Comparison of "极端" and "极度"

In Chinese, "极端" (jíduān) and "极度" (jídù) both relate to expressing an extreme degree of something, but they are used in different contexts and carry different nuances.

极端 (jíduān)

"极端" is an adjective or noun that means "extreme" or "extremity." It is often used to describe extreme situations, behaviors, or conditions.

• For example: His views are extremely radical. - 他的观点非常极端。(Tā de guāndiǎn fēicháng jíduān.)
• For example: Be cautious in extreme conditions. - 在极端条件下要小心。(Zài jíduān tiáojiàn xià yào xiǎoxīn.)

极度 (jídù)

"极度" is an adverb that means "extremely" or "exceedingly." It is used to intensify the degree of an adjective or state, often describing emotions or physical states.

• For example: He was extremely disappointed. - 他极度失望。(Tā jídù shīwàng.)
• For example: She was extremely tired. - 她极度疲劳。(Tā jídù píláo.)

Main Differences

• Part of Speech: "极端" can be an adjective or a noun, whereas "极度" is an adverb.
• Context: "极端" is used to describe extreme situations, conditions, or views, while "极度" intensifies the degree of an adjective or state.

Examples

Here are some sentences illustrating the differences between "极端" and "极度":

• 极端 (jíduān):
  • His views are extremely radical. - 他的观点非常极端。(Tā de guāndiǎn fēicháng jíduān.)
  • Be cautious in extreme conditions. - 在极端条件下要小心。(Zài jíduān tiáojiàn xià yào xiǎoxīn.)
• 极度 (jídù):
  • He was extremely disappointed. - 他极度失望。(Tā jídù shīwàng.)
  • She was extremely tired. - 她极度疲劳。(Tā jídù píláo.)