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March 24, 2026
收拾shōushi(shou1shi5)
The verb '收拾' (shōushi) means to tidy up, organize, or pack items in a neat manner. It can also imply fixing or sorting someone out in a colloquial context, making it versatile in usage. Commonly used in household contexts, it can refer to cleaning a room or preparing luggage for travel.
Frequency#1437DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, tidiness and organization are often associated with respect and discipline. The act of '收拾' is not just about cleanliness but also reflects one’s character and attention to detail, especially in home settings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shopkeeper (收, shōu) organizing (拾, shí) their cluttered store. Visualize them carefully sorting items and packing them neatly, which helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation of '收拾'.
Meanings of 收拾
shōushi(shou1shi5)
1to put in order
2to tidy up
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 收拾
收拾Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1437Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRB2
Podcast: 收拾
Podcast: 收拾
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AI Study Notes for 收拾
Quick Contrast
整理 (zhěnglǐ) — use '收拾' when emphasizing tidying up or packing, while '整理' focuses more on organizing or arranging.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a shopkeeper (收, shōu) organizing (拾, shí) their cluttered store. Visualize them carefully sorting items and packing them neatly, which helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation of '收拾'.
Usage Notes
'收拾' is often used in informal contexts, so it's best to avoid it in very formal situations. A common mistake is to confuse it with '整理' (zhěnglǐ), which is more formal and means to organize without the implication of tidying up or packing. Remember to use the correct tones to convey your meaning accurately.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 4, '收拾' is a practical verb that connects well with other action words like '整理' (organize) and '打扫' (clean). Focus on practicing its usage in everyday scenarios to reinforce your vocabulary and comprehension.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, tidiness and organization are often associated with respect and discipline. The act of '收拾' is not just about cleanliness but also reflects one’s character and attention to detail, especially in home settings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '收拾' with '清理' (qīnglǐ), which means to clear away. A wrong example would be saying '我在清理我的房间' when you mean to tidy up; the correct usage would be '我在收拾我的房间'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 收拾
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Grammar Patterns of 收拾
收拾 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 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
她的床____得很整洁，衣服也收起来了。
Her bed was crisply made, her clothes put away.
Example Sentences for 收拾 (10)
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1
她的床收拾得很整洁，衣服也收起来了。
tā de chuáng shōu shí dé hěn zhěng jié， ， yī fú yě shōu qǐ lái。
Her bed was crisply made, her clothes put away.
2
我们目睹了一家人正在收拾家当准备离开的凄惨景象。
wǒ mén mù dǔ le yī jiā rén zhèng zài shōu shí jiā dāng zhǔn bèi lí kāi de qī cǎn jǐng xiàng。
We encountered the pathetic sight of a family packing up its home.
3
他们的房子有很多地方需要收拾.
tā mén de fáng zǐ yǒu hěn duō dì fāng xū yào shōu shí.
There was a lot of work to do on their house.
4
安妮把床铺都整理好，然后把幼儿室收拾停当。
ān nī bǎ chuáng pū dū zhěng lǐ hǎo， ， rán hòu bǎ yòu ér shì shōu shí tíng。
Anne made the beds and tidied up the nursery.
5
埃里克的姐姐真好，自告奋勇帮助收拾花园。
āi lǐ kè de jiě jiě zhēn hǎo， ， zì gào fèn yǒng bāng zhù shōu shí huā。
Eric's sister had nobly volunteered to help with the gardening.
tā mén shōu shí hǎo dōng xī， ， bàn lǐ le tuì fáng shǒu。
They packed and checked out of the hotel.
9
她已收拾好个人物品。
tā yǐ shōu shí hǎo gè rén wù pǐn。
She had tidied away her possessions.
10
你收拾好行李了吗？
nǐ shōu shí hǎo háng lǐ le ma？
Have you finished your packing?
Cultural Notes for 收拾
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, tidiness and organization are often associated with respect and discipline. The act of '收拾' is not just about cleanliness but also reflects one’s character and attention to detail, especially in home settings.
Frequently Asked Questions about 收拾
'收拾' is perfect for that! You can say '我在收拾我的桌子' (I am tidying up my desk).
'收拾' is generally too informal for formal writing; it's better to use '整理' in those contexts.
Yes, in colloquial use, '收拾' can imply sorting someone out or fixing their behavior.
