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March 24, 2026
了不起liǎobuqǐ(liao3bu5qi3)
了不起 (liǎobuqǐ) describes something or someone that is exceptional or impressive, often used to express admiration. It can refer to both personal achievements and remarkable qualities in various contexts like work, talent, or character.
Strokes16Frequency#2202DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, praising someone's abilities or achievements is a common practice, reflecting the value placed on hard work and success. The term 了不起 is often used in educational and professional settings to encourage and uplift others.
Memory Tip
Imagine a superhero (了) flying up high (不起) in the sky, showcasing their extraordinary powers. The superhero's impressive feats leave everyone in awe, just like how '了不起' conveys an amazing quality.
Meanings of 了不起
liǎobuqǐ(liao3bu5qi3)
1amazing
2terrific
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About 了不起
了不起Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#2202Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 了不起
Podcast: 了不起
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AI Study Notes for 了不起
Quick Contrast
了不起 (liǎobuqǐ) vs 非凡 (fēifán) — use 了不起 when expressing admiration for someone's exceptional qualities or achievements, while 非凡 emphasizes extraordinary or remarkable characteristics.
Usage Notes
This term is often used in informal conversations to praise someone or something. Be cautious with the tone; it should be positive, as using it sarcastically can change its meaning. Common collocations include '你真了不起' (You're truly amazing).
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 5, students should focus on using 了不起 in various contexts to describe achievements or talents. Connecting it with other adjectives can enhance vocabulary, such as combining it with '非常' (very) or '特别' (especially).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 了不起 with just 了, leading to phrases like '我了不起' (I am amazing) instead of the correct '我觉得你了不起' (I think you are amazing). Additionally, using it in overly formal contexts can sound awkward.
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Pronunciation of 了不起
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了不起 (liǎobuqǐ) describes something or someone that is exceptional or impressive, often used to express admiration. It can refer to both personal achievements and remarkable qualities in various contexts like work, talent, or character.
When to use 了不起
This term is often used in informal conversations to praise someone or something. Be cautious with the tone; it should be positive, as using it sarcastically can change its meaning. Common collocations include '你真了不起' (You're truly amazing).
了不起 or something close to it
了不起 (liǎobuqǐ) vs 非凡 (fēifán) — use 了不起 when expressing admiration for someone's exceptional qualities or achievements, while 非凡 emphasizes extraordinary or remarkable characteristics.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 了不起 with just 了, leading to phrases like '我了不起' (I am amazing) instead of the correct '我觉得你了不起' (I think you are amazing). Additionally, using it in overly formal contexts can sound awkward.
Write 了不起
了
不
起
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Grammar Patterns of 了不起
了不起 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
