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相对 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
相对xiāngduìrelativelyHSK 5, d, rank #6212, Hard
相对xiāngduìoppositeHSK 5, d, rank #6212, Hard
相对xiāngduìto resistHSK 5, d, rank #6212, Hard
相对xiāngduìto opposeHSK 5, d, rank #6212, Hard
相对xiāngduìrelativeHSK 5, d, rank #6212, Hard
相对xiāngduìvis-a-visHSK 5, d, rank #6212, Hard
相对xiāngduìcounterpartHSK 5, d, rank #6212, Hard
xiāngduì(xiang1dui4) T1
  1. 1relatively
  2. 2opposite
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March 24, 2026
相对(相對)xiāngduì(xiang1dui4)

The term '相对' (xiāngduì) primarily means 'relative' or 'opposite'. It is commonly used to describe a relationship between two things where one is in contrast or comparison to the other, as well as in contexts that involve resistance or opposition. It can denote a counterpoint in discussions or comparisons, often emphasizing the relational aspect between two entities.

Frequency#6212DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese philosophy, especially in concepts like yin and yang, the idea of '相对' is integral as it reflects the balance and interdependence of opposites, illustrating how contrasting elements can coexist and define each other.

Memory Tip

Think of '相' (xiāng) as two people facing each other in a conversation, representing 'mutual' or 'together', and '对' (duì) as 'opposite' or 'to face'. Imagine them debating; they are relative to each other's viewpoints, thus linking the characters to the meaning of 'relative' or 'opposite'.

Meanings of 相对

xiāngduì(xiang1dui4)
1relatively
2opposite
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 相对

相对Simplified
相對Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#6212Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 相对

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Podcast: 相对

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AI Study Notes for 相对

Quick Contrast

相对 (xiāngduì) vs 绝对 (juéduì) — use 相对 when discussing relative relationships or comparisons, while 绝对 refers to absolutes without comparison.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of '相' (xiāng) as two people facing each other in a conversation, representing 'mutual' or 'together', and '对' (duì) as 'opposite' or 'to face'. Imagine them debating; they are relative to each other's viewpoints, thus linking the characters to the meaning of 'relative' or 'opposite'.

Usage Notes

'相对' is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions, debates, or academic writing. A common mistake is confusing it with similar terms like '对比' (duìbǐ), which means 'to compare', where '相对' emphasizes opposition rather than mere comparison. Be careful with the tone, as it is pronounced with a first tone followed by a fourth tone.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, '相对' connects with other words that express comparison or contrast, like '比较' (bǐjiào) and '反对' (fǎnduì). Students should focus on its usage in sentences that highlight relationships and oppositions to deepen their understanding.

Cultural Note

In Chinese philosophy, especially in concepts like yin and yang, the idea of '相对' is integral as it reflects the balance and interdependence of opposites, illustrating how contrasting elements can coexist and define each other.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '相对' with '相似' (similar), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '他们是相对' when they mean '他们是相似' (They are similar) is incorrect; it should be '他们是相似'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 相对

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Component Characters

相Xiāngeach other
9 strokes目
View full entry
对duìright
HSK 15 strokes寸
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Write 相对

相
对

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

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Grammar Patterns of 相对

相对 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 7 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

整体而言，当今的老年人依然____贫困。

As a group, today's old people are still relatively deprived.

Example Sentences for 相对 (10)

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1
整体而言，当今的老年人依然相对贫困。

zhěng tǐ ér yán， ， dāng jīn de lǎo nián rén yī rán xiāng duì pín。

As a group, today's old people are still relatively deprived.
2
失业率上升，相对应的是生产率进一步提高。

shī yè shuài shàng shēng， ， xiāng duì yīng de shì shēng chǎn shuài jìn yī bù tí。

The obverse of rising unemployment is continued gains in productivity.
3
相对地球表面而言，这颗卫星位置固定。

xiāng duì dì qiú biǎo miàn ér yán， ， zhè kē wèi xīng wèi zhì gù。

The satellite remains in one spot relative to the earth's surface.
4
贝内特发起了一场捍卫“道德价值”、反对腐朽堕落的“自由相对论”的战争。

bèi nèi tè fā qǐ le yī cháng hàn wèi“ “ dào dé jià”、 zhí ”、 fǎn duì fǔ xiǔ duò“ luò de “ zì yóu” xiāng duì lùn。

Bennett launched a crusade for "moral values" against decadent "liberal relativism."
5
在减肥过程中保持饮食的营养相对均衡是明智的。

zài jiǎn féi guò chéng zhōng bǎo chí yǐn shí de yíng yǎng xiāng duì jūn héng shì míng zhì de。

It makes sense to eat a reasonably balanced diet when slimming.
6
我们服的药相对来说药性温和，但是我们却在把它们变成毒药。

wǒ mén fú de yào xiāng duì lái shuō yào xìng wēn hé， ， dàn shì wǒ mén què zài bǎ tā mén biàn chéng dú。

We're taking relatively benign medicines and we're turning them into poisons.
7
他在11月3号的选举中仅获得了49%的相对多数票。

tā zài11 113 yuè 3 hào de xuǎn jǔ zhōng jǐn huò49% dé le 49% de xiāng duì。

He only got a plurality on November 3rd, just 49 percent.
8
这两个房间相对来说较小，且灯光柔和。

zhè liǎng gè fáng jiān xiāng duì lái shuō jiào xiǎo， ， qiě dēng guāng róu。

The two rooms were relatively small and discreetly lit.
9
相对于他给人的印象，他其实更有生意头脑。

xiāng duì yú tā gěi rén de yìn xiàng， ， tā qí shí gēng yǒu shēng yì tóu。

He's more business-minded than he makes himself out to be.
10
常规液体里分子之间的键合力相对较弱。

cháng guī yè tǐ lǐ fēn zǐ zhī jiān de jiàn hé lì xiāng duì jiào ruò。

The molecules in regular liquids are held together by relatively weak bonds.

Cultural Notes for 相对

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese philosophy, especially in concepts like yin and yang, the idea of '相对' is integral as it reflects the balance and interdependence of opposites, illustrating how contrasting elements can coexist and define each other.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

The concept of relativity in relationships is similarly present in Western thought but may not emphasize the interdependence of opposites as strongly as in Chinese philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions about 相对

Yes, '相对' is commonly used in both formal and informal conversations to describe relative situations.