厉害 (lìhai) — fierce / impressive

厉害 (lìhai)

厉害 describes something or someone as fierce, formidable, serious, or impressive. In everyday speech it is used both as a warning (this is no joke) and as enthusiastic praise (you are amazing). Context determines tone.

Meanings

1. [adjective] Fierce; serious; severe (of illness, pain, or a situation).
2. [adjective] Formidable; impressive; capable (colloquial praise for a person or skill).

Example Sentences

他的中文真厉害！ Tā de Zhōngwén zhēn lìhai! His Chinese is really impressive!

这次感冒很厉害，我发了三天烧。 Zhè cì gǎnmào hěn lìhai, wǒ fā le sān tiān shāo. This cold was serious; I had a fever for three days.

她是一个很厉害的人。 Tā shì yī gè hěn lìhai de rén. She is a very formidable person.

外面的风很厉害，出门要小心。 Wàimiàn de fēng hěn lìhai, chūmén yào xiǎoxīn. The wind outside is fierce; be careful when you go out.

Collocations

Memory Hook

厉 means strict and severe; 害 means harm. Something that is both strict and harmful is truly fearsome, but when said about a person it means they are so good they are almost dangerous.