Li-hai is a versatile adjective meaning either 'awesome/formidable' or 'severe/intense' depending on context.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to praise someone's exceptional skill or ability.
- Describes the high intensity or severity of a situation.
- Extremely versatile word used in daily spoken Chinese.
1) 概述：‘厉害’是中文里使用频率极高的词汇，覆盖了从表扬到抱怨的多种语境。它既可以指人的技能精湛，也可以指某种现象的强烈程度。
2) 用法模式：常见用法为‘主语 + 很/太/真 + 厉害’。在表示赞叹时，常说‘你真厉害！’；在描述某种严重后果时，如‘病得很厉害’，则强调程度之深。
3) 常见语境：在社交场合，它常用于称赞他人的成就或特长；在谈论天气、病情或冲突时，它用于强调事态的严峻性。在口语中，它甚至可以作为感叹词使用。
4) 近义词辨析：与‘优秀’相比，‘厉害’更口语化，侧重于表现出的能力或效果；与‘严重’相比，‘厉害’在描述负面情况时更显主观和通俗。
Examples
你真是太厉害了！
everydayYou are truly amazing!
这次的台风很厉害，造成了很大损失。
formalThis typhoon was severe and caused significant damage.
他这人挺厉害的，不好惹。
informalHe is quite formidable; better not mess with him.
这种病毒的传染性非常厉害。
academicThe infectivity of this virus is extremely strong.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
厉害了
That's impressive!
厉害得不得了
Extremely impressive or severe
别太厉害
Don't be too harsh/intense
Often Confused With
Strictly used for negative situations like illness or accidents. '厉害' can be used for both positive and negative contexts.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Li-hai is primarily a spoken word and should be avoided in formal written documents. It is highly context-dependent, shifting meaning based on whether the subject is a person's skill or a natural phenomenon. Always pay attention to the emotional tone of the speaker.
Common Mistakes
Students often use it to describe everything positive, but it is better to use specific adjectives like '漂亮' for looks or '好吃' for food. Do not use it as a direct substitute for 'very' in all contexts. Remember that it can sound slightly aggressive if used to describe a person's temperament.
Tips
Use it to show genuine admiration
When someone achieves something impressive, saying '太厉害了!' is the most natural way to express your respect and admiration.
Avoid using it in formal writing
While '厉害' is perfect for conversation, use more precise words like '卓越' or '严重' in formal essays or reports.
The power of tone
In Chinese culture, the meaning of '厉害' is heavily influenced by your tone of voice. A flat tone might sound like a warning, while an enthusiastic tone is always a compliment.
Word Origin
The term evolved from describing sharp weapons or fierce animals to describing people with powerful abilities. Over time, it generalized to mean any situation with significant impact or intensity.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, calling someone '厉害' is a high form of social validation. It acknowledges their effort and success, which is important in collectivist social structures.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Li-hai' as a 'High' level of something—either high skill or high intensity. If it's high skill, it's a compliment; if it's high intensity of a problem, it's a warning.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions它是一个中性词，具体含义取决于语境。称赞别人时是褒义，描述病情或灾难时则带有贬义或客观描述的色彩。
“优秀”通常指品质、成绩好，语体较正式。而“厉害”更口语化，侧重于表现出的强大实力或冲击力。
可以。当别人向你展示成果时，回答“厉害！”表示赞叹，这在朋友间非常普遍。
有的，常用的有“很厉害”、“太厉害了”、“特别厉害”。
Test Yourself
他钢琴弹得真___，大家都听入迷了。
形容某人技能高超，应用“厉害”。
“今天外面风刮得真厉害。”这句话的意思是？
在此语境下，“厉害”表示程度剧烈。
你/太/了/厉害
正确的语序是主语+程度副词+形容词+了。
Score: /3
Summary
Li-hai is a versatile adjective meaning either 'awesome/formidable' or 'severe/intense' depending on context.
- Used to praise someone's exceptional skill or ability.
- Describes the high intensity or severity of a situation.
- Extremely versatile word used in daily spoken Chinese.
Use it to show genuine admiration
When someone achieves something impressive, saying '太厉害了!' is the most natural way to express your respect and admiration.
Avoid using it in formal writing
While '厉害' is perfect for conversation, use more precise words like '卓越' or '严重' in formal essays or reports.
The power of tone
In Chinese culture, the meaning of '厉害' is heavily influenced by your tone of voice. A flat tone might sound like a warning, while an enthusiastic tone is always a compliment.
Examples
4 of 4你真是太厉害了！
You are truly amazing!
这次的台风很厉害，造成了很大损失。
This typhoon was severe and caused significant damage.
他这人挺厉害的，不好惹。
He is quite formidable; better not mess with him.
这种病毒的传染性非常厉害。
The infectivity of this virus is extremely strong.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
