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现象 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
现象
xiànxiàng
appearance
HSK 5, n, 19 strokes, rank #3955, Hard
现象
xiànxiàng
phenomenon
HSK 5, n, 19 strokes, rank #3955, Hard
xiànxiàng(xian4xiang4)xian xiang T4
1appearance
2phenomenon
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March 24, 2026
现象(現象)xiànxiàng(xian4xiang4)
现象 (xiànxiàng) refers to observable events or occurrences that can be seen or experienced. It is often used in scientific or philosophical contexts to describe phenomena that provoke inquiry or analysis, highlighting the distinction between appearance and reality.
Strokes19Frequency#3955DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the study of 现象 often relates to traditional philosophies, such as Daoism, where observing natural phenomena is integral to understanding the universe's workings and our place within it.
Memory tip
Think of '现' (xiàn) as 'to show' or 'appear', and '象' (xiàng) as 'image' or 'symbol'. Imagine witnessing a strange phenomenon, like a UFO, that 'shows' an 'image' in the sky, helping you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.
Meanings of 现象
xiànxiàng(xian4xiang4)
1appearance
2phenomenon
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 现象
现象Simplified
現象Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3955Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 现象
Podcast: 现象
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AI study notes for 现象
Quick Contrast
现象 (xiànxiàng) vs 状态 (zhuàngtài) — use 现象 for observable events or occurrences, while 状态 refers to a specific condition or state of being.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 现象 with similar terms like 状态 (zhuàngtài, state) or 情况 (qíngkuàng, situation), which have different nuances. '现象' is more formal, often used in academic writing, so be cautious of using it in casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 现象 connects with other abstract nouns like 结果 (jiéguǒ, result) and 过程 (guòchéng, process). Focus on the contexts where phenomena are discussed, such as science or social studies, to better understand its usage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 现象 with 现状 (xiànzhuàng, current situation), which refers more to the state of affairs than observable phenomena. For example, saying '这个现状让人担心' (This phenomenon worries people) is incorrect; it should be '这个现象让人担心'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 现象
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Knowing 现象 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.
现象 (xiànxiàng) refers to observable events or occurrences that can be seen or experienced. It is often used in scientific or philosophical contexts to describe phenomena that provoke inquiry or analysis, highlighting the distinction between appearance and reality.
When to use 现象
Common mistakes include confusing 现象 with similar terms like 状态 (zhuàngtài, state) or 情况 (qíngkuàng, situation), which have different nuances. '现象' is more formal, often used in academic writing, so be cautious of using it in casual conversation.
现象 or something close to it
现象 (xiànxiàng) vs 状态 (zhuàngtài) — use 现象 for observable events or occurrences, while 状态 refers to a specific condition or state of being.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 现象 with 现状 (xiànzhuàng, current situation), which refers more to the state of affairs than observable phenomena. For example, saying '这个现状让人担心' (This phenomenon worries people) is incorrect; it should be '这个现象让人担心'.
Write 现象
现
象
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Grammar patterns of 现象
现象 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.
