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March 24, 2026
思sī(si1)
The character 思 (sī) means 'to think' or 'to consider.' It is commonly used in contexts where one reflects on ideas, feelings, or decisions. This character conveys a sense of deep contemplation rather than just superficial thought.
Strokes9Radical心Frequency#3930DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, thinking and reflection are highly valued, especially in philosophies like Confucianism, where deep contemplation is seen as a way to cultivate virtue and wisdom.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 思 as a person deep in thought, with their head (the top part) tilted down, representing the act of pondering. The pronunciation 'sī' sounds like 'see,' which you can link to seeing the many possibilities in your thoughts.
Meanings of 思
sī(si1)
1to think
2to consider
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About 思
思Simplified
9Strokes
心Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3930Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5
Podcast: 思
Podcast: 思
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AI Study Notes for 思
Quick Contrast
想 (xiǎng) vs 思 (sī): Use 思 when emphasizing deep contemplation, while 想 is more about general thinking or considering.
Usage Notes
思 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be aware that it can convey a deeper, more serious consideration. Common collocations include 思考 (sīkǎo, to think deeply) and 思念 (sīniàn, to miss someone). A common mistake is to confuse it with simpler terms for 'think' in casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
While 思 is not currently included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with other verbs related to mental processes like 想 (xiǎng, to think) and 认为 (rènwéi, to believe). Students should focus on its usage in compound words and phrases.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 思 with 想; for example, saying '我思一个问题' instead of '我想一个问题' (Wǒ sī yīgè wèntí). The correct usage would be '我在想一个问题' (Wǒ zài xiǎng yīgè wèntí).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 思
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Etymology of 思
Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation
Thought is associated with the head (囟) and heart (心). The modern form of the top component looks like 田 (field), but 田 is unrelated.
Memory Hint
Weighing something with your mind 囟 (altered) and heart 心
The character 思 (sī) means 'to think' or 'to consider.' It is commonly used in contexts where one reflects on ideas, feelings, or decisions. This character conveys a sense of deep contemplation rather than just superficial thought.
When to use 思
思 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be aware that it can convey a deeper, more serious consideration. Common collocations include 思考 (sīkǎo, to think deeply) and 思念 (sīniàn, to miss someone). A common mistake is to confuse it with simpler terms for 'think' in casual conversation.
思 or something close to it
想 (xiǎng) vs 思 (sī): Use 思 when emphasizing deep contemplation, while 想 is more about general thinking or considering.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 思 with 想; for example, saying '我思一个问题' instead of '我想一个问题' (Wǒ sī yīgè wèntí). The correct usage would be '我在想一个问题' (Wǒ zài xiǎng yīgè wèntí).
Write 思
思
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Grammar Patterns of 思
思 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.