刚好

• Pinyin: gāng hǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 刚 = 冈 (ridge) + 刂 (knife), meaning firm/just; 好 = 女 (woman) + 子 (child), meaning good

Meaning

Just right; exactly; happens to; by coincidence. Indicates something fitting perfectly or occurring coincidentally.

Has two related meanings: 1) Exactly right in amount, size, or timing (数量刚好 just the right amount). 2) By coincidence (刚好遇到 happened to meet). Similar to 正好 and 恰好. Often implies a fortunate or convenient coincidence.

Examples

1. 这件外套的尺码刚好，不大不小正合适。 This jacket is just the right size — not too big, not too small, perfect fit.
2. 我到车站的时候，公交车刚好进站。 When I arrived at the station, the bus happened to be pulling in.
3. 你要找的那本书刚好在我手边，我明天带给你。 The book you're looking for happens to be right beside me — I'll bring it to you tomorrow.

Usage Guide

Context: coincidences, descriptions, everyday

Tone: fortunate

Do Say

• 你来得刚好，饭刚做好。(You came at just the right time — dinner is just ready.)
• 钱刚好够用。(The money is just enough.)

Don't Say

• 把'刚好'用于不幸的巧合而不转换语气 (When describing unfortunate coincidences, tone should shift — 刚好 usually implies luck, so context matters)

Origin & History

Compound of 刚 (just, exactly, barely) + 好 (good, well). Together meaning 'just right' or 'at exactly the right moment.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal