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March 24, 2026
神秘shénmì(shen2mi4)
神秘 (shénmì) refers to something that is mysterious or enigmatic, often evoking curiosity or intrigue. Commonly used to describe situations, people, or phenomena that are difficult to understand or explain, it can also suggest a sense of wonder and allure.
Frequency#1930DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of mystery is often linked to folklore and mythology, where mysterious figures and events play significant roles in storytelling, reflecting the value placed on the unknown and the supernatural.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'shiny' (shén) 'mystery' (mì) box that nobody can open. The shiny exterior represents the allure of the unknown, while the mystery inside symbolizes the hidden truths waiting to be discovered.
Meanings of 神秘
shénmì(shen2mi4)
1mysterious
2mystery
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 神秘
神秘Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#1930Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 神秘
Podcast: 神秘
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AI Study Notes for 神秘
Quick Contrast
神秘 (shénmì) vs 秘密 (mìmì) — use 神秘 for things that evoke curiosity or intrigue, while 秘密 refers specifically to something kept hidden or secret.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'shiny' (shén) 'mystery' (mì) box that nobody can open. The shiny exterior represents the allure of the unknown, while the mystery inside symbolizes the hidden truths waiting to be discovered.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of using 神秘 in overly casual contexts, as it may sound out of place in informal conversations. Common collocations include 神秘的事情 (mysterious things) and 神秘的感觉 (mysterious feeling). Ensure correct tone usage, as mixing up the tones could lead to confusion.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 神秘 connects well with other words that describe emotions or states of being. Focus on how it pairs with adjectives and nouns to describe various mysterious concepts, enhancing both vocabulary and understanding of Chinese expression.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of mystery is often linked to folklore and mythology, where mysterious figures and events play significant roles in storytelling, reflecting the value placed on the unknown and the supernatural.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 神秘 with other similar adjectives like 奇怪 (qíguài, strange) or 难以理解 (nán yǐ lǐjiě, hard to understand). For example, saying '这个人很奇怪' (This person is very mysterious) is incorrect; use 神秘 instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 神秘
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Grammar Patterns of 神秘
神秘 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. 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
我们一直在关注玄奇事物这一____世界。
We have been looking at the shadowy world of the paranormal.
Haley studied her, an enigmatic smile on his face.
5
谁也不知道那个神秘陌生人的身世.
shuí yě bù zhī dào nà gè shén mì mò shēng rén de shēn shì.
No one knew the antecedents of the mysterious stranger.
6
主楼还用于神秘剧的演出。
zhǔ lóu huán yòng yú shén mì jù de yǎn chū。
The main building was also used for the enactment of mystery plays.
7
它甚至比最黑暗的丛林还更令人感到神秘。
tā shèn zhì bǐ zuì hēi àn de cóng lín huán gēng líng rén gǎn dào shén mì。
It held more mystery than even the darkest jungle.
8
各家报纸都刊登了有关埃迪·多纳根神秘失踪的猜测性报道。
gè jiā bào zhǐ dū kān dēng le yǒu guān āi dí· · duō nà gēn shén mì shī zōng de cāi cè xìng bào。
The papers ran speculative stories about the mysterious disappearance of Eddie Donagan.
9
神秘果素是一种能使酸味变甜的碱性糖蛋白.
shén mì guǒ sù shì yī zhǒng néng shǐ suān wèi biàn tián de jiǎn xìng táng dàn bái.
Miraculin is an alkaline glycol - protein which can transform sour to sweet taste.
10
仪式是精心筹划的，笼罩着一层神秘的色彩。
yí shì shì jīng xīn chóu huá de， ， lóng zhào zháo yī céng shén mì de sè。
It is an elaborate ceremony, shrouded in mystery.
Cultural Notes for 神秘
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of mystery is often linked to folklore and mythology, where mysterious figures and events play significant roles in storytelling, reflecting the value placed on the unknown and the supernatural.
Frequently Asked Questions about 神秘
You can say '这个地方很神秘' (This place is very mysterious) to describe an intriguing location.
Yes, you can use 神秘 to describe a person who has an enigmatic or intriguing personality.
The opposite is 明显 (míngxiǎn), which means obvious or clear.
