The proper meaning of “牛 (niú)” is cow, but now it can be used to express “cool,” “awesome” or “excellent.” It is believed that this meaning originated from the north-eastern Chinese dialect.
You can say “你好牛啊 (nǐ hǎo niú a)” or “真牛 (zhēn niú)” to express your admiration of others. There are many circumstances in which you can use this word.
For example, if your friend wins a championship you can give him or her thumbs up and say, “你好牛啊! (Nǐ hǎo niú a!)” or “真牛! (Zhēn niú!)” to express “You’re awesome!”
(Watch the video lesson and learn another way to express your admiration of others)
1. Nǐ zhēn niú a, měicì kǎoshì dōushì quánbān dìyī.
你真牛啊，每次考试都是全班第一。
You are awesome! You always get the highest grade on the exams in your class.
(Want to pass Chinese exams? Take some Chinese test preparation courses first!)
2. Zhēn niú! Tā yígeyuè nèi jiù dāng le jīnglǐ.
真牛! 他一个月内就当了经理。
Excellent! He became a manager in only one month.
3. Nǐ zhīdào ma? Lucy dāng kǒuyì le.
Lisa: 你知道吗？Lucy当口译了。
Did you know that Lucy is becoming an interpreter?
Tā hǎo niú a!
Lily: 她好牛啊！
She is awesome!
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