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March 24, 2026
顺利(順利)shùnlì(shun4li4)
顺利 (shùn lì) means 'smoothly' or 'without a hitch.' It is commonly used to describe a process or event that goes well without any problems or difficulties. This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, such as wishing someone success in a task or during a journey.
Frequency#1411DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, wishing someone 顺利 is a common practice during events like exams or business meetings, reflecting the value placed on harmony and smooth progress in endeavors.
Memory Tip
Think of 顺利 as a 'smoothly flowing river' (顺 means 'to follow' or 'to go smoothly' and 利 means 'beneficial' or 'advantageous'). Imagine a boat gliding effortlessly down the river, symbolizing the ease and success of achieving a goal.
Meanings of 顺利
shùnlì(shun4li4)
1smoothly
2without a hitch
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About 顺利
顺利Simplified
順利Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
副形词xíngróngcíadj-adverb (adj.-adv.)Part of Speech
#1411Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 顺利
Podcast: 顺利
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AI Study Notes for 顺利
Quick Contrast
顺畅 (shùnchàng) - use 顺利 for success in tasks, while 顺畅 emphasizes smoothness in flow or movement.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 顺利 as a 'smoothly flowing river' (顺 means 'to follow' or 'to go smoothly' and 利 means 'beneficial' or 'advantageous'). Imagine a boat gliding effortlessly down the river, symbolizing the ease and success of achieving a goal.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 顺利 with similar words like 成功 (chéng gōng), which means 'success' but implies a final achievement rather than the smoothness of the process. This term is typically used in a positive context, so avoid using it in negative situations.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 顺利 connects with other terms related to success and progress, such as 成功 (success) and 进展 (progress). Focus on using it in sentences that express hope or wishes for a smooth outcome.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, wishing someone 顺利 is a common practice during events like exams or business meetings, reflecting the value placed on harmony and smooth progress in endeavors.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 顺利 by saying things like '这次考试不顺利' (This exam is not smooth), when they should say '这次考试不顺利' (This exam didn't go smoothly). Remember, 顺利 describes the process rather than the result.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 顺利
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Grammar Patterns of 顺利
顺利 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Discovery's takeoff this morning from Cape Canaveral was flawless.
Cultural Notes for 顺利
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, wishing someone 顺利 is a common practice during events like exams or business meetings, reflecting the value placed on harmony and smooth progress in endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions about 顺利
Yes, you can use 顺利 to describe personal situations, such as wishing someone a smooth relationship, but it's more commonly used for tasks or journeys.
顺利 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various situations.
The opposite of 顺利 would be 不顺利 (bù shùn lì), which means 'not smooth' or 'problematic.'
