简直: strong evaluation and comparison · 简直 (simplement / littéralement — exagération)
A beautiful view looks like a painting
- A visitor says 这里的风景简直像画一样。 The comparison expresses a strong impression of the view.
- It does not mean the landscape is literally made of paint. Translate the evaluation in context rather than automatically using literally.
A beautiful view looks like a painting
- A visitor says here这里(of / 's)的scenery风景simply; strong evaluation in context简直to resemble像to draw画same一样。 The comparison expresses a strong impression of the view.
- It does not mean the landscape is literally made of paint. Translate the evaluation in context rather than automatically using literally.
Place 简直 before the strong description
- 这简直太棒了！ expresses strong approval. 我简直不敢相信自己的眼睛 expresses strong disbelief.
- 简直 supports the speaker’s emphatic evaluation. It is not a measurement unit or an independent check of the claim.
this这simply简直too太great棒了！
Place simply; strong evaluation in context简直 before the strong description
- this这simply; strong evaluation in context简直太棒了！ expresses strong approval. I / me我simply; strong evaluation in context简直不敢相信oneself自己(of / 's)的eye眼睛 expresses strong disbelief.
- simply; strong evaluation in context简直 supports the speaker’s emphatic evaluation. It is not a measurement unit or an independent check of the claim.
this这simply简直too太great棒了！
这____太棒了！
简直 supports the strong approval.
Distinguish comparison from identity
- 这里简直像一幅画 uses 像 to compare the view to a painting. 这是一幅画 identifies an object as a painting.
- The similar English image does not make the two statements equivalent. Read the comparison word as well as 简直.
Distinguish comparison from identity
- here这里simply; strong evaluation in context简直to resemble像一幅to draw画 uses to resemble像 to compare the view to a painting. 这是一幅to draw画 identifies an object as a painting.
- The similar English image does not make the two statements equivalent. Read the comparison word as well as simply; strong evaluation in context简直.
这里的风景简直像画一样 most directly expresses…
像 marks a comparison, not literal identity.
Look for the speaker’s stance
- 这简直太好了 expresses approval; 这简直太糟了 expresses disapproval. The following description supplies the direction of the evaluation.
- Do not infer whether an event is good or bad from 简直 alone. Voice and irony can also affect the intended stance.
Look for the speaker’s stance
- this这simply; strong evaluation in context简直very good太好了 expresses approval; this这simply; strong evaluation in context简直太糟(completed / change)了 expresses disapproval. The following description supplies the direction of the evaluation.
- Do not infer whether an event is good or bad from simply; strong evaluation in context简直 alone. Voice and irony can also affect the intended stance.
Which meaning is stated?
Identify the meaning and evidence in each complete example.
简直 automatically makes a figurative comparison a literal fact.
Read the full comparison and context.
Match the complete example to the stated meaning.
Read the action, context and the stated evidence.
简直 alone determines whether the speaker approves.
The description and context supply the stance.
Keep evaluation separate from evidence
- 这间屋子简直像冰箱一样 presents an impression of cold. 室温是十摄氏度 reports a measured temperature.
- A comparison can communicate discomfort without stating an exact temperature. A strong description does not prove a literal fact.
Keep evaluation separate from evidence
- this这gap间house屋子simply; strong evaluation in context简直to resemble像refrigerator冰箱same一样 presents an impression of cold. room temperature室温to be / is是ten十°C (degrees Celsius)摄氏度 reports a measured temperature.
- A comparison can communicate discomfort without stating an exact temperature. A strong description does not prove a literal fact.
Which directly states a measured temperature?
A numerical reading differs from a coldness comparison.
这里简直像一幅画 and 这是一幅画 make identical claims.
The first compares a place; the second identifies an object.
Translate the whole claim
- For a view compared to a painting, “The scenery looks just like a painting” keeps the comparison. “The scenery is literally a painting” changes it.
- In a new example, identify the description and the speaker’s stance, then distinguish figurative emphasis from any measured or literal claim.
In a new example, identify the description and the speaker’s stance, then distinguish figurative emphasis from any measured or literal claim.
Read the full reference: HSK 5 grammar — Adverbs.
Which translation preserves the view comparison?
Keep 像 as a comparison instead of inventing literal identity.