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.
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.
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
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 适
Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 舌 represents the sound. Simplified form of 適.
- 1The meaning half辶 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half舌 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaywalk
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 适? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 适?
Decomposition of 适
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How to say to fit in Chinese
“to fit” in Chinese is适
The character 适 (kuò) primarily means 'to fit' or 'to be suitable.' It is commonly used to express appropriateness or comfort in various contexts, such as clothing, conditions, or situations. It can also imply following or pursuing something, making it versatile in usage.
When to use 适
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.
适 or something close to it
合 (hé) - use 适 (kuò) when emphasizing suitability or comfort, while 合 (hé) focuses on alignment or agreement.
What learners get wrong
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.'
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.
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.
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