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March 24, 2026
世界shìjiè(shi4jie4)
The term '世界' (shìjiè) translates to 'world' in English. It refers to the Earth and all its inhabitants, as well as the broader concept of existence or the universe. In everyday contexts, it can describe different aspects of life, society, and global matters.
Frequency#301DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '世界' often ties into discussions about harmony and balance in the universe, reflecting traditional views on coexistence among different cultures and societies. It is common to hear phrases like '和谐世界' (harmonious world) in social discourse.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant globe (世界) that represents the entire world. The character '世' (shì) looks like a person standing on a platform, symbolizing life on Earth, while '界' (jiè) has a fence-like structure, indicating boundaries or divisions within the world.
Meanings of 世界
shìjiè(shi4jie4)
1world
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About 世界
世界Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#301Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 世界
Podcast: 世界
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AI Study Notes for 世界
Quick Contrast
地球 (dìqiú) refers specifically to the planet Earth, while 世界 (shìjiè) encompasses a broader concept including human society and existence.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant globe (世界) that represents the entire world. The character '世' (shì) looks like a person standing on a platform, symbolizing life on Earth, while '界' (jiè) has a fence-like structure, indicating boundaries or divisions within the world.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tone; '世界' must be pronounced with the correct fourth tones to avoid confusion. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts but may appear more frequently in discussions about global issues or cultures. Common collocations include '世界和平' (world peace) and '世界历史' (world history).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, '世界' connects to other vocabulary related to geography and global affairs. Students should focus on using it in phrases and sentences to enhance their understanding of its application in various contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '世界' often ties into discussions about harmony and balance in the universe, reflecting traditional views on coexistence among different cultures and societies. It is common to hear phrases like '和谐世界' (harmonious world) in social discourse.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '世界' with '世代' (shìdài), which means 'generation'. For instance, saying '我来自世界' (I come from the world) is incorrect; it should be '我来自这个世界' (I come from this world).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 世界
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Grammar Patterns of 世界
世界 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.
This tangibly demonstrated that the world situation could be improved.
6
这架飞机的部件将在世界各地制造。
zhè jià fēi jī de bù jiàn jiāng zài shì jiè gè dì zhì zào。
Parts for the aircraft will be made all round the world.
7
他们的判断是基于一种狭隘的世界观。
tā mén de pàn duàn shì jī yú yī zhǒng xiá ài de shì jiè guān。
They're making judgments based on a narrowly focused vision of the world.
8
这里的海岸线属于世界上最无遮蔽的一段了。
zhè lǐ de hǎi àn xiàn shǔ yú shì jiè shàng zuì wú zhē bì de yī duàn le。
This is some of the most exposed coastline in the world.
9
在世界体坛上，一枚奥运会金牌是最令人向往的奖项。
zài shì jiè tǐ tán shàng， ， yī méi ào yùn huì jīn pái shì zuì líng rén xiàng wǎng de jiǎng。
An Olympic gold medal is the most sought-after prize in world sport.
10
他通过自己观念的力量改变了我们的世界。
tā tōng guò zì jǐ guān niàn de lì liáng gǎi biàn le wǒ mén de shì jiè。
He changed our world through the force of his ideas.
Cultural Notes for 世界
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of '世界' often ties into discussions about harmony and balance in the universe, reflecting traditional views on coexistence among different cultures and societies. It is common to hear phrases like '和谐世界' (harmonious world) in social discourse.
Frequently Asked Questions about 世界
'世界' can be used in sentences like '我爱这个世界' (I love this world).
'世界' primarily refers to Earth, but it can also encompass abstract concepts like the 'world of ideas'.
Common phrases include '世界各地' (worldwide) and '世界文化' (world culture).
