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未知数 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
未知数wèizhīshùunknown quantityHSK 7, unknown, 26 strokes, rank #28990, Very Hard
wèizhīshù(wei4zhi1shu4) T4
  1. 1unknown quantity
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March 24, 2026

未知数(未知數)wèizhīshù(wei4zhi1shu4)

未知数 refers to an 'unknown quantity' in mathematics and problem-solving contexts. It typically represents a variable or an element that has yet to be determined, making it essential in equations and algebraic expressions.

Strokes26Frequency#28990DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese education, mathematics is highly valued, and concepts like 未知数 are foundational in teaching critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This term often appears in academic settings.

Memory Tip

Think of 未 (not yet) as a sign that something is incomplete, and 知 (to know) indicates that you do not yet know this quantity. Picture a math problem where the answer is hidden, symbolizing the unknown.

Meanings of 未知数

wèizhīshù(wei4zhi1shu4)
1unknown quantity
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About 未知数

未知数Simplified
未知數Traditional
26Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 未知数

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Podcast: 未知数

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AI Study Notes for 未知数

Quick Contrast

未知数 (unknown quantity) vs 变量 (variable) — use 未知数 when emphasizing the unknown nature of a specific quantity in a problem, while 变量 is more general and refers to any variable in mathematical contexts.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 未知数 with 知道 (to know), as they represent opposing concepts. This term is used in both formal mathematics and casual discussions about problems or uncertainties, so context matters.

HSK Study Tips

While 未知数 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects with other mathematical terms that may appear in higher HSK levels. Focus on recognizing its components and how it relates to expressions of uncertainty.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 未知数 to refer to anything unclear or ambiguous, while it specifically means a mathematical unknown. For example, saying '他的感觉是一个未知数' (His feelings are an unknown quantity) is incorrect; use '不确定' (uncertain) instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 未知数

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Component Characters

未wèinot yet
HSK 65 strokes木
View full entry
知zhīto know
HSK 68 strokes矢
View full entry
数shùnumber
HSK 413 strokes攵
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How to say unknown quantity in Chinese

“unknown quantity” in Chinese is未知数wèizhīshù

未知数 refers to an 'unknown quantity' in mathematics and problem-solving contexts. It typically represents a variable or an element that has yet to be determined, making it essential in equations and algebraic expressions.

When to use 未知数

Be careful not to confuse 未知数 with 知道 (to know), as they represent opposing concepts. This term is used in both formal mathematics and casual discussions about problems or uncertainties, so context matters.

未知数 or something close to it

未知数 (unknown quantity) vs 变量 (variable) — use 未知数 when emphasizing the unknown nature of a specific quantity in a problem, while 变量 is more general and refers to any variable in mathematical contexts.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 未知数 to refer to anything unclear or ambiguous, while it specifically means a mathematical unknown. For example, saying '他的感觉是一个未知数' (His feelings are an unknown quantity) is incorrect; use '不确定' (uncertain) instead.

Write 未知数

未
知
数

Practice writing 未知数 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 未知数

It refers to variables in equations, such as x in algebra, which represents values we need to find.

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