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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.
Strokes21Frequency#665DifficultyHard
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
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About 简直
简直Simplified
簡直Traditional
21Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#665Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 简直
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.
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.
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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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.
When to use 简直
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'.
简直 or something close to it
简直 (jiǎnzhí) vs 简单 (jiǎndān) — use 简直 for emphasis and astonishment, while 简单 refers to simplicity or ease.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 简直
简
直
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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.
