In 15 Seconds
- Expresses deep respect for impressive actions or character.
- Use for genuine admiration, not everyday things.
- Neutral to formal, suitable for professional and personal use.
- Highlights hard work, talent, bravery, and integrity.
Meaning
This phrase is like a mental high-five for someone or something that truly impresses you. It's about genuine admiration for exceptional effort, talent, or character. Think of that feeling when you see someone nail a difficult task or show incredible kindness – that's `令人钦佩`!
Key Examples
3 of 11Texting a friend about a shared acquaintance
听说张伟这次的项目做得特别出色,`令人钦佩`啊!
I heard Zhang Wei did an outstanding job on this project; it's truly admirable!
Watching a documentary about a humanitarian
她多年来坚持在偏远地区做慈善,这份奉献精神真是`令人钦佩`。
She has persisted in doing charity work in remote areas for many years; this spirit of dedication is truly admirable.
Discussing a historical figure
那位将军在绝境中带领士兵反击,他的勇气`令人钦佩`。
That general led his soldiers to counterattack in desperate circumstances; his courage is admirable.
Cultural Background
The concept of `钦佩` (qīn pèi - admiration/respect) has deep roots in Chinese culture, emphasizing virtues like integrity, perseverance, and wisdom. This phrase likely emerged as a way to formally express admiration for individuals embodying these Confucian ideals. It reflects a societal value placed on recognizing and celebrating those who demonstrate exceptional moral character and dedication, serving as a model for others.
Think 'Deep Respect'
When you feel `令人钦佩`, it's more than just thinking something is 'cool'. It's a genuine, deep respect for the person or their actions.
Avoid Overpraising Mundane Things
Don't use `令人钦佩` for everyday tasks like making coffee or simple chores. It's like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut – too much power for the job!
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses deep respect for impressive actions or character.
- Use for genuine admiration, not everyday things.
- Neutral to formal, suitable for professional and personal use.
- Highlights hard work, talent, bravery, and integrity.
What It Means
This phrase, 令人钦佩 (lìng rén qīn pèi), is all about genuine admiration. It's not just liking something; it's a deep respect for someone's character, actions, or achievements. You use it when someone's behavior or skills make you think, 'Wow, that's truly impressive!' It carries a weight of sincere appreciation, often for qualities like bravery, hard work, talent, or integrity. It’s the feeling you get when you witness something genuinely admirable.
How To Use It
You can use 令人钦佩 in many situations. For example, if your friend trained super hard for a marathon and finished it, you'd say their dedication is 令人钦佩. Or, if a colleague comes up with a brilliant solution to a tough problem at work, their ingenuity is 令人钦佩. It works for both people and their actions. You can also use it to describe a piece of work or an achievement that stands out. It’s versatile, so don't be shy to use it when you feel it!
Formality & Register
令人钦佩 is generally considered neutral to formal. It’s not super casual slang, but it's also not overly stiff or bureaucratic. You can use it in professional settings, like praising a team member's contribution in a meeting. It's also perfectly fine in more personal conversations when you want to express sincere admiration. Think of it as the go-to phrase when you want to sound respectful and genuine, without being overly stiff. It's like the polite nod of appreciation.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you're watching a documentary about a scientist making a breakthrough. You might think, 'Her perseverance is 令人钦佩.' Or, perhaps you read about a historical figure who fought for justice. Their courage would be 令人钦佩. On social media, you might see a post about someone donating a large sum to charity, and you could comment that their generosity is 令人钦佩. It fits situations where you want to highlight outstanding qualities.
When To Use It
Use 令人钦佩 when you want to express deep respect for someone's outstanding qualities or achievements. This could be their hard work, talent, bravery, kindness, or integrity. It’s perfect for situations where you feel genuinely impressed and want to acknowledge it sincerely. Think of a child helping an elderly person, a musician playing a complex piece flawlessly, or an athlete breaking a record. These are all prime moments for 令人钦佩.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using 令人钦佩 for everyday, mundane things. You wouldn't say your neighbor's ability to make toast is 令人钦佩. It’s too strong for that! Also, don't use it sarcastically unless you're very sure your audience will get the humor – it can easily sound insincere or even rude. It's best reserved for genuine admiration, not for polite filler or mild approval. Let’s save the heavy praise for truly impressive stuff!
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using it for things that are just 'good' or 'okay'. Remember, 令人钦佩 means truly *impressive*. Another error is mispronouncing it, which can make it sound a bit awkward. Also, sometimes learners might use it in a context that feels too casual, like texting a close friend about a minor achievement. It's better to save this phrase for when you mean it!
Common Variations
While 令人钦佩 is widely understood, you might hear slight variations or related phrases. Sometimes people might shorten it in very casual speech, but this is rare and might lose the original strength. More commonly, people might use other words to express similar feelings, like 佩服 (pèi fú - to admire/respect) which is more general, or 敬佩 (jìng pèi - to respect/admire), often used for elders or superiors. These are related but carry slightly different nuances. 令人敬佩 is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably.
Real Conversations
Speaker 1: 哇,你看这个纪录片了吗?那个登山者一个人爬上了珠穆朗玛峰!
Speaker 2: 真的吗?太厉害了!他的勇气真是令人钦佩!
Speaker 1: 是啊,我看了都觉得不可思议。
Speaker 2: 这种毅力,一般人真做不到。
Speaker 1: Hey, did you see that documentary? That climber scaled Mount Everest solo!
Speaker 2: Really? That's incredible! His courage is truly 令人钦佩!
Speaker 1: Yeah, I couldn't believe it when I watched it.
Speaker 2: That kind of perseverance, most people just can't do it.
Quick FAQ
Q. Is 令人钦佩 used for objects too?
A. Yes, you can use it for impressive objects or creations, like a stunning piece of art or a complex invention. It highlights the skill or effort behind it.
Q. Can I use it for my boss?
A. Absolutely! It's a great way to show respect for your boss's leadership or achievements in a professional manner. Just ensure the context is genuine.
Q. Is it similar to 'amazing'?
A. It's stronger than 'amazing'. 'Amazing' can be used for many things, but 令人钦佩 implies a deeper level of respect and admiration for character or effort.
Usage Notes
While `令人钦佩` is versatile, lean towards using it when expressing genuine, deep respect for significant achievements, exceptional character, or outstanding skills. Avoid using it for trivial matters, as it can sound overly dramatic or insincere. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like `厉害` might be more natural.
Think 'Deep Respect'
When you feel `令人钦佩`, it's more than just thinking something is 'cool'. It's a genuine, deep respect for the person or their actions.
Avoid Overpraising Mundane Things
Don't use `令人钦佩` for everyday tasks like making coffee or simple chores. It's like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut – too much power for the job!
Rooted in Virtues
Culturally, this phrase often connects to traditional virtues like perseverance, integrity, and selflessness. Praising these qualities resonates deeply in Chinese culture.
Pair with Specifics
To make your praise more impactful, specify *what* is admirable. Instead of just 'His work is admirable,' say 'His meticulous attention to detail in the work is admirable' (他对工作的细致关注是令人钦佩的).
Examples
11听说张伟这次的项目做得特别出色,`令人钦佩`啊!
I heard Zhang Wei did an outstanding job on this project; it's truly admirable!
Expressing admiration for a friend's professional achievement.
她多年来坚持在偏远地区做慈善,这份奉献精神真是`令人钦佩`。
She has persisted in doing charity work in remote areas for many years; this spirit of dedication is truly admirable.
那位将军在绝境中带领士兵反击,他的勇气`令人钦佩`。
That general led his soldiers to counterattack in desperate circumstances; his courage is admirable.
看到你每天坚持健身,身材越来越好,太`令人钦佩`了!
Seeing you stick to fitness every day and get in better shape is so admirable!
候选人面对复杂问题时的冷静分析能力,给我们留下了`令人钦佩`的印象。
The candidate's calm analytical ability when facing complex problems left us with an admirable impression.
这个小伙子帮助老奶奶过马路,行为`令人钦佩`。
This young man helping the elderly lady cross the street, his actions are admirable.
✗ 这顿午饭很`令人钦佩`。
✗ This lunch was very admirable.
The phrase is too strong for a simple meal.
✗ 你的新发型很`令人钦佩`。
✗ Your new hairstyle is very admirable.
This phrase implies deeper respect than just liking a hairstyle.
我家猫能自己开门,这技能简直`令人钦佩`,虽然有点头疼。
My cat can open the door by itself, this skill is simply admirable, though a bit of a headache.
他弹奏这首曲子时指尖的灵活性和情感的表达都`令人钦佩`。
The flexibility of his fingertips and the expression of emotion when he played this piece were admirable.
这个工程师独立完成如此复杂的代码,真是`令人钦佩`。
This engineer independently completed such complex code; it's truly admirable.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
`令人钦佩` means admirable, fitting the context of praising a doctor's selfless actions.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
`令人钦佩` is too strong for simply waking up on time; it implies exceptional achievement or character. 'Self-discipline' (自律的表现) is more appropriate here.
Choose the sentence that uses `令人钦佩` correctly.
Which sentence uses `令人钦佩` correctly?
Option A correctly uses `令人钦佩` to describe admirable effort and persistence. Options B, C, and D use it inappropriately for color, a joke, or a meeting.
Translate this sentence into Chinese.
This translation captures the nuance of admiring someone's dedication despite their age.
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
`令人钦佩` fits perfectly to describe admiration for someone's impressive business acumen and success.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While cooking can be skillful, calling a single meal 'admirable' is often an overstatement. Gratitude (`我很感激`) is a more common and appropriate response here.
Choose the sentence that uses `令人钦佩` correctly.
Which sentence uses `令人钦佩` correctly?
Option A correctly applies `令人钦佩` to the heroic actions of firefighters. The other options misuse the phrase for trivial matters or negative situations.
Translate this sentence into Chinese.
This translates the idea of admiring a team's resilience and problem-solving skills.
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
The phrase `令人钦佩` is suitable for describing the high level of artistry and originality in the artist's work.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
`令人钦佩` is usually reserved for more significant achievements or character traits than just singing well. 'Great!' (真棒) is a more fitting compliment.
Choose the sentence that uses `令人钦佩` correctly.
Which sentence uses `令人钦佩` correctly?
Option A correctly uses `令人钦佩` to praise someone's hard work in studying. The other options are inappropriate contexts for this phrase.
Translate this sentence into Chinese.
This translation accurately conveys the admiration for someone's steadfast adherence to their beliefs.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 令人钦佩
Rarely used, might sound overly formal or out of place.
他做的饭真令人钦佩。
Can be used, but often simpler words are preferred.
你这次考试进步很大,真令人钦佩!
Standard usage, balanced formality.
他的坚持不懈是令人钦佩的。
Appropriate for professional settings and serious commendations.
这位教授的学术成就令人钦佩。
Might sound slightly stiff, but acceptable in highly official contexts.
其贡献之巨大,实属令人钦佩。
When to Use 令人钦佩
Praising hard work & dedication
他的努力令人钦佩。
Acknowledging bravery or courage
消防员的英勇令人钦佩。
Respecting talent or skill
她的演奏令人钦佩。
Commending integrity or character
他的正直令人钦佩。
Admiring significant achievements
这项成就令人钦佩。
Recognizing perseverance
面对挫折仍坚持,令人钦佩。
令人钦佩 vs. Similar Phrases
Contexts for 令人钦佩
Professional
- • Colleague's innovation
- • Manager's leadership
- • Company's social responsibility
Personal Achievements
- • Marathon completion
- • Learning a new skill
- • Overcoming a challenge
Character & Virtues
- • Honesty
- • Generosity
- • Bravery
Exceptional Skills
- • Master musician
- • World-class athlete
- • Brilliant scientist
Practice Bank
12 exercises那位医生在疫情期间奋不顾身地救治病人,她的行为真是______。
`令人钦佩` means admirable, fitting the context of praising a doctor's selfless actions.
Find and fix the mistake:
他能准时起床,真是令人钦佩。
`令人钦佩` is too strong for simply waking up on time; it implies exceptional achievement or character. 'Self-discipline' (自律的表现) is more appropriate here.
Which sentence uses `令人钦佩` correctly?
Option A correctly uses `令人钦佩` to describe admirable effort and persistence. Options B, C, and D use it inappropriately for color, a joke, or a meeting.
Her dedication to learning a new language at her age is truly admirable.
Hints: Consider 'dedication' for 奉献精神, Use 'at her age' for 在她这个年纪
This translation captures the nuance of admiring someone's dedication despite their age.
这位年轻的企业家在短短几年内就建立了自己的帝国,他的商业头脑______。
`令人钦佩` fits perfectly to describe admiration for someone's impressive business acumen and success.
Find and fix the mistake:
他为我做了这顿饭,真是令人钦佩。
While cooking can be skillful, calling a single meal 'admirable' is often an overstatement. Gratitude (`我很感激`) is a more common and appropriate response here.
Which sentence uses `令人钦佩` correctly?
Option A correctly applies `令人钦佩` to the heroic actions of firefighters. The other options misuse the phrase for trivial matters or negative situations.
The team's ability to overcome challenges was admirable.
Hints: Team's ability: 团队的能力, Overcome challenges: 克服困难
This translates the idea of admiring a team's resilience and problem-solving skills.
这位艺术家对细节的关注和作品的独创性,都达到了______的程度。
The phrase `令人钦佩` is suitable for describing the high level of artistry and originality in the artist's work.
Find and fix the mistake:
他唱歌很好听,真令人钦佩。
`令人钦佩` is usually reserved for more significant achievements or character traits than just singing well. 'Great!' (真棒) is a more fitting compliment.
Which sentence uses `令人钦佩` correctly?
Option A correctly uses `令人钦佩` to praise someone's hard work in studying. The other options are inappropriate contexts for this phrase.
His unwavering commitment to his principles is admirable.
Hints: Unwavering commitment: 坚定承诺, Principles: 原则
This translation accurately conveys the admiration for someone's steadfast adherence to their beliefs.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 questionsLiterally, 令人钦佩 translates to 'makes people admire/respect'. The first character 令 (lìng) means 'to make' or 'to cause', and 钦佩 (qīn pèi) means 'to admire' or 'to respect'. So, it literally means something or someone that causes others to feel admiration.
Yes, 令人钦佩 is quite common, especially in written Chinese and more formal spoken contexts. While you might hear simpler words like 厉害 (lì hai - awesome) more often in casual chat, 令人钦佩 carries a weight of sincere respect that makes it valuable for expressing genuine admiration.
令人钦佩 generally implies a stronger, more formal sense of respect, often tied to significant achievements or strong character. 佩服 (pèi fú) is a broader term for admiration or respect, and can be used in more casual situations or for lesser accomplishments. Think of 令人钦佩 as a standing ovation and 佩服 as a warm round of applause.
Generally, no. While their cooking might be great, 令人钦佩 is usually reserved for more significant achievements, exceptional skills, or outstanding character traits like bravery or dedication. Praising a meal with this phrase would likely sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic, unless it was truly a culinary masterpiece that took incredible effort.
You'd use it to praise a colleague's significant contribution, a manager's insightful strategy, or a team's successful completion of a challenging project. For example, 'Your leadership during the crisis was truly 令人钦佩.' It adds a formal and respectful tone to your commendation.
Yes, it can be! Especially if you're genuinely impressed by someone's achievement, talent, or a positive action you saw online. For instance, commenting on a post about someone overcoming adversity: '你的毅力真令人钦佩!' (Your perseverance is truly admirable!). It adds a touch of sincerity.
令人钦佩 sits comfortably in the neutral to formal range. It's not slang, but it's not overly stiff either. You can use it in professional settings, speeches, or when you want to express sincere respect in a more considered way than casual slang allows.
While the core meaning remains consistent across Mandarin-speaking regions, the frequency of use might vary. In some areas or social circles, more colloquial terms like 厉害 might be preferred for everyday admiration. However, 令人钦佩 is universally understood and appropriate in formal contexts everywhere.
A frequent mistake is using it for things that are merely 'good' or 'nice'. Because it signifies deep respect, applying it to trivial matters sounds unnatural. For example, saying 'Your new shoes are admirable' (你的新鞋很令人钦佩) would be odd; 'nice' or 'cool' would be more fitting.
You *can*, but it's risky! Sarcasm relies heavily on tone and context. If used incorrectly, it can easily come across as genuinely rude or passive-aggressive. It's usually safer to reserve 令人钦佩 for sincere expressions of admiration.
Besides 佩服 (pèi fú) and 敬佩 (jìng pèi), you could use 了不起 (liǎo bu qǐ - terrific, remarkable), 出色 (chū sè - outstanding), or 赞叹 (zàn tàn - marvel at). The best choice depends on the specific nuance and formality you need.
Yes, absolutely! You can admire abstract concepts like 'spirit', 'dedication', 'courage', or 'integrity'. For example, 'His unwavering spirit in the face of adversity is 令人钦佩' (他在逆境中展现出的坚定精神是令人钦佩的).
The vibe is one of deep respect, sincerity, and recognition of excellence. It's not casual or flippant; it carries a sense of genuine appreciation for something truly noteworthy, whether it's an action, a quality, or an achievement.
You can add adverbs like 非常 (fēi cháng - very) or 极其 (jí qí - extremely) before it, like 非常令人钦佩 (fēi cháng lìng rén qīn pèi). Also, using exclamation marks in writing or a strong tone in speech helps convey enthusiasm.
Definitely! It's perfect for discussing historical figures whose actions, sacrifices, or principles you find deeply respectable. For example, 'The resilience of the people during the war is 令人钦佩.'
This phrase is generally used for positive admiration. If the achievement is impressive but morally questionable, you'd likely use different phrasing to acknowledge the skill without endorsing the action, perhaps focusing on the 'cleverness' or 'effectiveness' rather than 'admiration'.
It's often used to praise exceptional talent, especially when that talent is combined with hard work or dedication. For instance, a musician's technical skill and emotional depth could be described as 令人钦佩.
Yes, it could! If a piece of art demonstrates incredible skill, creativity, or emotional depth, you could say the artistry or the piece itself is 令人钦佩. It highlights the impressive quality of the work and the talent behind it.
Try identifying things or people you genuinely admire in your daily life or in media. Then, practice constructing sentences using 令人钦佩 to describe them. Discussing these examples with a native speaker or tutor can also help refine your usage.
Absolutely! Age doesn't matter when it comes to genuine admiration. If a child shows incredible bravery, a teenager demonstrates amazing talent, or a young professional achieves something remarkable, 令人钦佩 is perfectly appropriate.
Related Phrases
佩服
synonymTo admire, to respect
Both phrases express admiration, but `佩服` is generally more common and can be used in a wider range of situations, including more casual ones, whereas `令人钦佩` often implies a deeper, more formal respect.
敬佩
synonymTo respect and admire (often elders or superiors)
`敬佩` is very similar to `令人钦佩` but often carries a nuance of deference, typically used for elders, respected figures, or those in authority, implying a higher level of esteem.
厉害
related topicAwesome, capable, impressive
`厉害` is a very common and versatile word used to express that something or someone is impressive or skilled, often in a more casual way than `令人钦佩`.
了不起
related topicRemarkable, terrific, extraordinary
This phrase describes something or someone as outstanding or extraordinary, conveying a strong sense of impressiveness similar to `令人钦佩`, but perhaps slightly less formal.
赞叹
related topicTo marvel at, to exclaim admiration
`赞叹` focuses more on the act of expressing wonder and admiration aloud or with strong emotion, while `令人钦佩` describes the quality that evokes that admiration.
值得称赞
related topicWorth praising
This phrase directly states that something deserves praise, highlighting its positive and commendable nature, which overlaps significantly with the sentiment of `令人钦佩`.