离合词重叠
Meaning
Some separable verbs (离合词) reduplicate in an AAB pattern. It usually conveys: — an action lasting a short while; — giving something a try; — doing something casually.
Basic structure
AAB
散步 → 散散步, 帮忙 → 帮帮忙, 睡觉 → 睡睡觉, 游泳 → 游游泳
Examples
咱们午饭后就去附近的公园散散步吧
行李箱怎么这么重啊！你快来帮帮我的忙
周末马克一般在宿舍看看书、听听音乐、睡睡觉
Common separable verbs
散步 → 散散步 — take a short walk 帮忙 → 帮帮忙 — give a hand 睡觉 → 睡睡觉 — get some sleep 游泳 → 游游泳 — go for a swim 聊天 → 聊聊天 — have a little chat 见面 → 见见面 — meet briefly
How ordinary verbs differ
这个问题你再想想
Ordinary one-syllable verbs reduplicate as AA: 看看, 听听, 想想.
Separable verbs go AAB: 散散步, 帮帮忙 (散步散步 ❌).
| 离合词 | 一般动词 |
|---|---|
| AAB pattern | AA pattern |
| 散步 → 散散步 | 看 → 看看 |
| 帮忙 → 帮帮忙 | 想 → 想想 |
| The verb splits; the first half repeats | The whole verb repeats |
Remember:
Separable verbs reduplicate as AAB.
It marks a short spell, a try, or a casual action.
Ordinary verbs reduplicate as AA.