Meanings of 想起
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 想起
Podcast: 想起
Podcast: 想起
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 想起
想起 (xiǎngqǐ) vs 记得 (jìdé) — use 想起 when emphasizing the sudden recall of a memory, while 记得 indicates a more general state of remembering.
Be careful not to confuse 想起 with 记得 (jìde), which means 'to remember' in a more general sense. 想起 is more about the sudden act of recalling something specific. This phrase is informal but widely used in everyday conversation.
While 想起 is not a designated HSK word, it connects well with other HSK vocabulary related to memory and thought, such as 记 (jì - to remember) and 想 (xiǎng - to think). Focus on using it in sentences to express memory and recollection.
Learners often confuse 想起 with 记得, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我记得这件事' (Wǒ jìde zhè jiàn shì) instead of '我想起这件事' (Wǒ xiǎngqǐ zhè jiàn shì) when referring to a specific memory can lead to confusion.
Pronunciation of 想起
Drill the tone of 想起 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
How to say to recall in Chinese
“to recall” in Chinese is想起
想起 (xiǎngqǐ) means to recall or to think of something that was previously in one's memory. It is commonly used when someone suddenly remembers a fact, idea, or person, often after a period of forgetfulness or distraction. This verb phrase emphasizes the act of bringing something back into one's conscious thought.
When to use 想起
Be careful not to confuse 想起 with 记得 (jìde), which means 'to remember' in a more general sense. 想起 is more about the sudden act of recalling something specific. This phrase is informal but widely used in everyday conversation.
想起 or something close to it
想起 (xiǎngqǐ) vs 记得 (jìdé) — use 想起 when emphasizing the sudden recall of a memory, while 记得 indicates a more general state of remembering.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 想起 with 记得, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我记得这件事' (Wǒ jìde zhè jiàn shì) instead of '我想起这件事' (Wǒ xiǎngqǐ zhè jiàn shì) when referring to a specific memory can lead to confusion.
Write 想起
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 想起 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions about 想起
You can say '我想起了他的名字' (Wǒ xiǎngqǐle tā de míngzì) which means 'I recalled his name.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 想起?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.