异常 vs 非常

Both 异常 (yìcháng) and 非常 (fēicháng) can mean "very" or "extremely," but they are used in different contexts with different nuances. Here’s how to use them correctly:

1. 非常 (fēicháng) – "Very," "Extremely" (General Use)

Usage:

• Most common word for "very" in daily speech and writing.
• Used to intensify adjectives, verbs, or adverbs.
• Neutral tone (can be used in positive or negative contexts).

Examples:

• 今天的天气非常热。 (Jīntiān de tiānqì fēicháng rè.)
  → "Today's weather is extremely hot."
• 他对这个结果非常满意。 (Tā duì zhège jiéguǒ fēicháng mǎnyì.)
  → "He is very satisfied with the result."
• 这个电影非常无聊。 (Zhège diànyǐng fēicháng wúliáo.)
  → "This movie is very boring."

Key Points:
✔ Most common word for "very."
✔ Works with adjectives, verbs, and adverbs.
✔ Neutral (can be positive or negative).

2. 异常 (yìcháng) – "Extremely," "Abnormally" (Unusual/Extreme Situations)

Usage:

"Extremely" (Stronger than 非常, Formal/Literary)

• Used in formal writing, news, or literature to emphasize extreme situations.
• Often implies something unusual or abnormal.

Examples:

• 今年的冬天异常寒冷。 (Jīnnián de dōngtiān yìcháng hánlěng.)
  → "This winter is extremely cold." (Stronger than 非常, implies it's unusual.)
• 他的行为异常古怪。 (Tā de xíngwéi yìcháng gǔguài.)
  → "His behavior is extremely strange." (Implies it's abnormal.)

"Abnormal" or "Unusual" (Adjective Meaning)

• Can also be used as an adjective meaning "abnormal."

Examples:

• 他的体温异常。 (Tā de tǐwēn yìcháng.)
  → "His body temperature is abnormal."
• 这个地区的天气情况异常。 (Zhège dìqū de tiānqì qíngkuàng yìcháng.)
  → "The weather conditions in this area are abnormal."

Key Points:
✔ Stronger than 非常, often implies unusual/extreme situations.
✔ Used in formal writing, news, or literature.
✔ Can also mean "abnormal" (adjective).

3. Key Differences

Final Summary

• Use 非常 (fēicháng) for general "very" (daily speech).
• Use 异常 (yìcháng) for:
  ✔ Extreme/unusual situations (formal/literary).
  ✔ Meaning "abnormal" (adjective).