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系统 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
系统
xìtǒng
system
HSK 5, n, 16 strokes, rank #779, Hard
xìtǒng(xi4tong3)xi tong T4
1system
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March 24, 2026
系统(系統)xìtǒng(xi4tong3)
The term '系统' (xì tǒng) refers to a 'system' in various contexts, such as technology, biology, or social structures. It describes a set of interconnected components that work together as a whole, often emphasizing organization and efficiency.
Strokes16Frequency#779DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In modern China, '系统' is vital in discussions around technology and innovation, reflecting the country's rapid advancement in these areas. The concept of systems thinking is also increasingly emphasized in education and business.
Memory tip
Imagine a complex machine where every part is connected and works in harmony—this is a '系统'. The left character '系' (xì) resembles a connection or link, while '统' (tǒng) can be thought of as a 'tongue' that brings all parts together, signifying the unity of the system.
Meanings of 系统
xìtǒng(xi4tong3)
1system
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 系统
系统Simplified
系統Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#779Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 系统
Podcast: 系统
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AI study notes for 系统
Quick Contrast
网络 (wǎngluò) - use '系统' when referring to an organized set of components, while '网络' emphasizes a network structure or connections.
Usage Notes
'系统' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in academic and technical discussions. A common mistake is confusing it with similar terms like '制度' (institution), which refers to established rules rather than a structured system. Be mindful of the tone; '系统' is pronounced with the fourth and third tones.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, '系统' connects to other vocabulary related to organization and structure, such as '管理' (management) and '结构' (structure). Focus on understanding how '系统' is used in different fields, such as information technology or biology, to grasp its versatility.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '系统' with '体系' (tǐ xì), which means 'systematic structure'. A wrong example would be using '体系' when referring to a technological '系统'. Remember, '系统' is more about the interconnectedness of components.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 系统
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The term '系统' (xì tǒng) refers to a 'system' in various contexts, such as technology, biology, or social structures. It describes a set of interconnected components that work together as a whole, often emphasizing organization and efficiency.
When to use 系统
'系统' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in academic and technical discussions. A common mistake is confusing it with similar terms like '制度' (institution), which refers to established rules rather than a structured system. Be mindful of the tone; '系统' is pronounced with the fourth and third tones.
系统 or something close to it
网络 (wǎngluò) - use '系统' when referring to an organized set of components, while '网络' emphasizes a network structure or connections.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse '系统' with '体系' (tǐ xì), which means 'systematic structure'. A wrong example would be using '体系' when referring to a technological '系统'. Remember, '系统' is more about the interconnectedness of components.
Write 系统
系
统
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Practice writing 系统 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 系统
系统 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
定期航班的数量正让空中交通指挥____不堪重负。
The volume of scheduled flights is straining the air traffic control system.
