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March 24, 2026
氏shì(shi4)
The character 氏 (shì) refers to a clan name or a maiden name in Chinese culture. It is often used to denote one's family lineage and is a formal way to address a person's surname, especially in historical contexts related to nobility and aristocracy.
Strokes4Radical氏Frequency#5886DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the character 氏 was crucial for identifying nobility and their lineage. For example, it appears in historical texts to denote significant family names that played pivotal roles in Chinese history.
Memory Tip
Imagine a family tree with branches showing different clans. The character 氏 resembles a tree with roots, symbolizing family lineage. The pronunciation 'shì' can be remembered by thinking of a 'ship' sailing under the family name's flag.
Meanings of 氏
shì(shi4)
primary
1clan name
2maiden name
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 氏
氏Simplified
4Strokes
氏Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#5886Frequency Rank
Podcast: 氏
Podcast: 氏
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AI Study Notes for 氏
Usage Notes
氏 is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in historical or genealogical discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with the more casual term 姓 (xìng), which simply means 'surname.' Always remember to use 氏 when referring to lineage or clan names.
HSK Study Tips
While 氏 is not a part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your grasp of Chinese history and culture. It connects to other words related to family and lineage, such as 姓 (surname) and 家 (family). Focus on recognizing its use in texts about genealogy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 氏 with 姓 (xìng) and use it interchangeably in casual conversation. For example, saying '我姓氏张' (Wǒ xìng shì Zhāng) is incorrect; it should be '我姓张' (Wǒ xìng Zhāng).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 氏
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2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 氏? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 氏?
How to say clan name in Chinese
“clan name” in Chinese is氏shì
The character 氏 (shì) refers to a clan name or a maiden name in Chinese culture. It is often used to denote one's family lineage and is a formal way to address a person's surname, especially in historical contexts related to nobility and aristocracy.
When to use 氏
氏 is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in historical or genealogical discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with the more casual term 姓 (xìng), which simply means 'surname.' Always remember to use 氏 when referring to lineage or clan names.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 氏 with 姓 (xìng) and use it interchangeably in casual conversation. For example, saying '我姓氏张' (Wǒ xìng shì Zhāng) is incorrect; it should be '我姓张' (Wǒ xìng Zhāng).
Write 氏
氏
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Practice writing 氏 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 氏
氏 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这颗恒星的表面温度估计在零下75摄____度左右。
The star's surface temperature is reckoned to be minus 75 degrees Celsius.
