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历史 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
历史lìshǐhistoryHSK 3, n, rank #1243, Medium
历史lìshǐ>门[mén],段[duàn]HSK 3, n, rank #1243, Medium
lìshǐ(li4shi3) T4
  1. 1history
  2. 2>门[mén],段[duàn]
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March 24, 2026
历史(歷史)lìshǐ(li4shi3)

历史 (lìshǐ) refers to the study and record of past events, particularly those affecting human affairs. It is commonly used in educational contexts, discussions about culture, and when referring to significant historical events or figures. The term can also imply the importance of learning from the past.

Frequency#1243DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, history is often viewed as a vital part of identity, influencing everything from education to national pride. The study of history is deeply embedded in the Chinese educational system, reflecting the importance of understanding one's heritage.

Memory Tip

Think of 历 (lì) as a 'calendar' showing the passage of time, while 史 (shǐ) can be associated with 'stories' of the past. Together, imagine a timeline where each year tells a story—a vivid illustration of history.

Meanings of 历史

lìshǐ(li4shi3)
1history
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About 历史

历史Simplified
歷史Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1243Frequency Rank
门Measure Word
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 历史

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Podcast: 历史

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AI Study Notes for 历史

Quick Contrast

历史 (lìshǐ) vs 史记 (shǐjì) — use 历史 for the general study of history, while 史记 specifically refers to the historical text by Sima Qian.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 历 (lì) as a 'calendar' showing the passage of time, while 史 (shǐ) can be associated with 'stories' of the past. Together, imagine a timeline where each year tells a story—a vivid illustration of history.

Usage Notes

Be careful with the pronunciation; the tones are crucial, as mispronouncing 历史 could change the meaning. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts but is especially common in academic discussions. Common collocations include '历史事件' (historical events) and '历史课程' (history course).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 3 word, 历史 connects well with other vocabulary related to learning and education. Students should focus on using it in sentences about their own experiences with history or cultural insights.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, history is often viewed as a vital part of identity, influencing everything from education to national pride. The study of history is deeply embedded in the Chinese educational system, reflecting the importance of understanding one's heritage.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 历史 with 文化 (wénhuà, culture), mistakenly using them interchangeably. For instance, saying '我喜欢文化' when meaning 'I like history' is incorrect; the correct term is '我喜欢历史'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 历史

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Component Characters

历lìcalendar
HSK 34 strokes厂
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史Shǐhistory
HSK 45 strokes口
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Write 历史

历
史

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

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Grammar Patterns of 历史

历史 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.

Related grammar lessons6
Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

他写了一篇关于中国____的文章。

He wrote an article about Chinese history.

Example Sentences for 历史 (10)

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1
6月份的出口额上升了1.5%，创下309.1亿美元的历史最高纪录。

6 6 yuè fèn de chū kǒu é shàng shēng1.5%， le 1.5%，309.1 chuàng xià 309.1 yì měi yuán de lì shǐ zuì。

Exports in June rose 5% to a record $91 billion.
2
太湖水位达到了历史最高值。

tài hú shuǐ wèi dá dào le lì shǐ zuì gāo zhí。

The water level in Lake Taihu has reached record levels.
3
导游简要地介绍了那个遗址的历史。

dǎo yóu jiǎn yào dì jiè shào le nà gè yí zhǐ de lì shǐ。

A guide gives a brief talk on the history of the site.
4
这枚胸针的历史可以追溯到公元前4世纪。

zhè méi xiōng zhēn de lì shǐ kě yǐ zhuī sù dào gōng yuán qián4 4 shì。

The brooch dates back to the fourth century BC.
5
这位航海家的名誉受到了历史修正主义者的攻击。

zhè wèi háng hǎi jiā de míng yù shòu dào le lì shǐ xiū zhèng zhǔ yì zhě de gōng jī。

The reputation of the navigator is under assault from historical revisionists.
6
我当时深受一位历史老师的影响。

wǒ dāng shí shēn shòu yī wèi lì shǐ lǎo shī de yǐng xiǎng。

I fell under the influence of a history master.
7
总统在全国的人气目前正处于历史最低点。

zǒng tǒng zài quán guó de rén qì mù qián zhèng chǔ yú lì shǐ zuì dī diǎn。

The president's popularity nationally is at an all-time low.
8
两个历史问题——你可以随便回答。

liǎng gè lì shǐ wèn tí—— —— nǐ kě yǐ suí biàn huí。

Two historical questions — you can answer them how you like.
9
与历史悠久的查尔斯顿相比，哥伦比亚是个年轻的城市。

yǔ lì shǐ yōu jiǔ de chá ěr sī dùn xiāng bǐ， ， gē lún bǐ yà shì gè nián qīng de chéng。

Columbia was a young city compared to venerable Charleston.
10
两个团体都有延续历史的传统。

liǎng gè tuán tǐ dū yǒu yán xù lì shǐ de chuán tǒng。

Both communities have a tradition of keeping history alive.

Cultural Notes for 历史

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, history is often viewed as a vital part of identity, influencing everything from education to national pride. The study of history is deeply embedded in the Chinese educational system, reflecting the importance of understanding one's heritage.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, history is often taught with a focus on events and dates, whereas in China, there is a stronger emphasis on lessons and moral values derived from historical narratives.

Frequently Asked Questions about 历史

You can say '我喜欢学习历史' (I like studying history).