Meanings of 读书
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 读书
Podcast: 读书
Podcast: 读书
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 读书
学习 (xuéxí) vs 读书 (dúshū): use 读书 when specifically referring to the act of reading books, while 学习 encompasses a broader range of learning activities, including studying, practicing, and acquiring new skills.
Learners often confuse 读书 with simply 读 (read) or 学习 (study), but 读书 specifically implies reading books for education. It is generally used in more formal contexts, like discussing academic pursuits, rather than casual reading.
While 读书 is not an HSK vocabulary item, students should focus on its components: 读 (to read) is an HSK 1 word, and 书 (book) is also in HSK 1. Understanding these will help build foundational vocabulary around education.
A common mistake is to use 读书 when referring to online studies. Instead, it's better to say 在线学习 (zai4 xian4 xue2 xi2) for online learning. Another mistake is using it in casual conversations where simply 读 would suffice.
Pronunciation of 读书
Drill the tone of 读书 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 read a book in Chinese
“to read a book” in Chinese is读书
读书 (du2 shu1) means 'to read books' or 'to study'. It is commonly used in contexts where one is engaging in formal education or self-directed learning. The phrase emphasizes the act of reading and acquiring knowledge, often associated with attending school or university.
When to use 读书
Learners often confuse 读书 with simply 读 (read) or 学习 (study), but 读书 specifically implies reading books for education. It is generally used in more formal contexts, like discussing academic pursuits, rather than casual reading.
读书 or something close to it
学习 (xuéxí) vs 读书 (dúshū): use 读书 when specifically referring to the act of reading books, while 学习 encompasses a broader range of learning activities, including studying, practicing, and acquiring new skills.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is to use 读书 when referring to online studies. Instead, it's better to say 在线学习 (zai4 xian4 xue2 xi2) for online learning. Another mistake is using it in casual conversations where simply 读 would suffice.
Write 读书
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 读书 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions about 读书
While you can, it's more appropriate to use 读 (read) for casual reading and reserve 读书 for academic or educational contexts.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 读书?
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.