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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 酸 (suān) to describe something as "sour"

    Description & Modification

    Structure

    Subject + 很 + 酸

    Explanation

    酸 (suān) is an adjective meaning "sour" or "acidic," used to describe tastes, smells, or figuratively, feelings of jealousy or aching. It can appear as a predicate adjective or before a noun as a modifier. For example, 这个苹果很酸 means "This apple is very sour."

    Examples

    • 这瓶醋太酸了，少放一点吧。

      Zhè píng cù tài suān le, shǎo fàng yìdiǎn ba.

      This bottle of vinegar is too sour; put in a little less.

    • 柠檬汁酸酸的，加点糖就好喝了。

      Níngméng zhī suānsuān de, jiā diǎn táng jiù hǎohē le.

      Lemon juice is sour; it tastes good with some sugar added.

    • 他吃了一口酸橙子，整张脸都皱起来了。

      Tā chī le yì kǒu suān chéngzi, zhěng zhāng liǎn dōu zhòu qǐlái le.

      He took a bite of the sour orange and his whole face scrunched up.

    Often Confused With

    Using 酸 (suān) to describe something as "sour" | Chinese Grammar