史料 (shǐliào) refers to historical materials or documents that provide information about past events, societies, or cultures. These can include texts, artifacts, and other sources used by historians to study and understand history. In academic contexts, it is often used to emphasize the reliability and authenticity of the documents being referenced.
HSK 6, 16 strokes, Hard
shǐliào(shi3liao4) T3
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May 27, 2026
史料shǐliào(shi3liao4)
史料 (shǐliào) refers to historical materials or documents that provide information about past events, societies, or cultures. These can include texts, artifacts, and other sources used by historians to study and understand history. In academic contexts, it is often used to emphasize the reliability and authenticity of the documents being referenced.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, the study of history is highly regarded, and 史料 is essential for understanding the country's rich past, including dynastic changes and cultural evolution. Historical documentation is often seen as a means to preserve national identity and cultural heritage.
Memory Tip
Imagine a scholar (think of 'shǐ' as in 'historian') digging through dusty archives filled with ancient scrolls ('liào' sounds like 'material'). Visualize them meticulously examining each piece of history, linking every document to significant events, thus making the connection between the character and its meaning as 'historical materials.'
About 史料
史料Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 史料
Podcast: 史料
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AI Study Notes for 史料
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a scholar (think of 'shǐ' as in 'historian') digging through dusty archives filled with ancient scrolls ('liào' sounds like 'material'). Visualize them meticulously examining each piece of history, linking every document to significant events, thus making the connection between the character and its meaning as 'historical materials.'
Usage Notes
Learners should be cautious not to confuse 史料 with related terms like 资料 (zīliào), which means 'data' or 'information' more generally. 史料 is more formal and typically used in academic writing. Be mindful of using the correct tone; the third tone in 'shǐ' can be challenging.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK 6, students should focus on expanding their vocabulary related to research and history, as well as understanding the nuances of formal language. Connecting 史料 to other HSK 6 words related to academic writing and analysis can enhance comprehension.
Cultural Note
In China, the study of history is highly regarded, and 史料 is essential for understanding the country's rich past, including dynastic changes and cultural evolution. Historical documentation is often seen as a means to preserve national identity and cultural heritage.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing 史料 with 资料 (zīliào), leading to incorrect usage in contexts. For example, saying '我需要一些资料来研究历史' (I need some data to study history) instead of using 史料 correctly as '我需要一些史料来研究历史.'
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 史料
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Cultural Notes for 史料
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the study of history is highly regarded, and 史料 is essential for understanding the country's rich past, including dynastic changes and cultural evolution. Historical documentation is often seen as a means to preserve national identity and cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions about 史料
史料 can include a wide range of documents such as ancient texts, government records, letters, and artifacts that provide insights into historical events.
No, 史料 is primarily used in formal academic contexts rather than everyday conversation.
Try incorporating it into discussions about history, research, or when referencing sources in academic writing.
