【HSK6 Grammar】What is the difference between “极端” and “极度”? Let’s learn high-level Chinese with plain explanation!!

2020年2月10日HSK6級語法

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Hello, everyone. I’m Conomet.
Do you enjoy studying Chinese? I really enjoy it but its difficulty gives me a headache. (And studying English also gives me a headache…)

If your Chinese level has progressed and reached the HSK6-level, you may find it difficult even for relatively simple words.
Just like “How do I use this word?" or “Is this the right way to use the word?"
In particular, many people may be worried about grammar problems.

In this article, I will explain the difference between “极端 jíduān" and “极度 jídù" in such a usage problem!
Let’s move on.

Common points

Let’s first check some common points before looking at the differences between the two words.

极端 jíduān” and “极度 jídù” both represent “extremely."
Sometimes these can be replaced in the text.

For example,

  • 极端/极度腐败。=rotten to the core.
  • 极端/极度困难。=exceedingly difficult.
  • 感到极端/极度疲劳。=extremely tired.

In these cases, “极端” and “极度” are exchangeable.

The greatest commonality

The greatest commonality between “极端” and “极度” is that “both words have usage as adverbs”.

Looking at the previous sentence, you can see that each of them modifies the word immediately after it.
(“腐败", “困难” and “疲劳” are modified to the word.)

Differences

Now, I’d like to move on to the main topic, the difference between “极端” and “极度”.

There are mainly three differences between “极端” and “极度
Let’s check it out below!

Adverb

The first difference is about “adverbs“!

Both “极端” and “极度” can be used as adverbs, but there are some differences.
It is as follows specifically.

极端:In many cases, words with a negative meaning are modified.
极度Words with non-negative meanings can also be modified.

Each word usually modifies a polysyllabic word!

Let’s look at example sentences!

Example

  • 他感到极端/极度疲劳。=He is extremely tired.
  • 极度兴奋,一夜没睡着。=He was so elated that he couldn’t sleep all night.

Noun

The second difference is about “nouns“!

极端" can be used as a noun, but “极度" can’t be used as a noun!

极端Can be used as a noun.
极度Cannot be used as a noun.

Let’s look at an example sentence!

Example

  • 从一个极端走到另一个极端。=go from one extreme to the other.

Adjective

The third difference is about “adjectives“!

极端" can be used as an adjective, but “极度" can’t be used as an adjective!

极端Can be used as an adjective.
极度Can’t be used as an adjective.

Let’s look at example sentences!

Example

  • 你的话很极端。=Your story is extreme.
  • 这种观点太极端了。=This view is too extreme.

Conclusion

The conclusion is as follows!!

极端极度
Adverbwords with a negative meaning are modified
(meaning: exceedingly; extremely)
words with non-negative meanings can also be modified
(meaning: extremely)
NounOK
(meaning: extreme; extremity)
(There is no such usage.)
AdjectiveOK
(meaning:extreme; absolute)
(There is no such usage.)

How was it?
Even for advanced Chinese learners, the difference between “极端” and “极度” might not be readily apparent but it should be surprisingly easy after understanding.

This difference may not be a problem when reading Chinese, but it can be annoying when writing.
Take this opportunity to check out these differences!

Have a nice studying!!

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