简直
simply; practically (an overstatement the speaker stands by)
Structure
主语 简直 夸张的说法（太…了／像…一样／要…了）
What it means
'Simply; practically': flags an exaggeration that the speaker stands by.
How it is built
Subject + 简直 + overstatement (太…了／像…一样／要…了): 排了两个小时的队，我简直要疯了 (two hours in the queue: I was practically going mad).
When to use it
Lively and expressive, at home in speech and relaxed writing; also with 跟…差不多 or 不敢相信. Formal reports prefer 几乎 or 可以说.
Watch out
For a plain fact or a number use 几乎: ✗简直有一百人。 ✓几乎有一百人。 简直 goes before the predicate.
Examples
一杯奶茶有时只要几块钱，简直跟白送差不多。
A milk tea sometimes costs only a few yuan: practically given away.
排了两个小时的队，我简直要疯了。
Two hours in the queue: I was practically going mad.
他的中文说得太地道了，简直像中国人一样。
His Chinese is so idiomatic he sounds just like a native.
Learn this in Lesson 14 · HSK 5: 来一杯奶茶 (Ordering a milk tea)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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