Abstract
In this study, we examine the functions of hao in Mandarin and discuss these various uses in relation to its grammaticalization development. We propose that grammaticalization of hao proceed along three different directions, namely the development from a predicate into a resultative complement and then into a phase marker, the development from a predicate into an intensifier, and the development from a predicate into a discourse marker. From the discussion of hao, it can be observed that these variant uses are closely related to one another, as they primarily evolve from the predicate hao. In the process, hao preserves more lexical properties in the beginning and becomes more grammatical at a later stage. Besides, it originally means “good,” then arrives at its new sense of “satisfactory,” “very,” and “finish doing something.”