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简直 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
简直jiǎnzhísimplyHSK 5, d, rank #665, Medium
简直jiǎnzhíat allHSK 5, d, rank #665, Medium
简直jiǎnzhípracticallyHSK 5, d, rank #665, Medium
jiǎnzhí(jian3zhi2) T3
  1. 1simply
  2. 2at all
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
简直(簡直)jiǎnzhí(jian3zhi2)

简直 (jiǎnzhí) is used to emphasize a statement, often translating to 'simply' or 'practically' in English. It conveys a sense of disbelief or astonishment, indicating that something is more extreme or surprising than expected. This word is commonly used in informal contexts to express strong opinions or reactions.

Frequency#665DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, expressing disbelief or surprise is often done more subtly than in some Western cultures. Using 简直 can reflect a cultural tendency to avoid direct confrontation while still conveying strong feelings.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'simple' (简) person who is 'straightforward' (直) in their opinions, so straightforward that they leave you in awe. Picture this person saying something so shocking that you exclaim, '简直!' as you can't believe how simple yet extreme their statement is.

Meanings of 简直

jiǎnzhí(jian3zhi2)
1simply
2at all
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 简直

简直Simplified
簡直Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#665Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 简直

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Podcast: 简直

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AI Study Notes for 简直

Quick Contrast

简直 (jiǎnzhí) vs 简单 (jiǎndān) — use 简直 for emphasis and astonishment, while 简单 refers to simplicity or ease.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'simple' (简) person who is 'straightforward' (直) in their opinions, so straightforward that they leave you in awe. Picture this person saying something so shocking that you exclaim, '简直!' as you can't believe how simple yet extreme their statement is.

Usage Notes

Be cautious about using 简直 in overly formal contexts, as it is primarily informal. It often collocates with adjectives and phrases that express extremes, such as '奇怪' (strange) or '好笑' (funny). A common mistake is misplacing the tone; remember that it is pronounced with a falling tone on '简' and a rising tone on '直'.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, 简直 connects with other words expressing strong emotions or opinions. Students should focus on how it modifies adjectives and verbs, as this will help in constructing expressive sentences. Consider practicing with contextually rich examples to grasp its nuances.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, expressing disbelief or surprise is often done more subtly than in some Western cultures. Using 简直 can reflect a cultural tendency to avoid direct confrontation while still conveying strong feelings.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 简直 by placing it in overly formal sentences, like '这部作品简直是优秀的' instead of saying '这部作品简直太优秀了'. The correct usage emphasizes the extremity of the adjective.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 简直

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Component Characters

简jiǎnsimple
HSK 313 strokes⺮
View full entry
直zhíZhi (c. 2000 BC), fifth of the legendary Flame Emperors 炎帝[Yán dì] descended from Shennong 神農
HSK 58 strokes目
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Write 简直

简
直

Practice writing 简直 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 简直

简直 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 3 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.

Related grammar lessons1
Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

这纸花太漂亮了，____跟真花一样。

These paper flowers are so beautiful — practically the same as real ones.

Example Sentences for 简直 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
带我儿子彼得外出吃饭简直糟糕透了。

dài wǒ ér zǐ bǐ dé wài chū chī fàn jiǎn zhí zāo gāo tòu le。

Taking my son Peter to a restaurant was a nightmare.
2
乔克醒来发现你走了，他简直气疯了。

qiáo kè xǐng lái fā xiàn nǐ zǒu le， ， tā jiǎn zhí qì fēng。

When Jock woke up and found you gone he went crazy.
3
我真的不理解这到底有什么意义，简直是愚蠢透顶。

wǒ zhēn de bù lǐ jiě zhè dào dǐ yǒu shí mó yì yì， ， jiǎn zhí shì yú chǔn tòu。

I don't see the point in it really. It's just stupid.
4
许多校舍不安全，有些简直是摇摇欲坠。

xǔ duō xiào shě bù ān quán， ， yǒu xiē jiǎn zhí shì yáo yáo yù。

Many school buildings are unsafe, and some are falling apart.
5
这笔交易看上去太诱人了，要是拒绝它简直是笑话。

zhè bǐ jiāo yì kàn shàng qù tài yòu rén le， ， yào shì jù jué tā jiǎn zhí shì xiào。

The deal seems so attractive it would be ridiculous to say no.
6
他们这是在盘剥歌迷，简直是明目张胆的打劫。

tā mén zhè shì zài pán bāo gē mí， ， jiǎn zhí shì míng mù zhāng dǎn de dǎ。

They're just ripping the fans off; it's daylight robbery.
7
你要知道，依我看，这事简直太荒唐了。

nǐ yào zhī dào， ， yī wǒ， kàn ， zhè shì jiǎn zhí tài huāng。

From my standpoint, you know, this thing is just ridiculous.
8
我不认为这是艺术。它简直无聊透顶，毫无品位。

wǒ bù rèn wéi zhè shì yì shù。 。 tā jiǎn zhí wú liáo tòu， dǐng ， háo wú。

I wouldn't call it art. It's just stupid and tasteless.
9
有几个法国运动员简直是疯了，完全失去了控制。

yǒu jī gè fǎ guó yùn dòng yuán jiǎn zhí shì fēng le， ， wán quán shī qù le kòng。

A number of the French players went nuts, completely out of control.
10
“你一定觉得我简直是个白痴。”

“ “ nǐ yī dìng jué dé wǒ jiǎn zhí shì gè bái。”

"You must think I'm a real idiot."

Cultural Notes for 简直

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, expressing disbelief or surprise is often done more subtly than in some Western cultures. Using 简直 can reflect a cultural tendency to avoid direct confrontation while still conveying strong feelings.

Frequently Asked Questions about 简直

No, 简直 is typically used in informal contexts, so it’s best to avoid it in formal writing.