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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.
Frequency#2202DifficultyMedium
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
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 了不起
了不起Simplified
—Strokes
—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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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).
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.
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 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.
Sharon was a wonderful lady and I know she'll be greatly missed.
6
我认为把1,000英镑押在一匹马身上没什么了不起。
wǒ rèn wéi bǎ1,000 1,000 yīng bàng yā zài yī pǐ mǎ shēn shàng méi shí mó le bù。
I thought nothing of betting £1,000 on a horse.
7
杰克养大了两个了不起的孩子，我相信他的判断。
jié kè yǎng dà le liǎng gè le bù qǐ de hái zǐ， ， wǒ xiāng xìn tā de pàn。
Jake has raised two smashing kids and I trust his judgement.
8
他是完全失聪的，从这点上来说，他是个很了不起的音乐家。
tā shì wán quán shī cōng de， ， cóng zhè diǎn shàng lái， shuō ， tā shì gè hěn le bù qǐ de yīn。
He was a very unusual musician inasmuch as he was totally deaf.
9
20世纪最了不起的辩论家非列昂·托洛茨基莫属。
20 20 shì jì zuì le bù qǐ de biàn lùn jiā fēi liè· áng · tuō luò cí jī。
The greatest polemicist of the 20th century must be Leon Trotsky.
10
他是我本赛季遇到的最出色的对手，一位了不起的运动员。
tā shì wǒ běn sài jì yù dào de zuì chū sè de duì shǒu， ， yī wèi le bù qǐ de yùn dòng。
He's the best opponent I've come across this season, a great player.
Cultural Notes for 了不起
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 了不起
While it's primarily informal, you can use it in semi-formal settings, but be cautious about the context.
No, it can also describe things, events, or experiences that are remarkable.
Synonyms include '了得' (liǎode) and '非凡' (fēifán), which also convey the idea of extraordinary.
