Mastering the “also” adverb “ye” in Chinese Grammar

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

In Chinese, the adverb “also” or “too” is expressed as 也 (yě). It’s a versatile word used to indicate similarity or agreement in a sentence. Let’s dive into how it’s used and structured.

也 (yě) with Verb Phrases

Structure: Subject + 也 + Verb / [Verb Phrase]

Explanation: In a sentence, 也 (yě) comes after the subject and before the verb or verb phrase.

Examples:

1. 我 也 喜欢。
   
   Wǒ yě xǐhuan.
   
   I also like it.
2. 他 也 是 学生。
   
   Tā yě shì xuésheng.
   
   He is a student too.

Exception: In negative sentences, 也 (yě) is used before 不 (bù) or other negative parts.

也 (yě) with Adjectives

Structure: Subject + 也 (+ Adv.) + Adj.

Explanation: When used with adjectives, 也 (yě) precedes the adverb (if any) and the adjective.

Examples:

1. 你 也 很 高。
   
   Nǐ yě hěn gāo.
   
   You are also tall.
2. 湖南 菜 也 很 辣
   。
   Húnán cài yě hěn là.
   
   Hunan food is very spicy too.

Expressing “Me Too” with 也 (yě)

Structure: 我 也 是 / 我 也 + Verb

Explanation: To express “Me too,” use 我 也 是 (wǒ yě shì) or 我 也 (wǒ yě) followed by the verb used in the previous statement.

Examples:

1. A: 我 是 美国人。
   
   Wǒ shì Měiguó rén.
   
   I am an American.
   
   
   B: 我 也 是。
   
   Wǒ yě shì.
   
   Me too. / I am too.
2. A: 我 喜欢 看 书。
   
   Wǒ xǐhuan kàn shū.
   
   I like to read.
   
   
   B: 我 也 喜欢。
   
   Wǒ yě xǐhuan.
   
   Me too. / So do I.

This guide should help you understand how to use 也 (yě) effectively in Chinese sentences. Practice these structures to enhance your Chinese communication skills!