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知识 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
知识
zhīshi
intellectual
HSK 4, v, 15 strokes, rank #3655, Medium
知识
zhīshi
knowledge-related
HSK 4, v, 15 strokes, rank #3655, Medium
知识
zhīshi
knowledge
HSK 4, v, 15 strokes, rank #3655, Medium
zhīshi(zhi1shi5)zhi shi T1
1intellectual
2knowledge-related
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March 24, 2026
知识(知識)zhīshi(zhi1shi5)
知识 (zhī shì) refers to knowledge or information that one acquires through experience, education, or study. It encompasses both theoretical understanding and practical skills, and is often used in academic or intellectual contexts. This term highlights the importance of learning and wisdom in Chinese culture.
Strokes15Frequency#3655DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the pursuit of knowledge is highly valued, often linked to the Confucian ideal of self-improvement and education. The concept of knowledge is foundational in traditional Chinese thought, influencing societal norms and expectations.
Memory tip
Imagine a wise owl (representing knowledge) with a light bulb above its head (symbolizing ideas and enlightenment). The character 知 (zhī) resembles a person pointing to their head, while 识 (shì) suggests the act of recognizing or understanding something, as if the owl is sharing its wisdom.
Meanings of 知识
zhīshi(zhi1shi5)
1intellectual
2knowledge-related
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 知识
知识Simplified
知識Traditional
15Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3655Frequency Rank
门Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 知识
Podcast: 知识
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AI study notes for 知识
Quick Contrast
知识 (knowledge) vs 情报 (intelligence) — use 知识 for general knowledge or understanding, while 情报 specifically refers to information or data, often in a strategic or confidential context.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 知识 with 认识 (rèn shì), which means to recognize or be acquainted with something. 知识 is used in more formal contexts related to education, while 认识 is more casual. Remember to use the correct tone for each character, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 知识 connects well with other vocabulary related to learning and education. Students should focus on its usage in academic contexts and practice collocations such as 学习知识 (xué xí zhī shì - to learn knowledge) or 有知识 (yǒu zhī shì - to have knowledge).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 知识 with 知道 (zhī dào), which means 'to know' or 'to be aware of'. For example, saying 我有知道 (Wǒ yǒu zhī dào) is incorrect; it should be 我有知识 (Wǒ yǒu zhī shì - I have knowledge).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 知识
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Knowing 知识 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.
知识 (zhī shì) refers to knowledge or information that one acquires through experience, education, or study. It encompasses both theoretical understanding and practical skills, and is often used in academic or intellectual contexts. This term highlights the importance of learning and wisdom in Chinese culture.
When to use 知识
Common mistakes include confusing 知识 with 认识 (rèn shì), which means to recognize or be acquainted with something. 知识 is used in more formal contexts related to education, while 认识 is more casual. Remember to use the correct tone for each character, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning.
知识 or something close to it
知识 (knowledge) vs 情报 (intelligence) — use 知识 for general knowledge or understanding, while 情报 specifically refers to information or data, often in a strategic or confidential context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 知识 with 知道 (zhī dào), which means 'to know' or 'to be aware of'. For example, saying 我有知道 (Wǒ yǒu zhī dào) is incorrect; it should be 我有知识 (Wǒ yǒu zhī shì - I have knowledge).
Write 知识
知
识
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Grammar patterns of 知识
知识 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 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.
