正好

• Pinyin: zhèng hǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 正 = 一 (one) + 止 (stop), meaning 'straight/correct'; 好 = 女 (woman) + 子 (child), meaning 'good'

Meaning

Just right; exactly; it happens that. Indicates perfect timing, exact amount, or a happy coincidence.

Expresses that something fits perfectly, whether in size, quantity, timing, or circumstance. Often used to describe lucky coincidences. Can modify verbs directly or stand alone as a comment. More colloquial than 恰好 but used across all registers.

Examples

1. 这双鞋的大小正好。 These shoes are just the right size.
2. 你来得正好，我们正要吃饭。 You came at the perfect time — we were just about to eat.
3. 正好还剩两张票。 There happen to be two tickets left.

Usage Guide

Context: coincidence, fit, everyday

Tone: pleased

Do Say

• 这件衣服我穿着正好。(This piece of clothing fits me perfectly.)
• 正好我也想去，一起走吧。(I happen to want to go too — let's go together.)

Don't Say

• 这个正好地合适。(Don't add 地 after 正好 — say 这个正好合适 directly. 正好 modifies verbs and adjectives without 地.)

Origin & History

Compound of 正 (straight/correct) + 好 (good). Literally 'correctly good,' capturing the satisfaction of something being exactly right.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal