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March 24, 2026
经历(經歷)jīnglì(jing1li4)
经历 (jīnglì) refers to the experiences one has encountered or gone through in life. It can denote both personal experiences, such as events or situations that have impacted one's life, and professional experiences in a work context.
Frequency#801DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, sharing one’s 经历 is often seen as a way to impart wisdom and connect with others on a deeper level, especially in storytelling contexts. It is common for elders to share their life experiences during family gatherings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a journey where you 'pass through' (经历) various landscapes, each representing a unique experience. The top part '经' looks like a path, while the bottom '历' resembles a person walking through their life's journey, making it easier to remember its meaning.
Meanings of 经历
jīnglì(jing1li4)
1experience
2to experience
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About 经历
经历Simplified
經歷Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#801Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 经历
Podcast: 经历
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AI Study Notes for 经历
Quick Contrast
经历 (jīnglì) vs 经验 (jīngyàn) — use 经历 for specific life events or situations, while 经验 refers more generally to accumulated knowledge or skills from those experiences.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a journey where you 'pass through' (经历) various landscapes, each representing a unique experience. The top part '经' looks like a path, while the bottom '历' resembles a person walking through their life's journey, making it easier to remember its meaning.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 经历 with 经验 (jīngyàn), which means 'experience' in a more practical or skill-based sense. Use 经历 to refer to life experiences, and remember it can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 经历 connects with other terms related to life and work experiences. Focus on using it in sentences that illustrate personal growth or professional development to enhance your understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, sharing one’s 经历 is often seen as a way to impart wisdom and connect with others on a deeper level, especially in storytelling contexts. It is common for elders to share their life experiences during family gatherings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 经历 and 经验. For example, saying '我有很多经验' (I have a lot of experiences) is incorrect if referring to life events; it should be '我有很多经历.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 经历
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Grammar Patterns of 经历
经历 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 4 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.
We are in one of the most severe recessions in modern times.
4
南非正在经历一场不可逆转的变革。
nán fēi zhèng zài jīng lì yī cháng bù kě nì zhuǎn de biàn gé。
South Africa was going through a period of irreversible change.
5
到目前为止他唯一的一次园艺经历非常令人满意。
dào mù qián wéi zhǐ tā wéi yī de yī cì yuán yì jīng lì fēi cháng líng rén mǎn yì。
His only experience of gardening so far proved immensely satisfying.
6
他总是渴望拥有新的经历，而且永远愿意尝试。
tā zǒng shì kě wàng yōng yǒu xīn de jīng lì， ， ér qiě yǒng yuǎn yuàn yì cháng。
He is always eager for new experiences and ever-willing to experiment.
7
吃一堑长一智，他这个教训来之不易——是从他自己的亲身经历中得来的。
chī yī qiàn cháng yī zhì， ， tā zhè gè jiào xùn lái zhī bù—— yì —— shì cóng tā zì jǐ de qīn shēn jīng lì zhōng dé。
He learned this lesson the hard way from his own personal experience.
8
在诺丁汉我经历了自己在童话剧演出中最尴尬的时刻之一。
zài nuò dīng hàn wǒ jīng lì le zì jǐ zài tóng huà jù yǎn chū zhōng zuì gān gà de shí kè zhī yī。
I had one of my most embarrassing moments in panto in Nottingham.
9
他的绘画经历了具象风格和抽象风格两个阶段。
tā de huì huà jīng lì le jù xiàng fēng gé hé chōu xiàng fēng gé liǎng gè jiē duàn。
His painting went through both representational and abstract periods.
10
有些人会主动地向你讲述他们的生活经历。
yǒu xiē rén huì zhǔ dòng dì xiàng nǐ jiǎng shù tā mén de shēng huó jīng lì。
Some people give you their life history without much prompting.
Cultural Notes for 经历
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, sharing one’s 经历 is often seen as a way to impart wisdom and connect with others on a deeper level, especially in storytelling contexts. It is common for elders to share their life experiences during family gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions about 经历
You can say '我经历了很多困难' (I have gone through many difficulties) to convey personal experiences.
No, 经历 can refer to both positive and negative experiences in life.
Yes, it is often used to describe work experiences, such as '我的工作经历' (my work experience).
