极为／颇为 ＋ 形容词
extremely / quite, rather (formal)
Structure
极为／颇为 ＋ 形容词或心理动词（多为双音节）
What it means
极为 = extremely, the written form of 非常 or 极其; 颇为 = quite, rather, the written form of 相当 or 挺, a degree weaker.
How it is built
极为／颇为 + two-syllable adjective or feeling verb: 他对这次的结果颇为满意 (He was rather pleased with the result this time). 这种鸟在野外极为罕见.
When to use it
Formal writing; in speech 非常 or 特别 is more natural. Same family as 尤为 (5-22); you met the pair in lesson 3-22 and 颇为 in 5-16.
Watch out
Not before one-syllable words: ✗极为好, ✗颇为大; use 极好, 很大. Don’t stack them with 很 or 非常: ✗极为很重要 ✓极为重要.
Examples
这项技术极为复杂，全世界只有少数几个国家掌握。
The technology is extremely complex, and only a handful of countries in the world have mastered it.
他对这次的结果颇为满意。
He was rather pleased with the result this time.
这种鸟在野外极为罕见。
This bird is extremely rare in the wild.
Learn this in Lesson 124 · HSK 7–9: 人造太阳的一千秒 (Science news: 1,066 seconds of an artificial sun)
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.
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