The use of hěn(很) in Chinese dialects and Mandarin shows a complementary distribution. The relationship between hěn(很) and hěn(狠) and hěn(哏) is i-ntricate. The modern Chinese adverb of degree hěn(很) was shaped through a ble-nd of internal development and external contact with the Mongolian language. Du-ring the Tang and Song dynasties, the meanings of hěn(很) and hěn(狠) began to intertwine. The incorporation of the adverb hěn(哏) in the Yuan Dynasty advanc-ed the reshaping of the semantic patterns of hěn(很) and hěn(狠). The adverb hěn(哏) inherited the adjective meaning of hěn(狠), while hěn(很) inherited the adver-bial meaning. The unique use of hěn(很) in the dialect is actually the retention ofthe adjective meaning of hěn(哏).