合适

• Pinyin: hé shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 合 (hé) — to fit, to match; 适 (shì) — suitable, comfortable

Meaning

Suitable; appropriate; fitting. Describes something that matches well or is right for a situation.

Used broadly to describe whether clothes fit, whether a person is right for a role, whether a price is reasonable, or whether a choice is appropriate for the circumstances.

Examples

1. 这件衣服的大小很合适。 This piece of clothing fits perfectly.
2. 你觉得这个时间合适吗？ Do you think this time is suitable?
3. 她是这个工作最合适的人。 She is the most suitable person for this job.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, decisions, everyday

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 这双鞋很合适。(These shoes fit well.)
• 我们找个合适的时间见面吧。(Let's find a suitable time to meet.)

Don't Say

• 不要说'这个菜很合适' (Don't say food is 合适 — use 好吃 for tasty or 合口味 for suits one's taste)

Origin & History

Compound of 合 (to fit, to match) and 适 (suitable, fitting). Both characters reinforce the meaning of compatibility.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal