About
The character "酷" is etymologically derived from the combination of the semantic radical 酉, which historically relates to wine or fermentation, and the phonetic component 告. Its original meaning centered on concepts of intensity and harshness, often metaphorically linked to the potent and biting quality of strong alcohol, which naturally extended to describe severe or cruel human conduct. Over time, the semantic boundaries of the character shifted, gradually moving away from exclusively negative associations toward a more neutral capacity to denote something extreme or intense. In more recent decades, through cross-cultural linguistic exchange, "酷" has been repurposed to convey a positive sense of stylishness, impressiveness, or a composed demeanor, directly borrowing from the English loanword "cool", thereby layering a modern, affirmative meaning onto its ancient structural foundation.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
你的鞋子很酷。
这个游戏真酷！
他穿了一件酷外套。
夏天酷热难耐。
她的性格有点冷酷。
酷炫的灯光让派对更精彩。
在酷寒的冬天，他仍然坚持跑步。
尽管遭遇酷刑，他也没有屈服。