@article{ART003237756},
author={ZHU JIXIA},
title={A Study on the Semantic Functions of the Adverb "Zhongyu"(终于)},
journal={The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China},
issn={1738-0502},
year={2025},
number={77},
pages={261-284},
doi={10.16874/jslckc.2025..77.010}
TY - JOUR
AU - ZHU JIXIA
TI - A Study on the Semantic Functions of the Adverb "Zhongyu"(终于)
JO - The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China
PY - 2025
VL - null
IS - 77
PB - Korean Society of Study on Chinese Languge and Culture
SP - 261
EP - 284
SN - 1738-0502
AB - This study investigates the semantic functions of the adverb “zhongyu”(终于) in modern Chinese, questioning the traditional view that it simply indicates a result. Drawing on earlier research and using theories from cognitive linguistics, the study analyzes how “zhongyu” functions semantically and how its various roles are connected. The main findings are as follows: First, “zhongyu” serves as a cognitive reference point within a cognitive chain. It helps highlight the result in a sentence by marking the end of an event. And this function aligns with three cognitive principles: salience, familiarity, and relevance.
Second, “zhongyu” has a clear role in marking boundaries. From a cognitive linguistic perspective, it not only indicates the end of an event but also suggests the beginning of a new phase, pointing to both temporal and conceptual transitions.
Third, the ability of “zhongyu” to mark an endpoint results from the interaction between its function as a reference point and as a boundary marker. These two functions work together to emphasize not only the outcome but also a turning point in the flow of time, helping to structure the transition from an event’s end to a new situation.
In summary, based on real language data, this study shows that the core function of the adverb “zhongyu” is not simply to express a result, but to locate it within a cognitive chain. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the adverb and may offer useful insights for explanation of lexical meaning and for teaching Chinese as a second language.
KW - Cognitive reference point; Boundary marking; Event structure; Semantic function; Cognitive linguistics
DO - 10.16874/jslckc.2025..77.010
ER -
ZHU JIXIA. (2025). A Study on the Semantic Functions of the Adverb "Zhongyu"(终于). The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China, 77, 261-284.
ZHU JIXIA. 2025, "A Study on the Semantic Functions of the Adverb "Zhongyu"(终于)", The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China, no.77, pp.261-284. Available from: doi:10.16874/jslckc.2025..77.010
ZHU JIXIA "A Study on the Semantic Functions of the Adverb "Zhongyu"(终于)" The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China 77 pp.261-284 (2025) : 261.
ZHU JIXIA. A Study on the Semantic Functions of the Adverb "Zhongyu"(终于). 2025; 77 : 261-284. Available from: doi:10.16874/jslckc.2025..77.010
ZHU JIXIA. "A Study on the Semantic Functions of the Adverb "Zhongyu"(终于)" The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China no.77(2025) : 261-284.doi: 10.16874/jslckc.2025..77.010
ZHU JIXIA. A Study on the Semantic Functions of the Adverb "Zhongyu"(终于). The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China, 77, 261-284. doi: 10.16874/jslckc.2025..77.010
ZHU JIXIA. A Study on the Semantic Functions of the Adverb "Zhongyu"(终于). The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China. 2025; 77 261-284. doi: 10.16874/jslckc.2025..77.010
ZHU JIXIA. A Study on the Semantic Functions of the Adverb "Zhongyu"(终于). 2025; 77 : 261-284. Available from: doi:10.16874/jslckc.2025..77.010
ZHU JIXIA. "A Study on the Semantic Functions of the Adverb "Zhongyu"(终于)" The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China no.77(2025) : 261-284.doi: 10.16874/jslckc.2025..77.010
