极

• Pinyin: jí
• Hanzi breakdown: 极 = 木 (wood) + 及 (to reach) — the highest point a beam can reach

Meaning

Extremely; exceedingly; to the utmost degree. An intensifying adverb indicating the highest level.

As an adverb, 极 is used before adjectives or psychological verbs to mean 'extremely.' Often appears in the pattern 极 + adjective + 了 (e.g., 好极了). Also used as a noun meaning 'pole' or 'extreme' in scientific or philosophical contexts (北极, south pole; 极端, extreme). The adverbial usage is more common in daily speech.

Examples

1. 今天的天气好极了，我们去公园吧。 The weather today is wonderful — let's go to the park.
2. 这道菜的味道极好，你一定要试试。 This dish tastes extremely good — you must try it.
3. 他对这件事极不满意，要求重新讨论。 He was extremely dissatisfied with this matter and demanded a re-discussion.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, emphasis, descriptions

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 这个消息好极了！(This news is wonderful!)
• 她唱得极好。(She sings extremely well.)

Don't Say

• 我极吃了一顿饭 (Don't place 极 before action verbs — it modifies adjectives and psychological verbs, not physical actions)

Origin & History

Originally meant 'ridgepole' (the highest beam of a roof), extended to mean the utmost point or extreme degree.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal