The word '离奇' captures the essence of events that are so bizarre they seem almost fictional or impossible.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes bizarre, extraordinary, or highly unusual events or stories.
- Commonly used in mystery, crime, or supernatural contexts.
- Implies a level of strangeness that defies common logic.
Overview
- 1概览：'离奇'（líqí）是一个常用于书面语和文学作品中的形容词。它不仅表示‘奇怪’（strange），更强调某种程度上的‘怪异’、‘荒诞’或‘不可思议’。它通常与‘情节’、‘故事’、‘经历’或‘案件’等词语连用。
常见语境：最常出现在悬疑小说、侦探故事、新闻报道（特别是关于未解之谜或意外事故）以及日常对话中对惊人巧合的描述。它带有一种让听众感到惊讶、困惑甚至怀疑其真实性的色彩。
- 1同类词比较：与‘奇怪’相比，‘离奇’的程度更深，且多指情节的曲折；与‘诡异’相比，‘离奇’侧重于不合常理，而‘诡异’则带有一种阴森、令人恐惧的气氛；与‘荒诞’相比，‘离奇’可能还是真实发生的，而‘荒诞’通常指完全不合逻辑或虚幻的。
Examples
那场火灾的起因非常离奇。
everydayThe cause of that fire was very bizarre.
在这个离奇的故事背后，隐藏着一个感人的真相。
formalBehind this fantastic story lies a touching truth.
他竟然在荒岛上活了下来，真是离奇。
informalIt's odd that he actually survived on a deserted island.
史书上记载了许多关于这位皇帝的离奇传说。
academicHistorical records contain many bizarre legends about this emperor.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
离奇古怪
bizarre and eccentric
离奇曲折
bizarre and full of twists
Often Confused With
'奇怪' is a general term for anything unusual, while '离奇' is specifically for bizarre or fantastic events/plots.
'诡异' implies something eerie, creepy, or sinister, whereas '离奇' focuses on the unexpected and extraordinary nature.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral but leans towards formal or literary registers. It is frequently used in media to grab attention regarding unusual news. Avoid using it for minor everyday oddities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '离奇' to describe a person's appearance (e.g., a 'strange-looking man'). In such cases, '奇怪' or '古怪' is more appropriate. '离奇' is best reserved for events and narratives.
Tips
Use it for plot twists
Whenever a story takes a turn that is completely unexpected and weird, '离奇' is the perfect word to use.
Don't use for simple oddities
If someone is wearing a slightly odd hat, use '奇怪' instead. '离奇' is reserved for more significant, complex oddities.
Literary association
In Chinese literature, this word is often associated with the 'Tales of the Extraordinary' genre, like the famous 'Liaozhai Zhiyi'.
Word Origin
From '离' (to depart/separate) and '奇' (rare/strange). It suggests something that has departed from the realm of normal strange things.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, '离奇' is often associated with supernatural stories or historical 'Unsolved Mysteries' (悬案), reflecting a fascination with the boundary between reality and the impossible.
Memory Tip
Think of '离' as 'leaving' or 'deviating' and '奇' as 'strange'. It means 'deviating from the normal level of strangeness'—something truly bizarre.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions通常不直接形容一个人的长相，但可以形容一个人的行为、性格或者他所遇到的经历非常离奇。
‘奇怪’是一个通用词，任何不寻常的事都可以用；而‘离奇’程度更重，通常指情节复杂、让人难以置信的事情。
它是一个中性词，主要表达客观的怪异程度和主观的惊讶感，不带有明显的赞美或批评。
非常常见，特别是当报道一些罕见的意外、失踪案或巧合事件时。
Test Yourself
这部侦探小说的情节十分___，不到最后一刻谁也猜不出凶手是谁。
侦探小说通常以情节怪异、出人意料著称，因此‘离奇’最符合语境。
选择不恰当的搭配：
‘离奇’通常形容抽象的情节或经历，形容具体的物体（如苹果）通常用‘奇怪’或‘奇特’。
经历 / 他 / 一段 / 离奇 / 了 / 的
标准的‘主语+谓语+定语+宾语’结构。
Score: /3
Summary
The word '离奇' captures the essence of events that are so bizarre they seem almost fictional or impossible.
- Describes bizarre, extraordinary, or highly unusual events or stories.
- Commonly used in mystery, crime, or supernatural contexts.
- Implies a level of strangeness that defies common logic.
Use it for plot twists
Whenever a story takes a turn that is completely unexpected and weird, '离奇' is the perfect word to use.
Don't use for simple oddities
If someone is wearing a slightly odd hat, use '奇怪' instead. '离奇' is reserved for more significant, complex oddities.
Literary association
In Chinese literature, this word is often associated with the 'Tales of the Extraordinary' genre, like the famous 'Liaozhai Zhiyi'.
Examples
4 of 4那场火灾的起因非常离奇。
The cause of that fire was very bizarre.
在这个离奇的故事背后，隐藏着一个感人的真相。
Behind this fantastic story lies a touching truth.
他竟然在荒岛上活了下来，真是离奇。
It's odd that he actually survived on a deserted island.
史书上记载了许多关于这位皇帝的离奇传说。
Historical records contain many bizarre legends about this emperor.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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
