极其
extremely (written, strong)
Structure
极其 双音节形容词／心理动词
What it means
“Extremely”: a strong, written degree adverb, stronger than 非常 or 十分.
How it is built
极其 + two-syllable adjective or verb of feeling: 山路极其危险 (the mountain road is extremely dangerous). Also 极其重要, 极其关心.
When to use it
Written and strong; in everyday speech say 特别 or 太…了. With a one-syllable word say 非常热 or 热极了 instead.
Watch out
It cannot be negated (✗ 不极其) and never follows the adjective; that is the job of 极了: ✗ 好极其 ✓ 好极了.
Examples
这一切，都和重庆极其特殊的地形有关。
All of this comes down to Chongqing’s extraordinary terrain.
山路极其危险，雨天最好不要上山。
The mountain road is extremely dangerous; better not go up on rainy days.
他对工作极其认真，从来没出过错。
He is extremely conscientious at work and has never made a mistake.
Learn this in Lesson 21 · HSK 5: 山城重庆 (Chongqing, the mountain city)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
Open the lesson →