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March 24, 2026
新xīn(xin1)
The character 新 (xīn) means 'new' or 'recent' in Mandarin. It is commonly used to describe things that are fresh, modern, or recently created, making it a versatile term in everyday language. You might encounter it in contexts relating to new products, experiences, or ideas.
Strokes13Radical斤Frequency#229DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
新 is prominently used in celebrations like the Spring Festival (春节, Chūnjié), where it symbolizes new beginnings and hope for the coming year. It reflects the cultural importance of renewal and fresh starts in Chinese tradition.
Memory Tip
Imagine a brand new 'shin' (sounds like xīn) shining brightly under the sun. The character 新 has a radical that resembles a sprouting plant, symbolizing new growth and beginnings. Picture planting a seed to grow something new and fresh.
Meanings of 新
xīn(xin1)
1new
2newly
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 新 means.
About 新
新Simplified
13Strokes
斤Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#229Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 新
Podcast: 新
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AI Study Notes for 新
Quick Contrast
新 (xīn) vs 最新 (zuì xīn) — use 新 for general 'new', while 最新 specifically means 'latest' or 'most recent'.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 新 (xīn), as the first tone is crucial for correct meaning. It is often used in compound words such as 新年 (xīnnián, New Year) or 新鲜 (xīnxiān, fresh). Avoid confusing it with 旧 (jiù), which means 'old.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 新 connects with other basic vocabulary related to time and quality. Students should focus on using it in simple sentences and phrases. Practice combining 新 with other words to expand vocabulary, like 新的 (xīn de, new) and 新颖 (xīnyǐng, novel).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 新 (xīn) with 旧 (jiù) and mistakenly use them interchangeably. For example, saying '这本书是新' (Zhè běn shū shì xīn) when referring to an old book is incorrect; instead, it should be '这本书是旧的' (Zhè běn shū shì jiù de).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 新
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Etymology of 新
Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation
Phonosemantic compound. 斤 represents the meaning and 辛 represents the sound. The 木 (wood) component was added later. Based on the original meaning "firewood", now written as 薪. The current meaning "new" is a phonetic loan.
The character 新 (xīn) means 'new' or 'recent' in Mandarin. It is commonly used to describe things that are fresh, modern, or recently created, making it a versatile term in everyday language. You might encounter it in contexts relating to new products, experiences, or ideas.
When to use 新
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 新 (xīn), as the first tone is crucial for correct meaning. It is often used in compound words such as 新年 (xīnnián, New Year) or 新鲜 (xīnxiān, fresh). Avoid confusing it with 旧 (jiù), which means 'old.'
新 or something close to it
新 (xīn) vs 最新 (zuì xīn) — use 新 for general 'new', while 最新 specifically means 'latest' or 'most recent'.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 新 (xīn) with 旧 (jiù) and mistakenly use them interchangeably. For example, saying '这本书是新' (Zhè běn shū shì xīn) when referring to an old book is incorrect; instead, it should be '这本书是旧的' (Zhè běn shū shì jiù de).
Write 新
新
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Grammar Patterns of 新
新 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. 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.
