合格

• Pinyin: hé gé
• Hanzi breakdown: 合 = lid fitting a container — to conform; 格 = 木 (wood) + 各 (each) — a grid or standard

Meaning

Qualified; up to standard; passing. Meeting the required standard or threshold.

Describes something or someone that meets an established standard. The opposite is 不合格 (unqualified/substandard). Common uses: 考试合格 (pass an exam), 产品合格 (product passes inspection), 合格证 (certificate of qualification). Used in academic, quality control, and professional contexts.

Examples

1. 这次考试他的成绩合格了。 His score on this exam was a pass.
2. 工厂生产的每个产品都要经过合格检查。 Every product made by the factory must undergo quality inspection.
3. 她是一位合格的老师。 She is a qualified teacher.

Usage Guide

Context: education, quality, work

Tone: evaluative

Do Say

• 这批产品全部合格。(This batch of products all passed inspection.)
• 他终于通过考试合格了。(He finally passed the exam.)

Don't Say

• 这道菜做得很合格。(Don't use 合格 for food quality — it sounds like a factory inspection. Say 这道菜做得很好 or 很好吃.)

Origin & History

Compound of 合 (to conform/fit) and 格 (standard/grid). Together they mean 'conforming to the standard' — qualified.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal