简直: strong evaluation and comparison
IntroducedA beautiful view looks like a painting
- A visitor says here这里(modifier / structural particle)的scenery风景simply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 simply简直 before the strong description
- this这simply简直too太great棒(completed / change)了！ expresses strong approval. I / me我simply简直不敢相信oneself自己(modifier / structural particle)的eye眼睛 expresses strong disbelief.
- simply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
- here这里simply简直to resemble像一幅to draw画 uses to resemble像 to compare the view to a painting. this这to be / is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
- this这simply简直very good太好了 expresses approval; this这simply简直too太dregs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
- this这gap间house屋子simply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.
Recall the situation: A beautiful view looks like a painting. Decide what the speaker wanted to communicate. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.