格外 · 极 · 极其
especially, more than usual · extremely
Structure
格外／极／极其 + 形容词
What it means
格外 means “especially, more than usual”, at this time or in this place. 极其 and 极 mean “extremely”.
How it is built
格外／极其 + adjective: 秋天的北京格外美 (Beijing is especially beautiful in autumn); 这件事极其重要. In speech 极 mostly comes after: adjective + 极了: 好极了 (wonderful).
When to use it
格外 compares with the usual state. 极其 is formal and usually comes before two-syllable words (极其优美, 极其重要). 极了 is the everyday spoken form.
Watch out
Don’t add 很: ✗ 极其很重要 ✗ 格外很美 ✓ 极其重要 ✓ 格外美.
Examples
秋天的北京格外美。
Beijing is especially beautiful in autumn.
这件事极其重要，大家一定要注意。
This is extremely important, so everyone must pay attention.
今天的天气好极了。
The weather today is wonderful.
Learn this in HSK 4 · Lesson 2: 桂林山水 (Down the Li River)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
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