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知识 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
知识zhīshiintellectualHSK 4, v, rank #3655, Easy
知识zhīshiknowledge-relatedHSK 4, v, rank #3655, Easy
知识zhīshiknowledgeHSK 4, v, rank #3655, Easy
知识zhīshi>门[mén]HSK 4, v, rank #3655, Easy
zhīshi(zhi1shi5) T1
  1. 1intellectual
  2. 2knowledge-related
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March 24, 2026
知识(知識)zhīshi(zhi1shi5)

知识 (zhī shì) refers to knowledge or information that one acquires through experience, education, or study. It encompasses both theoretical understanding and practical skills, and is often used in academic or intellectual contexts. This term highlights the importance of learning and wisdom in Chinese culture.

Frequency#3655DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the pursuit of knowledge is highly valued, often linked to the Confucian ideal of self-improvement and education. The concept of knowledge is foundational in traditional Chinese thought, influencing societal norms and expectations.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wise owl (representing knowledge) with a light bulb above its head (symbolizing ideas and enlightenment). The character 知 (zhī) resembles a person pointing to their head, while 识 (shì) suggests the act of recognizing or understanding something, as if the owl is sharing its wisdom.

Meanings of 知识

zhīshi(zhi1shi5)
1intellectual
2knowledge-related
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 知识

知识Simplified
知識Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3655Frequency Rank
Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 知识

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Podcast: 知识

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AI Study Notes for 知识

Quick Contrast

知识 (knowledge) vs 情报 (intelligence) — use 知识 for general knowledge or understanding, while 情报 specifically refers to information or data, often in a strategic or confidential context.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a wise owl (representing knowledge) with a light bulb above its head (symbolizing ideas and enlightenment). The character 知 (zhī) resembles a person pointing to their head, while 识 (shì) suggests the act of recognizing or understanding something, as if the owl is sharing its wisdom.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 知识 with 认识 (rèn shì), which means to recognize or be acquainted with something. 知识 is used in more formal contexts related to education, while 认识 is more casual. Remember to use the correct tone for each character, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 4 word, 知识 connects well with other vocabulary related to learning and education. Students should focus on its usage in academic contexts and practice collocations such as 学习知识 (xué xí zhī shì - to learn knowledge) or 有知识 (yǒu zhī shì - to have knowledge).

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the pursuit of knowledge is highly valued, often linked to the Confucian ideal of self-improvement and education. The concept of knowledge is foundational in traditional Chinese thought, influencing societal norms and expectations.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 知识 with 知道 (zhī dào), which means 'to know' or 'to be aware of'. For example, saying 我有知道 (Wǒ yǒu zhī dào) is incorrect; it should be 我有知识 (Wǒ yǒu zhī shì - I have knowledge).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 知识

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Component Characters

zhīto know
HSK 68 strokes
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shíto know
HSK 67 strokes
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Write 知识

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

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Grammar Patterns of 知识

知识 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 4 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 3

Complete the Sentence

他为了新工作不断学习新____。

He constantly learns new things for his new job.

Example Sentences for 知识 (10)

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1
他们认为古代希腊罗马是知识的重要发源地。

tā mén rèn wéi gǔ dài xī là luó mǎ shì zhī shí de zhòng yào fā yuán dì。

They believed ancient Greece and Rome were vital sources of learning.
2
这本书包括了有关动植物的一些有用的知识。

zhè běn shū bāo kuò le yǒu guān dòng zhí wù de yī xiē yǒu yòng de zhī shí。

The book includes some useful facts about animal and plant life.
3
这一方法给教学带来了活力,也使知识的吸收变得容易了。

zhè yī fāng fǎ gěi jiào xué dài lái le huó lì, , yě shǐ zhī shí de xī shōu biàn dé róng yì。

This technique brings life to instruction and eases assimilation of knowledge.
4
他讨厌艺术应由知识分子所掌控的观点。

tā tǎo yàn yì shù yīng yóu zhī shí fēn zǐ suǒ zhǎng kòng de guān diǎn。

The notion that art should be controlled by intellectuals sickened him.
5
他精通机械,了解许多有关声音的知识。

tā jīng tōng jī xiè, , le jiě xǔ duō yǒu guān shēng yīn de zhī。

He was a very mechanical person, who knew a lot about sound.
6
这次测验是他显示知识的好机会.

zhè cì cè yàn shì tā xiǎn shì zhī shí de hǎo jī huì.

The quiz was a good opportunity for the exhibition of his knowledge.
7
虐待儿童案件常常没人举报,或者为缺乏相关知识的公民所忽略。

nüè dài ér tóng àn jiàn cháng cháng méi rén jǔ bào, , huò zhě wéi quē fá xiāng guān zhī shí de gōng mín suǒ hū。

Cases of child abuse often go unreported or ignored by uninformed citizens.
8
它可能最终会使这个聒噪的知识分子小圈子安静下来。

tā kě néng zuì zhōng huì shǐ zhè gè guō zào de zhī shí fēn zǐ xiǎo quān zǐ ān jìng xià lái。

It might, at last, silence the small but noisy intellectual clique.
9
他们将集中教授阅读、写作和算术基础知识。

tā mén jiāng jí zhōng jiào shòu yuè dú、 、 xiě zuò hé suàn shù jī chǔ zhī。

They will concentrate on teaching the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic.
10
她是个很有魄力的知识分子,不惧怕说出自己的想法。

tā shì gè hěn yǒu pò lì de zhī shí fēn zǐ, , bù jù pà shuō chū zì jǐ de xiǎng。

She was a forceful intellectual unafraid to speak her mind.

Cultural Notes for 知识

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the pursuit of knowledge is highly valued, often linked to the Confucian ideal of self-improvement and education. The concept of knowledge is foundational in traditional Chinese thought, influencing societal norms and expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions about 知识

You can say: 我想要增加我的知识 (Wǒ xiǎng yào zēng jiā wǒ de zhī shì - I want to increase my knowledge).