Similarity
As an adverb, both “真” and “非常” can be used to emphasize the intensity of a quality or action. They are both placed before adjectives or verbs to modify their meanings, highlighting the speaker’s perception of the subject.
真/非常 + Adjective
真/非常 + Verb
e.g.
这道菜真/非常好吃。(Zhè dào cài zhēn/ fēicháng hǎochī.) This dish is really delicious.
她真/非常漂亮。(Tā zhēn / fēicháng piàoliang.) She is very beautiful.
Differences
1. 真 can also be used an adjective, meaning “real” or “genuine.” In this usage, it describes something as authentic or not fake, while 非常 cannot be used in this way.
e.g.
这是真金。(Zhè shì zhēn jīn.) This is real gold.
这部电影是真人真事改编的。
我给了你我的真心,你给了我什么?
2. 真 often carries a more subjective tone, expressing personal feelings, emotions, or surprise. It conveys a sense of sincerity, authenticity, or genuineness. 非常 is more neutral and objective, focusing on the degree or extent of something rather than the speaker’s personal feelings.
e.g.
你真聪明!(Nǐ zhēn cōngmíng!) You are really smart!
-> (Here, “真” emphasizes the speaker’s genuine admiration or surprise.)
她非常聪明。(Tā fēicháng cōngmíng.) She is very smart.
-> (Here, “非常” simply states the high degree of her intelligence, with a more neutral tone.)
天气真冷啊!(Tiānqì zhēn lěng a!) The weather is really cold!
我真没想到你会来。(Wǒ zhēn méi xiǎngdào nǐ huì lái.) I really didn’t expect you to come.
这件事非常重要。(Zhè jiàn shì fēicháng zhòngyào.) This matter is very important.
这个决定非常明智。(Zhège juédìng fēicháng míngzhì.) This decision is very wise.
3. 真 is more likely to be used in contexts where the speaker is expressing a subjective viewpoint, often highlighting how they feel about something. 非常 is more commonly used in an objective manner to describe situations, characteristics, or facts, emphasizing the intensity of a quality without necessarily implying personal emotion.
e.g.
你真是太好了!(Nǐ zhēn shì tài hǎo le!) You are really kind!
-> (The speaker is expressing genuine, personal gratitude.)
今天的天气非常好。(Jīntiān de tiānqì fēicháng hǎo.) The weather today is very good.
-> (This is an objective statement about the quality of the weather.)
Exercise