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March 24, 2026
氏shì(shi4)
The character 氏 (shì) refers to a clan name or a maiden name in Chinese culture. It is often used to denote one's family lineage and is a formal way to address a person's surname, especially in historical contexts related to nobility and aristocracy.
Strokes4Radical氏Frequency#5886DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the character 氏 was crucial for identifying nobility and their lineage. For example, it appears in historical texts to denote significant family names that played pivotal roles in Chinese history.
Memory Tip
Imagine a family tree with branches showing different clans. The character 氏 resembles a tree with roots, symbolizing family lineage. The pronunciation 'shì' can be remembered by thinking of a 'ship' sailing under the family name's flag.
Meanings of 氏
shì(shi4)
primary
1clan name
2maiden name
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 氏 means.
About 氏
氏Simplified
4Strokes
氏Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#5886Frequency Rank
Podcast: 氏
Podcast: 氏
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AI Study Notes for 氏
Usage Notes
氏 is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in historical or genealogical discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with the more casual term 姓 (xìng), which simply means 'surname.' Always remember to use 氏 when referring to lineage or clan names.
HSK Study Tips
While 氏 is not a part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your grasp of Chinese history and culture. It connects to other words related to family and lineage, such as 姓 (surname) and 家 (family). Focus on recognizing its use in texts about genealogy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 氏 with 姓 (xìng) and use it interchangeably in casual conversation. For example, saying '我姓氏张' (Wǒ xìng shì Zhāng) is incorrect; it should be '我姓张' (Wǒ xìng Zhāng).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 氏
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How Well Do You Know 氏?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 氏 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 氏 (shì) refers to a clan name or a maiden name in Chinese culture. It is often used to denote one's family lineage and is a formal way to address a person's surname, especially in historical contexts related to nobility and aristocracy.
When to use 氏
氏 is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in historical or genealogical discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with the more casual term 姓 (xìng), which simply means 'surname.' Always remember to use 氏 when referring to lineage or clan names.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 氏 with 姓 (xìng) and use it interchangeably in casual conversation. For example, saying '我姓氏张' (Wǒ xìng shì Zhāng) is incorrect; it should be '我姓张' (Wǒ xìng Zhāng).
Write 氏
氏
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Grammar Patterns of 氏
氏 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 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这颗恒星的表面温度估计在零下75摄____度左右。
The star's surface temperature is reckoned to be minus 75 degrees Celsius.
