史诗
shǐshī
The English word 'epic' can be translated into Chinese as 史诗 (shǐshī).
The term 史诗 is used to describe things that are extraordinary. In internet slang and among younger generations, the term 超燃 is used to express excitement and 'epicness'. If you want to describe something as being incredible or mind-blowing, you can use the slang term 碉堡. For something that is humorously described as being over the top or opulent, use 土豪金.
Meaning: extraordinary (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 史诗 is composed of 史, meaning 'history' and 诗, meaning 'poem', literally translating to 'historical poem'.
Which one should you use?
While 史诗 can function as a noun meaning 'an epic', it is more natural to use the form 史诗级的 when you want to use 'epic' as an adjective to describe something extraordinary, such as an 'epic battle' or 'epic scale'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 'epic' as an adjective to describe something extraordinary, it is common to add the suffix 级的 to the word to mean 'of the level of', resulting in 史诗级的.
How do you pronounce it?
shǐshī
Did you know?
- If you use the slang 碉堡 to mean 'epic', you are actually using a word that originally referred to a 'fortress' or '碉堡' (fort), acting as a metaphor for something solid and unbeatable.
- The slang term 超燃 literally translates to 'super burning' or 'super ignited', which is how young people describe the 'epic' feeling of excitement.
- In modern gaming culture, 史诗级 is frequently used to categorize the rarity of items, mirroring the 'Epic' tier found in Western RPGs.
Examples in context
- 战斗场面超燃！The battle scenes are epic!
- 佢嘅成就碉堡啦！His achievements are epic!
- 那是一段史诗般的经历。Nà shì yī duàn shǐshī bān de jīnglì.That was an epic experience.
- 他写了一部史诗巨作。Tā xiěle yī bù shǐshī jùzuò.He wrote an epic masterpiece.
Example conversation
Yuting and Zhiqiang are talking about a new video game.
- 雨婷 Yuting志强，你玩那个新游戏了吗？Zhìqiáng, nǐ wán nàge xīn yóuxì le ma?Zhiqiang, have you played that new game?
- 志强 Zhiqiang玩了，故事背景非常史诗。Wán le, gùshì bèijǐng fēicháng shǐshī.I have, the story background is very epic.
- 雨婷 Yuting我也觉得画面很震撼。Wǒ yě juéde huàmiàn hěn zhènhàn.I also think the visuals are stunning.
- 志强 Zhiqiang对，绝对值得一试。Duì, juéduì zhídé yí shì.Yes, it is definitely worth a try.
