厉害
lì hai
Definitions
- 1. (used to describe sb or sth that makes a very strong impression, whether favorable or unfavorable) terrible
- 2. intense
- 3. severe
- 4. devastating
- 5. amazing
- 6. awesome
- 7. outstanding
- 8. (of a person) stern
- 9. strict
- 10. harsh
- 11. shrewd
- 12. tough
- 13. (of an animal) fierce
- 14. (of a resemblance) striking
- 15. (of liquor or chili pepper) strong
- 16. (of bacteria) virulent
- 17. impressive; formidable
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Word relationships
Usage notes
Common mistakes
厉害 can mean both 'terrible' and 'awesome' depending on context, so learners must rely on tone and situation.
Example Sentences
3 shown他病得很 厉害 。
He is very seriously ill.
他咳嗽得很 厉害 。
He is coughing very severely.
海上波涛汹涌，船摇晃得 厉害 。
The sea was surging with waves, and the boat rocked violently.
AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.