简直
HSK 4- Emphasis
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The adverb 简直 is used to emphasize exaggeration, carrying the meaning of 'truly', 'it's just like', 'exactly like'.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
简直 is an adverb used for emphasis, typically carrying a sense of exaggeration or disbelief. It expresses that a situation is practically or completely as described — similar to saying "it's simply," "it's truly," or "it's just like."
简直 commonly appears with structures such as 是, 像...一样, 跟...一样, or an adjective/verb with strong connotations, to heighten expressiveness.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 这里简直像天堂一样。繁: 這裡簡直像天堂一樣。Zhèlǐ jiǎnzhí xiàng tiāntáng yíyàng.
This place is simply like heaven.
- 他简直是个天才！繁: 他簡直是個天才！Tā jiǎnzhí shì ge tiāncái!
He is absolutely a genius!
- 我简直不敢相信自己的耳朵。繁: 我簡直不敢相信自己的耳朵。Wǒ jiǎnzhí bù gǎn xiāngxìn zìjǐ de ěrduo.
I simply cannot believe my own ears.
- 这件衣服简直太贵了！繁: 這件衣服簡直太貴了！Zhè jiàn yīfu jiǎnzhí tài guì le!
This outfit is simply too expensive!
- 他忙得简直没时间吃饭。繁: 他忙得簡直沒時間吃飯。Tā máng de jiǎnzhí méi shíjiān chīfàn.
He is so busy that he hardly has time to eat.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:这个问题简直难。Correct:这个问题简直太难了。
简直 typically collocates with other emphatic words such as 太, or an exaggerated phrase, and does not stand alone with a simple adjective.
- Wrong:他是个天才简直。Correct:他简直是个天才。
The adverb 简直 must precede the verb or adjective it modifies; it cannot stand at the end of a sentence.