真厉害
zhēn lìhai
Impressive · trad. 真厲害
真厉害 (zhēn lìhai) is a common expression used to praise someone's skill or ability, meaning "Impressive!" or "You're amazing!" It's often used when someone has done something well or achieved something notable.
What does 真厉害 (zhēn lìhai) mean?
真厉害 (zhēn lìhai) means “impressive” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “really impressive.”
When to use it
Neutral and enthusiastic. It's a direct and common way to express admiration. For a slightly stronger emphasis, you can add 太 (tài, "too"): 太厉害了! (tài lìhai le!).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “juhn LEE-high.” Both syllables have falling tones, but the second one, 厉害, is often said with a lighter, more emphatic falling tone.
Other ways to say it
- 厉害！lìhai!Impressive! (shorter, more direct)
- 太厉害了！tài lìhai le!Too impressive! (stronger emphasis)
- 好厉害！hǎo lìhai!So impressive!
Examples
哇，你真厉害，这么快就学会了！
wa, nǐ zhēn lìhai, zhème kuài jiù xuéhuì le!
Wow, you're amazing, you learned it so quickly!
他一个人完成了这个项目，真厉害！
tā yī ge rén wánchéng le zhè ge xiàngmù, zhēn lìhai!
He finished this project by himself, that's really impressive!
你做的饭真好吃，真厉害！
nǐ zuò de fàn zhēn hǎochī, zhēn lìhai!
The food you made is delicious, so impressive!
Pro tip: 真厉害 is specifically used to praise skill or ability, not general qualities. It's a strong compliment for someone's performance or achievement.
Related phrases
好漂亮 · So pretty真有意思 · Really interesting or fun好玩儿 · Fun
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