颇为／极为
quite, rather (颇为) / extremely (极为); formal
Structure
颇为／极为 双音节形容词／心理动词
What it means
Formal degree adverbs: 颇为 ≈ 相当 (quite, rather); 极为 ≈ 极其, 非常 (extremely, to the highest degree).
How it is built
颇为／极为 + two-syllable adjective or verb of feeling: R1的推理能力颇为出色 (R1’s reasoning is rather impressive); 这种鸟极为罕见 (this bird is extremely rare).
When to use it
For writing and speeches: 颇为满意, 颇为意外; 极为重要, 极为罕见. Don’t confuse 颇为 with 颇有 + noun: 颇有道理, 颇有好感.
Watch out
✗ 颇为好 ✗ 极为大: they need two syllables after them (✓ 颇为满意, 极为庞大). Don’t stack them with another degree adverb: ✗ 非常极为重要.
Examples
训练大模型需要极为庞大的算力。
Training a large model takes an enormous amount of computing power.
R1的推理能力颇为出色。
R1’s reasoning is rather impressive.
这种鸟在城市里极为罕见。
This bird is extremely rare in cities.
Learn this in Lesson 72 · HSK 6: DeepSeek与大模型 (DeepSeek and the AI race)
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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