Reduplication Pattern
Does repeating a form change the meaning?
Significado
A pattern where all or part of a word is repeated to express plurality, intensity, repetition, distribution, attenuation, or aspect.
Como identificar
Look for repetition of sounds or words that has a grammatical or meaning effect.
Exemplos
again-again|little by little|go-go
very small|walk around|bit by bit
They talked and talked for hours.
Visual guide
BASE talk + REPEAT talk and talk = meaning shift long / repeated action or intensity / plurality
PRODUCTIVE ←────→ LEXICAL new words ok fixed only FORM: full repeat: again-again part repeat: piece + base USE: plural | intensity | aspect
Visão do idioma
No seu idioma
Reduplication appears in limited expressive, lexicalized, or playful patterns, but it is not a core grammar engine.
corre-corre
rush-rush
No idioma em estudo
Reduplication is productive in adjectives, adverbs, expressives, plurality-like and nuance-marking patterns.
Cô ấy cười nhẹ nhẹ.
she smile light-light
Learners may translate reduplicated forms literally and miss their softening or expressive effect.
New in your learning language
This block is more central in your learning language. Give it extra focus in examples and practice.