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March 24, 2026
知zhī(zhi1)
The character 知 (zhī) means 'to know' or 'to be aware.' It is commonly used in contexts involving knowledge, awareness, or understanding, such as in learning, communication, and decision-making. This character conveys a sense of comprehension and is foundational in both spoken and written Mandarin.
Strokes8Radical矢Frequency#850DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese philosophy, knowledge is highly valued, particularly in Confucianism, where understanding and wisdom are seen as essential for personal growth and societal harmony. The concept of 知 is tied to the pursuit of learning and moral integrity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise old owl (which represents knowledge) perched on a branch, with the sound 'zhī' echoing through the forest. The character 知 has a component (知) that visually resembles an owl's head and wings, helping you remember that it represents knowing or being aware.
Meanings of 知
zhī(zhi1)
1to know
2to be aware
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 知
知Simplified
8Strokes
矢Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#850Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 知
Podcast: 知
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AI Study Notes for 知
Quick Contrast
知道 (zhīdào) vs 了解 (liǎojiě) — use 知 (zhī) to emphasize general knowledge or awareness, while 知道 (zhīdào) indicates specific knowledge of something, and 了解 (liǎojiě) suggests a deeper understanding.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 知 with other similar verbs like 认识 (rènshi), which means 'to recognize.' 知 is more about knowing facts or information, whereas 认识 implies familiarity with someone or something. Be mindful of the tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
Though 知 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it is essential for HSK 1 and 2 learners as it appears in various phrases. Focus on using it in sentences that express knowledge, such as '我知道' (wǒ zhīdào - I know) to solidify its application in conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 知 with 了解 (liǎojiě), which means 'to understand' or 'to know in depth.' A wrong example is saying '我知这个人' (wǒ zhī zhège rén), when it should be '我认识这个人' (wǒ rènshi zhège rén) for 'I know this person.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 知
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Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 矢 represents the sound. The mouth component (口) represents the oral transmission of knowledge.
1The meaning half口 carries the sense.
2The sound half矢 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaymouth
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 知? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 知?
Decomposition of 知
IDS Structure⿰矢口
知Full Character
=
矢shi3
left
口kou3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 知?
How to say to know in Chinese
“to know” in Chinese is知zhī
The character 知 (zhī) means 'to know' or 'to be aware.' It is commonly used in contexts involving knowledge, awareness, or understanding, such as in learning, communication, and decision-making. This character conveys a sense of comprehension and is foundational in both spoken and written Mandarin.
When to use 知
Common mistakes include confusing 知 with other similar verbs like 认识 (rènshi), which means 'to recognize.' 知 is more about knowing facts or information, whereas 认识 implies familiarity with someone or something. Be mindful of the tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.
知 or something close to it
知道 (zhīdào) vs 了解 (liǎojiě) — use 知 (zhī) to emphasize general knowledge or awareness, while 知道 (zhīdào) indicates specific knowledge of something, and 了解 (liǎojiě) suggests a deeper understanding.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 知 with 了解 (liǎojiě), which means 'to understand' or 'to know in depth.' A wrong example is saying '我知这个人' (wǒ zhī zhège rén), when it should be '我认识这个人' (wǒ rènshi zhège rén) for 'I know this person.'
Write 知
知
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Grammar Patterns of 知
知 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 3 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.
