Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
正好zhènghǎo(zheng4hao3)
正好 (zhènghǎo) means 'just right' or 'just in time,' often used to describe situations that occur at the most opportune moment or to indicate that something is sufficient. It can also imply a sense of coincidence or chance. This term is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts, making it versatile in everyday conversation.
Strokes11Frequency#1346DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
The concept of timing is significant in Chinese culture, often reflected in sayings and practices, such as the belief in 'timely fortune.' 正好 captures the essence of favorable timing, which is often linked to success in personal and business endeavors.
Memory Tip
Think of 正 (zhèng) as 'correct' and 好 (hǎo) as 'good,' together suggesting that something is 'just right.' Imagine a clock striking exactly at the right hour—this visual can remind you that 正好 signifies perfect timing or appropriateness.
Meanings of 正好
zhènghǎo(zheng4hao3)
1just (in time)
2just right
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 正好
正好Simplified
11Strokes
—Radical
副形词xíngróngcíadj-adverb (adj.-adv.)Part of Speech
#1346Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 正好
Podcast: 正好
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 正好
Quick Contrast
恰好 (qiàhǎo) — use 正好 when emphasizing precision in timing or sufficiency, while 恰好 suggests a fortunate coincidence.
Usage Notes
When using 正好, be careful not to confuse it with words like 刚好 (gānghǎo), which has a similar meaning but might imply a more immediate or recent occurrence. This term can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and it often appears in phrases like 正好赶上 (zhènghǎo gǎnshàng), meaning 'just in time.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 正好 connects well with other words that express precision or adequacy, such as 足够 (zúgòu, 'enough') and 刚好 (gānghǎo, 'just right'). Students should focus on using it in sentences to describe timing and adequacy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 正好 with 刚好; for example, saying '我正好刚好到' (Wǒ zhènghǎo gānghǎo dào) is redundant. Instead, use '我正好到' (Wǒ zhènghǎo dào) to convey that you arrived just in time.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 正好
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 正好 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
正好 (zhènghǎo) means 'just right' or 'just in time,' often used to describe situations that occur at the most opportune moment or to indicate that something is sufficient. It can also imply a sense of coincidence or chance. This term is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts, making it versatile in everyday conversation.
When to use 正好
When using 正好, be careful not to confuse it with words like 刚好 (gānghǎo), which has a similar meaning but might imply a more immediate or recent occurrence. This term can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and it often appears in phrases like 正好赶上 (zhènghǎo gǎnshàng), meaning 'just in time.'
正好 or something close to it
恰好 (qiàhǎo) — use 正好 when emphasizing precision in timing or sufficiency, while 恰好 suggests a fortunate coincidence.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 正好 with 刚好; for example, saying '我正好刚好到' (Wǒ zhènghǎo gānghǎo dào) is redundant. Instead, use '我正好到' (Wǒ zhènghǎo dào) to convey that you arrived just in time.
Write 正好
正
好
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 正好 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 正好
正好 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 7 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.
