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March 24, 2026
石油shíyóu(shi2you2)
石油 (shí yóu) refers to oil or petroleum, a crucial natural resource used widely in energy, transportation, and various industries. It often appears in contexts related to economics, environmental discussions, and energy policies.
Strokes13Frequency#4035DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, 石油 plays a significant role in the economy and energy strategy, particularly as the country aims for energy independence and sustainable development. The discovery and exploitation of oil fields have shaped modern industry and geopolitics in the region.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant stone (石) that holds a treasure of oil (油) inside. The stone represents the earth where oil is found, and the oil is a precious resource that fuels our modern lives. Think of 'shi' as 'sheen' for the shiny oil, making it easier to remember.
Meanings of 石油
shíyóu(shi2you2)
1oil
2petroleum
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About 石油
石油Simplified
13Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4035Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 石油
Podcast: 石油
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AI Study Notes for 石油
Quick Contrast
原油 (yuányóu) refers specifically to crude oil, while 石油 (shíyóu) can refer to both crude oil and refined oil products; use 石油 for broader contexts.
Usage Notes
When discussing石油, be mindful of its formal register, especially in business or environmental contexts. Common collocations include '石油价格' (oil prices) and '石油产业' (oil industry). A common mistake is confusing it with '油' (yóu), which can refer to any type of oil, not just petroleum.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 石油 connects to other economic and environmental terms at this level, such as '能源' (energy) and '资源' (resources). Focus on its usage in discussions about energy policies and economic impacts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 石油 in informal conversations where 油 would be more appropriate, such as saying '我买了石油来炒菜' (I bought oil to cook), instead of '我买了油来炒菜'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 石油
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石油 (shí yóu) refers to oil or petroleum, a crucial natural resource used widely in energy, transportation, and various industries. It often appears in contexts related to economics, environmental discussions, and energy policies.
When to use 石油
When discussing石油, be mindful of its formal register, especially in business or environmental contexts. Common collocations include '石油价格' (oil prices) and '石油产业' (oil industry). A common mistake is confusing it with '油' (yóu), which can refer to any type of oil, not just petroleum.
石油 or something close to it
原油 (yuányóu) refers specifically to crude oil, while 石油 (shíyóu) can refer to both crude oil and refined oil products; use 石油 for broader contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 石油 in informal conversations where 油 would be more appropriate, such as saying '我买了石油来炒菜' (I bought oil to cook), instead of '我买了油来炒菜'.
Write 石油
石
油
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Grammar Patterns of 石油
石油 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). 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.
