神似 (shénsì) refers to a striking resemblance or likeness between two things, often implying that the resemblance is not only physical but also in essence or spirit. Commonly used in contexts such as art, literature, or when describing characters and personalities, it suggests a deeper connection beyond mere appearance.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
shénsì(shen2si4) T2
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May 27, 2026
神似shénsì(shen2si4)
神似 (shénsì) refers to a striking resemblance or likeness between two things, often implying that the resemblance is not only physical but also in essence or spirit. Commonly used in contexts such as art, literature, or when describing characters and personalities, it suggests a deeper connection beyond mere appearance.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of resemblance often extends beyond physical attributes, emphasizing the importance of shared values and spirits, especially in familial and artistic representations. Such connections are celebrated in poetry and traditional storytelling.
Memory Tip
Imagine two people who not only look alike but also share the same spirit and charm. Picture a '神' (deity) that looks just like you, representing an ideal version of yourself, which highlights the essence of '似' (to resemble). Together, they form a vivid image of a perfect match in character and appearance.
About 神似
神似Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 神似
Podcast: 神似
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AI Study Notes for 神似
Quick Contrast
相似 (xiāngsì) — use 神似 when emphasizing a deeper, more profound resemblance, while 相似 is more general and can refer to any similarity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine two people who not only look alike but also share the same spirit and charm. Picture a '神' (deity) that looks just like you, representing an ideal version of yourself, which highlights the essence of '似' (to resemble). Together, they form a vivid image of a perfect match in character and appearance.
Usage Notes
While '神似' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is often found in literary or artistic discussions. Be careful not to confuse it with similar phrases like '相似' (xiāngsì), which simply means 'similar' without the added nuance of spiritual or character resemblance.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 7 word, students should focus on using '神似' in descriptive contexts, particularly when discussing art or personality traits. It connects well with words like '个性' (gèxìng - personality) and '特征' (tèzhēng - characteristics), enriching their expressive vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of resemblance often extends beyond physical attributes, emphasizing the importance of shared values and spirits, especially in familial and artistic representations. Such connections are celebrated in poetry and traditional storytelling.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '神似' with '相似', using them interchangeably. For instance, saying '他们的性格相似' (which is correct) when they want to emphasize a deeper connection, should instead use '他们的性格神似'.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 神似
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Cultural Notes for 神似
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of resemblance often extends beyond physical attributes, emphasizing the importance of shared values and spirits, especially in familial and artistic representations. Such connections are celebrated in poetry and traditional storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions about 神似
Yes, '神似' can be used to describe anything that has a striking resemblance, including objects, art forms, or even ideas.
Yes, '神似' carries a more profound meaning and is often used in more formal or artistic contexts than '相似'.
You can say, '这幅画和那位画家的风格神似,' meaning 'This painting strikingly resembles the style of that artist.'
