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March 24, 2026
女士nǚshì(nv3shi4)
女士 (nǚshì) refers to a woman of respect, often translated as 'lady' or 'madam.' It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as addressing women in business or polite conversation, and can also refer to women in a general sense. The term conveys a sense of dignity and respect.
Strokes6Frequency#337DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, addressing a woman as 女士 can signify respect, particularly in professional environments. It is common to see this term used in business settings or formal events, reflecting the importance of courteous language.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'noble lady' (女士) wearing a beautiful gown that signifies elegance. The character 女 (nǚ) looks like a woman, and 士 (shì) suggests a scholar or gentleman, together evoking the image of a refined lady.
Meanings of 女士
nǚshì(nv3shi4)
primary
1lady
2madam
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About 女士
女士Simplified
6Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#337Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L1IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 女士
Podcast: 女士
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AI Study Notes for 女士
Quick Contrast
女士 (nǚshì) vs 妇女 (fùnǚ) — use 女士 for formal or respectful contexts, while 妇女 is more general and can be neutral.
Usage Notes
When addressing someone as 女士, it is important to be mindful of the context to maintain politeness. Common collocations include '女士们' (ladies) for addressing a group. Avoid using the term in overly casual situations, as it may come off as overly formal.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 女士 connects to other terms related to gender and respect, such as 男士 (nánshì, gentleman) and 先生 (xiānsheng, sir). Focus on practicing how to use it in formal greetings and introductions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 女士 with the more casual term for 'woman' (女人, nǚrén). For example, saying '你好，女人' (Hello, woman) is inappropriate; instead, use '你好，女士' (Hello, lady) for respectful address.
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Pronunciation of 女士
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女士 (nǚshì) refers to a woman of respect, often translated as 'lady' or 'madam.' It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as addressing women in business or polite conversation, and can also refer to women in a general sense. The term conveys a sense of dignity and respect.
When to use 女士
When addressing someone as 女士, it is important to be mindful of the context to maintain politeness. Common collocations include '女士们' (ladies) for addressing a group. Avoid using the term in overly casual situations, as it may come off as overly formal.
女士 or something close to it
女士 (nǚshì) vs 妇女 (fùnǚ) — use 女士 for formal or respectful contexts, while 妇女 is more general and can be neutral.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 女士 with the more casual term for 'woman' (女人, nǚrén). For example, saying '你好，女人' (Hello, woman) is inappropriate; instead, use '你好，女士' (Hello, lady) for respectful address.
Write 女士
女
士
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Grammar Patterns of 女士
女士 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 4 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.
