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是非 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
是非
shìfēi
right and wrong
HSK 7, v, 17 strokes, rank #6492, Very Hard
是非
shìfēi
quarrel
HSK 7, v, 17 strokes, rank #6492, Very Hard
shìfēi(shi4fei1)shi fei T4
1right and wrong
2quarrel
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March 24, 2026
是非shìfēi(shi4fei1)
是非 (shì fēi) refers to the concept of distinguishing right from wrong, often associated with moral judgments. It can also imply a quarrel or dispute that arises from differing opinions or misunderstandings about what is right or wrong. This term is commonly used in discussions about ethics and conflicts.
Strokes17Frequency#6492DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
The concept of 是非 is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, where morality and social harmony are highly valued. Disputes are often seen as a disruption to societal balance, and resolving them amicably is preferred.
Memory tip
Picture a courtroom where the judge (是) is trying to decide what is right (非). The '是' looks like a person standing tall, proclaiming the truth, while '非' resembles a person hiding, denying the truth. Together, they symbolize the struggle to discern truth from falsehood.
Meanings of 是非
shìfēi(shi4fei1)
1right and wrong
2quarrel
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About 是非
是非Simplified
17Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6492Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 是非
Podcast: 是非
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AI study notes for 是非
Usage Notes
是非 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful with tone; incorrect use of tones can lead to misunderstandings. Common collocations include '是非对错' (the rights and wrongs) and '是非之地' (a place of disputes). Avoid using it in overly casual conversations.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 6, students should focus on expanding their vocabulary related to ethics and conflicts. Understanding is crucial for engaging in high-level discussions. 是非 connects well with other terms related to morality and judgment, enhancing comprehension in complex dialogues.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 是非 with similar terms like 对错 (duì cuò), which means right and wrong but lacks the nuance of dispute. For example, saying '他们有很多对错' (They have many rights and wrongs) should be corrected to '他们有很多是非' (They have many disputes).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 是非
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是非 (shì fēi) refers to the concept of distinguishing right from wrong, often associated with moral judgments. It can also imply a quarrel or dispute that arises from differing opinions or misunderstandings about what is right or wrong. This term is commonly used in discussions about ethics and conflicts.
When to use 是非
是非 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful with tone; incorrect use of tones can lead to misunderstandings. Common collocations include '是非对错' (the rights and wrongs) and '是非之地' (a place of disputes). Avoid using it in overly casual conversations.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 是非 with similar terms like 对错 (duì cuò), which means right and wrong but lacks the nuance of dispute. For example, saying '他们有很多对错' (They have many rights and wrongs) should be corrected to '他们有很多是非' (They have many disputes).
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是
非
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Grammar patterns of 是非
是非 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
