Level 2 · Elementary
Softening verbs by doubling
V + V / V + 一 + V
Doubling a verb makes it quick, casual, and low-pressure: 看看 "take a look", 想一想 "think it over". Between the pair you can slip in 一: 试一试 = 试试 "give it a try".
Two-syllable verbs double as a unit: 休息休息 "rest a bit". The doubled form often pairs with 吧 for friendly suggestions.
Examples
你看看这个。
你看看這個。
nǐ kàn kan zhè ge
Take a look at this.
让我想一想。
讓我想一想。
ràng wǒ xiǎng yī xiǎng
Let me think it over.
你听听这个歌。
你聽聽這個歌。
nǐ tīng tīng zhè ge gē
Have a listen to this song.
周末我想在家休息休息。
週末我想在家休息休息。
zhōu mò wǒ xiǎng zài jiā xiū xi xiū xi
This weekend I want to rest up at home.
Related grammar points
Practice this pattern in graded stories like The Little Flower, Looking at the Moon, The Challenge (Part 1) inside the Literate Chinese app.
