…极了

• Pinyin: jí le
• Hanzi breakdown: 极 = 木 (wood) + 及 (reach), meaning the furthest end; 了 = aspectual particle indicating completion or change of state

Meaning

Extremely; incredibly. A complement structure attached after an adjective to intensify its degree to the maximum.

The pattern [adjective + 极了] is one of the most common degree complements in Chinese. It conveys that something has reached an extreme level, equivalent to 'extremely' or 'incredibly.' It always follows the adjective directly and cannot be separated. Common combinations include 好极了, 漂亮极了, 难极了, and 高兴极了.

Examples

1. 今天的天气热极了，大家都不想出门。 The weather today is extremely hot and nobody wants to go outside.
2. 她昨天考了一百分，高兴极了。 She scored one hundred on yesterday's exam and was incredibly happy.
3. 这道菜的味道好极了，我还想再吃一碗。 This dish tastes absolutely delicious — I want another bowl.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, spoken, expressions

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 这个电影好极了！(This film is absolutely brilliant!)
• 外面冷极了，记得穿厚一点。(It's extremely cold outside — remember to dress warmly.)

Don't Say

• 我极了高兴。(Don't place 极了 before the adjective — it must always follow the adjective directly, e.g., 我高兴极了.)

Origin & History

极 originally means 'the utmost point' or 'pole' (as in 北极, the North Pole). As a grammatical complement, it indicates that the quality described has reached its absolute limit.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal