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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "really" with adverb 真 (zhēn)

    HSK 2
    Degree & Intensity
    Emphasis

    Structure

    Subject + 真 + Adjective/Verb

    Explanation

    The adverb 真 (zhēn) means "really" or "truly" and is used before adjectives or verbs to emphasize the speaker's feeling or assessment. It adds emotional weight and conviction to a statement. This is one of the most frequently used intensifiers in spoken Chinese.

    Examples

    • 今天的天气真好，适合出去走走。

      Jīntiān de tiānqì zhēn hǎo, shìhé chūqù zǒuzou.

      The weather is really nice today, perfect for going out for a walk.

    • 这道菜真辣，我都快受不了了。

      Zhè dào cài zhēn là, wǒ dōu kuài shòubùliǎo le.

      This dish is really spicy; I can hardly stand it.

    • 你真厉害，这么快就学会了。

      Nǐ zhēn lìhai, zhème kuài jiù xuéhuì le.

      You're really impressive; you learned it so quickly.

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    Expressing "really" with adverb 真 (zhēn) | Chinese Grammar