Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
异常(異常)yìcháng(yi4chang2)
The word '异常' (yìcháng) refers to something that is exceptional or abnormal, indicating a departure from the usual state or condition. It is commonly used in contexts related to behavior, events, or phenomena that are unexpected or unusual, often carrying a sense of surprise or concern.
Frequency#2744DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '异常' can often relate to social behavior, where being 'normal' is highly valued. Deviations from expected behavior can sometimes be viewed negatively, making the understanding of this term particularly relevant in social contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'yeti' (sounds like 'yi') that is 'strange' (like 'chang' in 'change')—an unusual creature found in the mountains. This visual helps remember that '异常' means something out of the ordinary or abnormal.
Meanings of 异常
yìcháng(yi4chang2)
1exceptional
2abnormal
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 异常
异常Simplified
異常Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
副形词xíngróngcíadj-adverb (adj.-adv.)Part of Speech
#2744Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 异常
Podcast: 异常
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 异常
Quick Contrast
异常 (yìcháng) vs 非常 (fēicháng): Use 异常 when emphasizing something abnormal or unexpected, while 非常 indicates something very or extremely, without the connotation of abnormality.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'yeti' (sounds like 'yi') that is 'strange' (like 'chang' in 'change')—an unusual creature found in the mountains. This visual helps remember that '异常' means something out of the ordinary or abnormal.
Usage Notes
When using '异常', it is important to consider the context; it can describe both positive exceptionalism and negative abnormalities. Learners should avoid using it in overly casual settings, as it is more formal. Common collocations include '异常情况' (abnormal situation) and '异常反应' (abnormal reaction).
HSK Study Tips
'异常' is a level 6 word, which means learners should be familiar with more complex vocabulary and sentence structures. It's beneficial to connect this word with other HSK 6 terms like '异常值' (anomalous value) or '平常' (ordinary) to deepen understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '异常' can often relate to social behavior, where being 'normal' is highly valued. Deviations from expected behavior can sometimes be viewed negatively, making the understanding of this term particularly relevant in social contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '异常' with '正常' (normal), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '他的表现是正常的' (His performance is normal) when it should be '他的表现是异常的' (His performance is abnormal) if it deviates from the standard.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 异常
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 异常 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 异常 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 异常
异常 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. 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.
It was unbelievably dramatic as lightning crackled all round the van.
10
他的声音在这空荡荡的房间里听起来异常嘹亮。
tā de shēng yīn zài zhè kōng dàng dàng de fáng jiān lǐ tīng qǐ lái yì cháng liáo liàng。
His voice sounded oddly resonant in the empty room.
Cultural Notes for 异常
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of '异常' can often relate to social behavior, where being 'normal' is highly valued. Deviations from expected behavior can sometimes be viewed negatively, making the understanding of this term particularly relevant in social contexts.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While '异常' denotes abnormality in both cultures, Western contexts might more readily accept deviations as unique traits, whereas in Chinese culture, there may be a stronger emphasis on conformity and normalcy.
Frequently Asked Questions about 异常
Yes, '异常' can describe both positive exceptionalities, like outstanding performance, and negative abnormalities, like unusual symptoms.
It's more frequently used in formal writing or discussions, such as academic or medical contexts, rather than casual conversations.
The first syllable is pronounced with a falling tone (yì), and the second syllable with a rising tone (cháng).
