Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
问世 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
问世wènshìto be publishedHSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #22050, Very Hard
问世wènshìto come outHSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #22050, Very Hard
wènshì(wen4shi4)wen shi T4
  1. 1to be published
  2. 2to come out
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

问世(問世)wènshì(wen4shi4)

问世 refers to the act of something being published or made available to the public. It is commonly used in literary and academic contexts, often associated with books, research papers, or artistic works that are released for the first time.

Strokes11Frequency#22050DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the release of a significant literary work is often celebrated, reflecting the importance of scholarship and education. For example, the publication of a new novel can lead to discussions in literary circles and social media.

Memory tip

Think of 问 (wen4) as 'ask' and 世 (shi4) as 'world'. Imagine asking the world a question when a new book is published—it's your chance to share knowledge with everyone. Visualize a book coming out of a door labeled '世界' (world) as it enters the public's view.

Meanings of 问世

wènshì(wen4shi4)
1to be published
2to come out
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 问世 means.

About 问世

问世Simplified
問世Traditional
11Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#22050Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 问世

JasonAmy

Podcast: 问世

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 问世

Quick Contrast

出版 (chūbǎn) vs 问世 (wènshì): Use 问世 for the first-time release of works, while 出版 is more general for any publishing.

Usage Notes

This term is usually used in formal contexts, especially related to publishing. Common collocations include '问世的书' (a book that has been published) or '问世以来' (since it was published). Be careful with the tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning entirely.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 问世 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to literature and publication. Students should focus on using it in sentences describing the release of various works and practice its pronunciation to ensure clarity.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 问世 with other similar terms like 出版 (chūbǎn), which specifically means 'to publish.' For example, saying '这本书问世了' is correct, while '这本书出版了' is also correct, but not interchangeable with 问世 when discussing first-time releases.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 问世

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 问世, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 问世 to you

Let me explain 问世 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 问世 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 问世?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 问世 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.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

问wènto ask
HSK 16 strokes门
View full entry
世shìlife
5 strokes一
View full entry

How to say to be published in Chinese

“to be published” in Chinese is问世wènshì

问世 refers to the act of something being published or made available to the public. It is commonly used in literary and academic contexts, often associated with books, research papers, or artistic works that are released for the first time.

When to use 问世

This term is usually used in formal contexts, especially related to publishing. Common collocations include '问世的书' (a book that has been published) or '问世以来' (since it was published). Be careful with the tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning entirely.

问世 or something close to it

出版 (chūbǎn) vs 问世 (wènshì): Use 问世 for the first-time release of works, while 出版 is more general for any publishing.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 问世 with other similar terms like 出版 (chūbǎn), which specifically means 'to publish.' For example, saying '这本书问世了' is correct, while '这本书出版了' is also correct, but not interchangeable with 问世 when discussing first-time releases.

Write 问世

问
世

Practice writing 问世 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar patterns of 问世

问世 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

看到新著作____非常鼓舞人心。

It has been very heartening to see new writing emerging.

Example sentences for 问世 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
看到新著作问世非常鼓舞人心。

kàndào xīn zhùzuò wènshì fēicháng gǔwǔ rén xīn。

It has been very heartening to see new writing emerging.

Ask Jason

Have a question about 问世?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 问世

You can use 问世 when discussing the publication of books, articles, or any creative work that is being introduced to the public.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 问世?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab