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素不相识 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
素不相识sùbùxiāngshíto be total strangers (idiom)HSK 7, unknown, 30 strokes, rank #30270, Very Hard
sùbùxiāngshí(su4bu4xiang1shi2)su bu xiang shi T4
  1. 1to be total strangers (idiom)
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March 24, 2026

素不相识(素不相識)sùbùxiāngshí(su4bu4xiang1shi2)

The idiom '素不相识' means to be total strangers or to have no prior acquaintance. It is commonly used to express that two people have never met or do not know each other at all, emphasizing a complete lack of familiarity.

Strokes30Frequency#30270DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on relationships and connections. The concept of being a 'total stranger' can carry weight, especially in social situations where networking is important.

Memory tip

Imagine a pair of socks (素) that are never worn together, symbolizing two people who have never met. The socks are 'so' (su4) different that they don't even recognize each other, hence '不相识' (bu4 xiang1 shi2) meaning they don't know one another.

Meanings of 素不相识

sùbùxiāngshí(su4bu4xiang1shi2)
1to be total strangers (idiom)
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About 素不相识

素不相识Simplified
素不相識Traditional
30Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 素不相识

Usage Notes

This idiom is often used in both formal and informal contexts to clarify relationships. A common mistake is to use it in situations where there is some prior acquaintance, so be careful to reserve it for true strangers.

HSK Study Tips

While this idiom is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 4 words like '认识' (to know) and '相互' (mutual). Focus on understanding the context in which '素不相识' is used in conversations about relationships and introductions.

Common Mistakes

Learners might incorrectly use '素不相识' to describe acquaintances, saying something like '我和他素不相识' (I and he are total strangers) when they have met before. The correct usage requires true unfamiliarity.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 素不相识

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Idiom spotlight: 素不相识

Chengyu origin story
Literal meaning:plain not mutual recognize

Component characters

素sùraw silk
HSK 710 strokes糸
View full entry
不bù(negative prefix)
HSK 14 strokes一
View full entry
相Xiāngeach other
9 strokes目
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识shíto record
HSK 67 strokes讠
View full entry

How to say to be total strangers (idiom) in Chinese

“to be total strangers (idiom)” in Chinese is素不相识sùbùxiāngshí

The idiom '素不相识' means to be total strangers or to have no prior acquaintance. It is commonly used to express that two people have never met or do not know each other at all, emphasizing a complete lack of familiarity.

When to use 素不相识

This idiom is often used in both formal and informal contexts to clarify relationships. A common mistake is to use it in situations where there is some prior acquaintance, so be careful to reserve it for true strangers.

What learners get wrong

Learners might incorrectly use '素不相识' to describe acquaintances, saying something like '我和他素不相识' (I and he are total strangers) when they have met before. The correct usage requires true unfamiliarity.

Write 素不相识

素
不
相
识

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Frequently asked questions about 素不相识

Yes, '素不相识' can be appropriately used in formal letters when stating that you do not know the recipient.

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