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释放 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
释放shìfàngto releaseHSK 6, v, 20 strokes, rank #1764, Hard
释放shìfàngto set freeHSK 6, v, 20 strokes, rank #1764, Hard
释放shìfàngto liberate (a prisoner)HSK 6, v, 20 strokes, rank #1764, Hard
释放shìfàngto dischargeHSK 6, v, 20 strokes, rank #1764, Hard
shìfàng(shi4fang4)shi fang T4
  1. 1to release
  2. 2to set free
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March 24, 2026

释放(釋放)shìfàng(shi4fang4)

释放 (shìfàng) means to release or set free, often in contexts such as liberating prisoners or discharging obligations. It can also refer to releasing something from confinement, such as information or emotions. This term is commonly used in both legal and emotional contexts.

Strokes20Frequency#1764DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 释放 often relates to the historical context of prisoners of war or political dissidents. The term can evoke strong emotional responses tied to personal freedom and societal change.

Memory Tip

Imagine a bird being set free from its cage (释放). The character 释 (shì) resembles a person opening a cage, while 放 (fàng) suggests letting go. Together, they create a vivid image of liberation, making it easier to remember both the meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 释放

shìfàng(shi4fang4)
1to release
2to set free
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About 释放

释放Simplified
釋放Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1764Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 释放

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AI Study Notes for 释放

Quick Contrast

释放 (shìfàng) vs 解放 (jiěfàng) — use 释放 for a broader sense of release, while 解放 specifically refers to liberation from oppression or control.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 释放 with 放松 (fàngsōng), which means to relax, rather than to release. 释放 is often used in formal contexts, such as legal discussions or in media about prisoners. Be mindful of tone; the tones must be pronounced correctly to convey the intended meaning.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 释放 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to freedom, rights, and obligations. Students should focus on its usage in both formal and informal contexts, and understand how it relates to concepts like 解放 (jiěfàng), which means to liberate.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 释放 with 解放 (jiěfàng), which specifically means to liberate. For example, saying '我想解放这只鸟' (wǒ xiǎng jiěfàng zhè zhī niǎo) is incorrect; '我想释放这只鸟' (wǒ xiǎng shìfàng zhè zhī niǎo) is the correct usage.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 释放

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Component Characters

释shìto explain
HSK 512 strokes釆
View full entry
放fàngto release
HSK 38 strokes攵
View full entry

How to say to release in Chinese

“to release” in Chinese is释放shìfàng

释放 (shìfàng) means to release or set free, often in contexts such as liberating prisoners or discharging obligations. It can also refer to releasing something from confinement, such as information or emotions. This term is commonly used in both legal and emotional contexts.

When to use 释放

Common mistakes include confusing 释放 with 放松 (fàngsōng), which means to relax, rather than to release. 释放 is often used in formal contexts, such as legal discussions or in media about prisoners. Be mindful of tone; the tones must be pronounced correctly to convey the intended meaning.

释放 or something close to it

释放 (shìfàng) vs 解放 (jiěfàng) — use 释放 for a broader sense of release, while 解放 specifically refers to liberation from oppression or control.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 释放 with 解放 (jiěfàng), which specifically means to liberate. For example, saying '我想解放这只鸟' (wǒ xiǎng jiěfàng zhè zhī niǎo) is incorrect; '我想释放这只鸟' (wǒ xiǎng shìfàng zhè zhī niǎo) is the correct usage.

Write 释放

释
放

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Frequently Asked Questions about 释放

Yes, you can use 释放 in emotional contexts, such as '释放压力' (shìfàng yālì) meaning 'to release pressure'.

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