Chinese word

厉害

Pronunciation

Pinyinlì hài

Meaning

  • adjectiveamazing

Example

他很厉害。tā hěn lì hài

He is really amazing.

Illustration for 厉害 (amazing)

More examples

这场比赛对手太厉害了，我们很难赢。zhè chǎng bǐ sài duì shǒu tài lì hài le wǒ men hěn nán yíng

The opponent in this match is too formidable, so it is hard for us to win.

Core concept

A person, event, or condition reaches a striking level of power, intensity, or effect.

Common phrases

  • 很厉害hěn lì hài

    really amazing

  • 太厉害了tài lì hài le

    too formidable

  • 厉害得很lì hài de hěn

    extremely amazing

Similar words

了不起liǎo bù qǐ: Describes work or ability so excellent that people feel impressed and praise it.
棒bàng: Gives warm, casual praise for something done very well or for strong ability.
出色chū sè: Describes results or performance that greatly exceed the usual level or expectation.
严重yán zhòng: Describes a situation or condition as very serious and likely to bring harm or damage.

Definition in Chinese

表示程度很高，常用来赞扬人的能力或表现，也可表示事情、疼痛或问题非常严重。biǎo shì chéng dù hěn gāo cháng yòng lái zàn yáng rén de néng lì huò biǎo xiàn yě kě biǎo shì shì qíng téng tòng huò wèn tí fēi cháng yán zhòng

Word origin

The written form 厉害 (lìhài, "formidable or severe") links the ideas of severity and harm, which helps explain its range from impressive ability to serious pain or trouble.

Usage tips

  • Context sets the tone: the same word can express admiration for someone's performance or concern about a difficult situation, so the thing being described matters more than the word alone.

Other meanings

  • extremelyadverb
  • formidableadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word