gaan2 tai2 zi6簡體字简体字
Jyutpinggaan2 tai2 zi6
Yalegáan tái jih
Definition
Simplified Chinese characters.
- Simplified Chinese characters officially introduced in Mainland China
- Simpler or abbreviated variant characters naturally used for convenience
neutralcommunication
How it's used
Refers specifically to the standardized character set used in mainland China, distinct from historical or informal shorthand variants. In Hong Kong, the term is often used to contrast with 繁體字, which is the standard script for daily life and education. Using this term carries a neutral to descriptive tone, though it highlights a clear cultural and regional boundary in literacy.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Why is this document entirely in simplified Chinese characters?
I am used to traditional characters, so reading simplified ones is quite slow for me.
Related words
Common phrases
to write in simplified Chinese
to read simplified Chinese
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 簡筆字 or 俗字, which refer to informal shorthand or variant forms that have existed for centuries. 簡體字 specifically denotes the modern, government-mandated system.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
