Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Using the separable verb 怀孕 (huáiyùn) to express "becoming pregnant"

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    怀 + (Modifier) + 孕

    Explanation

    怀孕 (huáiyùn) is a separable verb meaning "to become pregnant" or "to be pregnant." Because it is a separable verb, elements can be inserted between 怀 and 孕, such as 怀了孕 (became pregnant) or 怀过孕 (has been pregnant before). It is the standard term for pregnancy in Chinese.

    Examples

    • 她怀孕三个月了，身体还不错。

      Tā huáiyùn sān gè yuè le, shēntǐ hái búcuò.

      She is three months pregnant and doing well.

    • 朋友告诉我她怀孕了，我们都很开心。

      Péngyou gàosu wǒ tā huáiyùn le, wǒmen dōu hěn kāixīn.

      My friend told me she was pregnant, and we were all very happy.

    • 她怀孕的时候还在坚持工作。

      Tā huáiyùn de shíhou hái zài jiānchí gōngzuò.

      She kept working even while she was pregnant.

    Using the separable verb 怀孕 (huáiyùn) to express "becoming pregnant" | Chinese Grammar