Analysis of the Use of Near Synonyms “Ganghao” and “Qiahao”

Abstract

“Ganghao” and “Qiahao” are grammaticalized from adverbs of “Gang/Qia” plus the adjective “Hao”. “Ganghao” was not used as an adjective in the past, while “Qiahao” has been used as an adjective. Both can only be used as adverbials alone, have the feature of prepositions, and can be used independently. In terms of their meanings, “Ganghao” describes the coincidence of an objective fact, while “Qiahao” emphasizses the speakers’ emotion with a complimentary sense. As compared to “Ganghao”, “Qiahao” mostly matches an accidental situation.