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构思 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
构思gòusīto designHSK 7, v, rank #9509, Hard
构思gòusīto plotHSK 7, v, rank #9509, Hard
构思gòusīto plan outHSK 7, v, rank #9509, Hard
构思gòusīto composeHSK 7, v, rank #9509, Hard
构思gòusīto draw a mental sketchHSK 7, v, rank #9509, Hard
构思gòusīconceptionHSK 7, v, rank #9509, Hard
构思gòusīplanHSK 7, v, rank #9509, Hard
构思gòusīideaHSK 7, v, rank #9509, Hard
构思gòusīcompositionHSK 7, v, rank #9509, Hard
gòusī(gou4si1) T4
  1. 1to design
  2. 2to plot
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March 24, 2026
构思(構思)gòusī(gou4si1)

构思 refers to the process of designing or planning an idea or concept. It is commonly used in creative fields such as writing, art, and project planning to describe the initial mental sketch or formulation of a plan.

Frequency#9509DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the process of 构思 is highly valued in fields like literature and traditional arts, where thoughtful conception is believed to lead to the creation of profound works.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person 'gou' (gou4) ing through their thoughts and 'si' (si1) mply sketching out ideas on a canvas. The character 构 combines the tree radical (木) with a structure radical (构), symbolizing the building of ideas from the ground up.

Meanings of 构思

gòusī(gou4si1)
1to design
2to plot
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 构思

构思Simplified
構思Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#9509Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

Podcast: 构思

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Podcast: 构思

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AI Study Notes for 构思

Quick Contrast

构想 (gòuxiǎng) vs 设计 (shèjì) — use 构思 for the initial mental formulation of an idea, while 构想 implies a more developed concept; use 设计 for the actual design process.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a person 'gou' (gou4) ing through their thoughts and 'si' (si1) mply sketching out ideas on a canvas. The character 构 combines the tree radical (木) with a structure radical (构), symbolizing the building of ideas from the ground up.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 构思 with similar terms like 设计 (shèjì) which focuses more on technical design rather than conceptual planning. It is typically used in formal contexts such as academic discussions or professional settings.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 构思 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to creativity and planning. Students should focus on using it in context, particularly in discussions of literature, art, or project management.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the process of 构思 is highly valued in fields like literature and traditional arts, where thoughtful conception is believed to lead to the creation of profound works.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 构思 with the simpler word 思 (sī), which means 'to think.' For instance, saying '我构思了' (Wǒ gòusī le) without context can sound awkward; it's better to specify what you are designing or planning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 构思

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Component Characters

构gòuto construct
HSK 78 strokes木
View full entry
思sīto think
HSK 59 strokes心
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Write 构思

构
思

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

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Grammar Patterns of 构思

构思 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 9 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 5

Complete the Sentence

你____很好，可用来写一本佳作。

You've a very good idea there. It will make a good book.

Example Sentences for 构思 (7)

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1
你构思很好，可用来写一本佳作。

nǐ gòu sī hěn hǎo， ， kě yòng lái xiě yī běn jiā。

You've a very good idea there. It will make a good book.
2
木刻《秋》是按丰收的景象来构思的。

mù kè《 《》 qiū 》 shì àn fēng shōu de jǐng xiàng lái gòu。

The woodcut "Autumn" was conceived as a harvest scene.
3
这篇作品的构思是作者个人的独创.

zhè piān zuò pǐn de gòu sī shì zuò zhě gè rén de dú chuàng.

The plan of the work is original with the author.
4
这篇文章的构思很不错.

zhè piān wén zhāng de gòu sī hěn bù cuò.

The composition is well constructed.
5
每天他趴在办公室的桌上精心构思他的情书.

měi tiān tā pā zài bàn gōng shì de zhuō shàng jīng xīn gòu sī tā de qíng shū.

This he exercised at his office desk with perfect deliberation.
6
这部作品的构思不俗,颇有 新意.

zhè bù zuò pǐn de gòu sī bù sú, , pō yǒu.

The plan of the work is original ( in its design ).
7
这个构思新颖的竹质手绣壁挂 怎么样 ?

zhè gè gòu sī xīn yǐng de zhú zhì shǒu xiù bì guà zěn mó?

How about this hand - embroidered tapestry with a new design of bamboo?

Cultural Notes for 构思

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the process of 构思 is highly valued in fields like literature and traditional arts, where thoughtful conception is believed to lead to the creation of profound works.

Frequently Asked Questions about 构思

You can say: '他在构思新书的情节。' (He is plotting the storyline of his new book.)