Meanings of 不可思议
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Podcast: 不可思议
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AI study notes for 不可思议
不可思议 vs 难以置信: Use 不可思议 for situations that are beyond imagination, while 难以置信 emphasizes disbelief in something that seems unbelievable.
This idiom is often used in both formal and informal contexts to express astonishment. A common mistake is to use it too casually; it's best reserved for truly remarkable events. Be careful with tone; the fourth tone in '不可' (bu4 ke3) is crucial for proper pronunciation.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 不可思议 connects to other advanced vocabulary that deals with emotions and perceptions. Focus on the nuances of expressions of surprise and disbelief, which are key to fluent communication.
Learners often confuse 不可思议 with 不能想象 (bu4 neng2 xiang3 xiang4), which is less idiomatic. For example, saying '这件事是不能想象的' (This matter is unthinkable) is awkward; instead, use '这件事真是不可思议' (This matter is truly inconceivable).
Pronunciation of 不可思议
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Idiom spotlight: 不可思议
Component characters
How to say inconceivable (idiom); unimaginable in Chinese
“inconceivable (idiom); unimaginable” in Chinese is不可思议
不可思议 is an idiom that conveys a sense of something being inconceivable or unimaginable. It is often used to describe situations, events, or ideas that are so extraordinary or surprising that they defy understanding or belief.
When to use 不可思议
This idiom is often used in both formal and informal contexts to express astonishment. A common mistake is to use it too casually; it's best reserved for truly remarkable events. Be careful with tone; the fourth tone in '不可' (bu4 ke3) is crucial for proper pronunciation.
不可思议 or something close to it
不可思议 vs 难以置信: Use 不可思议 for situations that are beyond imagination, while 难以置信 emphasizes disbelief in something that seems unbelievable.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 不可思议 with 不能想象 (bu4 neng2 xiang3 xiang4), which is less idiomatic. For example, saying '这件事是不能想象的' (This matter is unthinkable) is awkward; instead, use '这件事真是不可思议' (This matter is truly inconceivable).
Write 不可思议
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Grammar patterns of 不可思议
不可思议 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. It carries 2 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
那条鱼在被捕到网里之前整整挣扎了20分钟，真是____。
The fish put up a spectacular 20 minute struggle before being netted.
Example sentences for 不可思议 (8)
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Cultural Notes for 不可思议
In Western cultures, the idea of something being 'unimaginable' might often be associated with personal disbelief or skepticism, whereas in Chinese culture, it can also reflect a deeper acceptance of the mysterious and surreal.
Frequently asked questions about 不可思议
It's best used for situations that are truly extraordinary, rather than mundane occurrences.
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