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March 24, 2026
相似xiāngsì(xiang1si4)
相似 (xiāngsì) means to resemble or be similar to something. It is commonly used to compare two or more items, highlighting their likeness in appearance, characteristics, or ideas. The term conveys a sense of similarity without implying complete identity.
Frequency#3958DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
The concept of similarity is often explored in Chinese philosophy, particularly in discussions about yin and yang, where opposites can resemble each other in certain aspects. This understanding can be seen in art and literature, where themes of duality and resemblance are prevalent.
Memory Tip
Imagine two identical twins standing side by side, both wearing the same outfit. Their resemblance is so strong that you can say they are 相似 (xiāngsì). The first character, 相, looks like two people facing each other, and the second character, 似, can be thought of as a person with a hat, suggesting likeness or similarity.
Meanings of 相似
xiāngsì(xiang1si4)
1to resemble
2similar
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 相似
相似Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#3958Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 相似
Podcast: 相似
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AI Study Notes for 相似
Quick Contrast
相似 (xiāngsì) vs 类似 (lèisì) — use 相似 when emphasizing resemblance in characteristics, while 类似 is more about similarity in type or category.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine two identical twins standing side by side, both wearing the same outfit. Their resemblance is so strong that you can say they are 相似 (xiāngsì). The first character, 相, looks like two people facing each other, and the second character, 似, can be thought of as a person with a hat, suggesting likeness or similarity.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 相似 with similar-sounding words like 相同 (xiāngtóng), which means 'the same.' 相似 is more about resemblance than identity. This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's particularly useful in discussions about comparisons in academic or analytical settings.
HSK Study Tips
As a level 5 HSK word, 相似 connects well with other comparative words like 相同 (xiāngtóng) and 类似 (lèisì). Focus on using it in sentences that describe similarities, which can help reinforce your understanding of comparative structures in Mandarin.
Cultural Note
The concept of similarity is often explored in Chinese philosophy, particularly in discussions about yin and yang, where opposites can resemble each other in certain aspects. This understanding can be seen in art and literature, where themes of duality and resemblance are prevalent.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 相似 with 相同, which means 'the same.' For example, saying '这两个地方是相同' (zhè liǎng gè dìfāng shì xiāngtóng) is incorrect if the intention is to convey similarity rather than identity; it should be '这两个地方是相似' (zhè liǎng gè dìfāng shì xiāngsì).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 相似
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Grammar Patterns of 相似
相似 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 5 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
在风格上，韦勒与伦尼·克拉维茨走着____的路子。
Stylistically, Weller is treading a similar path to that of Lenny Kravitz.
Example Sentences for 相似 (10)
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1
在风格上，韦勒与伦尼·克拉维茨走着相似的路子。
zài fēng gé shàng， ， wéi lè yǔ lún· ní · kè lā wéi cí zǒu zháo xiāng sì de。
Stylistically, Weller is treading a similar path to that of Lenny Kravitz.
2
她经常跳舞的赌场遭遇了相似的命运。
tā jīng cháng tiào wǔ de dǔ cháng zāo yù le xiāng sì de mìng yùn。
The Casino, where she had often danced, had suffered a similar fate.
Marine construction technology like this is very complex, somewhat analogous to trying to build a bridge under water.
Cultural Notes for 相似
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of similarity is often explored in Chinese philosophy, particularly in discussions about yin and yang, where opposites can resemble each other in certain aspects. This understanding can be seen in art and literature, where themes of duality and resemblance are prevalent.
Frequently Asked Questions about 相似
You can say '这两件衣服很相似' (zhè liǎng jiàn yīfú hěn xiāngsì), meaning 'These two pieces of clothing are very similar.'
Yes, you can use 相似 to describe people, for example, '他们看起来相似' (tāmen kàn qǐlái xiāngsì), meaning 'They look similar.'
相似 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various situations.
