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March 24, 2026
吸收xīshōu(xi1shou1)
The verb '吸收' (xī shōu) means to absorb or assimilate, commonly used in contexts like learning, nutrition, or recruiting. It conveys the idea of taking in substances or information and integrating them into a larger whole. This can refer to physical processes, such as how plants absorb water, or metaphorical ones, like absorbing new knowledge.
Frequency#5963DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '吸收' is prominent in the context of education, where it is believed that true learning comes from actively absorbing and applying knowledge rather than passive memorization. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on lifelong learning.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sponge (海绵) absorbing water — the '吸' (xī) sounds like 'suck,' and the '收' (shōu) resembles a hand gathering things in. Visualize a sponge soaking up not just water but also the wisdom of the world, representing both physical and intellectual absorption.
Meanings of 吸收
xīshōu(xi1shou1)
1to absorb
2to assimilate
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 吸收
吸收Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5963Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 吸收
Podcast: 吸收
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AI Study Notes for 吸收
Quick Contrast
吸收 (absorb) vs 接受 (accept) — use 吸收 when emphasizing integration or assimilation, while 接受 focuses on receiving or agreeing to something.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sponge (海绵) absorbing water — the '吸' (xī) sounds like 'suck,' and the '收' (shōu) resembles a hand gathering things in. Visualize a sponge soaking up not just water but also the wisdom of the world, representing both physical and intellectual absorption.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use '吸收' in contexts that involve taking in or integrating something. It often appears in academic and professional settings, so it's more formal than casual synonyms. Common collocations include '吸收知识' (absorb knowledge) and '吸收信息' (absorb information).
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 5, '吸收' connects with other verbs related to processes and actions, like '学习' (to learn) and '接受' (to accept). Focus on understanding how '吸收' can apply in various contexts, especially in discussions about education and personal development.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '吸收' is prominent in the context of education, where it is believed that true learning comes from actively absorbing and applying knowledge rather than passive memorization. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on lifelong learning.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '吸收' with '接受' (to accept), leading to mistakes like saying '我接受知识' instead of '我吸收知识' when talking about learning. Remember, '吸收' emphasizes the active process of taking in information.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 吸收
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Grammar Patterns of 吸收
吸收 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 4
Complete the Sentence
这一方法给教学带来了活力，也使知识的____变得容易了。
This technique brings life to instruction and eases assimilation of knowledge.
Example Sentences for 吸收 (10)
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1
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.
2
剧本吸收了三个苏格兰民间故事并把它们相互衔接起来。
jù běn xī shōu le sān gè sū gé lán mín jiān gù shì bìng bǎ tā mén xiāng hù xián jiē qǐ lái。
The play takes three Scottish tales and interlinks them.
This medicine can be absorbed into the bloodstream in seconds.
10
肺吸收新鲜空气使血液净化.
fèi xī shōu xīn xiān kōng qì shǐ xiě yè jìng huà.
The lungs ventilate the blood.
Cultural Notes for 吸收
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of '吸收' is prominent in the context of education, where it is believed that true learning comes from actively absorbing and applying knowledge rather than passive memorization. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on lifelong learning.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, 'absorption' often emphasizes individual learning, while in Chinese culture, it may encompass communal and interactive aspects of knowledge sharing, highlighting the importance of social context in education.
Frequently Asked Questions about 吸收
You can use '吸收' in contexts related to learning, nutrition, or recruitment, like '吸收新知识' for gaining new knowledge.
'吸收' is more formal, often used in academic or professional contexts rather than casual conversations.
Yes, '吸收' applies to both physical absorption, like a sponge soaking up water, and abstract concepts, such as absorbing information.
