我很佩服
wǒ hěn pèifú
In Mandarin, "I am impressed" is expressed as 我很佩服 (wǒ hěn pèifú).
It carries a sense of respect and is often used when acknowledging someone's superior capability or a clever way of doing something.
What does it mean word for word?
The core of the phrase is 佩服 (pèifú), which literally means to admire or respect someone's ability or character.
Which one should you use?
Use 很佩服 (hěn pèifú) when you are impressed by a person's skill, talent or character, rather than being impressed by a physical object or a situation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, the variation 十分佩服 is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase can be used transitively by adding a person or object directly after it, such as adding 你 (nǐ) for "you" to form 我很佩服你 (I admire/am impressed by you).
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ hěn pèifú
Did you know?
- The characters in 佩服 (pèifú) originally referred to the physical act of wearing a jade pendant and bowing. To 'admire' someone was visually linked to the posture of formal respect.
- Repeating the word twice as 佩服佩服 (pèifú pèifú) often signals playful irony or sarcasm rather than genuine admiration.
- Saying 我很佩服你 (wǒ hěn pèifú nǐ) is a powerful way to 'give face' to another person. By acknowledging their superiority, you are actively participating in the social ritual of elevating their status or 面子 (miànzi).
Examples in context
- 我很佩服你的勇气。I admire your courage.
- 我对你很敬佩，能够取得这样的成就。I deeply admire you for achieving such success.
- 你的画技真的太好了，我真的被你惊艳到了。Your painting skills are really impressive, you really impressed me.
- 你跳舞跳得太好了，好厉害啊！You dance so well, you're awesome!
- 你真是一个了不起的音乐家，我被你的演奏技巧深深打动了！You are truly an incredible musician, I am deeply moved by your playing skills!
- 我很佩服他的专业精神。Wǒ hěn pèifú tā de zhuānyè jīngshén.I am impressed by his professionalism.
Example conversation
Yu Ting is complimenting Wei on his ability to learn a difficult skill quickly.
- 雨婷 Yuting你学得这么快，我很佩服。Nǐ xué de zhème kuài, wǒ hěn pèifú.You learn so fast, I am impressed.
- 伟 Wei谢谢，我也还在努力。Xièxiè, wǒ yě hái zài nǔlì.Thank you, I am still working hard.
- 雨婷 Yuting伟，你真的很出色。Wěi, nǐ zhēn de hěn chū sè.Wei, you are truly outstanding.
- 伟 Wei哪里哪里，过奖了。Nǎlǐ nǎlǐ, guòjiǎng le.You flatter me.
