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March 24, 2026
釋shì(shi4)
The character 釋 (shì) primarily means 'to explain' or 'to interpret,' commonly used in contexts such as discussing theories or clarifying concepts. It can also mean 'to release' or 'to set free,' often found in legal or philosophical texts. The dual meanings provide a nuanced understanding of communication and liberation.
Strokes20Radical釆Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Buddhist texts, 释 often appears in reference to释迦牟尼 (Shìjiā Móuní), the historical Buddha, whose teachings aim to explain the nature of suffering and the path to enlightenment. The character reflects the importance of understanding and interpretation in Chinese philosophy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise sage (像释) holding a key (釋) that unlocks the mysteries of the universe. The radical 钅 (metal) suggests the value of knowledge, while the phonetic component 释 sounds like 'shì,' which can remind you of 'she' who explains things clearly.
Meanings of 釋
shì(shi4)
1to explain, to interpret; to release
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 釋
釋Simplified
20Strokes
釆Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 釋
Podcast: 釋
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AI Study Notes for 釋
Quick Contrast
释 (shì) vs 解 (jiě) — use 释 when focusing on explanation or interpretation, while 解 emphasizes the act of resolving or untangling.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise sage (像释) holding a key (釋) that unlocks the mysteries of the universe. The radical 钅 (metal) suggests the value of knowledge, while the phonetic component 释 sounds like 'shì,' which can remind you of 'she' who explains things clearly.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 释 (shì) with 识 (shí), which means 'to know' or 'to recognize.' This term is more formal and is often used in academic or legal contexts. Common collocations include 释义 (shìyì - explanation) and 释怀 (shìhuái - to let go).
HSK Study Tips
Although 释 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects with other HSK words related to communication and understanding, such as 解释 (jiěshì - to explain) and 表达 (biǎodá - to express). Focus on recognizing the character's components and its various uses in context.
Cultural Note
In Buddhist texts, 释 often appears in reference to释迦牟尼 (Shìjiā Móuní), the historical Buddha, whose teachings aim to explain the nature of suffering and the path to enlightenment. The character reflects the importance of understanding and interpretation in Chinese philosophy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 释 with similar-sounding characters like 识 (shí), leading to incorrect sentences. For example, using 释 to say 'I know' should be corrected to '我知道' (wǒ zhīdào) instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 釋
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Cultural Notes for 釋
🏮Cultural insight
In Buddhist texts, 释 often appears in reference to释迦牟尼 (Shìjiā Móuní), the historical Buddha, whose teachings aim to explain the nature of suffering and the path to enlightenment. The character reflects the importance of understanding and interpretation in Chinese philosophy.
Word Family of 釋
Words Containing This Character20
解释jiěshìexplanation解釋
释放shìfàngto release釋放
诠释to interpret詮釋
假释parole假釋
保释to bail保釋
释shìto explain釋
稀释to dilute稀釋
释怀to release (tension)釋懷
阐释to explain闡釋
注释zhùshìmarginal notes注釋
获释freed (from prison)獲釋
释然relieved釋然
爱不释手àibúshìshǒuto love sth too much to part with it (idiom); to fondle admiringly愛不釋手
如释重负as if relieved from a burden (idiom)如釋重負
释义the meaning of sth釋義
释迦牟尼Sakyamuni Buddha (Sanskrit: sage of the Sakya)釋迦牟尼
释疑to dispel doubts釋疑
开释to release (a prisoner)開釋
释迦sugar apple釋迦
冰释thaw (in relations)冰釋
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 解释 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 釋
It is pronounced as 'shì' with a falling tone, similar to 'she' but with a sharper tone.
Yes, but it is more formal. In casual conversation, you might use 解释 (jiěshì) instead.
释 focuses more on explanation or interpretation, while 释放 (shìfàng) specifically means 'to release' or 'to set free' physically.
