如此

• Pinyin: rú cǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 如 = 女 (woman) + 口 (mouth); 此 = 止 (stop) + 匕 (spoon, phonetic)

Meaning

So; such; like this; to this extent.

A formal demonstrative pronoun meaning 'so' or 'such' that refers to something previously mentioned or understood. More literary than 这么 or 这样. Often used in written Chinese or formal speech to emphasize degree or manner.

Examples

1. 我没想到这个问题竟然如此复杂。 I didn't expect this problem to be so complicated.
2. 他如此努力地工作，就是为了给家人更好的生活。 He works so hard just to give his family a better life.
3. 既然你如此坚持，那我们就按你的方案来吧。 Since you insist so strongly, let's go with your plan then.

Usage Guide

Context: written, formal speech, literary

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 事情本不必如此。(Things didn't have to be this way.)
• 她如此年轻就取得了这样的成就。(She achieved such accomplishments at such a young age.)

Don't Say

• 你今天如此开心 — sounds overly formal in casual conversation; use 这么 instead (你今天这么开心)

Origin & History

Classical Chinese compound from 如 (like, as) + 此 (this), literally meaning 'like this.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal