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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to like' or 'to prefer' with 喜欢 (xǐhuan)

    Degree & Intensity
    Wishes & Desires

    Structure

    Subject + 喜欢 + Noun/Verb

    Explanation

    喜欢 (xǐhuan) means "to like" or "to enjoy" and is used to express fondness for people, things, or activities. It is followed directly by a noun or verb, such as 喜欢音乐 (to like music) or 喜欢跑步 (to like running). To express a stronger feeling, you can add 很 before it: 我很喜欢.

    Examples

    • 我特别喜欢下雨天待在家里看书。

      Wǒ tèbié xǐhuan xiàyǔ tiān dāi zài jiālǐ kànshū.

      I especially like staying home and reading on rainy days.

    • 她喜欢吃辣的,我喜欢吃甜的。

      Tā xǐhuan chī là de, wǒ xǐhuan chī tián de.

      She likes spicy food, and I like sweet food.

    • 你喜欢哪种音乐?我很喜欢爵士乐。

      Nǐ xǐhuan nǎ zhǒng yīnyuè? Wǒ hěn xǐhuan juéshìyuè.

      What kind of music do you like? I really like jazz.

    Expressing 'to like' or 'to prefer' with 喜欢 (xǐhuan) | Chinese Grammar