这么 vs 这样 (zhème vs zhèyàng): degree and manner demonstratives
这么 (zhème) indicates degree when modifying adjectives ('so much') and manner when modifying verbs ('this way'). 这样 (zhèyàng) means 'this way' or 'like this' and can be used before verbs or alone. The key difference is that 这么 has a degree function before adjectives that 这样 lacks, while 这样 can stand alone as a pronoun.
这么 and 这样 are both used to refer to a manner or degree, but their distributions differ. 这么 can modify adjectives to intensify degree ('so tall') and modify verbs to indicate manner ('do it this way'). 这样 means 'this kind/way' and is used before verbs or as an independent phrase. The core mental model: use 这么 before adjectives for degree; for verbs, both are common but 这么 is more colloquial, while 这样 can stand alone.
When to use each
Use 这么 before adjectives to indicate degree (e.g., 这么热 'so hot'). Also use 这么 before verbs to express 'in this way' (e.g., 这么说 'say it this way', 这么做 'do it this way'). It is highly colloquial and common in spoken Chinese.
When modifying verbs, 这么 can carry a slight nuance of intensity, but it is generally equivalent to 这样 in meaning.
Use 这样 as a pronoun meaning 'this way' or 'this kind' – it can stand alone (e.g., 这样不好 'this is not good'), before verbs (e.g., 这样做 'do it this way'), or before nouns with 的 (e.g., 这样的书 'this kind of book'). It is often used in more formal contexts or when you want to explicitly refer to the manner.
这样 cannot modify an adjective to indicate degree; for that you must use 这么.
At a glance
| 这么 | 这样 | |
|---|---|---|
| Modifying adjectives | Used for degree (so adjective) | Not used; instead use 这么 |
| Modifying verbs to indicate manner | Used (e.g., 这么做) | Used (e.g., 这样做) |
| Standalone usage | Cannot stand alone as a full utterance | Can stand alone (e.g., 这样吧) |
| Modifying nouns (with 的) | Not used | Used (这样的) |
| Degree reading | Yes | No |
Examples
- 这么这么高zhème gāoso tallIllustrates degree usage with an adjective.
- 这么这么做zhème zuòdo it this wayVerb modification – perfectly standard and common.
- 这样这样不错zhèyàng bùcuòthis way is not badStandalone usage as a pronoun.
- 这样这样做zhèyàng zuòdo it this wayVerb modification, synonymous with 这么做 in many contexts.
- 这样别这样bié zhèyàngdon't be like thisUsed as an object or complement.
- 这么这么热zhème rèso hotDegree usage with an adjective.
Common mistakes
- Using 这样 to modify an adjective for degree: ✗ 这样高 → 这么高.
- Using 这么 as a standalone reply: ✗ A: 怎么做? B: 这么 → 这样.
- Using 这么 before a noun without 的: ✗ 这么书 → 这样的书.
- Overusing 这么 in formal writing where 这样 may be more appropriate.
FAQ
- When do I use 这么 vs 这样 before a verb?
- Both are possible and often interchangeable, e.g., 这么想 and 这样想 both mean 'think this way'. 这么 is more colloquial; 这样 is slightly more formal. There is no strict rule preferring one over the other.
- Can 这么 be used alone?
- No, 这么 cannot be used as a standalone response. For example, if someone asks 怎么做？ you should reply 这样, not 这么.
- Is there a difference between 这么 and 这样 when modifying adjectives?
- Yes, only 这么 can modify adjectives to indicate degree (e.g., 这么漂亮 'so pretty'). 这样 does not have this function; to say 'so pretty' you must use 这么.
- Is it correct to say 这么做?
- Absolutely. 这么 can be directly placed before verbs to indicate manner. 这么做 is a standard, grammatical phrase meaning 'do it this way'. It is not an error.