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March 24, 2026
识别(識別)shíbié(shi2bie2)
识别 (shí bié) means to distinguish or discern between different items or concepts. It is often used in contexts such as identifying objects, recognizing individuals, or differentiating between various ideas or opinions.
Strokes14Frequency#5267DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the ability to distinguish between subtle differences is highly valued, especially in fields like traditional medicine or art, where nuances can significantly impact interpretation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a detective (侦探) using a magnifying glass to identify (识) different clues in a case. The '识' character looks like a person examining something closely, while '别' suggests the act of separating or distinguishing between clues.
Meanings of 识别
shíbié(shi2bie2)
1to distinguish
2to discern
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 识别
识别Simplified
識別Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5267Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 识别
Podcast: 识别
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AI Study Notes for 识别
Quick Contrast
区分 (qūfēn) vs 辨认 (biànrèn) — use 识别 when emphasizing the process of distinguishing, while 区分 is more about categorizing differences, and 辨认 focuses on recognizing something familiar.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 识别 with 认出 (rènchū), which means 'to recognize' in a more straightforward sense. 识别 is typically used in more formal contexts, such as in academic or technical discussions. Be cautious with the tones; mispronouncing either syllable could change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 识别 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to perception and understanding, such as 辨认 (biànrèn) or 区分 (qūfēn). Focus on using 识别 in sentences that require deeper analysis or comparison.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 识别 with 辨别 (biànbié) which has similar meanings but is more often used in informal contexts. For example, saying '我可以辨别这个图像' (I can distinguish this image) should use 识别 instead of 辨别 for a more formal context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 识别
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识别 (shí bié) means to distinguish or discern between different items or concepts. It is often used in contexts such as identifying objects, recognizing individuals, or differentiating between various ideas or opinions.
When to use 识别
Learners often confuse 识别 with 认出 (rènchū), which means 'to recognize' in a more straightforward sense. 识别 is typically used in more formal contexts, such as in academic or technical discussions. Be cautious with the tones; mispronouncing either syllable could change the meaning.
识别 or something close to it
区分 (qūfēn) vs 辨认 (biànrèn) — use 识别 when emphasizing the process of distinguishing, while 区分 is more about categorizing differences, and 辨认 focuses on recognizing something familiar.
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 识别 with 辨别 (biànbié) which has similar meanings but is more often used in informal contexts. For example, saying '我可以辨别这个图像' (I can distinguish this image) should use 识别 instead of 辨别 for a more formal context.
Write 识别
识
别
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Grammar Patterns of 识别
识别 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他的演说很难听懂，他的签名颤颤巍巍地无法____。
His speech was difficult to understand, his signature shaky and unrecognizable.
Example Sentences for 识别 (6)
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1
他的演说很难听懂，他的签名颤颤巍巍地无法识别。
tā de yǎn shuō hěn nán tīng dǒng， ， tā de qiān míng chàn chàn wēi wēi dì wú fǎ shí。
His speech was difficult to understand, his signature shaky and unrecognizable.
