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March 24, 2026
合适(合適)héshì(he2shi4)
The word '合适' (hé shì) means suitable or appropriate, often in the context of fitting something to a specific situation or requirement. It can be used to describe clothing, advice, or any circumstance where something meets the necessary conditions. Its nuance suggests not just adequacy but also a positive match with expectations or needs.
Frequency#1217DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '合适' often extends beyond mere appropriateness to encompass harmony and balance, particularly in social and business situations. For instance, choosing the '合适' gift is crucial in building relationships.
Memory Tip
Think of '合' (hé) as two components coming together, like hands clasped in agreement, and '适' (shì) as a fitting puzzle piece. Together, they symbolize the idea of fitting together perfectly, making it easier to remember '合适' means suitable.
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AI Study Notes for 合适
Quick Contrast
合适 (suitable) vs 适当 (appropriate) — use 合适 when emphasizing a good fit for a specific situation, while 适当 often conveys a more general sense of appropriateness.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '合' (hé) as two components coming together, like hands clasped in agreement, and '适' (shì) as a fitting puzzle piece. Together, they symbolize the idea of fitting together perfectly, making it easier to remember '合适' means suitable.
Usage Notes
'合适' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts but may feel more formal in business discussions. Be careful with tone; the second tone in '合' and the fourth tone in '适' can be confusing. Typical collocations include '合适的时间' (suitable time) or '合适的选择' (appropriate choice).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 word, '合适' connects well with other words related to suitability and selection, such as '选择' (xuǎnzé - to choose) and '适应' (shìyìng - to adapt). Students should focus on using '合适' in various contexts to solidify its meaning and applications.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '合适' often extends beyond mere appropriateness to encompass harmony and balance, particularly in social and business situations. For instance, choosing the '合适' gift is crucial in building relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '合适' with '适合'; while they are synonyms, '合适' is more commonly used as an adjective, whereas '适合' is often used with a subject. For example, saying '这件衣服合适我' is incorrect; it should be '这件衣服适合我'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 合适
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Grammar Patterns of 合适
合适 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 5 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.
The foreign ministers have thrashed out a suitable compromise formula.
Cultural Notes for 合适
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of '合适' often extends beyond mere appropriateness to encompass harmony and balance, particularly in social and business situations. For instance, choosing the '合适' gift is crucial in building relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions about 合适
You can say, '这件衣服很合适我' (This piece of clothing is very suitable for me) to express that something fits you well.
Yes, '合适' can be used to describe whether a person is suitable for a role or task, such as '他很合适这个工作' (He is very suitable for this job).
Yes, synonyms include '适合' (shìhé) and '恰当' (qiàdàng), though '合适' is more commonly used in everyday conversation.
