看看 · 想一想 · 练习练习
do something a little, casually; softens a request
Structure
动词 + 动词 · 动词 + 一 + 动词 · 动词 + 了 + 动词 · AB + AB
What it means
Saying a verb twice makes it light and casual: 看看 “have a look”, 想一想 “have a little think”. It softens a request, much like verb + 一下 (h2-3).
How it is built
One syllable: AA or A一A: 看看, 想一想. Two syllables: ABAB: 练习练习. Already done: A了A: 看了看. Example: 你帮我看看 (Have a look for me).
When to use it
Use it for friendly suggestions and requests: 我们复习复习生词吧 (Let’s go over the new words). Two-syllable verbs take no 一: 练习练习, not 练习一练习.
Watch out
✗ 练练习习 ✓ 练习练习. Don’t double a verb with a result or a number of times after it: ✗ 看看懂 ✓ 看懂; ✗ 写写十遍 ✓ 写十遍.
Examples
你帮我看看。
Have a look for me.
这个问题你想一想。
Have a think about this question.
我们复习复习生词吧。
Let’s go over the new words.
他看了看我的作业，笑了。
He glanced at my homework and smiled.
Learn this in HSK 2 · Lesson 13: 这个字写错了 (Studying characters)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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