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B1 adjective/verb #1,500 most common 10 min read

合格

hege Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 合格 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 合格 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '合格' (hégé) is introduced as a simple way to say 'pass' or 'okay' in a formal context. Students learn it primarily in the context of school exams or simple quality checks. For an A1 learner, '合格' is the opposite of '不合格' (fail/not okay). You might see it on a worksheet or hear a teacher say it when a task is finished correctly. It's a binary concept: you did it right, or you didn't. We focus on simple sentences like '我的考试合格了' (I passed my exam). The focus is on recognizing the word on labels and in basic school scenarios. It helps students understand the concept of standards in a very basic way, similar to a 'check mark' on a homework assignment. At this stage, we don't worry about the difference between '合格' and '及格' too much, but we introduce '合格' as the more general term for 'meeting the requirement'.

At the A2 level, learners begin to see '合格' used to describe people and products. We introduce the structure '合格的' + [Noun], such as '合格的老师' (a qualified teacher) or '合格的产品' (a qualified product). Students learn that '合格' is used when something meets a certain rule or standard. For example, if you are tall enough to ride a roller coaster, you are '合格'. We also introduce the concept of '不合格' as 'defective' or 'not meeting the rules'. A2 learners should be able to identify '合格证' (certificate of quality) on products they buy. The vocabulary expands to include basic collocations like '检查合格' (pass inspection). This level emphasizes the practical use of the word in daily life, such as shopping or following simple instructions at work or school. It's about moving from a simple 'pass' to the idea of 'meeting a standard'.

At the B1 level (the target level for this word), students explore the nuances of '合格' in professional and social contexts. We distinguish '合格' from '及格' (passing a test score). B1 learners should understand that '合格' implies a set of qualifications or specifications. For instance, in a job interview, being '合格' means you have the right skills and experience. We also look at the cultural aspect: what does it mean to be a '合格的父母' (qualified parent) or '合格的公民' (qualified citizen)? This involves social expectations and duties. Grammatically, we focus on resultative structures like '经检验合格' (passed inspection) and the use of adverbs like '基本' (basically) or '完全' (completely) with '合格'. B1 learners should be able to use '合格' to discuss quality control, job requirements, and social responsibilities in a more detailed way.

At the B2 level, '合格' is used in more complex discussions about industry standards, legal requirements, and abstract qualifications. Learners study how '合格' relates to '符合' (to comply with) and '达标' (to reach a target). We look at technical terms like '合格率' (pass rate) and '质量合格' (quality up to standard) in business reports. B2 students should be able to argue whether a certain standard is fair or if a person is truly '合格' for a high-level position. The word is used in the context of 'ISO standards' or 'environmental regulations'. We also explore the ironic or metaphorical use of '合格' in literature or social commentary, where someone might be '合格' on paper but not in practice. The focus shifts to precision in professional communication and understanding the legal implications of the term in contracts and official documents.

At the C1 level, '合格' is analyzed in the context of philosophy, ethics, and high-level professional discourse. We examine what it means to be '合格' in an abstract sense—for example, '合格的人' (a qualified human being) in a philosophical discussion. Learners explore the historical development of the characters '合' and '格' and how the concept of 'standard' has evolved in Chinese culture. C1 students should be able to use '合格' in academic writing, perhaps discussing the '合格率' of a government policy or the '合格性' (qualification/legitimacy) of a legal argument. We also look at synonyms like '称职' (competent) and '胜任' (capable of) to provide more precise descriptions of professional ability. The level of nuance here involves understanding the subtle difference between meeting a standard and embodying a role perfectly.

At the C2 level, '合格' is a tool for sophisticated rhetorical and literary expression. Learners can use the term to critique social systems, discussing how 'standards' (格) are defined and who has the power to define them. We look at classical texts where '格' refers to the 'investigation of things' (格物致知) and how that relates to the modern concept of '合格'. C2 speakers can use '合格' in high-level debates about national standards, international diplomacy, and complex moral dilemmas. They understand the weight of the word in legal judgments and state-level quality inspections. At this level, '合格' is not just a vocabulary word but a conceptual framework for discussing order, legitimacy, and the fulfillment of one's essence in society. The mastery involves using '合格' with perfect tone and context, whether in a formal speech or a nuanced literary critique.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

合格 in 30 Seconds

合格 means meeting standards or being qualified for a specific role or task.
It is used for both products (quality control) and people (professional skills).
It differs from 及格, which is specifically for passing test scores (usually 60%).
Commonly seen on '合格证' (quality certificates) in Chinese consumer goods.

The term 合格 (hégé) is a foundational concept in Chinese that bridges the gap between simple 'passing' and meeting rigorous professional or industrial standards. At its core, it is composed of two characters: 合 (hé), meaning to fit, join, or suit, and 格 (gé), meaning a standard, pattern, or frame. Together, they describe the state of an object or person fitting perfectly within a predefined framework of requirements.

Etymological Root: The character '合' originally depicted a lid closing over a container, symbolizing a perfect match. '格' refers to the lines on a grid or the branches of a tree, representing structure and order.

In a modern context, '合格' is most frequently encountered in quality control, education, and professional certification. It is the binary threshold between acceptance and rejection. Unlike '优秀' (yōuxiù - excellent), which implies a high degree of merit, '合格' simply means the minimum requirements have been satisfied. It is the 'floor' of quality, not the 'ceiling'.

经过严格检测，这批出口产品全部合格。(After strict testing, this batch of export products is all up to standard.)

When applied to people, it suggests that an individual possesses the necessary qualifications or moral character for a specific role. A '合格的老师' (qualified teacher) is one who not only has the certificate but also fulfills the duties expected of the profession. It is a word of validation and legitimacy.

Usage as a Verb: While primarily an adjective, it can function as a verb in resultative constructions like '检查合格' (to pass inspection).

他的体检结果不合格，不能参加飞行员培训。(His physical exam results were not up to standard, so he cannot participate in pilot training.)

Furthermore, the concept of '合格' is deeply ingrained in the Chinese education system. Exams are often graded on a '合格/不合格' (Pass/Fail) basis for non-competitive certifications. This creates a clear boundary for students to aim for. In the workplace, '合格率' (pass rate) is a key performance indicator for factories.

我们要努力做一个合格的公民。(We must strive to be qualified citizens.)

Synonym Nuance: '及格' (jígé) is specifically for exam scores (usually 60%), whereas '合格' is broader, covering quality, skills, and character.

这台机器的操作员必须是持证合格的人员。(The operator of this machine must be a certified and qualified person.)

只有合格的原材料才能生产出优质的产品。(Only qualified raw materials can produce high-quality products.)

Using 合格 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both an adjective and a resultative verb. It primarily modifies nouns or acts as a predicate to describe status. Unlike many adjectives, it is rarely modified by '很' (very) in technical contexts because standards are usually binary—you either meet them or you don't. However, in subjective contexts like 'a qualified parent,' you might hear '很合格'.

Attributive Usage: Placed before a noun with '的' to describe a person or thing that meets standards. Example: 合格的产品 (qualified product), 合格的医生 (qualified doctor).

When used as a predicate, it often follows a subject that has undergone some form of evaluation. You will frequently see it in the structure: [Subject] + [Evaluation Verb] + 合格. For instance, '抽样检查合格' (passed the sampling inspection). This highlights the process of verification that precedes the label of '合格'.

这名新员工的表现非常合格。(This new employee's performance is very much up to standard.)

In formal documents, you will see the negation '不合格' (unqualified/failed). This is a standard label on rejected goods or failed test results. It is important to note that '不合格' is more formal than '没过' (didn't pass). In legal and industrial Chinese, '合格证' (Certificate of Quality/Conformity) is a ubiquitous term found on almost every consumer product in China.

Common Structures: 1. [Noun] + 合格率 (Pass rate)
2. 符合 + [Standard] + 的合格产品 (Qualified products meeting [Standard])
3. 经检验合格 (Passed inspection)

如果产品不合格，工厂必须重新加工。(If the product is not up to standard, the factory must re-process it.)

Another nuance involves the difference between '合格' and '及格'. While both mean 'to pass', '及格' is strictly for scores (getting the minimum points), whereas '合格' is for meeting a set of multifaceted criteria. For example, a car doesn't '及格' an inspection; it '合格's it. A student '及格's a math test but might be an '合格' student in terms of overall behavior.

他是一个合格的共产党员。(He is a qualified member of the Communist Party.)

Collocation with Adverbs: Commonly used with '完全' (completely), '基本' (basically), or '初步' (initially). Example: 基本合格 (basically up to standard).

只有通过了所有的测试，你才算是一名合格的驾驶员。(Only after passing all tests are you considered a qualified driver.)

这批大米经检测，农药残留不合格。(This batch of rice was tested, and the pesticide residue was not up to standard.)

You will encounter 合格 in a wide variety of professional and everyday settings in China. It is perhaps most visible in the retail world. Every time you buy an electronic device, a toy, or even a piece of clothing in China, you will likely find a small blue or white tag inside the packaging that says '检验合格' (Inspection Passed) or simply '合格证' (Certificate of Conformity). This is a legal requirement for goods sold in the Chinese market.

Industrial & Manufacturing: In factories, the '合格率' (pass rate) is the most discussed metric. Workers are trained to identify '不合格品' (defective products) to ensure quality control.

In the educational sphere, '合格' is the standard terminology for non-numerical grading. For example, the '普通话水平测试' (Putonghua Proficiency Test) or various vocational certifications will issue results as '合格' or '不合格'. In schools, while individual tests use scores, final graduation requirements might be summarized as '考核合格' (passed the assessment).

恭喜你，你的年度考核结果为合格。(Congratulations, your annual assessment result is 'qualified'.)

In the context of human resources and recruitment, '合格' is used to describe candidates who meet the '岗位要求' (job requirements). During a performance review, a manager might tell an employee they are a '合格的员工', which implies they are doing their job well and meeting expectations, though perhaps not exceeding them to the level of '优秀' (excellent).

Public Safety & Law: Health inspectors use this term for restaurants. A '卫生合格' (hygiene qualified) sign is a common sight in dining establishments.

这家餐厅的厨房卫生不合格，被责令停业整顿。(This restaurant's kitchen hygiene was not up to standard and was ordered to close for rectification.)

You will also hear it in sports and physical training. For example, in the military or in school PE classes, there are specific physical standards (like running 1000 meters in a certain time). If you meet the time, you are '合格'. This binary nature makes it very common in any situation involving a 'threshold'.

只有体能测试合格，才能进入下一轮面试。(Only if the physical test is passed can you enter the next round of interviews.)

Real Estate & Construction: Buildings must pass a '竣工验收合格' (completion and acceptance inspection) before residents can move in.

这栋大楼的消防设施检查不合格。(The fire safety facilities of this building failed the inspection.)

你的申请材料不合格，请重新提交。(Your application materials are not up to standard; please resubmit.)

One of the most frequent errors for learners is the confusion between 合格 (hégé) and 及格 (jígé). While both translate to 'pass' in English, their usage is quite distinct. '及格' is almost exclusively used for numerical scores on tests (e.g., getting 60 out of 100). '合格' is used for meeting qualitative standards or professional requirements. You would never say a product '及格了'; it must be '合格'.

Mistake 1: Misusing '及格' for Objects: Incorrect: 这件衣服及格。(This clothing is passed.)
Correct: 这件衣服合格。(This clothing is up to standard.)

Another common mistake is using '合格' as a direct verb that takes an object. In English, we say 'I passed the exam.' In Chinese, you cannot say '我合格了考试'. '合格' describes the *state* of the exam result or the person. You should say '我的考试合格了' or '我通过了考试'.

错误用法：他合格了面试。(He passed the interview.)
正确用法：他的面试合格了。(His interview was successful/qualified.)

Learners also often confuse '合格' with '合适' (héshì - suitable). While they share the character '合', '合适' is about personal preference or fit (e.g., 'these shoes fit me'), whereas '合格' is about objective standards (e.g., 'these shoes meet safety standards').

Mistake 2: Overusing '很': In technical or industrial contexts, avoid '很合格'. It's usually binary. Use '完全合格' or '完全符合标准' instead.

这批零件合格，没有发现任何缺陷。(These parts are up to standard; no defects were found.)

Finally, don't confuse '合格' with '成功' (chénggōng - success). A '合格' person is someone who meets the requirements to *start* or *be* in a role. A '成功' person is someone who has achieved great results in that role. Being '合格' is the prerequisite for being '成功'.

他虽然考试合格了，但离成为一名优秀的医生还有很长的路。(Although he passed the exam, he still has a long way to go to become an excellent doctor.)

Mistake 3: Word Order with '不': Always use '不合格' as a compound adjective. Don't say '合格不' in a statement.

由于技术指标不合格，该项目被叫停了。(Due to the technical indicators not being up to standard, the project was halted.)

我们要确保每一件出厂的产品都是合格的。(We must ensure every product leaving the factory is up to standard.)

Understanding 合格 requires comparing it with several close synonyms that deal with standards, suitability, and passing. The most common point of comparison is 及格 (jígé), but there are others like 符合 (fúhé), 达标 (dábiāo), and 称职 (chènzhí).

合格 vs. 及格 (jígé): '及格' is specifically for reaching a passing score (usually 60%) in an exam. '合格' is broader, referring to meeting any standard, whether it's quality, physical, or professional.

符合 (fúhé) is a verb meaning 'to accord with' or 'to comply with'. It is often used with specific rules or expectations (e.g., 符合规定 - to comply with regulations). While '合格' is an adjective describing the result, '符合' describes the relationship between the object and the standard.

他的表现符合一个合格士兵的标准。(His performance accords with the standards of a qualified soldier.)

达标 (dábiāo) is a verb meaning 'to reach the standard'. It is very common in sports, environmental goals, or production targets. It emphasizes the action of reaching the goal. If you '达标', you become '合格'.

合格 vs. 称职 (chènzhí): '称职' is used specifically for people in their jobs. It means 'competent' or 'well-qualified'. While '合格' can be used for people, '称职' is more formal and focused on professional ability.

他不仅是一名合格的经理，更是一位非常称职的领导者。(He is not only a qualified manager but also a very competent leader.)

通过 (tōngguò) is a verb meaning 'to pass' or 'to go through'. You '通过' an exam or a process. After you '通过', the result is that you are '合格'.

所有的产品都必须通过质量检测，确认合格后方可出厂。(All products must pass quality testing and be confirmed as qualified before leaving the factory.)

Summary Table: 1. 及格: Exam scores (60%)
2. 合格: General standards/quality
3. 称职: Job competence
4. 达标: Reaching a target

这批货物的包装不符合运输要求，因此被判定为不合格。(The packaging of this batch of goods does not comply with transport requirements, so it was judged as unqualified.)

作为一名合格的翻译，准确性是第一位的。(As a qualified translator, accuracy is the top priority.)

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Resultative Complements

Attributive 'de'

Binary Adjectives

Negation with 'bu'

Degree Complements

Examples by Level

我的考试合格了。

My exam passed.

Subject + 考试 + 合格 + 了

这个产品合格吗？

Is this product up to standard?

Interrogative sentence with 吗

他不合格。

He is not qualified.

Simple negation with 不

老师说我合格了。

The teacher said I passed.

Reported speech

这些苹果都合格。

These apples are all up to standard.

Use of 都 (all)

你合格了吗？

Did you pass?

Question form

作业合格了就可以回家。

If the homework is up to standard, you can go home.

Condition with 就可以

这是合格的玩具。

This is a qualified toy.

Attributive with 的

这是一名合格的老师。

This is a qualified teacher.

Measure word + 合格的 + Noun

请出示你的合格证。

Please show your certificate of quality.

Polite request with 请

这批衣服不合格，不能卖。

This batch of clothes is not up to standard and cannot be sold.

Resultative clause with 不能

他的体检合格了。

His physical exam was up to standard.

Noun phrase + 合格

我们要买合格的食品。

We should buy qualified food.

Modal verb 要

你的表现很合格。

Your performance is very much up to standard.

Adverb 很 modifying the adjective

只有合格的人才能参加。

Only qualified people can participate.

Structure 只有...才...

检查合格后，请签字。

After passing the inspection, please sign.

Time phrase with 后

他是一个合格的父亲，总是关心孩子。

He is a qualified father; he always cares for his children.

Describing social roles

这台机器经过修理后已经合格了。

This machine is now up to standard after being repaired.

Passive/Process structure with 经过

虽然他及格了，但他不是一个合格的学生。

Although he passed (the score), he is not a qualified student.

Contrast between 及格 and 合格

产品合格率达到了百分之九十九。

The product pass rate reached 99%.

Technical term 合格率

如果你想成为合格的导游，必须了解历史。

If you want to become a qualified tour guide, you must understand history.

Conditional 如果...必须...

这批出口货物的包装完全合格。

The packaging of this batch of export goods is completely up to standard.

Adverb 完全 (completely)

他在工作中表现得非常合格。

He performed very competently in his work.

Complement of degree with 得

面试官认为他不合格，因为他缺乏经验。

The interviewer thought he was unqualified because he lacked experience.

Causal clause with 因为

该项目的环境评估报告已经合格。

The environmental assessment report for the project has passed.

Formal business context

我们要确保每一位医生都是持证合格的。

We must ensure every doctor is certified and qualified.

Compound adjective 持证合格

这批原材料由于质量不合格被退回了。

This batch of raw materials was returned due to substandard quality.

Passive structure with 被

他努力学习，争取做一个合格的接班人。

He studies hard, striving to be a qualified successor.

Abstract role 'successor'

法律规定，不合格的产品严禁销售。

The law stipulates that substandard products are strictly forbidden from being sold.

Formal legal language

经过多轮测试，该软件终于达到了合格标准。

After multiple rounds of testing, the software finally reached the qualification standard.

Noun phrase 合格标准

一个合格的领导者应该倾听员工的意见。

A qualified leader should listen to employees' opinions.

Modal verb 应该

他的体能测试基本合格，但仍需加强训练。

His physical test was basically up to standard, but he still needs to strengthen his training.

Adverb 基本 (basically)

在现代社会，做一个合格的公民意味着什么？

In modern society, what does it mean to be a qualified citizen?

Philosophical inquiry

这些数据如果不合格，整个研究都将失去意义。

If these data are not up to standard, the entire research will lose its meaning.

Hypothetical condition

由于施工质量不合格，大桥的安全性受到了质疑。

Due to substandard construction quality, the safety of the bridge has been questioned.

Formal causal structure

他虽然技术过硬，但在职业道德上并不合格。

Although his skills are excellent, he is not qualified in terms of professional ethics.

Contrast between skill and ethics

该企业的废水排放一直未能达到合格水平。

The enterprise's wastewater discharge has consistently failed to reach qualified levels.

Environmental context

只有通过严格的资格审查，才能成为合格的会员。

Only by passing a strict qualification review can one become a qualified member.

Formal membership process

他被认为是一个合格的政治家，善于平衡各方利益。

He is considered a qualified politician, skilled at balancing various interests.

Passive voice with 被认为

这份合同的签署必须建立在双方资质合格的基础上。

The signing of this contract must be based on the qualified status of both parties.

Complex prepositional phrase

他穷其一生，只为追求成为一个灵魂合格的人。

He spent his whole life merely pursuing being a person with a qualified soul.

Literary/Metaphorical use

当标准的定义权被垄断时，所谓的‘合格’便失去了公正。

When the power to define standards is monopolized, so-called 'qualification' loses its justice.

Sociopolitical critique

这种文化产品是否合格，最终要由历史和时间来检验。

Whether this cultural product is up to standard must ultimately be tested by history and time.

Abstract evaluation

在极端环境下，人类对‘合格’的定义往往会发生扭曲。

In extreme environments, humanity's definition of 'qualified' often becomes distorted.

Psychological/Sociological context

他那番言论，显然不符合一个合格外交官的身份。

Those remarks of his clearly do not fit the status of a qualified diplomat.

High-level register

建筑的合格不仅在于结构的稳固，更在于对人文关怀的体现。

The qualification of a building lies not only in structural stability but also in the manifestation of humanistic care.

Architectural philosophy

如果连最基本的诚信都缺失，又何谈做一个合格的商人？

If even the most basic integrity is missing, how can one talk about being a qualified businessman?

Rhetorical question

这一政策的实施，标志着我国在环保领域迈向了合格的新阶段。

The implementation of this policy marks a new stage of qualification for our country in the field of environmental protection.

State-level formal announcement

Synonyms

达标称职胜任规范适配

Antonyms

不及格不合格劣质

Common Collocations

合格产品

合格医生

检查合格

体检合格

完全合格

基本合格

合格证书

合格率

验收合格

考核合格

Common Phrases

质量合格

考试合格

身体合格

条件合格

程序合格

人员合格

标准合格

技术合格

政治合格

思想合格

Often Confused With

合格 vs 及格

合格 vs 合适

合格 vs 符合

Idioms & Expressions

"格物致知 (While not using '合格' directly, it uses the '格' from it to mean investigating standards)"

"合格合规 (Qualified and compliant)"

"名副其实 (Being what one is called - often used with a qualified person)"

"不拘一格 (Not sticking to one pattern/standard)"

"别具一格 (Having a unique style/standard)"

"格杀勿论 (Kill on the spot - uses '格' as a rule/limit)"

"格格不入 (Incompatible - the opposite of '合')"

"严格要求 (Strictly demand standards)"

"合格之才 (A person of qualified talent)"

"规矩准绳 (Rules and standards)"

Easily Confused

合格 vs 及格

合格 vs 合适

合格 vs 符合

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

及格 (pass)

规格 (specification)

资格 (qualification)

格调 (style)

组合 (combine)

How to Use It

formality

合格 is the standard formal term for 'passing' or 'qualified'.

distinction

合格 is for standards; 及格 is for scores.

Common Mistakes

Using 合格 for test scores instead of 及格.
Using 合格 as a transitive verb (合格 + Object).
Confusing 合格 with 合适 (suitability).
Negating with '没' instead of '不'.
Using '很' in strictly binary industrial contexts.

Tips

Context Matters

Always check if you are talking about a score (及格) or a standard (合格).

Product Tags

Look for the '合格' stamp on items you buy in China to practice recognizing the word.

No Direct Object

Remember that '合格' describes a state, it doesn't 'do' an action to an object.

Formal Reports

Use '验收合格' when writing about project completions.

Tone Accuracy

Practice the double second tone to avoid confusion with other 'he-ge' sounds.

News Keywords

This word often appears in news about environmental protection and food safety.

Classroom Talk

Teachers often use this word when returning assignments.

Job Specs

Look for this word in job advertisements under 'requirements'.

Compliments

Calling someone a '合格' professional is a solid, respectful compliment.

HSK Prep

This is a common word in HSK 4 and above reading sections.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Cultural Context

The concept of '合格' is often used in political discourse to describe 'qualified' party members or citizens.

The '合格率' is a major focus in Chinese manufacturing pride.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你觉得什么样的老师才算合格？"

"你买东西会看合格证吗？"

"你最近的考试合格了吗？"

"怎样才能成为一个合格的翻译？"

"这家餐厅的卫生合格吗？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你认为一个合格的朋友应该具备哪些品质。

描述一次你努力达到某个合格标准的经历。

如果你发现买到的产品不合格，你会怎么办？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '合格' cannot take a direct object. You should say '我的考试合格了' or '我通过了考试'.

合格 means meeting the minimum standard (passing). 优秀 means being excellent or outstanding (far above the standard).

Yes, it is the standard formal term used in business, law, and education.

Yes, you can say '食品合格' to mean the food meets safety and quality standards.

It is a 'Certificate of Conformity' or 'Quality Certificate' found on products.

Rarely. You would use '合格' to describe a person's qualifications.

Yes, in subjective contexts like 'He is a very unqualified father', you can use degree adverbs.

It means 'pass rate' or 'qualification rate', usually in manufacturing.

It can function as a verb in some contexts, like 'inspection passed' (检查合格).

The most common way is '不合格'.