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危机 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
危机
wēijī
crisis
HSK 6, n, 12 strokes, rank #2961, Hard
wēijī(wei1ji1)wei ji T1
1crisis
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
危机(危機)wēijī(wei1ji1)
危机 (wēijī) refers to a critical situation or turning point, often characterized by a high level of uncertainty and potential danger. It is commonly used in contexts related to economics, politics, and personal situations where urgent action is required to prevent disaster.
Strokes12Frequency#2961DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese business culture, understanding the concept of 危机 is crucial, as crises can significantly impact company reputations and stakeholder trust. The idea of addressing crises head-on is often emphasized in leadership training.
Memory tip
Think of 危 (wēi) as a 'weigh' scale tipping dangerously, indicating danger. The character 机 (jī) resembles a machine or mechanism, which can break down in a crisis. Together, they symbolize a precarious situation that needs immediate attention.
Meanings of 危机
wēijī(wei1ji1)
1crisis
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 危机 means.
About 危机
危机Simplified
危機Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2961Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 危机
Podcast: 危机
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AI study notes for 危机
Quick Contrast
危机 (wēijī) vs 突发事件 (tūfā shìjiàn) — use 危机 for situations involving critical turning points, while 突发事件 refers to unexpected events without the same level of urgency or potential for disaster.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 危机 with similar terms like 窘境 (jiǒngjìng), which is more about a difficult situation without the urgency. It's important to use 危机 in contexts implying a pressing need for resolution. Be mindful of the tone; mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 危机 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to politics and economics. Focus on using it in sentences that describe situations requiring urgent decisions, which will help you grasp its nuance better.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mix up 危机 with 危害 (wēihài), which means harm or danger, leading to misinterpretations. For example, saying '我们在一个危害' (wǒmen zài yīgè wēihài) instead of '我们在一个危机' (wǒmen zài yīgè wēijī) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 危机
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Knowing 危机 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.
危机 (wēijī) refers to a critical situation or turning point, often characterized by a high level of uncertainty and potential danger. It is commonly used in contexts related to economics, politics, and personal situations where urgent action is required to prevent disaster.
When to use 危机
Learners often confuse 危机 with similar terms like 窘境 (jiǒngjìng), which is more about a difficult situation without the urgency. It's important to use 危机 in contexts implying a pressing need for resolution. Be mindful of the tone; mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.
危机 or something close to it
危机 (wēijī) vs 突发事件 (tūfā shìjiàn) — use 危机 for situations involving critical turning points, while 突发事件 refers to unexpected events without the same level of urgency or potential for disaster.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes mix up 危机 with 危害 (wēihài), which means harm or danger, leading to misinterpretations. For example, saying '我们在一个危害' (wǒmen zài yīgè wēihài) instead of '我们在一个危机' (wǒmen zài yīgè wēijī) is incorrect.
Write 危机
危
机
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Grammar patterns of 危机
危机 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.
这场____看来远未结束。
An end to the crisis seems a long way off.
Example sentences for 危机 (16)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这场危机看来远未结束。
zhè chǎng wēijī kànlái yuǎn wèi jiéshù。
An end to the crisis seems a long way off.
2
该国领导人低估了这场危机的严重性。
gāi guó lǐngdǎo rén dīgū le zhè chǎng wēijī de yánzhòng xìng。
The country'sleadership had underestimated the depth of the crisis.
3
对于这场经济危机有着截然不同的解释。
duìyú zhè chǎng jīngjì wēijī yǒuzhe jiéránbùtóng de jiěshì。
The economic crisis was interpreted in diametrically opposing ways.
