极端

• Pinyin: jí duān
• Hanzi breakdown: 极 = 木 (wood) + 亟 (phonetic) — utmost point; 端 = 立 (stand) + 山 (mountain) + 而 (and)

Meaning

Extreme; extremity; radical. Describes something at the furthest point or degree, often implying excess.

Refers to the most severe degree of something, often with negative connotations of being excessive or unreasonable. Used to describe extreme weather, views, behavior, or situations. As an adverb, intensifies descriptions to mean 'extremely.'

Examples

1. 他的观点太极端了，完全不考虑实际情况。 His views are too extreme, completely disregarding practical realities.
2. 极端天气越来越频繁，给农业生产带来了很大挑战。 Extreme weather is becoming more and more frequent, bringing great challenges to agricultural production.
3. 任何事情走向极端都不好，凡事要适度。 Going to extremes in anything is not good — everything should be done in moderation.

Usage Guide

Context: news, discussion, criticism

Tone: cautionary

Do Say

• 不要走极端。(Don't go to extremes.)
• 他极端自私。(He is extremely selfish.)

Don't Say

• 这个饭极端好吃。(For 'very delicious,' use 非常 or 特别 — 极端 implies negative excess)

Origin & History

Compound of 极 (extreme, utmost) and 端 (end, point). Literally the furthest end or point, hence extreme degree.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal