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岁数 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
岁数suìshuage (number of years old)HSK 6, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #9258, Hard
suìshu(sui4shu5)sui shu T4
  1. 1age (number of years old)
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March 24, 2026

岁数(歲數)suìshu(sui4shu5)

岁数 (suìshù) refers to the age or the number of years someone has lived. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to inquire about or state someone's age, often used in conversation and casual settings. The term emphasizes the numerical aspect of age rather than the experience or maturity associated with it.

Strokes19Frequency#9258DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, age is often associated with respect and social hierarchy. Older individuals are typically granted more respect, and it is common to ask someone’s age during initial introductions to establish context in social interactions.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wise old tree (岁) that has stood for many years, counting its rings (数) to determine its age. Picture each ring representing a year of growth, which helps you remember that 岁数 refers to years lived, and the pronunciation ‘sui’ sounds like 'sway' as in swaying of branches in the breeze, representing the passage of time.

Meanings of 岁数

suìshu(sui4shu5)
1age (number of years old)
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About 岁数

岁数Simplified
歲數Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

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Podcast: 岁数

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AI Study Notes for 岁数

Quick Contrast

年龄 (niánlíng) - use 岁数 (suìshù) when emphasizing the numerical count of years, while 年龄 (niánlíng) can imply a broader context of age including maturity.

Usage Notes

When asking someone their age, it’s more polite to use the term '多大' (duōdà) in informal settings rather than 岁数 directly. Additionally, be mindful of the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning. For example, saying '岁数' with the wrong tones can confuse listeners.

HSK Study Tips

While 岁数 is not explicitly listed in HSK vocabulary, it is a useful term for learners at HSK Level 2 and above, as it allows them to discuss personal information. Students should practice using this term in context, for example, in dialogues about birthdays or age-related conversations.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 岁数 with the more casual term '年龄' (niánlíng), which also means age but is used more formally. For example, saying '我岁数是20' should be corrected to '我今年20岁' (Wǒ jīnnián 20 suì) for clarity.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 岁数

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Component Characters

岁suìyears old
HSK 16 strokes山
View full entry
数shùnumber
HSK 413 strokes攵
View full entry

How to say age (number of years old) in Chinese

“age (number of years old)” in Chinese is岁数suìshu

岁数 (suìshù) refers to the age or the number of years someone has lived. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to inquire about or state someone's age, often used in conversation and casual settings. The term emphasizes the numerical aspect of age rather than the experience or maturity associated with it.

When to use 岁数

When asking someone their age, it’s more polite to use the term '多大' (duōdà) in informal settings rather than 岁数 directly. Additionally, be mindful of the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning. For example, saying '岁数' with the wrong tones can confuse listeners.

岁数 or something close to it

年龄 (niánlíng) - use 岁数 (suìshù) when emphasizing the numerical count of years, while 年龄 (niánlíng) can imply a broader context of age including maturity.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 岁数 with the more casual term '年龄' (niánlíng), which also means age but is used more formally. For example, saying '我岁数是20' should be corrected to '我今年20岁' (Wǒ jīnnián 20 suì) for clarity.

Write 岁数

岁
数

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Frequently Asked Questions about 岁数

You can ask, '您今年多大了?' (Nín jīnnián duōdà le?), which is a polite way to inquire about their age.

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