mikeyjb4 Posted January 23, 2010 at 01:34 PM Report Share Posted January 23, 2010 at 01:34 PM I have a quick question, what does it mean when a verb is used twice in a row? Does it just add emphasis? If so what is the difference between using the verb twice and using 吧 at the end of sentence? Also, I think I understand the use of 着 but I want to make sure. I think it is used after a verb to indicate the action is taking place, such as in 看着 = looking, while 看 = look. Is that about it? 着 is pretty much just adding "ing"? Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HashiriKata Posted January 23, 2010 at 03:15 PM Report Share Posted January 23, 2010 at 03:15 PM Does it just add emphasis? If so what is the difference between using the verb twice and using 吧 at the end of sentence?Not for emphasis. The reduplication of a verb is usually to make it sound more informal, less rigid. The 吧 at the end of a sentence is a different thing, unrelated to the reduplication. Yes, your understanding of 着is basically correct, but this is not all. You'll get a more detailed image as you progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renzhe Posted January 23, 2010 at 03:49 PM Report Share Posted January 23, 2010 at 03:49 PM If so what is the difference between using the verb twice and using 吧 at the end of sentence? One common use of 吧 is to urge or encourage somebody to do something. It can be combined with a reduplicated verb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edelweis Posted January 23, 2010 at 05:38 PM Report Share Posted January 23, 2010 at 05:38 PM FYI "Chinese grammar without tears" cites 3 uses of verbs reduplication: 1) implies that the action is repeated only a few times, or is short in duration. A sentence with a reduplicated verb often has a softer tone [??] than if the verb is not reduplicated. 2) implies a habitual action, i.e. one that happens often, but each iteration is of limited duration. 3) implies an attempt or trial. In the assimil books, 看看 is usually translated as "have a look" if I remember well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lugubert Posted January 23, 2010 at 10:08 PM Report Share Posted January 23, 2010 at 10:08 PM In the assimil books, 看看 is usually translated as "have a look" if I remember well. Is there any difference between 看看 and 看一看? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HashiriKata Posted January 23, 2010 at 10:50 PM Report Share Posted January 23, 2010 at 10:50 PM Is there any difference between 看看 and 看一看? Yes, one is a bit shorter than the other ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yuanjun Posted January 24, 2010 at 02:57 AM Report Share Posted January 24, 2010 at 02:57 AM Ususally it refers to an aciton that will be done very quickly or infromally. For example in window shopping you just look around in a very casual manner without concentrating on any specific thing, so you "看看". But when you are watching a movie like Avatar that lasts two or three hours long, you have to "看" it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lugubert Posted January 24, 2010 at 11:29 AM Report Share Posted January 24, 2010 at 11:29 AM Thanks for accepting the invitation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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