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March 24, 2026
消息xiāoxi(xiao1xi5)
The term 消息 (xiāo xī) refers to news or information about events, happenings, or updates. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in journalism, conversations, or official announcements. The nuance often implies the importance or relevance of the information being conveyed.
Frequency#411DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, staying updated with current events and news is highly valued, often reflected in the importance placed on social media platforms and news outlets. The term 消息 is frequently used in the context of family and community updates, showcasing the communal aspect of sharing information.
Memory Tip
Imagine a news bulletin board where important messages appear. The character 消 (xiāo) can be visualized as a person removing old news (like a ghost disappearing) while the character 息 (xī) resembles a breath or essence of life, representing the life-giving nature of fresh news. Together, they form 'news' as essential information.
Meanings of 消息
xiāoxi(xiao1xi5)
1news
2information
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About 消息
消息Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#411Frequency Rank
条Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 消息
Podcast: 消息
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AI Study Notes for 消息
Quick Contrast
消息 (xiāoxi) vs 信息 (xìnxī): Choose 消息 when referring to news or updates that imply relevance, while 信息 is more general and can refer to any kind of information.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a news bulletin board where important messages appear. The character 消 (xiāo) can be visualized as a person removing old news (like a ghost disappearing) while the character 息 (xī) resembles a breath or essence of life, representing the life-giving nature of fresh news. Together, they form 'news' as essential information.
Usage Notes
Be careful to distinguish between formal and informal contexts when using 消息. Common collocations include '最新消息' (zuì xīn xiāo xī) meaning 'latest news' and '消息灵通' (xiāo xī líng tōng) meaning 'well-informed.' Avoid confusing 消息 with 讯息 (xùn xī), which can sometimes imply more formal or technical information.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 4, students should recognize 消息 as a noun and be able to use it in sentences. Focus on practicing with phrases and contexts that include this word, and connect it with other HSK Level 4 vocabulary related to communication and information.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, staying updated with current events and news is highly valued, often reflected in the importance placed on social media platforms and news outlets. The term 消息 is frequently used in the context of family and community updates, showcasing the communal aspect of sharing information.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 消息 with the word 信息 (xìn xī), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我有很多信息' (Wǒ yǒu hěn duō xìn xī) when referring to personal updates may sound overly formal; instead, use 消息 for a more natural expression.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 消息
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Grammar Patterns of 消息
消息 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 3 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.
wǒ duì zhè tiáo xiāo xī de zǒng tǐ fǎn yīng kě yǐ yòng“ “ hēng ér hā” ér ” lái。
My general reaction to this news might be summed up as "ho-hum"
8
我深感泄气地回去把这消息告诉了比尔。
wǒ shēn gǎn xiè qì dì huí qù bǎ zhè xiāo xī gào sù le bǐ ěr。
Despondently, I went back and told Bill the news.
9
由于发生了不幸的意外，我知道消息的时候已经晚了一天。
yóu yú fā shēng le bù xìng de yì wài， ， wǒ zhī dào xiāo xī de shí hòu yǐ jīng wǎn le yī。
Through some unfortunate accident, the information reached me a day late.
10
收到他的好消息让我欣喜若狂。
shōu dào tā de hǎo xiāo xī ràng wǒ xīn xǐ ruò kuáng。
I was so thrilled to get a good report from him.
Cultural Notes for 消息
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, staying updated with current events and news is highly valued, often reflected in the importance placed on social media platforms and news outlets. The term 消息 is frequently used in the context of family and community updates, showcasing the communal aspect of sharing information.
Frequently Asked Questions about 消息
消息 (xiāo xī) refers more specifically to news or updates, while 信息 (xìn xī) is a broader term for information in general.
You can say '我听到一个好消息' (Wǒ tīng dào yī gè hǎo xiāo xī) meaning 'I heard good news.'
Yes, 消息 is commonly used in both spoken and written forms, making it versatile for various communication contexts.
