cực kì
Definition
- Adverb:
- Extremely; exceedingly; to the utmost degree: Used to emphasize the high intensity, level, or degree of a quality, state, or action.
- Exceptionally; extraordinarily (in a positive sense): In informal contexts, can describe something as excellent or wonderful.
Usage Examples
- Adverb:
- Món ăn này cực kì ngon. (This dish is extremely delicious.)
- Cô ấy cực kì thông minh. (She is exceptionally intelligent.)
- Thời tiết hôm nay cực kì nóng. (The weather today is exceedingly hot.)
- Buổi biểu diễn cực kì! (The performance was awesome!)
Advanced Usage
"cực kì tận": An emphatic, informal variant meaning "extremely; to the absolute limit."
- Anh ấy kiên nhẫn cực kì tận. (He is patient to the absolute limit.)
"cực kì đỉnh": A modern, slang expression meaning "extremely cool/top-notch."
- Chiếc xe mới của anh ấy cực kì đỉnh. (His new car is extremely cool.)
Variants and Related Words
- Cực (adv/adj): Extreme; pole; very. Often used in more formal or technical contexts (e.g., - the North Pole, - extreme hardship).
- Vô cùng (adv): Immensely; boundlessly. A near-synonym, slightly more literary.
- Hết sức (adv): Utterly; with all one's might. Emphasizes effort or degree.
- Tuyệt (adv/adj): Absolutely; excellent. Can function similarly in positive contexts (e.g., - wonderful).
Synonyms
- Rất: Very. (Less intense than ).
- Quá: Too; very. (Can imply excess).
- Vô cùng: Immensely.
- Đặc biệt: Especially; particularly.
Notes on Usage
- cực kì is primarily an adverb and is placed directly before the adjective or verb it modifies.
- It is commonly used in both spoken and written Vietnamese.
- The informal, positive meaning ("excellent") is often used in exclamations or casual praise.