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March 24, 2026
想念xiǎngniàn(xiang3nian4)
想念 (xiǎngniàn) expresses a deep emotional longing for someone or something that is absent. It is commonly used when talking about missing family, friends, or places, conveying a sense of nostalgia and affection.
Frequency#1786DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing feelings of missing someone is common, especially during holidays like the Mid-Autumn Festival, where family reunions are emphasized. The concept of longing is often tied to traditional values around family and connections.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing on a hilltop, looking out at the horizon, thinking of someone far away. The character 想 (xiǎng) resembles a person thinking deeply, while 念 (niàn) includes the heart, symbolizing the emotional aspect of memory and longing.
Meanings of 想念
xiǎngniàn(xiang3nian4)
1to miss
2to remember with longing
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About 想念
想念Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1786Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 想念
Podcast: 想念
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AI Study Notes for 想念
Quick Contrast
思念 (sīniàn) — use 想念 when expressing a more personal or emotional longing; use 思念 for a more general sense of missing someone or something.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person standing on a hilltop, looking out at the horizon, thinking of someone far away. The character 想 (xiǎng) resembles a person thinking deeply, while 念 (niàn) includes the heart, symbolizing the emotional aspect of memory and longing.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 想念 with just 想 (xiǎng), which means 'to think' or 'to want.' 想念 is more emotional and specific to missing something or someone. It's often used in informal conversations but can be appropriate in formal contexts as well.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 想念 connects to other higher-level vocabulary related to emotions and relationships. Focus on using it in sentences that express feelings, such as '我想念我的家' (I miss my home), to enhance your fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing feelings of missing someone is common, especially during holidays like the Mid-Autumn Festival, where family reunions are emphasized. The concept of longing is often tied to traditional values around family and connections.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 想念 with 忘记 (wàngjì), which means 'to forget.' For example, saying '我想念他，所以我忘记他' (I miss him, so I forget him) is incorrect. The correct usage would be '我想念他' (I miss him).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 想念
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Grammar Patterns of 想念
想念 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 3 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.
"Everybody missed her," Stan said with a hangdog look.
6
她高兴地说了声“嗨”，好像确信大家非常想念她似的。
tā gāo xīng dì shuō le shēng“ “”， hāi ”， hǎo xiàng què xìn dà jiā fēi cháng xiǎng niàn tā。
She said "hi" with the blithe assurance of someone who knew how much she'd been missed.
Cultural Notes for 想念
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, expressing feelings of missing someone is common, especially during holidays like the Mid-Autumn Festival, where family reunions are emphasized. The concept of longing is often tied to traditional values around family and connections.
Frequently Asked Questions about 想念
想念 can be used for both people and places, though it is more commonly used for people.
You can say, '我想念我的朋友' (I miss my friend) to express your feelings.
想念 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation.
