酷毙了
kù bì le
In Chinese, the English phrase 'badass' can be translated as 酷毙了 (kù bì le).
The term 酷毙了 is a slang expression used to describe something that is super cool or awesome. Another slang option is 牛逼, which is used to signify that someone or something is remarkable, impressive or badass.
Meaning: having an extreme appearance, etc., considered admirable (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, 酷毙了 means 'cool to death'. It consists of 酷 (cool), 毙 (to kill or die) and the particle 了 which indicates a completed state.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
酷毙了 is highly colloquial and should be used in casual settings. It is not suitable for formal writing or professional speech. Similarly, 牛逼 is an informal expression.
How do you pronounce it?
kù bì le
Did you know?
- While 酷毙了 is a safe slang term, 牛逼 can be considered vulgar in some regions because 逼 is a slang term for female genitalia.
- The word 酷 is a loanword created to mimic the sound of the English word 'cool' while choosing a character that originally meant 'severe' or 'harsh'.
- While 酷毙了 is widely understood, younger generations in China may prefer the term 飒 (sà) to describe a 'badass' woman with a sharp and cool demeanor.
Examples in context
- 你的新发型酷毙了！Your new hairstyle is badass!
- 他的综艺才华真是牛逼。His talent in variety shows is truly badass.
- 他的新摩托车真酷毙了。Tā de xīn mótuōchē zhēn kū bì le.His new motorcycle is totally badass.
- 那个动作简直酷毙了。Nàge dòngzuò jiǎnzhí kū bì le.That move was simply badass.
- 这套设计真酷毙了。Zhè tào shèjì zhēn kū bì le.This design is absolutely badass.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang shows Zihan a picture of his new motorcycle.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你看，这就是我的新摩托车。Nǐ kàn, zhè jiùshì wǒ de xīn mótuōchē.Look, this is my new motorcycle.
- 梓涵 Zihan哇，这辆车酷毙了！Wa, zhè liàng chē kù bì le!Wow, this bike is badass!
- 志强 Zhiqiang谢谢，我也觉得很帅。Xièxiè, wǒ yě juéde hěn shuài.Thanks, I think it looks great too.
- 梓涵 Zihan你骑上它一定很帅。Nǐ qí shàng tā yīdìng hěn shuài.You must look great riding it.
