离奇

• Pinyin: lí qí
• Hanzi breakdown: 离 = 禽 + 隹 (separation/departure); 奇 = 大 (big) + 可 (possible — beyond the ordinary)

Meaning

Strange; bizarre; extraordinary; uncanny. Describes events or situations that are unusually odd or difficult to explain.

Often carries a sense of the inexplicable or the surreal. Used to describe mysterious circumstances, unusual occurrences, or narratives that defy conventional logic. More literary and slightly more formal than 奇怪. Common in journalism, fiction, and commentary.

Examples

1. 这起案件的经过极为离奇，连最有经验的侦探也百思不得其解。 The details of this case are extremely bizarre—even the most experienced detective can’t make sense of it.
2. 书中讲述了一段离奇的经历，主人公独自穿越了时空的界限。 The book recounts a strange experience in which the protagonist travels alone across the boundaries of time and space.
3. 她以一种离奇的方式失踪，没有留下任何线索或踪迹。 She disappeared in a bizarre way, leaving behind no clues or trace.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, news, mystery, narrative

Tone: mysterious

Do Say

• 这段历史有太多离奇之处，至今仍有争议。(This period of history has too many bizarre aspects — it remains contentious to this day.)
• 他的离奇遭遇后来被改编成了一部畅销小说。(His bizarre experiences were later adapted into a bestselling novel.)

Don't Say

• 将离奇与奇妙混用 — 奇妙偏正面，表示美好的奇异感，离奇偏中性或负面，强调令人不安的怪异

Origin & History

离 (depart from/go beyond) + 奇 (strange/extraordinary)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal