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March 24, 2026
思考sīkǎo(si1kao3)
思考 (sī kǎo) means to reflect on or ponder over a subject. It implies a deeper level of thinking, often involving introspection or careful consideration of complex ideas. This word is commonly used in academic, philosophical, or personal contexts where thoughtful analysis is required.
Frequency#2073DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, deep reflection is often valued in education and personal growth, making 思考 a key term in discussions about philosophy and morality, particularly in Confucianism.
Memory Tip
Think of 思 (sī) as a person sitting calmly with their hand on their chin, deep in thought, while 考 (kǎo) resembles a traditional Chinese exam paper – a setting where one must ponder and reflect to succeed.
Meanings of 思考
sīkǎo(si1kao3)
1to reflect on
2to ponder over
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About 思考
思考Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2073Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 思考
Podcast: 思考
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AI Study Notes for 思考
Quick Contrast
思索 (sī suǒ) vs 思考 (sī kǎo): use 思索 when emphasizing the process of thinking or deliberation, while 思考 focuses more on the act of reflecting or pondering.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 思 (sī) as a person sitting calmly with their hand on their chin, deep in thought, while 考 (kǎo) resembles a traditional Chinese exam paper – a setting where one must ponder and reflect to succeed.
Usage Notes
One common mistake is to use 思考 too casually; it is more formal than simply 'thinking' (想 xiǎng). Be mindful of collocations such as '思考问题' (reflect on the issue) or '深入思考' (think deeply). Also, ensure to use the correct tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As HSK Level 5 word, 思考 connects to other academic vocabulary and concepts of introspection. Students should practice using it in sentences that require analysis or discussion, enhancing their critical thinking in Mandarin.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, deep reflection is often valued in education and personal growth, making 思考 a key term in discussions about philosophy and morality, particularly in Confucianism.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 思考 with 想, mistakenly using it in casual contexts. For example, saying '我在思考去商店' (I am pondering going to the store) is incorrect; it should be '我在想去商店' (I am thinking about going to the store).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 思考
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Grammar Patterns of 思考
思考 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.
In Chinese culture, deep reflection is often valued in education and personal growth, making 思考 a key term in discussions about philosophy and morality, particularly in Confucianism.
Frequently Asked Questions about 思考
You can say '我在思考这个问题' (I am reflecting on this issue).
It is more common in formal or academic contexts, rather than casual conversation.
思考 implies a deeper, more reflective thought process, while 想 is more general for thinking.
