超级英雄
chāojí yīngxióng
The English word "superhero" is translated into Chinese as 超级英雄 (chāojí yīngxióng).
The term refers to a fictional character with superpowers who fights crime.
Meaning: a fictional crime-fighting character with superpowers (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound of 超级 (chāojí), meaning "super" and 英雄 (yīngxióng), meaning "hero".
Which one should you use?
While 超级英雄 is the general term for any superhero, the specific character Superman is often referred to as 超人 (chāorén).
How do you pronounce it?
chāojí yīngxióng
Did you know?
- The concept of a 'hero' in ancient Chinese texts often focused on 'righteousness' (义, yì) rather than the physical 'super' abilities implied by the modern term.
- While English uses 'superhero' as a noun, Chinese speakers often use 超级 (chāojí) as a prefix for other surprising things. You will find 超级 attached to everything from 'supermarkets' to 'super-sized' food and 'super-apps' like WeChat.
- The term 超人 for 'Superman' can also be used in casual conversation to describe someone who is 'superhuman' or has incredible abilities.
Examples in context
- 那个超级英雄是我的偶像。That superhero is my idol.
- 这个电影里有很多超人。There are many superheroes in this movie.
- 他梦想成为一位真正的超人。He dreams of becoming a real superhero.
- 他想成为一名超级英雄。Tā xiǎng chéngwéi yī míng chāojí yīngxióng.He wants to become a superhero.
- 这个电影里的超级英雄很酷。Zhège diànyǐng lǐ de chāojí yīngxióng hěn kù.The superhero in this movie is very cool.
- 小朋友都喜欢超级英雄。Xiǎopéngyǒu dōu xǐhuān chāojí yīngxióng.Children all love superheroes.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new movie at the cinema.
- 梓涵 Zihan你觉得这个超级英雄厉害吗？Nǐ juéde zhège chāojí yīngxióng lìhai ma?Do you think this superhero is powerful?
- 浩然 Haoran我觉得他的能力非常强大。Wǒ juéde tā de nénglì fēicháng qiángdà.I think his abilities are very powerful.
- 梓涵 Zihan我也觉得他很有魅力。Wǒ yě juéde tā hěn yǒu mèilì.I also think he is very charming.
- 浩然 Haoran这部电影真的很精彩。Zhè bù diànyǐng zhēn de hěn jīngcǎi.This movie is really wonderful.
