adjective HSK 5
Traditional 恰當
appropriate · suitable · proper · apt
Meaning
恰当 describes something that is fitting, appropriate, or suitable for a particular situation or context. It conveys the sense that something matches well with requirements or expectations, neither too much nor too little.
Usage
恰当 is commonly used in both spoken and written Mandarin, though it appears more frequently in formal contexts like business, academic writing, and official communications. It often appears with 的 to modify nouns, or in the pattern 恰当地 as an adverb. Native speakers use it to evaluate whether choices, words, actions, or decisions are fitting for the circumstances.
Examples
- 01他选择了恰当的时机提出这个建议。.He chose an appropriate time to make this suggestion.
- 02这个例子不太恰当，我们换一个吧。, .This example isn't very appropriate, let's change to another one.
Characters
Common collocations
- 恰当的措施appropriate measures
- 恰当地处理to handle appropriately
- 用词恰当to use appropriate wording
- 时机恰当timing is appropriate
Antonyms
Origin
恰 originally means 'just right' or 'exactly,' while 当 means 'suitable' or 'proper.' Together they reinforce the idea of precise appropriateness.