Chinese word

酷

Pronunciation

Pinyinkù

Meaning

  • adjectivecool

Example

这件夹克很酷。zhè jiàn jiá kè hěn kù

This jacket is cool.

Illustration for 酷 (cool)

More examples

那位歌手的表演很酷，赢得了掌声。nà wèi gē shǒu de biáo yǎn hěn kù yíng dé le zhǎng shēng

That singer's performance was really cool and won applause.

Core concept

A distinctive style or manner that stands out with confident, fashionable appeal.

Common phrases

  • 打扮得很酷dǎ bàn de hěn kù

    dress really cool

  • 看起来很酷kàn qǐ lái hěn kù

    look really cool

Similar words

帅shuài: Appearing handsome and impressive through looks or outward behavior.
时髦shí máo: Being stylish in a way that matches the fashion of the time.
时尚shí shàng: Having a refined look shaped by the newest fashion trends.
潇洒xiāo sǎ: Showing relaxed confidence and natural charm in behavior or movement.

Definition in Chinese

用来表示某人或事物有个性、与众不同的时髦感或帅气气质，常用于口语评价。yòng lái biǎo shì mǒu rén huò shì wù yǒu gè xìng yǔ zhòng bù tóng de shí máo gǎn huò shuài qì qì zhì cháng yòng yú kóu yǔ píng jià

Word origin

The modern sense of 酷 (kù, "cool") developed as a sound-based borrowing from English cool, while the older Chinese word has a separate sense meaning harsh or cruel.

Usage tips

  • The word evaluates an overall impression, so it can praise the mood or attitude created by something, not just its visible shape.

Other meanings

  • stylishadjective

Opposites

  • 俗气sú qìtackyadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word