Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
词语 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
词语cíyǔword (general term including monosyllables through to short phrases)HSK 4, n, rank #9648, Medium
词语cíyǔterm (e.g. technical term)HSK 4, n, rank #9648, Medium
词语cíyǔexpressionHSK 4, n, rank #9648, Medium
cíyǔ(ci2yu3) T2
  1. 1word (general term including monosyllables through to short phrases)
  2. 2term (e.g. technical term)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
词语(詞語)cíyǔ(ci2yu3)

The term '词语' (cí yǔ) refers to a word or expression in Chinese, encompassing both single characters and phrases. It is commonly used in educational contexts, particularly in language learning, to describe vocabulary and terminology, including technical terms.

Frequency#9648DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese education, '词语' is heavily emphasized in language acquisition, reflecting the importance of vocabulary building in mastering the language. Understanding terms and expressions is crucial for effective communication in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'word' (词) being a 'key' (语) that unlocks communication. Visualize a giant key made of letters that opens doors to different languages and ideas, making '词语' a powerful tool for understanding.

Meanings of 词语

cíyǔ(ci2yu3)
1word (general term including monosyllables through to short phrases)
2term (e.g. technical term)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 词语

词语Simplified
詞語Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9648Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2YCTL3HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 词语

JasonAmy

Podcast: 词语

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 词语

Quick Contrast

词汇 (cíhuì) refers to vocabulary as a collection of words, while 词语 (cíyǔ) emphasizes individual words or expressions.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'word' (词) being a 'key' (语) that unlocks communication. Visualize a giant key made of letters that opens doors to different languages and ideas, making '词语' a powerful tool for understanding.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse '词语' with just '词' (word), which only refers to single characters or words. '词语' is more comprehensive and includes phrases. It's often used in formal contexts, especially in education.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 4 word, '词语' connects with other vocabulary related to language learning, such as '语言' (language) and '词典' (dictionary). Focus on using it in sentences to describe different types of words and expressions.

Cultural Note

In Chinese education, '词语' is heavily emphasized in language acquisition, reflecting the importance of vocabulary building in mastering the language. Understanding terms and expressions is crucial for effective communication in Chinese society.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse '词语' by using it interchangeably with '词' without considering the broader context. For example, saying '我学习词' (I study words) instead of '我学习词语' (I study terms and expressions) omits the phrase aspect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 词语

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 词语 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

word
HSK 27 strokes
View full entry
dialect
HSK 79 strokes
View full entry

Write 词语

Practice writing 词语 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 词语

词语 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

我们被教导要以特定的方式理解这些____。

We are taught to construe these terms in a particular way.

Example Sentences for 词语 (3)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我们被教导要以特定的方式理解这些词语。

wǒ mén bèi jiào dǎo yào yǐ tè dìng de fāng shì lǐ jiě zhè xiē cí yǔ。

We are taught to construe these terms in a particular way.
2
体育解说员翻来覆去说着同样的词语,真叫人腻烦。

tǐ yù jiě shuō yuán fān lái fù qù shuō zháo tóng yàng de cí yǔ, , zhēn jiào rén nì。

Sports commentators repeat the same phrases ad nauseam.
3
刚出现的词语

gāng chū xiàn de cí yǔ

a newly minted expression

Cultural Notes for 词语

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese education, '词语' is heavily emphasized in language acquisition, reflecting the importance of vocabulary building in mastering the language. Understanding terms and expressions is crucial for effective communication in Chinese society.

Frequently Asked Questions about 词语

'词' refers to individual words, while '词语' includes both single words and phrases, making it a broader term.