万分

• Pinyin: wàn fēn
• Hanzi breakdown: 万 = simplified from 萬 (ten thousand, pictograph of a scorpion); 分 = 八 (divide) + 刀 (knife)

Meaning

Extremely; utterly; ten-thousandfold. An intensifying adverb meaning 'to the greatest possible degree.'

Used to intensify emotional states or conditions — most naturally with adjectives expressing strong feelings (grateful, sorry, anxious, delighted). More formal and literary than 非常 or 十分. Typically appears before an adjective. Common in written apologies, formal speeches, and emotional statements.

Examples

1. 得知母亲病危，他万分焦急，连夜赶回了家。 On hearing that his mother was critically ill, he was extremely anxious and rushed home overnight.
2. 我们对给您带来的不便感到万分抱歉。 We are extremely sorry for any inconvenience caused.
3. 能够亲眼见到这位敬仰已久的学者，她感到万分激动。 Being able to meet in person a scholar she had long admired, she was utterly overwhelmed with excitement.

Usage Guide

Context: formal writing, apology, emotional

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 对于此次误会，我方深感万分抱歉。(Regarding this misunderstanding, our side is extremely sorry.)
• 她万分感激地接受了大家的帮助。(She accepted everyone's help with the utmost gratitude.)

Don't Say

• 在口语随意场合频繁使用万分 — it sounds stiff in casual chat; use 特别 or 超级 instead; 万分 suits formal or emotional written expression

Origin & History

万 means 'ten thousand' and by extension 'innumerable, extremely.' 分 is a measure of degree. Together they function as an intensifier: 'ten-thousand-fold' = 'utterly, extremely.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal