非常

Using it is incredibly simple. Just place 非常 right before an adjective. You do not need the word 是 (to be) in most cases. For example, instead of saying 'It is hot,' you say 'It 非常 hot.' It acts like a bridge between your subject and the quality you are describing. You can also use it with 'psychological verbs' like 'to like' or 'to want.' It makes your feelings sound much more intense and genuine.

Use it whenever you want to be clear and emphatic. It is perfect for professional emails to show gratitude. It works great when meeting your partner's parents for the first time. Use it at a restaurant to praise the chef. If you are texting a friend about a movie you loved, 非常 is your best friend. It is the 'safe' choice for almost any situation where you need an adverb.

Avoid using it with adjectives that already imply an extreme. For example, don't say 'very tiny' if the word already means 'microscopic.' Also, if you are in a super casual setting with Gen-Z friends, 非常 might feel a bit 'textbook.' In those cases, you might hear slang like 超 (chāo) instead. Don't use it to describe nouns directly. You can't have a 'very car.' It must describe a quality or a feeling.

In Chinese culture, being direct about emotions can sometimes feel too strong. However, 非常 provides a polite, structured way to show enthusiasm. It has been used for centuries to distinguish the 'ordinary' from the 'extraordinary.' It reflects a linguistic preference for two-syllable words, which sound more balanced and formal than single-syllable intensifiers. It is the mark of someone who is well-spoken and thoughtful.

If 非常 feels too standard, you have options. 很 (hěn) is the most common, but it often feels neutral rather than 'very.' 太 (tài) is used for 'too much' and usually ends with a 了. 特别 (tèbié) means 'especially' and feels a bit more personal. If you want to sound like a local in a rush, you might just use 极了 (jí le) at the end of the sentence. But for a solid, all-purpose boost, stick with 非常.