Quite a Meaning in English
expression
ˈkwaɪt/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə
KWYTE-uh
kwaɪt/ /æɪ
KWYTE-uh
Definition
Used to emphasize that someone or something is impressive, unusual, or surprising; means 'a remarkable' or 'a considerable' (e.g., 'quite a story', 'quite a day').
Usage & Nuances
Used before a singular noun and often to express surprise or admiration, e.g., 'quite a view.' More emphatic than simply 'quite.' Common in both spoken and written English, mainly informal or neutral. Do not confuse with 'quite the,' which is subtly different.
Spanish: todo un - bastante un/aPortuguese (BR): e tanto um/uma - realmente um/umaPortuguese (PT): e tanto um/uma - realmente um/umaChinese (Simplified): 非常 - 相当一个Chinese (Traditional): 非常 - 相當一個Hindi: एकदम - काफ़ी बड़ा/अच्छा (एक)Arabic: تمامًا - بالفعل (واحد/واحدة)Bengali: একেবারে - দারুণ - বেশRussian: ещё тот - весьма - необычайноJapanese: なかなかの - 相当なVietnamese: quả là - thật là - đúng làKorean: 정말 대단한 - 꽤Turkish: tam anlamıyla - gerçekten - oldukçaUrdu: خاصا - واقعی - خوبIndonesian: benar-benar - sungguh - lumayan
Example Sentences
That was quite a party last night!
basic
It's quite a long walk to school.
basic
She told me quite a story.
basic
Well, that was quite a surprise.
natural
He made quite a mess in the kitchen.
natural
That was quite a performance—they really impressed me.
natural