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March 24, 2026
手术(手術)shǒushù(shou3shu4)
手术 (shǒushù) refers to a surgical operation or procedure performed by medical professionals. It is commonly used in contexts related to healthcare, specifically when discussing medical interventions, surgeries, or operations. The term conveys both the act of performing surgery and the surgical procedure itself.
Strokes9Frequency#847DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, medical practices and traditional healing methods hold significant influence, and the concept of surgery is often discussed alongside traditional Chinese medicine. The increase in modern medical facilities has led to a broader acceptance of surgical operations in urban areas.
Memory Tip
Think of 手 (shǒu) as a 'hand' and 术 (shù) as 'technique' or 'method.' Imagine a doctor using their hands to perform a precise technique during surgery. Visualizing a skilled surgeon operating can help recall the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 手术
shǒushù(shou3shu4)
1(surgical) operation
2surgery
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About 手术
手术Simplified
手術Traditional
9Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#847Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 手术
Podcast: 手术
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AI Study Notes for 手术
Quick Contrast
手术 (shǒushù) vs 操作 (cāozuò) — use 手术 for medical surgical procedures, while 操作 refers to general operations or manipulations not limited to medical contexts.
Usage Notes
Be careful with tonal pronunciation; using the wrong tones can alter the word significantly. In formal contexts, use 手术 when discussing medical procedures, but in casual conversation, you might hear it referred to as an 'operation.' Common collocations include '进行手术' (to perform surgery) and '手术成功' (surgery successful).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 手术 connects with other medical vocabulary such as 医生 (doctor) and 病人 (patient), which are also vital for discussing health-related topics. Focus on understanding the context in which手术 is used and practice forming sentences around medical situations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 手术 with 'operation' in a general sense, using it in non-medical contexts incorrectly. For example, saying '我今天要手术一个项目' (I will perform a project operation) is incorrect; use '进行一个项目' instead.
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Pronunciation of 手术
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手术 (shǒushù) refers to a surgical operation or procedure performed by medical professionals. It is commonly used in contexts related to healthcare, specifically when discussing medical interventions, surgeries, or operations. The term conveys both the act of performing surgery and the surgical procedure itself.
When to use 手术
Be careful with tonal pronunciation; using the wrong tones can alter the word significantly. In formal contexts, use 手术 when discussing medical procedures, but in casual conversation, you might hear it referred to as an 'operation.' Common collocations include '进行手术' (to perform surgery) and '手术成功' (surgery successful).
手术 or something close to it
手术 (shǒushù) vs 操作 (cāozuò) — use 手术 for medical surgical procedures, while 操作 refers to general operations or manipulations not limited to medical contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 手术 with 'operation' in a general sense, using it in non-medical contexts incorrectly. For example, saying '我今天要手术一个项目' (I will perform a project operation) is incorrect; use '进行一个项目' instead.
Write 手术
手
术
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Grammar Patterns of 手术
手术 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 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.
