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姿势 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
姿势zīshìpostureHSK 5, n, rank #2402, Hard
姿势zīshìpositionHSK 5, n, rank #2402, Hard
zīshì(zi1shi4) T1
  1. 1posture
  2. 2position
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March 24, 2026
姿势(姿勢)zīshì(zi1shi4)

The term '姿势' refers to a person's posture or position, often in terms of how they hold their body while sitting, standing, or performing an activity. It can also imply a certain demeanor or attitude, particularly in social contexts, influencing how a person is perceived by others.

Frequency#2402DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, posture is not only about physical alignment but also reflects a person's confidence and respect. For instance, in traditional settings, a proper posture is often associated with good manners and discipline.

Memory Tip

Imagine a graceful dancer striking a pose, showcasing their '姿势' (zi1 shi4). The character '姿' (zi) looks like a person in a flowing dress, while '势' (shi) resembles a strong stance. Together, they create a vivid image of an elegant posture.

Meanings of 姿势

zīshì(zi1shi4)
1posture
2position
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 姿势

姿势Simplified
姿勢Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2402Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 姿势

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Podcast: 姿势

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AI Study Notes for 姿势

Quick Contrast

姿态 (zītài) - use '姿势' when referring specifically to physical posture, while '姿态' often conveys a broader sense of demeanor or attitude.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a graceful dancer striking a pose, showcasing their '姿势' (zi1 shi4). The character '姿' (zi) looks like a person in a flowing dress, while '势' (shi) resembles a strong stance. Together, they create a vivid image of an elegant posture.

Usage Notes

'姿势' is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about health, fitness, or social behavior. Be careful not to confuse it with '姿态' (zi1 tai4), which refers more to attitude or manner rather than physical posture.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, '姿势' connects with other vocabulary related to body language and health. Focus on using it in sentences that describe physical activities or when giving advice on improving posture, which enhances practical communication skills.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, posture is not only about physical alignment but also reflects a person's confidence and respect. For instance, in traditional settings, a proper posture is often associated with good manners and discipline.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '姿势' with '姿态', leading to incorrect usage in sentences about body language versus attitude. An incorrect example is: '他的姿态很优雅' should be '他的姿势很优雅'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 姿势

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Component Characters

姿beauty
9 strokes
View full entry
shìpower
HSK 58 strokes
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Write 姿势

姿

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

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Grammar Patterns of 姿势

姿势 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 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

我努力保持蜷曲的____以免四肢受伤。

I tried to adopt a curled-up position to avoid damaging my limbs.

Example Sentences for 姿势 (10)

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1
我努力保持蜷曲的姿势以免四肢受伤。

wǒ nǔ lì bǎo chí quán qū de zī shì yǐ miǎn sì zhī shòu shāng。

I tried to adopt a curled-up position to avoid damaging my limbs.
2
不良姿势一旦定型,日后可就有你受的了。

bù liáng zī shì yī dàn dìng xíng, , rì hòu kě jiù yǒu nǐ shòu de。

If bad posture becomes habitual, you risk long-term effects.
3
运动员昂首阔步,摆好姿势让记者拍照。

yùn dòng yuán áng shǒu kuò bù, , bǎi hǎo zī shì ràng jì zhě pāi。

The players strutted and posed for the cameras.
4
坐着或者走路的时候低头垂肩,这种不正确的姿势会压迫体内的器官。

zuò zháo huò zhě zǒu lù de shí hòu dī tóu chuí jiān, , zhè zhǒng bù zhèng què de zī shì huì yā pò tǐ nèi de qì。

Poor posture, sitting or walking slouched over, compresses the body's organs.
5
你想了什么办法让他摆姿势照了这张照片?

nǐ xiǎng le shí mó bàn fǎ ràng tā bǎi zī shì zhào le zhè zhāng zhào piàn?

How did you get him to pose for this picture?
6
她低头的姿势让人想起皇室风范。

tā dī tóu de zī shì ràng rén xiǎng qǐ huáng shì fēng fàn。

She bowed her head in a gesture somehow reminiscent of royalty.
7
她一下子摆出一副筋疲力尽的夸张姿势。

tā yī xià zǐ bǎi chū yī fù jīn pí lì jìn de kuā zhāng zī shì。

She'd flung herself in a pose of melodramatic exhaustion.
8
善于观察的医生常常能从人的表情、姿势以及动作诊察出抑郁症。

shàn yú guān chá de yī shēng cháng cháng néng cóng rén de biǎo qíng、 、 zī shì yǐ jí dòng zuò zhěn chá chū yì yù。

An observant doctor can often detect depression from expression, posture, and movement.
9
按照喂婴儿时的姿势倾斜奶瓶。

àn zhào wèi yīng ér shí de zī shì qīng xié nǎi píng。

Tip the bottle up so it's in the same position as it would be when feeding the baby.
10
他就连走起路来也姿势难看。

tā jiù lián zǒu qǐ lù lái yě zī shì nán kàn。

Even when he moved he did so without poise.

Cultural Notes for 姿势

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, posture is not only about physical alignment but also reflects a person's confidence and respect. For instance, in traditional settings, a proper posture is often associated with good manners and discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions about 姿势

You can say '他的姿势很优雅' (tā de zī shì hěn yōu yǎ), meaning 'His posture is very elegant.'