Meanings of 試
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About 試
Podcast: 試
Podcast: 試
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AI Study Notes for 試
尝 (cháng) - use 試 (shì) when referring to trying something out or testing, while 尝 (cháng) specifically refers to tasting something.
Common mistakes include using 試 in overly formal contexts where simpler verbs like '试试' (shì shì) might be more appropriate. Be mindful of the tone; '试' is a fourth tone, which can be confused with the first tone if pronounced incorrectly. It often collocates with words like '考试' (kǎoshì, exam) and '尝试' (chángshì, try).
Though 試 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is relevant for HSK 3 and above due to its usage in exams and daily conversations. Focus on its application in phrases like '考试' and '尝试' to build vocabulary at this level.
Learners often confuse 試 with similar-sounding words. For example, saying '我试看看' (wǒ shì kàn kàn) is incorrect; it should be '我试试' (wǒ shì shì) for 'I'll give it a try.'
Pronunciation of 試
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Etymology of 試
Simplified form of 試. Phonosemantic compound. 言 represents the meaning and 式 represents the sound.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 試
Simplified form of 試. Phonosemantic compound. 言 represents the meaning and 式 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half言 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half式 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayspeech
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 試? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 試
Identify the Components
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How to say to try, to experiment; exam, test in Chinese
“to try, to experiment; exam, test” in Chinese is試
The character 試 (shì) means 'to try' or 'to experiment.' It is commonly used in contexts related to testing or attempting something, such as taking an exam or trying out a new method. In addition to its verb form, it also functions as a noun referring to tests or examinations.
When to use 試
Common mistakes include using 試 in overly formal contexts where simpler verbs like '试试' (shì shì) might be more appropriate. Be mindful of the tone; '试' is a fourth tone, which can be confused with the first tone if pronounced incorrectly. It often collocates with words like '考试' (kǎoshì, exam) and '尝试' (chángshì, try).
試 or something close to it
尝 (cháng) - use 試 (shì) when referring to trying something out or testing, while 尝 (cháng) specifically refers to tasting something.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 試 with similar-sounding words. For example, saying '我试看看' (wǒ shì kàn kàn) is incorrect; it should be '我试试' (wǒ shì shì) for 'I'll give it a try.'
Write 試
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Practice writing 試 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 試
While testing and exams are important in both Western and Chinese cultures, the intensity and pressure associated with exams in China, particularly the gaokao (college entrance exam), is often much greater than in many Western contexts.
Word Family of 試
Compound Meaning
What does 试 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 試
You can say '我想试试这个方法' (wǒ xiǎng shì shì zhège fāngfǎ), meaning 'I want to try this method.'
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