In Chinese there are many such words as 绵绵 continuous/continuously, mián mián; 默默 quietly, mò mò; 翩翩 to dance lightly/elegant, piān piān; etc. These words are called reduplicated words and used to express a rich emotion and tone, and also to achieve an effect of neat and orderly structure and stable and harmonious rhythm.
The suffix 性 can turn some adjectives or verbs into abstract nouns ending with “ity, ness, etc” e.g. Continue reading “Suffix 性 and its formula”
厉害 and 利害 are a pair of words which are very confusing since they share the same pronunciation and the same use. Continue reading “厉害 and 利害, which one to choose?”
弹 has two pronunciations, and there are many words composed of 弹. If you remember the pronunciation for everyone of these words, huh, it’s really a tough job. Don’t you like a shortcut that can make it easier to learn this word? Yes, there is one:
Keep the following rule in mind:
When 弹 expresses weapons e.g. 子弹，弹药，导弹，弹头, etc, 弹 is pronunced dàn, in other cases, it is prounced tán.
美轮美奂 [měi lún měi huàn] magnificent, sumptuous, originally used to describe constructions/buildings, is also used to describe the fine effect of sculpture or architecture. Attention: 美仑美奂 is wrong. Continue reading “美轮美奂 or 美仑美奂”
