简直 (jiǎnzhí)

In Chinese, "简直" is an adverb that means "simply", "virtually", or "practically". It is used to intensify statements and often expresses surprise, extremity, or excessiveness. Below are detailed usages of "简直".

1. Intensifying Statements

"简直" is used to intensify statements, making them more emphatic. It often conveys emotions such as surprise or indignation. For example:

• 这道菜简直太好吃了！ (Zhè dào cài jiǎnzhí tài hǎochī le!) — This dish is simply too delicious! (lit. This dish is simply too delicious!)
• 他简直不像一个学生。 (Tā jiǎnzhí bù xiàng yīgè xuéshēng.) — He practically doesn't look like a student at all. (lit. He simply doesn't look like a student.)

2. Expressing Extremity or Excessiveness

"简直" can be used to express extremity or excessiveness in something, highlighting the degree of it. For example:

• 今天简直热死了。 (Jīntiān jiǎnzhí rè sǐ le.) — Today is unbearably hot. (lit. Today is practically hot to death.)
• 这工作简直把我累坏了。 (Zhè gōngzuò jiǎnzhí bǎ wǒ lèi huài le.) — This job has simply worn me out. (lit. This job has practically worn me out to the point of breaking.)