适合

• Pinyin: shì hé
• Hanzi breakdown: 适 = 辶 (walk) + 啇 (phonetic); 合 = 人 (person) + 一 (one) + 口 (mouth), depicting agreement

Meaning

To suit; to be suitable for; to fit. Indicates that something is appropriate or well-matched for a purpose or person.

One of the most common words for expressing suitability. Used for people, places, things, and situations. Often followed by a noun or verb phrase indicating what something is suitable for. Very natural in everyday conversation.

Examples

1. 这件衣服的颜色很适合你。 The colour of this dress suits you well.
2. 这个工作不太适合刚毕业的学生。 This job isn't very suitable for fresh graduates.
3. 南方的气候适合种水果。 The climate in the south is suitable for growing fruit.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, recommendations, discussion

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这本书很适合初学者。(This book is very suitable for beginners.)
• 你觉得这个地方适合野餐吗？(Do you think this place is suitable for a picnic?)

Don't Say

• 这双鞋适合了我的脚。(Don't use 适合 with 了 for physical fitting of shoes — use 合适 as an adjective instead: 这双鞋很合适。)

Origin & History

适 means 'to go towards' or 'suitable' and 合 means 'to fit' or 'to match'. Together they express the idea of being well-fitted or appropriate.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal