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系统 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
系统xìtǒngsystemHSK 5, n, rank #779, Medium
系统xìtǒng>个[gè]HSK 5, n, rank #779, Medium
xìtǒng(xi4tong3) T4
  1. 1system
  2. 2>个[gè]
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March 24, 2026
系统(系統)xìtǒng(xi4tong3)

The term '系统' (xì tǒng) refers to a 'system' in various contexts, such as technology, biology, or social structures. It describes a set of interconnected components that work together as a whole, often emphasizing organization and efficiency.

Frequency#779DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In modern China, '系统' is vital in discussions around technology and innovation, reflecting the country's rapid advancement in these areas. The concept of systems thinking is also increasingly emphasized in education and business.

Memory Tip

Imagine a complex machine where every part is connected and works in harmony—this is a '系统'. The left character '系' (xì) resembles a connection or link, while '统' (tǒng) can be thought of as a 'tongue' that brings all parts together, signifying the unity of the system.

Meanings of 系统

xìtǒng(xi4tong3)
1system
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 系统

系统Simplified
系統Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#779Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 系统

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Podcast: 系统

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AI Study Notes for 系统

Quick Contrast

网络 (wǎngluò) - use '系统' when referring to an organized set of components, while '网络' emphasizes a network structure or connections.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a complex machine where every part is connected and works in harmony—this is a '系统'. The left character '系' (xì) resembles a connection or link, while '统' (tǒng) can be thought of as a 'tongue' that brings all parts together, signifying the unity of the system.

Usage Notes

'系统' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in academic and technical discussions. A common mistake is confusing it with similar terms like '制度' (institution), which refers to established rules rather than a structured system. Be mindful of the tone; '系统' is pronounced with the fourth and third tones.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, '系统' connects to other vocabulary related to organization and structure, such as '管理' (management) and '结构' (structure). Focus on understanding how '系统' is used in different fields, such as information technology or biology, to grasp its versatility.

Cultural Note

In modern China, '系统' is vital in discussions around technology and innovation, reflecting the country's rapid advancement in these areas. The concept of systems thinking is also increasingly emphasized in education and business.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '系统' with '体系' (tǐ xì), which means 'systematic structure'. A wrong example would be using '体系' when referring to a technological '系统'. Remember, '系统' is more about the interconnectedness of components.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 系统

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Component Characters

系jìto tie
HSK 57 strokes糸
View full entry
统tǒngto gather
HSK 49 strokes纟
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Write 系统

系
统

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

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Grammar Patterns of 系统

系统 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 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

定期航班的数量正让空中交通指挥____不堪重负。

The volume of scheduled flights is straining the air traffic control system.

Example Sentences for 系统 (10)

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1
定期航班的数量正让空中交通指挥系统不堪重负。

dìng qī háng bān de shù liáng zhèng ràng kōng zhōng jiāo tōng zhǐ huī xì tǒng bù kān zhòng fù。

The volume of scheduled flights is straining the air traffic control system.
2
那些地区通过完善的公路系统相互连接。

nà xiē dì qū tōng guò wán shàn de gōng lù xì tǒng xiāng hù lián jiē。

The regions are interconnected by an excellent highway system.
3
这是通过中枢神经系统的调节作用实现的。

zhè shì tōng guò zhōng shū shén jīng xì tǒng de tiáo jié zuò yòng shí xiàn de。

This works through the mediation of the central nervous system.
4
要是没用过他们新的微系统，这辈子就算白活了。

yào shì méi yòng guò tā mén xīn de wēi xì tǒng， ， zhè bèi zǐ jiù suàn bái huó。

You haven't lived until you've used their new micro system.
5
英国广播公司刚刚成功地演示了一套新的数字无线电传输系统。

yīng guó guǎng bō gōng sī gāng gāng chéng gōng dì yǎn shì le yī tào xīn de shù zì wú xiàn diàn chuán shū xì tǒng。

The BBC has just successfully demonstrated a new digital radio transmission system.
6
某厂家由于疏忽，制造并销售了一款刹车系统存在缺陷的汽车。

mǒu chǎng jiā yóu yú shū hū， ， zhì zào bìng xiāo shòu le yī kuǎn chà chē xì tǒng cún zài quē xiàn de qì。

A manufacturer negligently made and marketed a car with defective brakes.
7
公司耗资数千购买了一套电子订单管理系统。

gōng sī hào zī shù qiān gòu mǎi le yī tào diàn zǐ dìng dān guǎn lǐ xì tǒng。

The company invested thousands in an electronic order-control system.
8
他一直致力于在教育系统内为美籍拉美人和黑人争取权益。

tā yī zhí zhì lì yú zài jiào yù xì tǒng nèi wéi měi jí lā měi rén hé hēi rén zhēng qǔ quán yì。

He was a champion for Latinos and blacks within the educational system.
9
紧急冷却系统有可能失灵，核反应堆有可能发生堆芯熔毁。

jǐn jí lěng què xì tǒng yǒu kě néng shī líng， ， hé fǎn yīng duī yǒu kě néng fā shēng duī xīn róng。

Emergency cooling systems could fail and a reactor meltdown could occur.
10
这个系统完全由电脑操控，非常好用。

zhè gè xì tǒng wán quán yóu diàn nǎo cāo kòng， ， fēi cháng hǎo。

This is an entirely computer operated system which is very user friendly.

Cultural Notes for 系统

🏮Cultural insight

In modern China, '系统' is vital in discussions around technology and innovation, reflecting the country's rapid advancement in these areas. The concept of systems thinking is also increasingly emphasized in education and business.

Frequently Asked Questions about 系统

'系统' can be used in phrases like '信息系统' (information system) and '生态系统' (ecosystem), showing its versatility across different contexts.