this, thus, such; emphatic particle; used in transliterations
nr, 12 strokes, radical 斤, rank #620, Easy
斯
Sī
abbr. for 斯洛伐克[Sī luò fá kè]
nr, 12 strokes, radical 斤, rank #620, Easy
斯
Sī
abbr. for 斯洛伐克[Si1 luo4 fa2 ke4]
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 斤, rank #620, Easy
Sī(Si1) T1
1Slovakia
2Slovak
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March 24, 2026
斯Sī(Si1)
The character 斯 (sī) primarily serves as a phonetic character in transliterations, as well as an abbreviation for Slovakia (斯洛伐克). It can also function as an emphatic particle, conveying a sense of 'this' or 'such' in certain contexts. Commonly, it appears in formal or literary texts rather than everyday conversation.
Strokes12Radical斤Frequency#620DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
斯 is often used in the context of international relations and diplomacy, especially when discussing countries like Slovakia. The character reflects China's growing engagement with Central and Eastern European nations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sleek, stylish Slovakian car gliding smoothly down a road. The character 斯 has a simple, elegant form, much like the car’s design, reminding you of Slovakia's modernity. Think of 'S' for Slovakia, with the sound 'sī' echoing the smoothness of the ride.
Meanings of 斯
Sī(Si1)
1Slovakia
2Slovak
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 斯
斯Simplified
12Strokes
斤Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#620Frequency Rank
Podcast: 斯
Podcast: 斯
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AI Study Notes for 斯
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 斯 with similar-sounding characters, leading to pronunciation mistakes. It is more common in formal registers, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Be mindful of its role in context, as it can change meaning based on usage.
HSK Study Tips
Although 斯 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is beneficial for learners to recognize it due to its phonetic and transliteration uses. Focus on understanding its application in names and formal references, which often appear in reading materials relevant to higher HSK levels.
Common Mistakes
Learners might incorrectly use 斯 when they mean 这 (zhè) for 'this' in casual contexts. For example, saying '斯是我的书' instead of '这是我的书' (This is my book) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 斯
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Phonosemantic compound. 斤 represents the meaning and 其 represents the sound. Nowadays this character is usually only used for its sound in phonetic loans.
Phonosemantic compound. 斤 represents the meaning and 其 represents the sound. Nowadays this character is usually only used for its sound in phonetic loans.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 斯? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Decomposition of 斯
IDS Structure⿰其斤
斯Full Character
=
其qi2
left
斤jin1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 斯?
How to say Slovakia in Chinese
“Slovakia” in Chinese is斯Sī
The character 斯 (sī) primarily serves as a phonetic character in transliterations, as well as an abbreviation for Slovakia (斯洛伐克). It can also function as an emphatic particle, conveying a sense of 'this' or 'such' in certain contexts. Commonly, it appears in formal or literary texts rather than everyday conversation.
When to use 斯
Learners often confuse 斯 with similar-sounding characters, leading to pronunciation mistakes. It is more common in formal registers, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Be mindful of its role in context, as it can change meaning based on usage.
What learners get wrong
Learners might incorrectly use 斯 when they mean 这 (zhè) for 'this' in casual contexts. For example, saying '斯是我的书' instead of '这是我的书' (This is my book) is incorrect.
Write 斯
斯
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Practice writing 斯 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 斯
斯 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
