HSK 7-9
万万
wànwàn
Absolutely (not); by all means (not)
Structure
万万 + 不 / 没 / 别 / 不可 + Verb/Adjective
How it works
The term '万万' is an intensifying adverb used to emphasize an absolute necessity or a strong prohibition. It is almost exclusively used in negative sentences (with 不, 没, or 别) to mean 'absolutely not' or 'under no circumstances.'
Examples
这种错误在正式比赛中是万万不可犯的。
Zhè zhǒng cuòwù zài zhèngshì bǐsài zhōng shì wànwàn bùkě fàn de.
This kind of mistake must absolutely not be made in a formal competition.
你万万没想到他会背叛你吧？
Nǐ wànwàn méi xiǎngdào tā huì bèipàn nǐ ba?
You absolutely never expected that he would betray you, did you?
此事关系重大，你万万不可掉以轻心。
Cǐ shì guānxi zhòngdà, nǐ wànwàn bùkě diàoyǐqīngxīn.
This matter is of great importance; you must by no means let your guard down.
Common mistakes
Using '万万' in a positive statement to mean 'very much' (e.g., *我万万喜欢). It must be paired with a negative word.
Tip
Think of '万万' as 'ten thousand ten thousands' (100 million); it represents a massive multiplier for the negation that follows it.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 万万 in real Chinese
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