原级
形容词的原级形式是形容词的基本形式。
The positive degree is the basic form of an adjective.
The uninflected form of an adjective or adverb, representing its basic degree without comparison or modification.
在比较级句子中，'big' 是原级。
In the comparative sentence, 'big' is the positive degree.
副词'quickly'的原级是'quick'。
The positive degree of the adverb 'quickly' is 'quick'.
In linguistics, '原级' specifically refers to the base form of adjectives/adverbs used in positive degree constructions (e.g., 'tall', 'happy'). It contrasts with comparative ('taller') and superlative ('tallest') forms.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'original level'
While '原级' literally means 'original level', in grammar it specifically refers to the uninflected form of adjectives/adverbs (e.g., 'fast' in 'as fast as'). Do not confuse with general meanings of 'level' like 'difficulty level' (难度级别).
Gold Rule
Original degree vs. original form
In grammar, '原级' always refers to the positive degree form (e.g., 'good' in 'as good as'), never to the original form of a word (which would be '原形').
Word Origin
Compound of '原' (original, primary) + '级' (level/degree), calqued from English 'positive degree' via Japanese '原級' (げんきゅう, genkyū). First attested in modern Chinese grammar texts (early 20th century) as a translation of Western linguistic terminology.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in grammar/morphology contexts. Avoid confusion with '原始级' (primitive degree) in some technical grammars, though the terms are often interchangeable in standard usage.