Chinese Grammar: Lesson: Adjectives don’t need verbs

Adjectives in Chinese require a little explanation; they work a little differently than in English. See, they don't need a verb in the sentence to work.

Linking adjectives and nouns

In Chinese, nouns don’t need a verb to be linked to adjectives. That's because, in Chinese adjectives, the verb is already assumed! When you say 小, you're not just saying "small". You're saying "to be small".

Instead of a verb, the word 很 is often used to link a noun and an adjective together. It usually means "very" but here it's mainly a way to link the noun and the adjective and doesn't add a meaning.

Structure

Noun + 很 + Adjective

Example

你 很 漂亮。
You are pretty.

Noun + 很 + adjective

Negating adjectives

Negating adjectives works the same way as negating verbs: the negation is always placed before the adjective.

Structure

Noun + 不 + Adjective

Example

你 不 漂亮。
You are not pretty.

Noun + 不 negation + adjective

Using the verb «是» (to be) with an adjective is a common mistake. Don’t give in to the verb! Remember: Adjectives are strong and proud, they don’t need verbs to get along.