Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
性别(性別)xìngbié(xing4bie2)
The term 性别 (xìngbié) refers to the concept of gender or sex, distinguishing individuals based on biological and social characteristics. It is commonly used in discussions related to identity, demographics, and social issues, particularly in academic or formal contexts.
Frequency#7112DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, discussions about 性别 have gained prominence due to increasing awareness of gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. The word is often used in social debates, studies, and policies related to gender issues.
Memory Tip
Think of 性 (xìng) as the 'nature' of a person and 别 (bié) meaning 'distinction' or 'difference.' Imagine a person wearing a badge that shows their gender, emphasizing the 'nature' of their identity and the 'distinction' it carries.
Meanings of 性别
xìngbié(xing4bie2)
1gender
2sex
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 性别
性别Simplified
性別Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7112Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 性别
Podcast: 性别
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 性别
Quick Contrast
男女 (nánnǚ) — use 性别 (xìngbié) to refer to the concept of gender in a broader sense, while 男女 (nánnǚ) specifically denotes male and female.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 性 (xìng) as the 'nature' of a person and 别 (bié) meaning 'distinction' or 'difference.' Imagine a person wearing a badge that shows their gender, emphasizing the 'nature' of their identity and the 'distinction' it carries.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 性别 (xìngbié) with 性 (xìng), which only means 'sex' in a biological sense. It's important to use 性别 in contexts discussing gender roles or identity. This term is more formal; in casual conversations, you might hear other expressions.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 性别 connects to other terms about identity and society. Students should focus on using it in sentences that discuss roles in family, work, or society. Practice making distinctions between 性 (xìng) and 性别 (xìngbié) to solidify understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, discussions about 性别 have gained prominence due to increasing awareness of gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. The word is often used in social debates, studies, and policies related to gender issues.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 性 (xìng) when they mean 性别 (xìngbié). For example, saying '他的性是男' instead of the correct '他的性别是男.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 性别
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 性别 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 性别 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 性别
性别 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这一新技术已经被用来鉴别胎儿的____。
The new technique has been used to identify the sex of foetuses.
Example Sentences for 性别 (7)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这一新技术已经被用来鉴别胎儿的性别。
zhè yī xīn jì shù yǐ jīng bèi yòng lái jiàn bié tāi ér de xìng bié。
The new technique has been used to identify the sex of foetuses.
2
单性别教育对女孩好吗？
dān xìng bié jiào yù duì nǚ hái hǎo ma？
Is single-sex education good for girls?
3
达拉对我们老一套的性别和女性特质观念提出了异议。
dá lā duì wǒ mén lǎo yī tào de xìng bié hé nǚ xìng tè zhì guān niàn tí chū le yì yì。
Dara challenges our stereotypical ideas about gender and femininity.
I have rarely read anything so insultingly sexist as this article.
7
孩子的性别在妊娠期第三个月便可查明。
hái zǐ de xìng bié zài rèn shēn qī dì sān gè yuè biàn kě chá míng。
During the third month of pregnancy the sex of the child becomes determinable.
Cultural Notes for 性别
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese society, discussions about 性别 have gained prominence due to increasing awareness of gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. The word is often used in social debates, studies, and policies related to gender issues.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, gender is often viewed as a spectrum, whereas in traditional Chinese contexts, it has been more binary, though this is changing.
Frequently Asked Questions about 性别
It means 'gender' or 'sex,' referring to the distinction between male and female.
You can say '我们应该尊重每个人的性别' (We should respect everyone's gender).
It is primarily used in formal or academic contexts, especially when discussing social issues.
