wǒmen de mùbiāo shì shíxiàn jiàoyù xìnxīhuà.

      Our goal is to achieve the digitalization of education.

    • 公司正在推进办公自动化。

      Gōngsī zhèngzài tuījìn bàngōng zìdònghuà.

      The company is advancing office automation.

    Making "-ize" and "-ify" words with 化 (huà) as an adjective suffix | Chinese Grammar