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March 24, 2026
薪xīn(xin1)
The character 薪 (xīn) primarily means 'salary' or 'wages,' referring to the compensation one earns for work. It can also denote 'fuel' or 'firewood,' particularly in contexts related to heating or cooking. This dual meaning reflects both economic and practical aspects of daily life in China.
Strokes16Radical艹Frequency#8955DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of salary is closely tied to traditional values of hard work and reward. The phrase '薪水水涨船高' (xīnshuǐ shuǐzhǎng chuán gāo) translates to 'as the salary rises, so does the boat,' reflecting the expectation that better pay leads to improved living conditions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pile of firewood (the radical for plants, 营, is related) stacked next to a stack of coins representing your salary. The sound 'xīn' can be remembered by associating it with 'shin,' as in the shin of your leg can remind you of standing on your earnings.
Meanings of 薪
xīn(xin1)
1fuel
2salary
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About 薪
薪Simplified
16Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8955Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 薪
Podcast: 薪
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AI Study Notes for 薪
Quick Contrast
薪 (salary) vs 工资 (wages) — use 薪 for a more formal or traditional context, while 工资 is more commonly used in everyday conversation.
Usage Notes
薪 is often used in formal contexts when discussing salary, such as in employment contracts or financial reports. Common collocations include '薪水' (xīnshuǐ - salary) and '薪资' (xīnzī - wage). Be careful with the tone; it is pronounced with a high level tone (first tone), which can be confused with other words if mispronounced.
HSK Study Tips
Although 薪 is not currently on the HSK list, it is beneficial for learners who wish to discuss employment and finance. Students should focus on using this term in sentences related to job discussions or financial matters to reinforce its meaning.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 薪 with other similar-sounding words, such as 心 (xīn - heart). For example, saying '我有很多心' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō xīn - I have a lot of heart) instead of '我有很多薪' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō xīn - I have a lot of salary) can change the meaning entirely.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 薪
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How Well Do You Know 薪?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 薪 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.
The character 薪 (xīn) primarily means 'salary' or 'wages,' referring to the compensation one earns for work. It can also denote 'fuel' or 'firewood,' particularly in contexts related to heating or cooking. This dual meaning reflects both economic and practical aspects of daily life in China.
When to use 薪
薪 is often used in formal contexts when discussing salary, such as in employment contracts or financial reports. Common collocations include '薪水' (xīnshuǐ - salary) and '薪资' (xīnzī - wage). Be careful with the tone; it is pronounced with a high level tone (first tone), which can be confused with other words if mispronounced.
薪 or something close to it
薪 (salary) vs 工资 (wages) — use 薪 for a more formal or traditional context, while 工资 is more commonly used in everyday conversation.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 薪 with other similar-sounding words, such as 心 (xīn - heart). For example, saying '我有很多心' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō xīn - I have a lot of heart) instead of '我有很多薪' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō xīn - I have a lot of salary) can change the meaning entirely.
Write 薪
薪
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Grammar Patterns of 薪
薪 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 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.
