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March 24, 2026
昔Xī(Xi1)
The character 昔 (xī) primarily refers to 'the past' or 'former times.' It is often used in literary contexts and can convey a sense of nostalgia or historical reflection. Additionally, it serves as a surname, Xi, in Chinese culture.
Strokes8Radical日Frequency#9093DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'the past' is often intertwined with values of respect for history and ancestors. The character 昔 may be seen in phrases commemorating historical events or in poetry reflecting on bygone days, emphasizing a cultural appreciation for legacy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a scene from 'the past' where a wise old man reflects on his youth under the moonlight. The character 昔 resembles a person sitting down (夕) and looking back at the past, while the sun (日) is setting, symbolizing the end of a day—a metaphor for time gone by.
Meanings of 昔
Xī(Xi1)
1former times
2the past
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 昔
昔Simplified
8Strokes
日Radical
时间词time word (t.)Part of Speech
#9093Frequency Rank
Podcast: 昔
Podcast: 昔
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AI Study Notes for 昔
Quick Contrast
昔 (xī) vs 以前 (yǐqián) — use 昔 for a more literary or nostalgic reference to the past, while 以前 is more common and neutral.
Usage Notes
When using 昔, it is important to note that it is more formal and often appears in written texts or poetry rather than in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with other time-related words like 以前 (yǐqián), which is more commonly used in spoken language.
HSK Study Tips
Although 昔 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding this character can enrich your comprehension of classical texts and idiomatic expressions. Focus on its usage in historical contexts and literature to deepen your appreciation of Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 昔 with 以前 (yǐqián), leading to incorrect usage in informal settings. For instance, saying '我昨晚去过那里' (Wǒ zuówǎn qùguò nàlǐ) instead of '我以前去过那里' (Wǒ yǐqián qùguò nàlǐ) demonstrates this mix-up.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 昔
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Pictograph of the sun (日) having passed through many cycles of rising and setting.
1The giveawayTwenty 廿 days ago 日
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 昔? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 昔?
Decomposition of 昔
IDS Structure⿱廿日
昔Full Character
=
廿nian4
top
日Ri4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 昔?
How to say former times in Chinese
“former times” in Chinese is昔Xī
The character 昔 (xī) primarily refers to 'the past' or 'former times.' It is often used in literary contexts and can convey a sense of nostalgia or historical reflection. Additionally, it serves as a surname, Xi, in Chinese culture.
When to use 昔
When using 昔, it is important to note that it is more formal and often appears in written texts or poetry rather than in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with other time-related words like 以前 (yǐqián), which is more commonly used in spoken language.
昔 or something close to it
昔 (xī) vs 以前 (yǐqián) — use 昔 for a more literary or nostalgic reference to the past, while 以前 is more common and neutral.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 昔 with 以前 (yǐqián), leading to incorrect usage in informal settings. For instance, saying '我昨晚去过那里' (Wǒ zuówǎn qùguò nàlǐ) instead of '我以前去过那里' (Wǒ yǐqián qùguò nàlǐ) demonstrates this mix-up.
Write 昔
昔
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Practice writing 昔 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 昔
昔 carries 6 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他让司机去给他买一杯草莓奶____。
He sent his driver to fetch him a strawberry shake.
Example Sentences for 昔 (5)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他让司机去给他买一杯草莓奶昔。
tā ràng sī jī qù gěi tā mǎi yī bēi cǎo méi nǎi xī。
He sent his driver to fetch him a strawberry shake.
2
这次胜利勾起了他对往昔那些夺冠岁月的美好回忆。
zhè cì shèng lì gōu qǐ le tā duì wǎng xī nà xiē duó guān suì yuè de měi hǎo huí yì。
The win revived glorious memories of his championship-winning days.
3
他们谈起昔日的校园生活.
tā mén tán qǐ xī rì de xiào yuán shēng huó.
They spoke of the old days on the campus.
4
她把洒出来的奶昔从柜台上擦掉。
tā bǎ sǎ chū lái de nǎi xī cóng guì tái shàng cā diào。
She wiped a spill of milkshake off the counter.
5
昔岁逢太平, 山林 二十年.
xī suì féng tài píng, , shān lín èr.
" I still remember those days of peace -- Twenty years among mountains and forests , "
Word Family of 昔
Compounds32
错Cuo4surname Cuo
借jie4to lend
猎lie4hunting
惜xi1to cherish
措cuo4to handle
腊la4December; year's end sacrifice; dried meat
蜡la4candle
醋cu4vinegar
鹊que4magpie; Pica species (various)
斮
剒
厝cuo4to bury; grave, tombstone; to cut, to engrave
唶
庴
棤
焟
矠
碏
耤ji2to plow; to rely on
踖
齰
徣
愺
慔
瘄
皵
稓
諎
趞
逪
錯cuo4error, mistake; incorrect, wrong
鵲que4magpie; Pica species (various)
Words Containing This Character10
昔Xīthe past
往昔the past
昔日xīrìformerly
今非昔比times have changed
昔年former years
今昔past and present
昔阳Xiyang county in Jinzhong 晉中|晋中[Jìnzhōng], Shanxi昔陽
昔阳县Xiyang county in Jinzhong 晉中|晋中[Jìnzhōng], Shanxi昔陽縣
今不如昔things are not as good as they used to be
宿昔formerly
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 错 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 昔
The correct pronunciation is 'xī' in Mandarin.
While it technically can be used, it is more common in literary contexts rather than casual conversation.
Phrases like 昔日 (xīrì) meaning 'former days' or 昔时 (xīshí) meaning 'in ancient times' are examples.
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