完美
wán měi
Perfect
完美 (wánměi) is the standard way to say "perfect" in Mandarin Chinese, meaning flawless, ideal, or impeccable. It can describe objects, situations, or abstract concepts.
When to use it
Neutral. It generally applies to things that are truly without fault. For a more casual "that's perfect!" or "it's great!", you might hear 很好 (hěn hǎo, "very good") or 太好了 (tài hǎo le, "too good! / great!"). 理想 (lǐxiǎng) can also mean "ideal" or "perfect" in the sense of meeting expectations.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "wan-MAY." The first syllable "wan" is a high, flat tone; the second syllable "mei" is a dipping, then rising tone.
Other ways to say it
- 完美无缺wán měi wú quēperfect and flawless (more emphatic)
- 很完美hěn wán měivery perfect (common adjective usage)
- 理想lǐ xiǎngideal, perfect (when something meets expectations)
Examples
这个计划很完美。
zhè ge jì huà hěn wán měi 。
This plan is perfect.
她的人生看起来很完美。
tā de rén shēng kàn qǐ lái hěn wán měi 。
Her life looks perfect.
这真是一个完美的结局。
zhè zhēn shì yí gè wán měi de jié jú 。
This is truly a perfect ending.
Pro tip: While 完美 means "perfect," in daily conversation, for simple approval like "That's perfect!" or "It's good!", Chinese speakers often use 很好 (hěn hǎo) or 太好了 (tài hǎo le) instead of 完美, which implies a higher, often absolute, level of perfection.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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