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March 24, 2026
智力zhìlì(zhi4li4)
智力 (zhìlì) refers to a person's cognitive abilities, including reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding. It is often used in contexts such as education and psychology to describe a person's intellectual capacity or potential.
Frequency#7582DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, intelligence is highly valued, often associated with academic success. The concept of 智力 is integral to discussions about education, especially regarding competitive exams like the gaokao.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise owl, which symbolizes intelligence, perched on a tree. The character 智 (zhì) resembles the owl's eyes, signifying wisdom, while 力 (lì) represents strength, indicating the power of intellect.
Meanings of 智力
zhìlì(zhi4li4)
1intelligence
2intellect
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 智力
智力Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7582Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 智力
Podcast: 智力
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AI Study Notes for 智力
Quick Contrast
智商 (zhìshāng) refers specifically to intelligence quotient, a numerical measure of intelligence, while 智力 (zhìlì) encompasses broader cognitive abilities.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise owl, which symbolizes intelligence, perched on a tree. The character 智 (zhì) resembles the owl's eyes, signifying wisdom, while 力 (lì) represents strength, indicating the power of intellect.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context when using 智力, as it can be perceived as formal. It often collocates with terms like '提高' (tígāo - to improve) and '测试' (cèshì - test). Additionally, ensure correct pronunciation of both syllables with the fourth tone.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 6, students should connect 智力 with related concepts like 智慧 (zhìhuì - wisdom) and 理智 (lǐzhì - rationality). Focus on using it in complex sentences and discussions about education or psychology.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, intelligence is highly valued, often associated with academic success. The concept of 智力 is integral to discussions about education, especially regarding competitive exams like the gaokao.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 智力 with other words for intelligence, such as 聪明 (cōngmíng), which refers more to cleverness or smartness. For example, saying '他有很好的智力' (tā yǒu hěn hǎo de zhìlì - He has very good intelligence) is correct, but '他很聪明' (tā hěn cōngmíng - He is very smart) is more commonly used in casual conversations.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 智力
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Grammar Patterns of 智力
智力 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
当然，识字和____是两码事。
Of course, literacy isn't the same thing as intelligence.
Example Sentences for 智力 (8)
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1
当然，识字和智力是两码事。
dāng rán， ， shí zì hé zhì lì shì liǎng mǎ。
Of course, literacy isn't the same thing as intelligence.
2
他喜欢与那些智力水平不如他的人共处。
tā xǐ huān yǔ nà xiē zhì lì shuǐ píng bù rú tā de rén gòng chǔ。
He preferred the company of those who were intellectually inferior to himself.
3
他在智力上仍远远高于那些比他年轻一半的人。
tā zài zhì lì shàng réng yuǎn yuǎn gāo yú nà xiē bǐ tā nián qīng yī bàn de rén。
Mentally, he can still run rings round men half his age!
4
她十六岁，而智力年龄是五岁。
tā shí liù suì， ， ér zhì lì nián líng shì wǔ。
She is sixteen but has a mental age of five.
5
这里有一道很简单的关于算钱的智力测验题.
zhè lǐ yǒu yī dào hěn jiǎn dān de guān yú suàn qián de zhì lì cè yàn tí.
It is not often that one so young has such a giant intellect.
Cultural Notes for 智力
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, intelligence is highly valued, often associated with academic success. The concept of 智力 is integral to discussions about education, especially regarding competitive exams like the gaokao.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While both Chinese and Western cultures value intelligence, Chinese culture often emphasizes collective intelligence and academic achievement more than individual intelligence or creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions about 智力
智力 refers specifically to cognitive abilities, while 智慧 encompasses wisdom gained through experience.
Yes, it can be used, but tends to be more formal, often appearing in academic or psychological contexts.
Yes, phrases like '智力开发' (zhìlì kāifā - intelligence development) are common in educational discussions.
