相当

Place 相当 directly before an adjective. For example, 相当好 means 'quite good.' You can also use it before certain verbs that express feelings. It works perfectly in simple 'Subject + 相当 + Adjective' sentences. You don't need a 的 at the end. It’s a clean, punchy way to upgrade your vocabulary.

Use it when you are giving a review or an opinion. It works great at a restaurant when the food is surprisingly good. Use it in a meeting to describe a 'considerable' challenge. It is perfect for texting friends about a movie you liked. It adds a bit of weight to your words without sounding dramatic. Use it when you want to sound like a native speaker who knows their nuances.

Don't use it for absolute states. You can't be 'quite' dead or 'quite' first place. Avoid using it with adjectives that are already extreme, like 完美 (perfect). If you are truly shocked, 太...了 is better than 相当. It can sound a bit detached in very intimate, emotional moments. Don't use it if you are actually feeling 'meh' about something. It implies a degree of significance or impact.

The term has roots in balancing scales and matching status. In modern China, using 相当 often makes you sound more educated. It shows you are making a measured judgment rather than just reacting. It is very common in news reporting and professional evaluations. It reflects the Chinese cultural value of moderation and precise observation. It’s the linguistic version of a respectful, impressed nod.

You will often hear 相当不错 which means 'quite not bad' (actually very good). In northern China, people might add an 'r' sound, but it's rare for this specific word. You might see 相当地 used as an adverb in formal writing. Sometimes people repeat it for emphasis: 相当相当好. Pair it with 水平 (level) to talk about someone's impressive skills.