HSK 5
简直
jiǎnzhí
practically
Structure
Subject + 简直 + (+ 是 / Verb / Adjective) + 了
How it works
The adverb '简直' is used to emphasize that something is extreme, exaggerated, or nearly unbelievable. It is often translated as 'simply,' 'virtually,' or 'practically,' and is frequently used alongside metaphors or hyperbolic statements.
Examples
听了他的经历，我简直不敢相信这是真的。
Tīngle tā de jīnglì, wǒ jiǎnzhí bùgǎn xiāngxìn zhè shì zhēn de.
After hearing his experience, I simply can't believe it's true.
这里的美景简直像画一样。
Zhèlǐ de měijǐng jiǎnzhí xiàng huà yīyàng.
The beautiful scenery here is practically like a painting.
他进步得这么快，简直是个天才！
Tā jìnbù de zhème kuài, jiǎnzhí shì gè tiāncái!
He improved so quickly, he is simply a genius!
Common mistakes
Don't use '简直' to describe mundane or moderate situations; it must imply a sense of astonishment or exaggeration.
Tip
Look for metaphors (like '像...一样') or extreme words (like '疯了', '完美', '不可思议') in the sentence, as '简直' is often paired with them to heighten the tone.
More HSK 5 grammar
See 简直 in real Chinese
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