Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
简直 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
简直
jiǎnzhí
simply
HSK 5, d, 21 strokes, rank #665, Hard
简直
jiǎnzhí
at all
HSK 5, d, 21 strokes, rank #665, Hard
简直
jiǎnzhí
practically
HSK 5, d, 21 strokes, rank #665, Hard
jiǎnzhí(jian3zhi2)jian zhi T3
1simply
2at all
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 简直 means.
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
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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
Premium — Locked
Tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 简直, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 简直 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 简直?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 简直 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.
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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 简直 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 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.
