(used to describe sb or sth that makes a very strong impression, whether favorable or unfavorable) terrible; intense; severe; devastating; amazing; awesome; outstanding
(of a person) stern; strict; harsh; shrewd; tough
(of an animal) fierce
(of a resemblance) striking
(of liquor or chili pepper) strong
(of bacteria) virulent
Examples
心跳得厉害
xīn tiào de lì hài
the heart beats violently/intensely
天热得厉害
tiān rè de lì hài
it's extremely hot; the weather is terribly hot
这着棋十分厉害。
zhè zhāo qí shí fēn lì hài
this chess move is very powerful/formidable
Strokes: 15HSK 4Frequency #5870Verified
厉害 (lì hai) — (used to describe sb or sth that makes a very strong impression, whether favorable or unfavorable) terrible; intense; severe; devastating; amazing; awesome; outstanding - ISCBJ Dictionary