Meanings of 适
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About 适
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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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Jason Explains 适 to You
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Learning Lab
Knowing 适 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 适
Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 舌 represents the sound. Simplified form of 適.
walk
Origin
适 = 辶 + 舌. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 适
Parts
Which of these is part of 适?
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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.
Which one
Which one means “to fit”?
Example Sentences for 适 (10)
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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
Words with 适
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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