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数字 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
数字shùzìnumeralHSK 4, n, rank #1832, Medium
数字shùzìdigitHSK 4, n, rank #1832, Medium
数字shùzìnumberHSK 4, n, rank #1832, Medium
数字shùzìfigureHSK 4, n, rank #1832, Medium
数字shùzìamountHSK 4, n, rank #1832, Medium
数字shùzìdigital (electronics etc)HSK 4, n, rank #1832, Medium
数字shùzì>个[gè]HSK 4, n, rank #1832, Medium
shùzì(shu4zi4) T4
  1. 1numeral
  2. 2digit
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
数字(數字)shùzì(shu4zi4)

数字 (shùzì) refers to a numeral or digit used to represent a number. It can denote both mathematical figures and digital concepts, making it widely used in contexts ranging from mathematics to electronics. The term encompasses any numerical representation, including integers, decimals, and even binary code.

Frequency#1832DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, numbers hold significant meanings, with certain digits being considered lucky or unlucky (like 8 for prosperity). The term 数字 is frequently used in business contexts, especially when discussing financial figures or statistics.

Memory Tip

Think of the character 数 (shù) as a tall figure counting numbers, and 字 (zì) as a written character. Visualize a giant with fingers extending to the sky, each finger representing a digit, helping you remember that 数字 is all about numbers.

Meanings of 数字

shùzì(shu4zi4)
1numeral
2digit
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 数字

数字Simplified
數字Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1832Frequency Rank
Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 数字

JasonAmy

Podcast: 数字

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 数字

Quick Contrast

数字 (shùzì) vs 数目 (shùmù) — use 数字 for individual numerals or digits, while 数目 refers to the total count or amount.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of the character 数 (shù) as a tall figure counting numbers, and 字 (zì) as a written character. Visualize a giant with fingers extending to the sky, each finger representing a digit, helping you remember that 数字 is all about numbers.

Usage Notes

Be careful to use 数字 in contexts specifically referring to numerals, as it differs from the broader term 'number' in English. It is often used in both formal and informal settings, but avoid using it in overly poetic contexts. Common collocations include '电话号码' (telephone number) and '数字化' (digitization).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 4 word, 数字 connects well with other numerical terms like '数量' (quantity) or '数字游戏' (number games). Students should focus on its applications in both everyday conversation and technical fields, such as computing.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, numbers hold significant meanings, with certain digits being considered lucky or unlucky (like 8 for prosperity). The term 数字 is frequently used in business contexts, especially when discussing financial figures or statistics.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 数字 with 号码 (hào mǎ), thinking they are interchangeable. Remember that 数字 refers to the numeral itself, while 号码 is a specific type of number used for identification, such as a phone number.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 数字

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Component Characters

shùnumber
HSK 413 strokes
View full entry
letter
HSK 16 strokes
View full entry

Write 数字

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

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Grammar Patterns of 数字

数字 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 7 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

艾滋病病毒携带者的官方____并不高。

The official number of people carrying the AIDS virus is low.

Example Sentences for 数字 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
艾滋病病毒携带者的官方数字并不高。

ài zī bìng bìng dú xié dài zhě de guān fāng shù zì bìng bù gāo。

The official number of people carrying the AIDS virus is low.
2
把下列数字和你卡片上的数字比照一下。

bǎ xià liè shù zì hé nǐ kǎ piàn shàng de shù zì bǐ zhào yī xià。

Check the numbers below against the numbers on your card.
3
数字剪辑、数码特效以及数码摄像机改变了电影摄制方式。

shù zì jiǎn jí、 、 shù mǎ tè xiào yǐ jí shù mǎ shè xiàng jī gǎi biàn le diàn yǐng shè zhì fāng。

Filmmaking was transformed by digital editing, digital f/x, and digicams.
4
我们得知明年这一数字可能达到10万。

wǒ mén dé zhī míng nián zhè yī shù zì kě néng dá dào10 10。

We're told the figure could reach 100,000 next year.
5
英国广播公司刚刚成功地演示了一套新的数字无线电传输系统。

yīng guó guǎng bō gōng sī gāng gāng chéng gōng dì yǎn shì le yī tào xīn de shù zì wú xiàn diàn chuán shū xì tǒng。

The BBC has just successfully demonstrated a new digital radio transmission system.
6
我不能很好地领会这些数字的重要性.

wǒ bù néng hěn hǎo dì lǐng huì zhè xiē shù zì de zhòng yào xìng.

I can't quite grasp the meaning of these figures.
7
你能把数字查一下,看看我什么地方搞错了,好 吗 ?

nǐ néng bǎ shù zì chá yī xià, , kàn kàn wǒ shí mó dì fāng gǎo cuò, le ,?

Could you check these figures and see where I have slipped up?
8
让人愤慨的是那些数字并未公开。

ràng rén fèn kǎi de shì nà xiē shù zì bìng wèi gōng kāi。

It is outrageous that the figures are not in the public domain.
9
他坐在那儿说:“是的,这些数字可以理解。”

tā zuò zài nà ér shuō:“ :“ shì, de , zhè xiē shù zì kě yǐ。”

He was sitting there saying, "Yes, the figures make sense."
10
他不明白为什么他的计算器上面的数字向右倾斜。

tā bù míng bái wéi shí mó tā de jì suàn qì shàng miàn de shù zì xiàng yòu qīng xié。

He wonders why the digits on his calculator slope to the right.

Cultural Notes for 数字

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, numbers hold significant meanings, with certain digits being considered lucky or unlucky (like 8 for prosperity). The term 数字 is frequently used in business contexts, especially when discussing financial figures or statistics.

Frequently Asked Questions about 数字

数字 refers to numerals or digits, while 号码 specifically means a number used for identification, such as a phone number.