Meanings of 适
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About 适
Podcast: 适
Podcast: 适
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AI Study Notes for 适
合 (hé) - use 适 (kuò) when emphasizing suitability or comfort, while 合 (hé) focuses on alignment or agreement.
Imagine a person trying on clothes. If the clothes 适 (kuò) fit well, they feel comfortable and confident. The character's shape resembles a person standing comfortably, representing the idea of being well-suited to something.
Learners often confuse 适 with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to pronunciation and tones. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often in phrases like 适合 (shìhé, to be suitable) and 适应 (shìyìng, to adapt). Be cautious of using it without the appropriate context, as it can sound awkward.
While 适 is not included in the HSK level system, it connects to words about suitability and adaptation, which are relevant for learners. Focus on its usage in phrases and how it modifies nouns to express suitability.
In Chinese culture, the concept of suitability is deeply tied to harmony and balance in life, making 适 a significant character when discussing relationships, environments, and personal choices.
Learners often mistakenly pronounce 适 as 'kuò' instead of 'shì.' For example, saying 'kuò合' instead of '适合' is incorrect; the correct pronunciation is 'shìhé.'
Pronunciation of 适
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Etymology of 适
Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 舌 represents the sound. Simplified form of 適.
walk
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 适?
Decomposition of 适
Identify the Components
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Write 适
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Practice writing 适 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 适
适 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 10 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.
Complete the Sentence
这件衣服不大不小，正合____。
This piece of clothing is neither too big nor too small — it fits perfectly.
Common Confusions with 适
Similar pronunciation but different meanings and usages.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to fit"?
Example Sentences for 适 (10)
Cultural Notes for 适
The character 适 has its roots in the idea of 'walking' or 'moving'. It symbolizes adaptability, suggesting that one should find the right path or approach in life, reflecting the importance of being suitable or fitting in various situations.
In Chinese culture, the concept of suitability is deeply tied to harmony and balance in life, making 适 a significant character when discussing relationships, environments, and personal choices.
Word Family of 适
Compound Meaning
What does 适合 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 适
适 (shì) generally means 'suitable', while 合适 (hé shì) specifically means 'appropriate' or 'fitting'. 合适 is often used in more formal contexts to emphasize the correctness of a choice or action, while 适 can be more casual.