Meanings of 适当
By ear
Play it, then pick what 适当 means.
About 适当
Podcast: 适当
Podcast: 适当
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 适当
恰当 (qiàdàng) — use 适当 when emphasizing suitability in a broader context, while 恰当 often implies a precise or exact appropriateness.
Learners often confuse 适当 with similar words like 合适 (hé shì), which also means suitable but may imply a more personal fit. 适当 is more formal and often used in official or academic contexts. Be cautious with tones; 适 should be pronounced with a falling tone, while 当 has a falling tone too.
Although not currently at a specific HSK level, understanding 适当 can be beneficial for HSK 4 and above, where students are expected to express opinions and make recommendations. Focus on using this word in sentences that describe suitability in various scenarios.
Learners might mistakenly use 适当 when they mean 合适 in informal settings, as in saying '这件衣服不适当' (This piece of clothing is not appropriate) instead of '这件衣服不合适' (This piece of clothing is not suitable). Always consider the formality of the context.
Pronunciation of 适当
Drill the tone of 适当 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 适当 to You
Let me explain 适当 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 适当 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 适当?
Learning Lab
Knowing 适当 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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say suitable in Chinese
“suitable” in Chinese is适当
适当 (shì dàng) means suitable or appropriate, often referring to something that is fitting for a particular context or situation. It is commonly used in discussions about standards, recommendations, or behaviors that align well with given circumstances.
When to use 适当
Learners often confuse 适当 with similar words like 合适 (hé shì), which also means suitable but may imply a more personal fit. 适当 is more formal and often used in official or academic contexts. Be cautious with tones; 适 should be pronounced with a falling tone, while 当 has a falling tone too.
适当 or something close to it
恰当 (qiàdàng) — use 适当 when emphasizing suitability in a broader context, while 恰当 often implies a precise or exact appropriateness.
What learners get wrong
Learners might mistakenly use 适当 when they mean 合适 in informal settings, as in saying '这件衣服不适当' (This piece of clothing is not appropriate) instead of '这件衣服不合适' (This piece of clothing is not suitable). Always consider the formality of the context.
Write 适当
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 适当 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 适当?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 适当
While it is more formal, you can use 适当 in informal contexts, but it may sound overly serious. In casual speech, 合适 might be more common.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 适当?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.