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March 24, 2026
执照(執照)zhízhào(zhi2zhao4)
执照 (zhízhào) refers to an official document that grants permission to perform certain activities or professions, such as driving, practicing medicine, or running a business. It is commonly used in legal and professional contexts where certification or authorization is required.
Frequency#4218DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, certain jobs require specific 执照, such as taxi drivers and medical professionals, reflecting the importance of regulation in ensuring safety and professional standards. This emphasizes the value placed on formal qualifications in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Think of 执 (zhí) as 'holding' and 照 (zhào) as 'light' or 'to shine.' Imagine someone holding a shining license that allows them to drive or run a business, illuminating their path legally. The 'zhí' sounds like 'hold,' which connects to the idea of holding a permit.
Meanings of 执照
zhízhào(zhi2zhao4)
1license
2permit
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 执照
执照Simplified
執照Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4218Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 执照
Podcast: 执照
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AI Study Notes for 执照
Quick Contrast
许可证 (xǔkězhàng) - use 执照 when referring specifically to licenses granted for professional activities, while 许可证 is broader and can refer to permits for various approvals.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 执 (zhí) as 'holding' and 照 (zhào) as 'light' or 'to shine.' Imagine someone holding a shining license that allows them to drive or run a business, illuminating their path legally. The 'zhí' sounds like 'hold,' which connects to the idea of holding a permit.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 执照 with similar-sounding terms that indicate other types of documents or certificates. This word is typically used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about laws and regulations. Common collocations include '驾驶执照' (driver's license) and '营业执照' (business license).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 执照 connects to other legal or professional terminology you may encounter. Focus on using it in sentences that involve permission or authority to deepen your understanding of its practical applications.
Cultural Note
In China, certain jobs require specific 执照, such as taxi drivers and medical professionals, reflecting the importance of regulation in ensuring safety and professional standards. This emphasizes the value placed on formal qualifications in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 执照 with 证书 (zhèngshū), which means 'certificate.' For example, saying '我有一个执照的证书' (I have a license certificate) is incorrect; instead, use '我有一个执照' (I have a license).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 执照
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Grammar Patterns of 执照
执照 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 2 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
他说他们曾经误以为有正规____就足够了。
He says they mistakenly believed the standard licenses they held were sufficient.
Example Sentences for 执照 (6)
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1
他说他们曾经误以为有正规执照就足够了。
tā shuō tā mén zēng jīng wù yǐ wéi yǒu zhèng guī zhí zhào jiù zú gòu le。
He says they mistakenly believed the standard licenses they held were sufficient.
2
他的驾驶执照也被扣了8分。
tā de jià shǐ zhí zhào yě bèi kòu le8 8。
He also had his licence endorsed with eight penalty points.
The restaurant is licensed, offering draught beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.
6
他现在有了驾驶执照，颇有些飘飘然。
tā xiàn zài yǒu le jià shǐ zhí zhào， ， pō yǒu xiē piāo piāo。
He is now the proud possessor of a driving licence.
Cultural Notes for 执照
🏮Cultural insight
In China, certain jobs require specific 执照, such as taxi drivers and medical professionals, reflecting the importance of regulation in ensuring safety and professional standards. This emphasizes the value placed on formal qualifications in Chinese society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 执照
Common types include 驾驶执照 (driver's license), 营业执照 (business license), and 教师执照 (teaching license).
Yes, 执照 is typically a physical document that must be presented when required, though digital formats are becoming more common.
While you can use 执照 informally in conversation, it is best suited for formal contexts, especially legal or professional discussions.
