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March 24, 2026
日子rìzi(ri4zi5)
The term '日子' refers to a day or a calendar date, emphasizing the passage of time in everyday life. It can also denote the days of one's life, often used in contexts discussing routines, events, or the significance of time in personal experiences.
Frequency#971DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
'日子' is often associated with traditional Chinese festivals and important dates, such as the Lunar New Year, reflecting the cultural significance of time in familial and social gatherings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bright sun ('日') shining down on a calendar ('子'), marking special days. The sun symbolizes the day itself, while the calendar represents the passage of time that these days signify.
Meanings of 日子
rìzi(ri4zi5)
1day
2a (calendar) date
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About 日子
日子Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#971Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 日子
Podcast: 日子
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AI Study Notes for 日子
Quick Contrast
日子 (rìzi) vs 时候 (shíhòu) — use '日子' for specific days or dates, while '时候' refers to a period or point in time.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bright sun ('日') shining down on a calendar ('子'), marking special days. The sun symbolizes the day itself, while the calendar represents the passage of time that these days signify.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using '日子' in overly formal contexts where '日' may be more appropriate. It's generally informal and best used in everyday conversation when discussing time or experiences. Be careful with tone, as mispronouncing '日' can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, '日子' connects to other time-related vocabulary, such as '今天' (today) and '明天' (tomorrow). Focus on using it in phrases that describe plans or reflections on life.
Cultural Note
'日子' is often associated with traditional Chinese festivals and important dates, such as the Lunar New Year, reflecting the cultural significance of time in familial and social gatherings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '日子' with '日期' (date), using them interchangeably. Remember, '日子' is more about the concept of days in life rather than specific calendar dates.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 日子
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Grammar Patterns of 日子
日子 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 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.
Instead of rushing at life, I wanted something more meaningful.
8
现在谁的日子更好过呢？
xiàn zài shuí de rì zǐ gēng hǎo guò ne？
Who is making out better right now?
9
八口之家日子过得很拮据。
bā kǒu zhī jiā rì zǐ guò dé hěn jié jù。
The family of eight was living in straitened circumstances .
10
八月份我们过了一星期酷热的日子.
bā yuè fèn wǒ mén guò le yī xīng qī kù rè de rì zǐ.
We had a week of scorchers in August.
Cultural Notes for 日子
🏮Cultural insight
'日子' is often associated with traditional Chinese festivals and important dates, such as the Lunar New Year, reflecting the cultural significance of time in familial and social gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions about 日子
Yes, '日子' can refer to a specific date, but it is more commonly used in a general sense.
'日子' is informal and best used in casual conversations.
You can say '今天是个好日子' which means 'Today is a good day'.
