secretary (chief official of a branch of a socialist or communist party)
HSK 7, unknown, rank #26667, Very Hard
书记
shūjì
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HSK 7, unknown, rank #26667, Very Hard
shūjì(shu1ji4) T1
1secretary
2clerk
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
书记(書記)shūjì(shu1ji4)
书记 (shūjì) refers to a secretary or clerk, often in a governmental or organizational context. It is commonly used to denote the chief official of a branch of a socialist or communist party, embodying a role that involves both administrative and leadership responsibilities.
Frequency#26667DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese political culture, the role of 书记 is significant, often associated with power and influence within the Communist Party. Understanding this term provides insight into the structure and hierarchy of Chinese political organizations.
Memory Tip
Think of 书 (shū) meaning 'book' and 记 (jì) meaning 'to record.' Imagine a secretary keeping detailed records in a book, which helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation of 书记.
Meanings of 书记
shūjì(shu1ji4)
1secretary
2clerk
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 书记
书记Simplified
書記Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#26667Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 书记
Podcast: 书记
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AI Study Notes for 书记
Quick Contrast
秘书 (mìshū) vs 书记 (shūjì): 书记 typically denotes a higher-ranking official with leadership responsibilities, while 秘书 refers to a secretary with more administrative duties.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 书 (shū) meaning 'book' and 记 (jì) meaning 'to record.' Imagine a secretary keeping detailed records in a book, which helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation of 书记.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which you use 书记; it is more formal and specific to certain organizational structures, especially in political contexts. Common collocations include '党书记' (dǎng shūjì) meaning 'party secretary.' Avoid using it in casual settings where '秘书' (mìshū) might be more appropriate.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 书记 is often encountered in discussions about politics or organizations. Students should focus on its usage in formal writing and speaking, particularly in contexts involving governance or leadership roles.
Cultural Note
In Chinese political culture, the role of 书记 is significant, often associated with power and influence within the Communist Party. Understanding this term provides insight into the structure and hierarchy of Chinese political organizations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 书记 with 秘书, using them interchangeably inappropriately. For example, saying '我想找一个书记' when looking for a business secretary should be corrected to '我想找一个秘书.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 书记
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Grammar Patterns of 书记
书记 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 5 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
我只得请____批准这个方案.
I had to get the secretary to okay the scheme.
Example Sentences for 书记 (4)
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1
我只得请书记批准这个方案.
wǒ zhī dé qǐng shū jì pī zhǔn zhè gè fāng àn.
I had to get the secretary to okay the scheme.
2
下议院的书记官整理了下议院的议事录.
xià yì yuàn de shū jì guān zhěng lǐ le xià yì yuàn de yì shì lù.
The Clerk of the House prepares the journals of the House.
3
书记官在喃喃诵读起诉状.
shū jì guān zài nán nán sòng dú qǐ sù zhuàng.
The clerk was gabbling over the indictment.
4
我决定申请副书记一职。
wǒ jué dìng shēn qǐng fù shū jì yī zhí。
I decided to put in for a job as deputy secretary.
Cultural Notes for 书记
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese political culture, the role of 书记 is significant, often associated with power and influence within the Communist Party. Understanding this term provides insight into the structure and hierarchy of Chinese political organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions about 书记
No, 书记 is typically reserved for political or formal settings, while 秘书 (mìshū) is more commonly used for secretaries in business.
Yes, while it primarily refers to political secretaries, it can also denote clerks in various administrative roles.
书记 often implies a higher rank or political element, whereas 秘书 is a general term for secretaries in a business context.
