很帅
hěn shuài
The English phrase 'very handsome' is translated into Chinese as 很帅 (hěn shuài).
很帅 is used to describe a man who is very physically attractive. Note that the character 帅 is specifically used for men. When describing women, you would typically use terms such as 美 or 漂亮 instead.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 很 (hěn), meaning 'very' and 帅 (shuài), meaning 'handsome'.
Which one should you use?
While 很帅 is an adjective phrase used to describe someone, 帅哥 is a noun used to address or refer to a handsome man.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Chinese, the word 很 (hěn) is often used as a grammatical filler before an adjective even if the intensity is just 'is' rather than 'very'.
How do you pronounce it?
hěn shuài
Did you know?
- While 帅 is now used for 'handsome', its original meaning was 'commander-in-chief' of an army. This is why the word carries a sense of leadership and authority.
- The phrase 帅呆了 adds the character for 'stiff' or 'numb' to 帅, creating an expression that means 'so handsome I'm stunned'. It is the equivalent of saying someone is 'drop-dead gorgeous'.
- In many parts of China, you might hear a shopkeeper call you 帅哥 (shuài gē) even if you do not feel particularly handsome. In this context, it functions like 'young man' or 'sir' to politely get a customer's attention.
Examples in context
- 他很帅。He is very handsome.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase 很帅.Tatoeba #753094 by Vortarulo, translation #400911 by CK
- 我们公司新来的经理真是很帅！Our company's new manager is really handsome!
- 他这件新西装真是帅呆了!He looks incredibly handsome in this new suit!
- 你看到他照片里的造型了吗？简直帅爆了！Have you seen the styling in his photos? He looks absolutely stunning!
- 那个明星很帅。Nàge míngxīng hěn shuài.That celebrity is very handsome.
- 你的哥哥很帅。Nǐ de gēge hěn shuài.Your older brother is very handsome.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a photo of a male actor.
- 俊杰 Junjie你看，这个男演员很帅。Nǐ kàn, zhège nán yǎnyuán hěn shuài.Look, this actor is very handsome.
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，他真的很帅。Shì de, tā zhēn de hěn shuài.Yes, he is really very handsome.
- 俊杰 Junjie他的眼睛非常漂亮。Tā de yǎnjīng fēicháng piàoliang.His eyes are very beautiful.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我也觉得。Wǒ yě juéde.I think so too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
