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March 24, 2026
申请(申請)shēnqǐng(shen1qing3)
申请 (shēn qǐng) means to apply for something, such as a job, a visa, or a scholarship. It is commonly used in formal contexts, especially when submitting applications or requests. The nuance lies in the process of formally seeking permission or approval for something.
Strokes15Frequency#1632DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, the application process for things like schools or jobs can be quite competitive, reflecting the cultural emphasis on qualifications and formalities. Understanding how to navigate these processes is crucial for success in both academic and professional settings.
Memory Tip
Think of 申请 as a 'shen' (sound like 'send') request for 'qing' (like 'cleaning' up the paperwork) to get something you want. Visualize sending a neatly organized application form in a bright envelope to make your request stand out.
Meanings of 申请
shēnqǐng(shen1qing3)
1to apply for sth
2application (form etc)
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About 申请
申请Simplified
申請Traditional
15Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1632Frequency Rank
份Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 申请
Podcast: 申请
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AI Study Notes for 申请
Quick Contrast
申请 (shēnqǐng) vs 请求 (qǐngqiú) — use 申请 when referring specifically to formal applications, while 请求 is more general for making requests.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 申请 with 请求 (qǐng qiú), which means to request or ask for something in a more general sense. 申请 is more formal and often used in official contexts. Common collocation includes 申请表 (application form) and 申请人 (applicant).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 word, 申请 connects with other vocabulary related to formal processes and requests, such as 批准 (pī zhǔn, to approve) and 注册 (zhù cè, to register). Focus on using 申请 in sentences that involve formal situations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 申请 in informal contexts, such as asking a friend for help, which should instead use 请求. For example, saying '我申请你帮我' (I apply for your help) is incorrect; it should be '我请求你帮我' (I request your help).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 申请
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申请 (shēn qǐng) means to apply for something, such as a job, a visa, or a scholarship. It is commonly used in formal contexts, especially when submitting applications or requests. The nuance lies in the process of formally seeking permission or approval for something.
When to use 申请
Be careful not to confuse 申请 with 请求 (qǐng qiú), which means to request or ask for something in a more general sense. 申请 is more formal and often used in official contexts. Common collocation includes 申请表 (application form) and 申请人 (applicant).
申请 or something close to it
申请 (shēnqǐng) vs 请求 (qǐngqiú) — use 申请 when referring specifically to formal applications, while 请求 is more general for making requests.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 申请 in informal contexts, such as asking a friend for help, which should instead use 请求. For example, saying '我申请你帮我' (I apply for your help) is incorrect; it should be '我请求你帮我' (I request your help).
Write 申请
申
请
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Grammar Patterns of 申请
申请 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 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.
