Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
地铁(地鐵)dìtiě(di4tie3)
地铁 (dìtiě) refers to an underground train system designed for urban transportation, commonly known as a subway or metro. It is widely used in major cities in China and is essential for commuting, offering an efficient and cost-effective means of travel.
Frequency#3421DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese cities, the development of 地铁 systems is often seen as a symbol of modernization and urbanization, reflecting the rapid growth of urban populations and infrastructure. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have extensive networks that are integral to daily life.
Memory Tip
Think of '地' (dì) as representing 'land' and '铁' (tiě) as 'iron.' Picture an iron train running beneath the land, connecting the city like a metal worm. This imagery helps remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 地铁
Quick Contrast
轻轨 (qīngguǐ) - choose 地铁 when referring specifically to underground systems, whereas 轻轨 refers to light rail systems that may not be underground.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '地' (dì) as representing 'land' and '铁' (tiě) as 'iron.' Picture an iron train running beneath the land, connecting the city like a metal worm. This imagery helps remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 地铁 with other types of trains, such as 高铁 (high-speed train). 地铁 is generally used in informal contexts when discussing urban transit. Common collocations include '搭乘地铁' (take the subway) or '地铁站' (subway station).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 地铁 connects with vocabulary related to transportation and daily activities. Students should focus on practical phrases involving travel, like asking for directions or purchasing tickets.
Cultural Note
In Chinese cities, the development of 地铁 systems is often seen as a symbol of modernization and urbanization, reflecting the rapid growth of urban populations and infrastructure. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have extensive networks that are integral to daily life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 地铁 when referring to trains outside urban areas, such as long-distance trains. Correct usage would be to refer to those as 火车 (huǒchē) instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 地铁
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 地铁 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 地铁 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 地铁
地铁 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.
I took the tube then the train and came straight here.
5
他搭上了开往托特纳姆宫路的东向地铁列车。
tā dā shàng le kāi wǎng tuō tè nà mǔ gōng lù de dōng xiàng dì tiě liè chē。
He caught an eastbound train to Tottenham Court Road.
6
新的地铁系统设计为使用无铅燃料。
xīn de dì tiě xì tǒng shè jì wéi shǐ yòng wú qiān rán liào。
The new Metro is designed to run on unleaded fuel.
7
他喜欢在华兹区第103大街下公交车转乘地铁蓝线。
tā xǐ huān zài huá zī qū dì103 103 dà jiē xià gōng jiāo chē zhuǎn chéng dì tiě lán。
He likes to transfer from the bus to the Blue Line at 103rd Street in Watts.
8
一名15岁的女孩在地铁里遭持刀袭击。
yī míng15 15 suì de nǚ hái zài dì tiě lǐ zāo chí dāo xí。
A 15-year-old girl was attacked at knifepoint in a subway.
9
他更愿意乘地铁出行，不愿坐豪华轿车。
tā gēng yuàn yì chéng dì tiě chū háng， ， bù yuàn zuò háo huá jiào。
He prefers travelling on the Tube to riding in a limousine.
10
他乘地铁旅行。
tā chéng dì tiě lǚ háng。
He travelled by tube.
Cultural Notes for 地铁
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese cities, the development of 地铁 systems is often seen as a symbol of modernization and urbanization, reflecting the rapid growth of urban populations and infrastructure. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have extensive networks that are integral to daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions about 地铁
You can say '请问，地铁站在哪里？' (Excuse me, where is the subway station?)
Not all cities have a 地铁; it is primarily found in larger metropolitan areas.
地铁 refers specifically to the subway system, while 公交车 (gōngjiāo chē) refers to buses.
