Grammar

What's the difference between 好 and 很

Sep 23, 2024

When used before adjectives, 很 (hěn) and 好 (hǎo) can both either be neutral because the sentence calls for it or mean "very". The difference is the nuance of the sentence when used.

好 is used in spoken speech, colloquial, and more emotional. It's often used in Taiwan or Southern China. Some speakers say it sounds feminine. This use may be similar to "so + adjective" in English. Sometimes there may be an interjection like 啊,哎,呀, etc.

你好漂亮!("You are so pretty!")
这杯咖啡好好喝! ("This coffee is so good!")
我好快乐啊!("I am so happy!")

Other examples:

很好,很不错,很快乐, 我好累,今天天气好热(啊)


很 is usually more objective. Sometimes it can even sound more serious. Although spoken, you will also see this in written form. 很 can also be neutral sounding when the sentence requires it, but can also mean "very".

你很漂亮。("You are (very) pretty.")
我很快乐。 ("I am (very) happy.")

Other Examples:

好棒,好好, 好好吃, 我很累