Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
神秘shénmì(shen2mi4)
神秘 (shénmì) refers to something that is mysterious or enigmatic, often evoking curiosity or intrigue. Commonly used to describe situations, people, or phenomena that are difficult to understand or explain, it can also suggest a sense of wonder and allure.
Strokes19Frequency#1930DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of mystery is often linked to folklore and mythology, where mysterious figures and events play significant roles in storytelling, reflecting the value placed on the unknown and the supernatural.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'shiny' (shén) 'mystery' (mì) box that nobody can open. The shiny exterior represents the allure of the unknown, while the mystery inside symbolizes the hidden truths waiting to be discovered.
Meanings of 神秘
shénmì(shen2mi4)
1mysterious
2mystery
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 神秘
神秘Simplified
19Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#1930Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 神秘
Podcast: 神秘
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 神秘
Quick Contrast
神秘 (shénmì) vs 秘密 (mìmì) — use 神秘 for things that evoke curiosity or intrigue, while 秘密 refers specifically to something kept hidden or secret.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of using 神秘 in overly casual contexts, as it may sound out of place in informal conversations. Common collocations include 神秘的事情 (mysterious things) and 神秘的感觉 (mysterious feeling). Ensure correct tone usage, as mixing up the tones could lead to confusion.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 神秘 connects well with other words that describe emotions or states of being. Focus on how it pairs with adjectives and nouns to describe various mysterious concepts, enhancing both vocabulary and understanding of Chinese expression.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 神秘 with other similar adjectives like 奇怪 (qíguài, strange) or 难以理解 (nán yǐ lǐjiě, hard to understand). For example, saying '这个人很奇怪' (This person is very mysterious) is incorrect; use 神秘 instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 神秘
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 神秘 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
神秘 (shénmì) refers to something that is mysterious or enigmatic, often evoking curiosity or intrigue. Commonly used to describe situations, people, or phenomena that are difficult to understand or explain, it can also suggest a sense of wonder and allure.
When to use 神秘
Be cautious of using 神秘 in overly casual contexts, as it may sound out of place in informal conversations. Common collocations include 神秘的事情 (mysterious things) and 神秘的感觉 (mysterious feeling). Ensure correct tone usage, as mixing up the tones could lead to confusion.
神秘 or something close to it
神秘 (shénmì) vs 秘密 (mìmì) — use 神秘 for things that evoke curiosity or intrigue, while 秘密 refers specifically to something kept hidden or secret.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 神秘 with other similar adjectives like 奇怪 (qíguài, strange) or 难以理解 (nán yǐ lǐjiě, hard to understand). For example, saying '这个人很奇怪' (This person is very mysterious) is incorrect; use 神秘 instead.
Write 神秘
神
秘
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 神秘 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 神秘
神秘 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我们一直在关注玄奇事物这一____世界。
We have been looking at the shadowy world of the paranormal.
