简直
jiǎnzhí
The English phrase 'literally' is translated into Mandarin as 简直 (jiǎnzhí).
In Mandarin, 简直 is often used as an intensifier to mean 'simply' or 'virtually' rather than strictly meaning 'in a literal sense'.
Meaning: in a literal manner (adv)
Which one should you use?
While 简直 is used for emphasis in speech, 字面上 is the correct term when you want to specify that something is being interpreted 'literally' or 'on the surface' of the words used. Additionally, 逐字地 is a formal way to express 'literally' meaning 'word by word.'
How does it change in a sentence?
简直 is an adverb and is typically placed before a verb or an adjective to add emphasis.
How do you pronounce it?
jiǎnzhí
Did you know?
- The character 逐 in 逐字地 is the same character used in the word 'to chase' or 'to pursue', implying a method of following characters one after another.
- Unlike English where 'literally' is often debated as a grammatical error when used for emphasis, using 简直 as an intensifier is grammatically standard and expected in Mandarin.
- In casual speech, 简直 is often used to express a feeling of disbelief or shock, functioning more like an exclamation of 'I can't believe it' than a precise adverb.
Examples in context
- 这个词的字面上意思是什么？What is the literal meaning of this word?
- 请你逐字地读出这个句子。Please read this sentence out loud, word by word.
- 这是对这个句子的直译。This is the literal translation of this sentence.
- 不要只按照字面理解这个笑话。Don't just understand this joke literally.
- 他简直是个天才。He is simply a genius.
- 这个故事简直是个笑话。Zhège gùshì jiǎnzhí shì gè xiàohuà.This story is literally a joke.
Example conversation
Xinyi and Haoran are looking at a very large pizza.
- 欣怡 Xinyi这个披萨简直太大了！Zhège pīsà jiǎnzhí tài dà le!This pizza is literally too big!
- 浩然 Haoran我们怎么可能吃完？Wǒmen zěnme kěnéng chī wán?How could we possibly finish it?
- 欣怡 Xinyi我们可以把它打包回家。Wǒmen kěyǐ bǎ tā dǎbāo huí jiā.We can pack it up and take it home.
- 浩然 Haoran好主意，这样就太好了。Hǎo zhǔyì, zhèyàng jiù tài hǎo le.Good idea, that would be great.
