A Semantic Investigation of Denominal Verbs in Modern Chinese : A Qualia Structure Perspective

Verbalized nouns refer to nominal units that, while not yet possessing verbal part-of-speech properties, already convey dynamic semantic content and are used as verbs across multiple contexts. This study adopts the Qualia Structure from Generative Lexicon Theory as its analytical framework to examine the semantic features of verbalized nouns in Modern Chinese. Based on 15 representative examples, the research analyzes their internal semantic structure. The findings indicate that the semantics of verbalized nouns are primarily composed of three types of roles: telic role, agentive role, and conventionalized attribute. Nouns that exhibit behavioral functions, possess specific properties, or form stable semantic associations with typical events are more likely to undergo verbalization. By approaching the issue from a lexical-semantic perspective, this study identifies the core sources of dynamic meaning in verbalized nouns and offers a new theoretical basis for understanding category shift phenomena in Modern Chinese.