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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'ordinary' with 普通 (pǔtōng)

    Description & Modification

    Structure

    普通 + 的 + Noun

    Explanation

    The adjective 普通 (pǔtōng) means "ordinary," "common," or "average" in Chinese. It is used to describe something that is unremarkable or typical, without any special qualities. It frequently modifies nouns directly or appears in descriptive phrases.

    Examples

    • 这只是一家普通的面馆，但味道很好。

      Zhè zhǐshì yī jiā pǔtōng de miànguǎn, dàn wèidào hěn hǎo.

      This is just an ordinary noodle shop, but the food tastes great.

    • 他觉得自己就是个普通人，没什么特别的。

      Tā juéde zìjǐ jiùshì gè pǔtōng rén, méi shénme tèbié de.

      He thinks he's just an ordinary person with nothing special about him.

    • 今天穿得很普通，不用换衣服了。

      Jīntiān chuān de hěn pǔtōng, bùyòng huàn yīfu le.

      I'm dressed very casually today; no need to change clothes.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing 'ordinary' with 普通 (pǔtōng) | Chinese Grammar