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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "unprecedented" with 前所未有 (qiánsuǒwèiyǒu)

    Degree & Intensity
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    前所未有 + 的 + Noun

    Explanation

    前所未有 (qiánsuǒwèiyǒu) means "unprecedented" or "never before seen," describing something that has not occurred or existed at any time in the past. It is a four-character idiom (成语) often used in formal writing and news to emphasize the exceptional nature of an event.

    Examples

    • 这次洪水的规模是前所未有的，整个城市都被淹了。

      Zhè cì hóngshuǐ de guīmó shì qiánsuǒwèiyǒu de, zhěnggè chéngshì dōu bèi yān le.

      The scale of this flood was unprecedented — the entire city was submerged.

    • 今年公司取得了前所未有的好成绩。

      Jīnnián gōngsī qǔdé le qiánsuǒwèiyǒu de hǎo chéngjì.

      This year the company achieved unprecedented good results.

    • 科技的发展速度是前所未有的，每天都有新突破。

      Kējì de fāzhǎn sùdù shì qiánsuǒwèiyǒu de, měi tiān dōu yǒu xīn tūpò.

      The pace of technological development is unprecedented, with new breakthroughs every day.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing "unprecedented" with 前所未有 (qiánsuǒwèiyǒu) | Chinese Grammar