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March 24, 2026
世shì(Shi4)
The character '世' (shì) primarily means 'world' or 'generation.' It is often used to denote a specific period of time or a particular era in history, as well as to refer to descendants or familial lineage. Common contexts include discussions of social conditions, historical epochs, and familial relationships.
Strokes5Radical一Frequency#2998DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
'世' is often seen in Chinese proverbs and idioms that reflect the importance of family lineage and the concept of the 'world,' emphasizing harmony and continuity across generations in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand 'world' (世) where each generation is represented as a layer of a cake. The layers symbolize different 'ages' of life, and you can remember that '世' sounds like 'shì' which rhymes with 'she,' depicting a woman from each generation enjoying her cake of life.
Meanings of 世
shì(Shi4)
1life
2age
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About 世
世Simplified
5Strokes
一Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2998Frequency Rank
Podcast: 世
Podcast: 世
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AI Study Notes for 世
Quick Contrast
世 (shì) vs 代 (dài) — use '世' when referring to a world or generation, while '代' emphasizes a specific generation or era in terms of succession.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse '世' with similar-sounding characters. In formal contexts, it can denote nobility or lineage, while in informal speech, it simply refers to the world or a generation. Common collocations include '世代' (shìdài, generation) and '世界' (shìjiè, world).
HSK Study Tips
Although '世' is not included in the HSK levels, it connects well with other characters related to time and family, such as '代' (dài, generation) and '家' (jiā, family). Focus on using '世' in phrases that describe lineage or historical periods.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce '世' as 'sì' due to its similar phonetic structure. Remember that the correct pronunciation is 'shì.' Additionally, some may confuse '世' with '是' (shì, to be), leading to incorrect usages in sentences.
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Pronunciation of 世
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六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
Explanation
Three copies of 十 (ten) to make 30, similar to the archaic character 卅 (30). Conveys the meaning "30-year generation", also symbolizing a branching family tree.
The character '世' (shì) primarily means 'world' or 'generation.' It is often used to denote a specific period of time or a particular era in history, as well as to refer to descendants or familial lineage. Common contexts include discussions of social conditions, historical epochs, and familial relationships.
When to use 世
Be careful not to confuse '世' with similar-sounding characters. In formal contexts, it can denote nobility or lineage, while in informal speech, it simply refers to the world or a generation. Common collocations include '世代' (shìdài, generation) and '世界' (shìjiè, world).
世 or something close to it
世 (shì) vs 代 (dài) — use '世' when referring to a world or generation, while '代' emphasizes a specific generation or era in terms of succession.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce '世' as 'sì' due to its similar phonetic structure. Remember that the correct pronunciation is 'shì.' Additionally, some may confuse '世' with '是' (shì, to be), leading to incorrect usages in sentences.
Write 世
世
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Grammar Patterns of 世
世 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 10 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
By the early 1980s, the power station had outlived its purpose.
15
我同学的名字叫世明。
Wǒ tóngxué de míngzì jiào Shì Míng.
My classmate's name is Shi Ming.
16
世老师教我们中文。
Shì lǎoshī jiāo wǒmen zhōngwén.
Teacher Shi teaches us Chinese.
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Cultural Notes for 世
💡Did you know?
The character 世 represents the concept of generations and the world. In Chinese culture, the idea of '世代' (generations) is significant, as it reflects the importance of lineage and heritage in family structures.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
The concept of '世' as a generational marker is more emphasized in Chinese culture, where lineage and family history hold significant value, compared to Western cultures that may prioritize individual achievement.
Word Family of 世
Compounds24
泄xie4to leak (of water or gas)
屉ti4drawer
笹
抴
枻
疶
绁xie4to shorten, to contract; tie, leash
贳shi4to borrow; to pardon; loan
迣
伳
呭
怈
朑
枼ye4table; flat pieces of wood; a slip, a leaf
玴
紲
袣
詍
貰
跇
鉪
靾
髰
齛
Words Containing This Character20
世界shìjièworld
世纪shìjìcentury世紀
世shìlife
全世界quánshìjièworldwide
去世qùshìto die
世上on earth
世界杯shìjièbēiWorld Cup
世人everyone
过世to die過世
世间world世間
世锦赛world championship世錦賽
救世主the Savior (in Christianity)
世界大战world war世界大戰
逝世shìshìto die
世事affairs of life
人世the world
在世to be alive
中世纪medieval中世紀
世俗profane
世界级shìjièjíworld-class世界級
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 世
What does 泄 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 世
Yes, 世 (shì) can also be a surname in China. While not as common as some others, it is still recognized and used by certain families.
The character 世 (shì) holds cultural significance as it relates to the idea of generations and lineage. It is often used in discussions about family, history, and societal changes over time.
You can use 世 (shì) in sentences like '这个世界很大' (zhège shìjiè hěn dà), which means 'This world is very big.' It's often used to describe concepts related to life and the passage of time.
世 (shì) means 'world', 'generation', or 'era' in Chinese. It can also refer to a lifetime or the concept of age. This character is commonly used in expressions related to time and generations.
'世' can refer to the lineage or generations within a family, emphasizing the connection between ancestors and descendants.
'世' can be used to talk about the world around us or to reference generational differences in views and experiences.
Yes, expressions like '世界' (shìjiè, world) and '世代' (shìdài, generation) are commonly used.
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