beginnerA1 · TOCFL a1aspectsentence pattern
Pattern
AA + 的 / AA + modifier phrase
Core idea
Some adjective-like state verbs can be reduplicated to make a description more vivid. Two-syllable forms often become an AABB pattern.
The result can sound lively, descriptive, or a little more expressive than the plain adjective.
Usage boundary
This pattern is common but not fully automatic. Do not reduplicate every adjective by force. Learn the common examples as set patterns first, especially in reading and listening.
Examples
她高高兴兴地回家。
Tā gāogāoxìngxìng de huí jiā.
She happily went home.
房间里干干净净的。
Fángjiān lǐ gāngānjìngjìng de.
The room is nice and clean.
孩子快快乐乐地唱歌。
Háizi kuàikuàilèlè de chàng gē.
The child sings cheerfully.
Common mistakes
Avoid
她高兴高兴地回家。
Use
她高高兴兴地回家。
Many two-syllable state verbs reduplicate as AABB, not ABAB.