this, thus, such; emphatic particle; used in transliterations
nr, 12 strokes, radical 斤, rank #620, Hard
斯
Sī
abbr. for 斯洛伐克[Si1 luo4 fa2 ke4]
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 斤, rank #620, Hard
Sī(Si1) T1
1Slovakia
2Slovak
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
斯Sī(Si1)
The character 斯 (sī) primarily serves as a phonetic character in transliterations, as well as an abbreviation for Slovakia (斯洛伐克). It can also function as an emphatic particle, conveying a sense of 'this' or 'such' in certain contexts. Commonly, it appears in formal or literary texts rather than everyday conversation.
Strokes12Radical斤Frequency#620DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
斯 is often used in the context of international relations and diplomacy, especially when discussing countries like Slovakia. The character reflects China's growing engagement with Central and Eastern European nations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sleek, stylish Slovakian car gliding smoothly down a road. The character 斯 has a simple, elegant form, much like the car’s design, reminding you of Slovakia's modernity. Think of 'S' for Slovakia, with the sound 'sī' echoing the smoothness of the ride.
Meanings of 斯
Sī(Si1)
1Slovakia
2Slovak
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 斯
斯Simplified
12Strokes
斤Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#620Frequency Rank
Podcast: 斯
Podcast: 斯
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 斯
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sleek, stylish Slovakian car gliding smoothly down a road. The character 斯 has a simple, elegant form, much like the car’s design, reminding you of Slovakia's modernity. Think of 'S' for Slovakia, with the sound 'sī' echoing the smoothness of the ride.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 斯 with similar-sounding characters, leading to pronunciation mistakes. It is more common in formal registers, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Be mindful of its role in context, as it can change meaning based on usage.
HSK Study Tips
Although 斯 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is beneficial for learners to recognize it due to its phonetic and transliteration uses. Focus on understanding its application in names and formal references, which often appear in reading materials relevant to higher HSK levels.
Cultural Note
斯 is often used in the context of international relations and diplomacy, especially when discussing countries like Slovakia. The character reflects China's growing engagement with Central and Eastern European nations.
Common Mistakes
Learners might incorrectly use 斯 when they mean 这 (zhè) for 'this' in casual contexts. For example, saying '斯是我的书' instead of '这是我的书' (This is my book) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 斯
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 斯 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. 斤 represents the meaning and 其 represents the sound. Nowadays this character is usually only used for its sound in phonetic loans.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 斯 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 斯
斯 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 7 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.
Beasley told me he'd seen you, so I nipped straight home.
10
亚当斯满腹狐疑地问道：“你到底要我做什么？”
yà dāng sī mǎn fù hú yí dì wèn dào：“ ：“ nǐ dào dǐ yào wǒ zuò shí？”
"What is it you want me to do?" Adams asked suspiciously.
Cultural Notes for 斯
🏮Cultural insight
斯 is often used in the context of international relations and diplomacy, especially when discussing countries like Slovakia. The character reflects China's growing engagement with Central and Eastern European nations.
Word Family of 斯
Compounds10
撕si1to tear
厮si1servant; to cause a disturbance
嘶si1the neighing of a hoarse, gravel-voiced, hoarse
澌si1to vanish, to disappear; to exhaust, to dry up
