When you're beyond mad, 怒不可遏 (nù bù kě è) is the phrase you need. It literally means 'anger not able to be suppressed' and perfectly captures the feeling of being absolutely livid. This isn't just being a little upset; it's when your anger is so intense that it's uncontrollable. You can use it to describe someone who is boiling with rage and on the verge of exploding. It's a powerful and dramatic way to express extreme anger.
Fun Fact
This idiom highlights the strong emotional expression often found in classical Chinese literature.
Word Origin
From the phrase “怒气填膺，不可遏止” (nùqì tiányīng, bùkě èzhǐ), meaning 'anger fills the chest, unable to be stopped.'
Original meaning: The literal meaning is 'anger cannot be contained or stopped.'
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic, ChineseCultural Context
In Chinese culture, while it's generally valued to maintain composure, '怒不可遏' describes a state of anger so intense that it's beyond control. It's often used to convey extreme indignation or outrage, especially in situations where a person feels deeply wronged or insulted.
Test Yourself 24 questions
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我爱中国
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你叫什么名字？
Focus: nǐ jiào shén me míng zi?
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很高兴认识你
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Which of the following situations would most likely make someone feel 怒不可遏?
怒不可遏 describes an uncontrollable rage, which is a strong reaction to a significant betrayal.
If someone is 怒不可遏, what are they likely NOT doing?
怒不可遏 means unable to suppress anger, so trying to calm down would be contrary to this state.
Which emotion is most closely related to 怒不可遏?
怒不可遏 translates to 'unable to suppress one's anger' or 'livid,' which is a state of being extremely furious.
Someone who is 怒不可遏 is feeling slightly annoyed.
怒不可遏 means to be extremely angry, not just slightly annoyed.
When someone is 怒不可遏, they are able to easily control their feelings.
The phrase 怒不可遏 literally means 'anger cannot be suppressed,' indicating a lack of control.
Seeing an injustice might make a person feel 怒不可遏.
Witnessing an injustice can often provoke strong, uncontrollable anger.
听到这个不幸的消息，他感到___。
The context 'unfortunate news' suggests a strong negative emotion, and 'unable to suppress his anger' fits best.
当她发现自己的手机被偷后，顿时___。
Having a phone stolen typically causes intense anger, making '怒不可遏' the most suitable choice.
经理对于员工的这种不负责任的行为感到___。
Irresponsible behavior from an employee would likely provoke strong anger in a manager.
他因为交通堵塞错过了重要的会议，所以___。
Missing an important meeting due to traffic would understandably make someone furious.
面对不公正的待遇，她终于___，大声抗议。
Protesting loudly after facing unfair treatment indicates that her anger could no longer be suppressed.
看到孩子被欺负，那位母亲___。
A mother seeing her child bullied would most likely be extremely angry.
Choose the sentence where “怒不可遏” is used correctly:
“怒不可遏” describes extreme anger, so it's used when someone is very angry, not happy, moved, or tired.
Which of the following emotions is closest to “怒不可遏”?
“怒不可遏” specifically refers to anger that cannot be controlled or suppressed, making 'furious' the closest emotion.
If someone is “怒不可遏”, what might they do?
When someone is uncontrollably angry, they are more likely to express it outwardly, such as by arguing loudly.
When someone feels “怒不可遏”, they are likely very calm.
“怒不可遏” means unable to suppress one's anger, indicating a state of extreme agitation, not calmness.
You can use “怒不可遏” to describe someone who is extremely happy.
“怒不可遏” is exclusively used to describe intense anger, not happiness.
If a person is “怒不可遏”, they might be shouting.
Being “怒不可遏” often involves outward expressions of anger, and shouting is a common way to express extreme anger.
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Example
听到对方无理的要求，他气得怒不可遏。
Related Content
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
一点
A1A little; a bit; slightly.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
