极好的
jí hǎo de
The English word superb is translated into Chinese as 极好的 (jí hǎo de).
极好的 is used to describe something of the highest quality or something that is exceptionally good.
Meaning: of the highest quality, exceptionally good (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 极 (jí), meaning 'extremely' or 'pole/limit' and 好 (hǎo), meaning 'good', followed by the particle 的 (de) which turns the adjective into a descriptive form.
Which one should you use?
While 极好的 is a general way to say superb, other terms exist for specific contexts: 优秀 (yōu xiù) is used for excellence, 卓越 (zhuó yuè) describes outstanding achievements and 精湛 (jīng zhàn) refers to superbness in terms of exceptional skill or craftsmanship.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 的 (de) at the end is used to form an adjective that can modify a noun, such as 极好的天气 (jí hǎo de tiān qì), meaning 'superb weather'.
How do you pronounce it?
jí hǎo de
Did you know?
- The character 好 (hǎo) is composed of two parts: a woman (女) and a child (子). Historically, this combination was thought to represent a 'good' or 'superb' state of affairs.
- While 极 (jí) means 'extremely' in 极好的, it also refers to the 'North and South Poles' of the Earth. This gives the word a sense of reaching the very edge or limit of goodness.
- In casual conversation, speakers often replace 极好的 with the phrase 太棒了 (tài bàng le), which literally describes something as a 'great club' or 'great stick'.
Examples in context
- 他的演出真是优秀！(Tā de yǎnchū zhēnshi yōuxiù!)His performance is truly superb!
- 这个项目的成果真是卓越！(Zhège xiàngmù de chéngguǒ zhēnshi zhuóyuè!)The results of this project are truly superb!
- 他的绘画技巧真是精湛！(Tā de huìhuà jìqiǎo zhēnshi jīngzhàn!)His painting skills are truly superb!
- 他的表演太牛逼了！(Tā de biǎoyǎn tài niúbī le!)His performance was superb!
- 你的厨艺棒极了！(Nǐ de chú yì bàng jí le!)Your cooking skills are superb!
- 这真是一个极好的机会。Zhè zhēn shì yīgè jíhǎo de jīhuì.This is truly a wonderful opportunity.
Example conversation
Two friends are eating at a new restaurant.
- 俊杰 Junjie这里的菜味道怎么样？Zhèlǐ de cài wèidào zěnmeyàng?How does the food taste here?
- 雨婷 Yuting味道极好的，你快试试。Wèidào jí hǎo de, nǐ kuài shìshì.The taste is superb, try it quickly.
- 俊杰 Junjie确实很美味，我也很喜欢。Quèshí hěn měiwèi, wǒ yě hěn xǐhuān.It really is delicious, I like it too.
- 雨婷 Yuting我也觉得这家店很不错。Wǒ yě juéde zhè jiā diàn hěn bùcuò.I also think this place is great.
