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March 24, 2026
极端(極端)jíduān(ji2duan1)
极端 (jí duān) refers to something that is at the farthest limit or an extreme point. It is commonly used to describe actions, opinions, or situations that are excessive or radical, often in a negative context, such as extreme weather or extreme views.
Frequency#4724DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of extremism is particularly relevant in contemporary Chinese society, where discussions about political and social views can often be polarized. Understanding this term can deepen insight into social debates in China.
Memory Tip
Think of 极 (jí) as a mountain peak that represents the highest point, and 端 (duān) as the end of a road. Together, they symbolize reaching the extreme end of a journey, where conditions become intense and challenging.
Meanings of 极端
jíduān(ji2duan1)
1extreme
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About 极端
极端Simplified
極端Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#4724Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 极端
Podcast: 极端
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AI Study Notes for 极端
Quick Contrast
极端 (extreme) vs 过分 (excessive) — use 极端 when emphasizing the furthest limit or radical nature, while 过分 focuses more on the idea of going too far in a negative sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 极 (jí) as a mountain peak that represents the highest point, and 端 (duān) as the end of a road. Together, they symbolize reaching the extreme end of a journey, where conditions become intense and challenging.
Usage Notes
When using 极端, be careful to consider the context, as it often carries a negative connotation. Common collocations include 极端主义 (extremism) and 极端天气 (extreme weather). Remember that the second tone in 极 (jí) can be confused with the first tone, which may lead to mispronunciation.
HSK Study Tips
As a level 6 word, 极端 connects to other advanced vocabulary relating to opinions and extremes, such as 过分 (excessive) or 彻底 (thorough). Focus on using it in discussions about politics or environmental issues to enhance fluency.
Cultural Note
The concept of extremism is particularly relevant in contemporary Chinese society, where discussions about political and social views can often be polarized. Understanding this term can deepen insight into social debates in China.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 极端 with 极限, thinking they are interchangeable. Remember, 极端 is used for extremes, often with a negative implication, while 极限 refers to limits without that connotation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 极端
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Grammar Patterns of 极端
极端 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In recent years, extreme weather has appeared with alarming frequency, causing concern.
Example Sentences for 极端 (7)
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1
她称他的话不负责任、具煽动性且极端无礼。
tā chēng tā de huà bù fù zé rèn、 、 jù shān dòng xìng qiě jí duān wú。
She described his remarks as irresponsible, inflammatory and outrageous.
2
你听好了，我们不是极端分子。
nǐ tīng hǎo le， ， wǒ mén bù shì jí duān fēn。
We're not extremists, mark you.
3
谈到烹饪，法国人会颇为得意并且极端排斥外国菜。
tán dào pēng rèn， ， fǎ guó rén huì pō wéi dé yì bìng qiě jí duān pái chì wài guó。
The French are proud and highly xenophobic when it comes to cooking.
4
很难想象莱恩克尔能做出如此极端的事情。
hěn nán xiǎng xiàng lái ēn kè ěr néng zuò chū rú cǐ jí duān de shì qíng。
It is hard to imagine Lineker capable of anything so extreme.
5
他针对特纳发表了一篇极端激愤的长篇演说。
tā zhēn duì tè nà fā biǎo le yī piān jí duān jī fèn de cháng piān yǎn shuō。
He launched an immoderate tirade on Turner.
6
在丛林中, 他们为了生存被迫采取极端行动.
zài cóng lín zhōng, , tā mén wéi le shēng cún bèi pò cǎi qǔ jí duān háng.
In the jungle, they were driven to extremes in order to survive.
7
是不是那个容易冲动又好走极端的姑娘把一切都告诉了利蒂霞?
shì bù shì nà gè róng yì chōng dòng yòu hǎo zǒu jí duān de gū niáng bǎ yī qiē dū gào sù le lì dì xiá?
Had the impulsive and desperate girl spoken out to Letitia to the fullest?
Cultural Notes for 极端
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of extremism is particularly relevant in contemporary Chinese society, where discussions about political and social views can often be polarized. Understanding this term can deepen insight into social debates in China.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the term 'extreme' can also have a neutral or even positive connotation when referring to sports or adventures, whereas in Chinese, it is generally more negative.
Frequently Asked Questions about 极端
Most commonly, yes, it has a negative connotation, but it can also be used in a neutral sense depending on the context.
It is less common to use 极端 positively; stick to contexts where you mean to convey something excessive or radical.
You might consider terms like 极限 (limit) or 过分 (excessive) in similar contexts.
