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
See it in a story
Read this pattern in context: The Challenge (Part 1) — free graded stories with tap-to-reveal pinyin and translations.
