HSK 6
-化、-式、-型、-性
- huà 、 - shì 、 - xíng 、 - xìng
The suffixes -化, -式, -型, -性 in Chinese
Explanation
These are suffixes (elements attached after a root word to form a new word), typically used in formal/written usage.
[root noun / adjective] + 化 huà / 式 shì / 型 xíng / 性 xìng.
'-化' indicates a process of change, becoming a certain state, e.g. 现代 xiàndài (modern) → 现代化 (modernization); '-式' indicates a style or manner, e.g. 美 měi (American) → 美式 (American-style); '-型' indicates a type or size, e.g. 小 xiǎo (small) → 小型 (small-sized); '-性' indicates a quality or characteristic, e.g. 普遍 pǔbiàn (widespread) → 普遍性 (universality).
Vietnamese learners tend to attach suffixes to any word at random; in reality each root word only combines with certain fixed suffixes (for example, you say 现代化 but not 现代性 to mean 'modernization'), so you need to learn each specific word rather than making them up.
Examples
modernization, American-style, small-sized, universality
Learn “-化、-式、-型、-性” effectively
The grammar point “-化、-式、-型、-性” (The suffixes -化, -式, -型, -性 in Chinese) is one of the key structures at HSK 6. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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