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March 24, 2026
凑合(湊合)còuhe(cou4he5)
The term 凑合 refers to making do or improvising in situations where conditions are not ideal. It can imply a sense of compromise or acceptance of a less-than-perfect outcome, often used when something is passable or satisfactory, even if not excellent.
Strokes17Frequency#11350DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the idea of making do with what you have is often seen as a virtue, reflecting resilience and resourcefulness in daily life, especially in the context of economic changes and challenges.
Memory Tip
Imagine a group of friends (the character '凑' suggests 'gathering') trying to create a meal from whatever ingredients they have left in the fridge. They make do with what they find, leading to a dish that is '合' (to fit or harmonize), reflecting the meaning of 'getting by' with what's available.
Meanings of 凑合
còuhe(cou4he5)
1to bring together
2to make do in a bad situation
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About 凑合
凑合Simplified
湊合Traditional
17Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#11350Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 凑合
Podcast: 凑合
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AI Study Notes for 凑合
Quick Contrast
凑合 (make do) vs 将就 (make do, but with a stronger implication of enduring discomfort) — use 凑合 when the outcome is passable, while 将就 suggests a more reluctant acceptance.
Usage Notes
This word is often used in informal contexts and can carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the outcome is not ideal. Learners should be cautious with tone as using it in a highly formal context could sound dismissive or inappropriate.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 6, students should focus on the nuances of this word, as it connects to other phrases related to improvisation and adaptability. Understanding its usage in casual conversations will enhance fluency and comprehension.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 凑合 with 完美 (wánměi), meaning 'perfect.' A common mistake might be saying '这个方案凑合完美' (This plan makes do perfectly), which is incorrect; it should be '这个方案凑合可以' (This plan is acceptable).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 凑合
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The term 凑合 refers to making do or improvising in situations where conditions are not ideal. It can imply a sense of compromise or acceptance of a less-than-perfect outcome, often used when something is passable or satisfactory, even if not excellent.
When to use 凑合
This word is often used in informal contexts and can carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the outcome is not ideal. Learners should be cautious with tone as using it in a highly formal context could sound dismissive or inappropriate.
凑合 or something close to it
凑合 (make do) vs 将就 (make do, but with a stronger implication of enduring discomfort) — use 凑合 when the outcome is passable, while 将就 suggests a more reluctant acceptance.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 凑合 with 完美 (wánměi), meaning 'perfect.' A common mistake might be saying '这个方案凑合完美' (This plan makes do perfectly), which is incorrect; it should be '这个方案凑合可以' (This plan is acceptable).
Write 凑合
凑
合
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Grammar Patterns of 凑合
凑合 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 6 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.
Although the conditions are not great, we can only make do with living in this small house.
Frequently Asked Questions about 凑合
It can be both; it often implies a compromise, so while it may describe a situation that is acceptable, it might also suggest that it falls short of expectations.
Generally, it's more appropriate for informal contexts, as it may sound dismissive in formal writing.
Terms like 'make do' or 'get by' convey similar meanings, implying acceptance of less-than-ideal circumstances.
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