Word formation with prefixes
In Chinese, there are prefixes that we can use to form new words or to change a word’s meaning. These prefixes have their own semantic meaning.
HSK 6new HSK 6
超
By itself, means "to exceed", "to overtake".
Pay attention
超 can be the prefix "super-", "ultra-" or “hyper-”.
For example:
反
We can use the prefix to form complex scientific terms. These terms can be either nouns or adjectives which convey the meaning "contradiction" or "hostility". By itself, 反 means "reverse", "opposite".
Pay attention
In complex scientific terms, 反 is the prefix "counter-", "anti-" or "un-".
For example:
亚
We can use the prefix to form various terms. It indicates that something is in a subordinate position within a classification system. By itself, 亚 means "second", "inferior".
Pay attention
As a prefix, 亚 translates as "sub-" or "hypo-".
For example:
准
The prefix is used to form complex terms, and translates as"sub-", "quasi-" or "pseudo-".
For example:
We can also use the prefix 准 in job titles when talking about members or candidates in a particular field.
(expectant mother)
多
The prefix is also used to form complex terms. These terms are usually expressed by adjectives.
Pay attention
These adjectives must be followed by the particle .
In complex terms, 多 is the prefix “poly-” or “multi-”.
We can also use the prefix 多 to form the following words:
无
We can use the prefix to form complex scientific terms and technical terms. By itself, 无 means "no", "not".
Pay attention
In complex scientific terms and technical terms, 无 is the prefix "un-" or "non-".
For example:
Learn more
Noun-forming suffixesWord formation with postfixes in Chinese
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