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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing emphasis with 简直 (jiǎnzhí) meaning "simply" or "literally"

    HSK 4
    Degree & Intensity
    Emphasis

    Structure

    Subject + 简直 + Adjective/Verb

    Explanation

    The adverb 简直 (jiǎnzhí) intensifies a statement to mean "simply," "absolutely," or "virtually," often conveying surprise or exaggeration. It emphasizes that something has reached an extreme degree. For example, 这简直太好了 means "this is simply wonderful."

    Examples

    • 今天的天气简直热得受不了。

      jīntiān de tiānqì jiǎnzhí rè de shòubùliǎo.

      Today's weather is simply unbearably hot.

    • 这道菜简直太好吃了，我还想再来一份。

      zhè dào cài jiǎnzhí tài hǎochī le, wǒ hái xiǎng zài lái yí fèn.

      This dish is simply too delicious — I want to order another one.

    • 他跑得简直比风还快。

      tā pǎo de jiǎnzhí bǐ fēng hái kuài.

      He runs even faster than the wind.