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生词 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
生词shēngcínew word (in textbook)HSK 2, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #67079, Easy
生词shēngcíword that is unfamiliar or not yet studiedHSK 2, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #67079, Easy
shēngcí(sheng1ci2) T1
  1. 1new word (in textbook)
  2. 2word that is unfamiliar or not yet studied
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

生词(生詞)shēngcí(sheng1ci2)

生词 (shēngcí) refers to a new or unfamiliar word, often encountered in textbooks or language learning contexts. It signifies vocabulary that has not yet been studied or mastered, making it a common term in language acquisition.

Strokes12Frequency#67079DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note

In Chinese education, teachers often highlight 生词 during lessons, encouraging students to keep a dedicated notebook for these new terms, reflecting the emphasis on vocabulary building in language learning.

Memory Tip

Imagine a fresh sprout (生) emerging from the ground, representing newness, and a word (词) floating above it like a thought bubble. Together, '生词' symbolizes 'new words' waiting to be learned.

Meanings of 生词

shēngcí(sheng1ci2)
1new word (in textbook)
2word that is unfamiliar or not yet studied
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 生词

生词Simplified
生詞Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
组Measure Word
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 生词

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Podcast: 生词

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AI Study Notes for 生词

Quick Contrast

生字 (shēngzì) refers to a new character, while 生词 (shēngcí) specifically denotes a new word, which may consist of one or more characters.

Usage Notes

生词 is typically used in educational settings, especially when discussing vocabulary acquisition. A common mistake is confusing it with 词汇 (cíhuì), which refers to vocabulary more generally. Ensure to use 生词 when specifically referring to new or unfamiliar words.

HSK Study Tips

While 生词 is not associated with a specific HSK level, it is relevant for all learners as expanding vocabulary is crucial for language proficiency. Students should focus on recognizing and practicing the pronunciation and usage of new words encountered in context.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 生词 by applying it to known vocabulary. For example, saying '我学了许多生词' (I learned many new words) might be incorrect if the words are already known. Instead, use 生词 only for unfamiliar terms.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 生词

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Component Characters

生shēngto be born
HSK 45 strokes生
View full entry
词cíword
HSK 27 strokes讠
View full entry

How to say new word (in textbook) in Chinese

“new word (in textbook)” in Chinese is生词shēngcí

生词 (shēngcí) refers to a new or unfamiliar word, often encountered in textbooks or language learning contexts. It signifies vocabulary that has not yet been studied or mastered, making it a common term in language acquisition.

When to use 生词

生词 is typically used in educational settings, especially when discussing vocabulary acquisition. A common mistake is confusing it with 词汇 (cíhuì), which refers to vocabulary more generally. Ensure to use 生词 when specifically referring to new or unfamiliar words.

生词 or something close to it

生字 (shēngzì) refers to a new character, while 生词 (shēngcí) specifically denotes a new word, which may consist of one or more characters.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 生词 by applying it to known vocabulary. For example, saying '我学了许多生词' (I learned many new words) might be incorrect if the words are already known. Instead, use 生词 only for unfamiliar terms.

Write 生词

生
词

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Frequently Asked Questions about 生词

生词 specifically refers to new or unfamiliar words, while 词汇 encompasses the broader concept of vocabulary.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 生词?

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.