Meaning
适 means 'suitable' or 'appropriate' and describes when something fits well or matches a particular purpose or situation. As a verb, it can mean 'to fit' or 'to adapt to.' It commonly appears in compounds like 适合 (suitable), 适应 (to adapt), and 舒适 (comfortable).
Usage
适 is rarely used alone in modern Mandarin and typically appears in two-character compounds. It's more common in formal or written contexts. When expressing 'suitable for,' natives say 适合 rather than just 适. The character can also mean 'to go to' in classical Chinese, but this usage is archaic.
Examples
- 01这个工作很适合你。.This job is very suitable for you.
- 02我需要时间适应新环境。.I need time to adapt to the new environment.
Common collocations
- 适当appropriate, proper
- 适用applicable, suitable for use
- 适量appropriate amount
- 适度moderate, appropriate degree
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 適 combines the 'walk' radical (辵) with 啻 (chì), originally suggesting 'going to the right place' or 'reaching a fitting destination,' which evolved into meanings of suitability and appropriateness.