29 lines
1.8 KiB
Markdown
29 lines
1.8 KiB
Markdown
Verbs can be repeated in the form of `(verb1 + verb1)` to express the meaning of "to do it a little bit". The repeated syllable is always in the neutral tone.
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1. 请你想想这个问题
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Please think about this problem a little
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2. 请你给我们介绍介绍中国的民歌
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Please tell us a little bit about Chinese folk songs
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For two syllable verbs, as in (2), the stress falls on the first and third syllables: *jiè*shao*jiè*shao.
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Reduplicating a verb indicates a tentative notion, a trivialisation of an action either in terms of duration to complete it, or the consequences of it. Therefore it's often used for the following purposes:
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1. To describe a "short" action which someone hopes or intends to carry out:
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- 走走 zǒuzou:
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to talk a walk (say, a 20 minute stroll - not a 2 hour hike)
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- 下课以后，我们经常去咖啡馆坐坐，喝喝咖啡。
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After class, we often go to a cafe (and sit there) for a while, and have some coffee.
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2. To express the idea of trying to do something:
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- 我说说，你听对不对。
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I'll try to say this; listen and see if it's correct.
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- 我今天下午去找找他，看他在不在。
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I'll go and look for him this afternoon, and see if he's there or not.
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3. To soften the tone of a command, request, or suggestion:
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- 老师让我们想想这个问题。
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The teacher told us to think about the problem a bit.
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- 请你开开门
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Please open the door
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- 他写的汉字非常漂亮。你看看。
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The Chinese characters he wrote are very beautiful. Take a look!
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- 你们现在没事儿，来我家坐坐，休息休息。
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Now that you don't have anything to do, come to my house and sit and relax a little.
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Reduplication only occurs for volitional actional verbs - those that one carries out by intention. Adjectives, transitive quality verbs, and 是, 在, 有 do not undergo this reduplication. |