适 (shì) - Suitable, appropriate, comfortable & to go, to follow

适Tone 4

shì ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

上姝

适 · shì

Suitable, appropriate, comfortable;

to go, to follow;

to happen to;

a surname.

Suitable, appropriate, comfortableto go, to followto happen to

Usage highlights

SuitableComfortableAdaptAppropriateEncounter by chanceModerate

Synonyms

  • 合— suitable, fitting
  • 宜— appropriate, proper
  • 当— proper, suitable

Antonyms

  • 不适— unsuitable, uncomfortable
  • 过分— excessive, overdone

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This dress is very comfortable (舒适).
  • The temperature is just right (适宜).
  • He adapted quickly to the new environment (适应).
  • We happened to meet at the airport (适逢).

Collocations

  • Suitable(合适)
  • Comfortable(舒适)
  • Adapt(适应)
  • Appropriate(适当)
  • Encounter by chance(适逢)
  • Moderate(适度)

Idioms

  • Survival of the fittest(适者生存)
  • Everything in moderation(适可而止)
  • To suit one's purpose(适得其反)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally meant 'to go' or 'to reach' in classical Chinese, later extended to mean 'suitable' or 'appropriate'.
  • The character appears in important philosophical concepts like 'survival of the fittest' from evolutionary theory.
  • In traditional Chinese philosophy, 'moderation' (适中) is highly valued as a virtue.

FAQ