adverb HSK 2
gèng
more · even more · further

Meaning

is a common adverb meaning 'more' or 'even more' used to indicate a higher degree or extent when comparing things. It typically precedes adjectives or verbs to intensify them or show that something has increased in degree compared to before or compared to something else.

Usage

is extremely common in both spoken and written Chinese. It's used before adjectives to show comparison (好 'better', 快 'faster') or to emphasize that something has become more intense. It's neutral in register and appears in all contexts. Often paired with 比 (bǐ) in comparative sentences.

Examples

  1. 01
    这本书比那本有意思。
    Zhè běn shū běn gèng yǒu yìsi.
    This book is more interesting than that one.
  2. 02
    学习中文让我了解中国文化。
    Xuéxí Zhōngwén ràng gèng liǎojiě Zhōngguó wénhuà.
    Learning Chinese helps me understand Chinese culture better.

Common collocations

  • gèng hǎo
    better
  • gèng duō
    more
  • gèng jiā
    even more
  • 重要的是
    gèng zhòngyào de shì
    more importantly

Antonyms

Origin

originally meant 'to change' or 'watch period' (pronounced gēng). The adverbial sense 'more' developed from the idea of going further or changing to a greater degree.

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