合适

héshì

suitable

HSK 3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"合适" means "suitable" or "appropriate" and is used to describe something that fits well in terms of size, time, condition, or circumstance. It often implies a good match or proper fit.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used when talking about clothing fitting well, timing being convenient, or choices being appropriate for a situation.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 合适衣服: suitable clothes, used when describing clothing that fits well.
  • 时间合适: suitable time, used to indicate convenience or appropriateness of timing.
  • 合适工作: find a suitable job, common in career or life context.

Nuances

"合适" emphasizes a good fit or appropriateness without strong emotional or subjective judgment. It is more neutral and objective compared to words like "适合" which can sometimes imply suitability based on preference or ability.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "合适" with "适合". "合适" is often used as an adjective meaning "suitable," while "适合" can be a verb meaning "to suit" or "to fit." For example, "衣服合适" (This clothing is suitable) vs. "衣服适合" (This clothing suits you).

Example Sentences

这件衣服很合适你,颜色也很好看。

Zhè jiàn yīfu hěn héshì nǐ, yánsè yě hěn hǎokàn.

This piece of clothing suits you very well, and the color looks great too.

这个时间对我来说很合适,我们可以开会了。

Zhège shíjiān duì wǒ lái shuō hěn héshì, wǒmen kěyǐ kāihuì le.

This time is very suitable for me; we can have the meeting now.

他找到了一个合适的工作,薪水也不错。

Tā zhǎodào le yí gè héshì de gōngzuò, xīnshuǐ yě búcuò.

He found a suitable job, and the salary is also good.