Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Using 结巴 (jiēba) to express 'stuttering'

    Description & Modification
    Manner & Method

    Structure

    Subject + 结巴 / 说话 + 结巴

    Explanation

    The word 结巴 (jiēba) means 'to stutter' or 'stammering,' describing halting, repetitive speech. It can function as an adjective to describe someone's speech pattern or as a verb meaning to stutter. It is less intense than its reduplicated form 结结巴巴.

    Examples

    • 他一紧张说话就结巴,让人听不清楚。

      tā yī jǐnzhāng shuōhuà jiù jiēba, ràng rén tīng bù qīngchǔ.

      He stutters when he gets nervous, making it hard for people to understand.

    • 别着急,慢慢说,你越急越结巴。

      bié zhāojí, mànmàn shuō, nǐ yuè jí yuè jiēba.

      Don't rush; speak slowly. The more anxious you get, the more you stutter.

    • 小时候他有点结巴,长大以后好多了。

      xiǎoshíhòu tā yǒudiǎn jiēba, zhǎngdà yǐhòu hǎo duō le.

      He stuttered a little as a child, but it got much better when he grew up.

    Using 结巴 (jiēba) to express 'stuttering' | Chinese Grammar