Definitions

hěn (adverb) very; quite; rather

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Based on the original meaning "go against". The meaning later shifted to "fight", "ruthless", "extraordinary", and "very". Etymologically related to .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "很" is structured with the radical 彳 on the left, associated with actions or conduct, and the component 艮 on the right, which historically contributed to its early meaning of defiance or disobedience. In classical Chinese texts, "很" was used to describe a contrary or rebellious attitude, but over centuries its usage shifted to function as an adverb denoting intensity, such as "very" or "quite", in modern Mandarin. This semantic transition from expressing opposition to indicating degree represents a significant change in its application within the language.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他是一个好的人。

Tā shì yī gè hěn hǎo de rén.

He is a very good person.

这本书有趣。

Zhè běn shū hěn yǒuqù.

This book is very interesting.

今天天气好。

Jīntiān tiānqì hěn hǎo.

The weather is very good today.

高兴见到你。

Tā hěn gāoxìng jiàn dào nǐ.

She is very happy to see you.

这个地方安静。

Zhè gè dìfāng hěn ānjìng.

This place is very quiet.

久没有去那里了。

Wǒ hěn jiǔ méiyǒu qù nàlǐ le.

I haven't been there for a long time.

他学习努力,成绩也好。

Tā xuéxí hěn nǔlì, chéngjì yě hěn hǎo.

He studies very hard, and his grades are also very good.

我对这个结果感到满意。

Wǒ duì zhège jiéguǒ gǎndào hěn mǎnyì.

I feel very satisfied with this result.