B2 adjective Formal 1 min read

超凡

chāofán /tʂʰɑʊ̯³⁵ fän³⁵/

‘超凡’ describes someone or something that rises far above common levels, often possessing a transcendental quality.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Transcending the ordinary or mundane standards.
  • Highlights exceptional spiritual, artistic, or physical qualities.
  • Often implies a sense of being transcendental or divine.

Overview

  1. 1概述:‘超凡’是一个褒义词,由‘超’(超越、胜过)和‘凡’(平凡、凡俗)组成。其核心含义是打破了平庸的范畴,进入了一个更高层次的状态。它不仅描述量的增加,更强调质的飞跃。2) 用法模式:‘超凡’最常作为定语,修饰抽象名词,如‘智慧’、‘勇气’、‘魅力’等。它也可以作为谓语,描述某人的气质或作品的意境。在成语中,常与‘脱俗’连用(超凡脱俗),形容一个人不仅优秀,而且不沾染世俗的平庸气息。3) 常见语境:该词频繁出现在文学评论、艺术评价、人物传记以及哲学讨论中。在现代语境下,也常用于形容顶尖运动员的竞技状态或科技产品的卓越性能。4) 相似词比较:与‘优秀’相比,‘超凡’程度更深,且带有某种‘不可思议’或‘神圣’的意味;与‘卓越’相比,‘超凡’更强调与世俗平庸的对立,具有更强的文学感和精神深度。例如,我们可以说一个员工很‘优秀’,但通常形容一位伟大的艺术家拥有‘超凡’的灵感。

Examples

1

他的记忆力真是超凡,能背诵整本字典。

everyday

His memory is truly extraordinary; he can recite the entire dictionary.

2

这幅画作展现了画家超凡的审美情趣。

formal

This painting demonstrates the artist's extraordinary aesthetic taste.

3

他在比赛中表现出了超凡的冷静。

informal

He showed remarkable calmness during the competition.

4

这种超凡的洞察力源于他多年的学术积累。

academic

This extraordinary insight stems from his years of academic accumulation.

Common Collocations

超凡的智慧 Extraordinary wisdom
超凡的气质 Transcendental temperament
超凡脱俗 Out of the ordinary and refined

Common Phrases

超凡入圣

To attain the state of a sage; to reach perfection.

超凡魅力

Charisma (extraordinary charm).

Often Confused With

超凡 vs 卓越

'卓越' (Zhuóyuè) focuses on outstanding performance or status in a professional field, while '超凡' emphasizes transcending the mundane world.

超凡 vs 非凡

'非凡' (Fēifán) means 'not ordinary' and is more versatile, whereas '超凡' often implies a spiritual or graceful superiority.

Grammar Patterns

超凡的 + [Noun] 表现得/显得 + 超凡 超凡 + [Idiom component, e.g., 入圣]

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The word is highly formal and carries a literary tone. It is best used in situations requiring high praise or describing qualities that seem 'beyond human.' In business or casual settings, '卓越' or '出众' might be more common unless you are emphasizing a unique aura.


Common Mistakes

Do not use '超凡' to describe physical size or quantity (e.g., 'a very large building'). It is almost always reserved for qualitative excellence, spirit, or talent. Also, avoid using it for negative things (e.g., 'extraordinarily bad').

Tips

💡

Use it for transcendental excellence

Apply '超凡' when you want to emphasize that something is not just good, but operates on a completely different level from the norm.

⚠️

Avoid using for mundane success

Do not use '超凡' for simple tasks like finishing homework quickly; it is reserved for truly remarkable or spiritual feats.

🌍

Connection to Taoist and Buddhist ideals

The term carries historical weight in Chinese philosophy, referring to sages who have transcended worldly desires and suffering.

Word Origin

In Classical Chinese, '超' means to leap over or surpass, and '凡' refers to the secular, mundane world. The term has roots in spiritual texts describing those who attain enlightenment.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, reaching a '超凡' state is often associated with the 'Sage' (圣人) or 'Immortal' (仙), reflecting the traditional pursuit of self-cultivation and spiritual elevation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'Super' (超) + 'Ordinary' (凡). It literally means 'Super-Ordinary'—someone who has leaped over the boundaries of being a common person.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

虽然常用来形容人的气质或才华,但也可以形容事物的品质,如“超凡的工艺”或“超凡的想象力”。

它们是一对反义词。“超凡”字面上就是“超越平凡”的意思,代表了对普通状态的突破。

它属于书面语色彩较浓的词汇。在正式赞美、文学创作或评价极高成就时使用,日常琐事中较少见。

这是一个常用的四字成语,形容人的气质高雅、不落俗套,仿佛不属于这个凡俗的世界。

Test Yourself

fill blank

这位年轻的钢琴家在音乐会上展现了___的艺术造诣。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: a

“超凡”用于形容极高的艺术造诣,其他选项均表示普通或不合适。

multiple choice

根据“超凡”的用法,以下哪项最符合语境?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: b

“智慧”是抽象且能体现卓越境界的名词,适合用“超凡”修饰。

sentence building

气质 / 他的 / 显得 / 那么 / 超凡脱俗

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: c

这是标准的“主语+谓语+补语”结构,形容气质出众。

Score: /3

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