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March 24, 2026
悉xī(xi1)
The character 悉 (xī) means to know or to learn about something thoroughly. It is often used in contexts where complete understanding or knowledge is emphasized, such as in formal or literary texts. The character conveys a sense of completeness in knowing or comprehending information.
Strokes11Radical心Frequency#22315DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, knowledge is highly valued, and the concept of knowing something thoroughly is often associated with wisdom. The character 悉 reflects this cultural emphasis on deep understanding rather than superficial knowledge.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise sage sitting under a tree, fully 'knowing' the secrets of nature. The character 悉 has the radical for 'heart' (心) at the bottom, suggesting that true understanding comes from the heart and deep contemplation, while the top part resembles a person who has learned everything.
Meanings of 悉
xī(xi1)
1in all cases
2know
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 悉
悉Simplified
11Strokes
心Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#22315Frequency Rank
Podcast: 悉
Podcast: 悉
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AI Study Notes for 悉
Quick Contrast
知 (zhī) vs 察 (chá) — use 悉 when emphasizing thorough understanding, while 知 indicates general knowledge and 察 implies observation or careful examination.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise sage sitting under a tree, fully 'knowing' the secrets of nature. The character 悉 has the radical for 'heart' (心) at the bottom, suggesting that true understanding comes from the heart and deep contemplation, while the top part resembles a person who has learned everything.
Usage Notes
This character is more common in written Chinese, especially in formal contexts. Learners often confuse it with similar sounding words; ensure you practice its pronunciation, as the tone is crucial (first tone). Collocations include phrases like '悉知' (to know fully) and '悉心' (with great care).
HSK Study Tips
While 悉 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects with other words related to knowledge and understanding found in HSK levels 4 and above. Focus on recognizing it in reading materials, especially in literary contexts, to enhance your comprehension skills.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, knowledge is highly valued, and the concept of knowing something thoroughly is often associated with wisdom. The character 悉 reflects this cultural emphasis on deep understanding rather than superficial knowledge.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 悉 with 知 (to know) and misuse it in casual conversation, where 知 is more appropriate. For example, using 悉 in a sentence like '我悉这个' (I know this) instead of '我知道这个' (I know this) would be incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 悉
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Grammar Patterns of 悉
悉 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 3 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.
I just wanted to explore Paris, read Sartre, listen to Sidney Bechet.
Cultural Notes for 悉
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, knowledge is highly valued, and the concept of knowing something thoroughly is often associated with wisdom. The character 悉 reflects this cultural emphasis on deep understanding rather than superficial knowledge.
Word Family of 悉
Compounds4
蟋xi1cricket (1)
窸xi1whisper, faint noise
僁
鏭
Words Containing This Character12
熟悉shúxito know well
据悉jùxīaccording to reports據悉
获悉huòxīto learn of sth獲悉
悉尼Sydney, capital of New South Wales, Australia
悉xīknow
悉心with great care
洞悉to clearly understand
悉数all悉數
知悉to know
得悉to learn about
闻悉to hear (about sth)聞悉
悉达多Siddhartha Gautama (563-485 BC), the historical Buddha and founder of Buddhism悉達多
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 蟋 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 悉
Some synonyms for 悉 (xī) include 知 (zhī), which means 'to know,' and 熟悉 (shúxī), which means 'to be familiar with.' Each of these words has its own nuance, with 悉 emphasizing completeness in knowledge.
The character 悉 (xī) is not commonly used in everyday conversation but may appear in more formal contexts or written Chinese. It is often found in literary texts or academic discussions where thorough knowledge is emphasized.
To use 悉 (xī) in a sentence, you might say, '我悉知此事' (wǒ xī zhī cǐ shì), which means 'I am fully aware of this matter.' It emphasizes your comprehensive understanding of the subject being discussed.
悉 (xī) generally means 'to know' or 'to comprehend.' It is often used in contexts where someone is fully aware of or understands something completely. This character can also imply thoroughness in knowledge or understanding.
The pronunciation is xī, with a high and level tone. It's important to maintain the first tone to convey the correct meaning.
You will often find 悉 in formal writing, literature, or speeches where a complete understanding is emphasized.
Yes, characters like 知 (zhī) and 了解 (liǎojiě) also relate to knowledge, but they may not carry the same emphasis on completeness.
