非常

fēicháng: 非常 - Very, Extremely, Unusual

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: 非常, feichang, very in Chinese, how to say extremely in Chinese, Chinese adverb of degree, Chinese grammar, 非, 常, learn Chinese, HSK 2 vocabulary.
  • Summary: Learn how to use 非常 (fēicháng), the most common Chinese word for 'very' or 'extremely'. This comprehensive guide covers its meaning, character breakdown, cultural context, and over 10 practical examples to help you express a high degree of intensity in Mandarin Chinese. Discover the crucial difference between 非常 (fēicháng) and 很 (hěn), and explore its literal meaning of 'unusual' or 'extraordinary' to deepen your understanding.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): fēicháng
  • Part of Speech: Adverb, Adjective
  • HSK Level: HSK 2
  • Concise Definition: An adverb of degree meaning “very” or “extremely”; an adjective meaning “unusual” or “extraordinary.”
  • In a Nutshell: 非常 (fēicháng) is your go-to word in Mandarin when you want to strongly emphasize an adjective or feeling, equivalent to “very” or “extremely” in English. While it's a simple intensifier, its literal meaning is 'not common' or 'unusual.' This is the key to its power: it describes something as being at a level that is out of the ordinary, giving it a much stronger feeling than the basic intensifier 很 (hěn).

Character Breakdown

  • 非 (fēi): This character's original form is thought to represent two wings moving in opposite directions, symbolizing opposition or negation. Today, its primary meaning is “not,” “no,” or “wrong.”
  • 常 (cháng): This character is composed of 尚 (shàng, suggesting “value” or “upright”) over 巾 (jīn, “towel” or fabric). Together, they evoke the idea of a common household item always in its place, hence its meaning of “common,” “constant,” or “normal.”
  • How they combine: By putting 非 (fēi - not) and 常 (cháng - common) together, you get the literal meaning “not common” or “unusual.” This concept of being “uncommon” evolved into its modern use as an adverb of degree. If a movie is “uncommonly good,” it means it is very good. This linguistic leap is what gives 非常 its intensifying power.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • While 非常 is primarily a grammatical word, its usage reflects a certain aspect of Chinese communication. In Mandarin, the adverb 很 (hěn) is often used as a neutral connector between a subject and an adjective (e.g., 我很好 wǒ hěn hǎo - “I am fine”). It often doesn't carry the strong weight that “very” does in English.
  • When a speaker chooses to use 非常, it is a deliberate and clear step up in intensity. It signals a genuine and strong feeling that is meant to be taken at face value. In a culture that can sometimes value subtlety, using 非常 removes ambiguity and expresses a clear, strong opinion or emotion. It's less about a deep philosophical value and more about linguistic convention; it's the culturally understood way to say, “I'm not just being polite; I really mean this.”

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • As an Adverb (99% of the time): This is its most frequent role. It is placed directly before an adjective or a psychological verb (like “to like,” “to want,” “to hope”) to intensify it. It's used universally in spoken and written Chinese, from text messages to formal speeches.
    • e.g., 这本书非常有意思。(Zhè běn shū fēicháng yǒu yìsi.) - This book is very interesting.
    • e.g., 我非常喜欢你。(Wǒ fēicháng xǐhuān nǐ.) - I like you very much.
  • As an Adjective (Formal/Specific Contexts): In more formal or specific situations, 非常 can revert to its literal meaning of “unusual,” “extraordinary,” or “special.” This is common in news, official announcements, or literature.
    • e.g., 这是一个非常时期。(Zhè shì yí ge fēicháng shíqī.) - This is an extraordinary period (of time).

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 今天的菜非常好吃。
    • Pinyin: Jīntiān de cài fēicháng hǎochī.
    • English: Today's food is extremely delicious.
    • Analysis: A common and straightforward use of 非常 to intensify the adjective 好吃 (hǎochī - delicious). This is a strong compliment.
  • Example 2:
    • 我非常感谢您的帮助。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ fēicháng gǎnxiè nín de bāngzhù.
    • English: I am very grateful for your help.
    • Analysis: Here, 非常 intensifies the verb 感谢 (gǎnxiè - to thank), expressing deep and sincere gratitude. Using the formal “you” (您 nín) makes this sentence suitable for a respected elder or a professional contact.
  • Example 3:
    • 这座城市的夜景非常漂亮。
    • Pinyin: Zhè zuò chéngshì de yèjǐng fēicháng piàoliang.
    • English: This city's night view is extremely beautiful.
    • Analysis: A classic example of describing a scene. The speaker is genuinely impressed by the beauty.
  • Example 4:
    • 他对这个项目非常感兴趣。
    • Pinyin: Tā duì zhège xiàngmù fēicháng gǎn xìngqù.
    • English: He is very interested in this project.
    • Analysis: 非常 is used to modify the verb phrase 感兴趣 (gǎn xìngqù - to be interested in), indicating a high level of interest.
  • Example 5:
    • 这个问题非常重要，我们必须讨论一下。
    • Pinyin: Zhè ge wèntí fēicháng zhòngyào, wǒmen bìxū tǎolùn yíxià.
    • English: This issue is extremely important; we must discuss it.
    • Analysis: Used in a serious context to emphasize the gravity of the adjective 重要 (zhòngyào - important).
  • Example 6:
    • 昨天我工作了十二个小时，现在非常累。
    • Pinyin: Zuótiān wǒ gōngzuò le shí'èr ge xiǎoshí, xiànzài fēicháng lèi.
    • English: I worked for twelve hours yesterday, now I'm very tired.
    • Analysis: A perfect way to express a strong physical feeling like being tired (累 lèi).
  • Example 7:
    • 你的中文说得非常流利！
    • Pinyin: Nǐ de Zhōngwén shuō de fēicháng liúlì!
    • English: You speak Chinese very fluently!
    • Analysis: A common compliment for language learners. The structure here is “[Verb] + 得 (de) + 非常 + [Adjective],” which is used to describe how an action is performed.
  • Example 8:
    • 能再次见到你，我非常开心。
    • Pinyin: Néng zàicì jiàn dào nǐ, wǒ fēicháng kāixīn.
    • English: I'm so happy to be able to see you again.
    • Analysis: Expressing a strong, positive emotion. It's warmer and more enthusiastic than saying 我很开心 (wǒ hěn kāixīn).
  • Example 9:
    • 这是一个非常会议，只有高层可以参加。
    • Pinyin: Zhè shì yí ge fēicháng huìyì, zhǐyǒu gāocéng kěyǐ cānjiā.
    • English: This is an extraordinary meeting, only senior management can attend.
    • Analysis: This demonstrates the less common adjectival use, meaning “unusual” or “not normal.” This use is formal and specific.
  • Example 10:
    • 他是一个非常有耐心的人。
    • Pinyin: Tā shì yí ge fēicháng yǒu nàixīn de rén.
    • English: He is a very patient person.
    • Analysis: Here, 非常 modifies the phrase 有耐心 (yǒu nàixīn - to have patience). This structure is common for describing personal characteristics.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • 非常 (fēicháng) vs. 很 (hěn): This is the most critical distinction for beginners. 很 (hěn) is often a weak, neutral link: 她很漂亮 (tā hěn piàoliang) can simply mean “She is pretty.” In contrast, 她非常漂亮 (tā fēicháng piàoliang) means “She is stunningly/very beautiful.”
    • Mistake: Using 很 when you want to express strong emotion. If a meal was amazing, say “非常好吃,” not just “很好吃.”
  • Cannot Directly Modify Most Action Verbs: You can say 我非常喜欢 (wǒ fēicháng xǐhuān - I very much like), because “like” is a psychological verb. However, you cannot say *我非常跑 (wǒ fēicháng pǎo).
    • Correct Usage: To describe an action, you must use a complement structure: 他跑得非常快 (tā pǎo de fēicháng kuài - He runs very fast). Here, 非常 modifies the adverb 快 (kuài - fast), not the verb 跑 (pǎo - run).
  • Overuse: While useful, relying solely on 非常 to show emphasis can make your speech sound repetitive. As you advance, learn to use other intensifiers like 特别 (tèbié), 极了 (jí le), and 太 (tài) to add more color to your language.

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 很 (hěn) - The most basic adverb for “very,” often used as a weak connector. Less intense than 非常.
  • 太 (tài) - “Too” or “so,” often used in exclamations with 了 (le), like 太好了! (tài hǎo le!). Carries a strong emotional, and sometimes excessive, tone.
  • 特别 (tèbié) - “Especially” or “particularly.” Similar in strength to 非常 but can also function as an adjective meaning “special.”
  • 十分 (shífēn) - Literally “ten parts” (i.e., 100%), this means “very” or “extremely.” It is more formal and common in written Chinese than 非常.
  • 极 (jí) - “Extremely” or “to the utmost.” Often used as a complement after an adjective: 好极了! (hǎo jí le! - Excellent!).
  • 普通 (pǔtōng) - “Common,” “ordinary.” A direct antonym of the adjectival meaning of 非常.
  • 一般 (yìbān) - “General,” “ordinary,” or “so-so.” An antonym that describes something as being merely average.
  • 感谢 (gǎnxiè) - “To thank; to be grateful.” A verb frequently intensified by 非常 to show sincere appreciation (非常感谢).
  • 重要 (zhòngyào) - “Important.” An adjective often paired with 非常 to stress the significance of something.