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March 24, 2026
资料(資料)zīliào(zi1liao4)
资料 (zīliào) refers to materials or resources, often in the context of data or information used for study or research. It can be applied in various fields, such as academic research, business reports, or online profiles, highlighting its versatility in modern communication.
Frequency#1308DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
资料 is commonly used in educational settings in China, where students often compile extensive资料 for exams or projects. This reflects a cultural emphasis on thorough preparation and resourcefulness.
Memory Tip
Think of 资 (zī) as 'resources' and 料 (liào) as 'materials.' Imagine a treasure chest filled with data and information, where each item is a crucial piece of your study or work—this image helps link the meaning with the sound.
Meanings of 资料
zīliào(zi1liao4)
1material
2resources
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About 资料
资料Simplified
資料Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1308Frequency Rank
份Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 资料
Podcast: 资料
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AI Study Notes for 资料
Quick Contrast
数据 (shùjù) refers specifically to data or statistics, while 资料 (zīliào) encompasses a broader range of materials and resources, including documents and information.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 资 (zī) as 'resources' and 料 (liào) as 'materials.' Imagine a treasure chest filled with data and information, where each item is a crucial piece of your study or work—this image helps link the meaning with the sound.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which you use 资料; it can be both formal and informal depending on the situation. Common collocations include 资料收集 (collecting data) and 资料库 (database). Pay attention to the tone: using the wrong tone might lead to misunderstanding.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 资料 connects well with other terms related to information and research, such as 信息 (xìnxī, information) and 数据 (shùjù, data). Focus on how it is used in practical contexts, especially in academic or professional settings.
Cultural Note
资料 is commonly used in educational settings in China, where students often compile extensive资料 for exams or projects. This reflects a cultural emphasis on thorough preparation and resourcefulness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 资料 with other similar words like 信息. For instance, saying '我需要信息来写报告' (I need information to write my report) is correct, but in contexts requiring physical materials, 资料 would be more appropriate. Always ensure you choose the word that fits the context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 资料
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Grammar Patterns of 资料
资料 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 6 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.
Could you give me more details about your company?
Cultural Notes for 资料
🏮Cultural insight
资料 is commonly used in educational settings in China, where students often compile extensive资料 for exams or projects. This reflects a cultural emphasis on thorough preparation and resourcefulness.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the term 'data' might have a more technical connotation, while 资料 encompasses a broader range of materials, including qualitative and quantitative resources.
Frequently Asked Questions about 资料
资料 generally refers to materials or resources, while 信息 specifically means information, which can be more abstract.
Yes, 资料 is used in both spoken and written contexts, though it may appear more often in formal writing.
You can say '我需要一些资料来写报告' (I need some materials to write my report).
