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歧视 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
歧视qíshìto discriminate againstHSK 7, v, rank #5762, Hard
歧视qíshìdiscriminationHSK 7, v, rank #5762, Hard
qíshì(qi2shi4) T2
  1. 1to discriminate against
  2. 2discrimination
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March 24, 2026
歧视(歧視)qíshì(qi2shi4)

The term 歧视 (qí shì) refers to the act of treating someone unfairly or unjustly based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or other attributes. It is commonly used in discussions about social justice, equality, and human rights, highlighting the negative consequences of prejudice and bias in society.

Frequency#5762DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese society, discussions about discrimination can sometimes be sensitive, particularly regarding ethnic minorities and gender. The concept of 歧视 is increasingly relevant in contexts like employment and education, paralleling global movements for equality.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'key' (qi) that opens doors for some but not for others, representing discrimination. The character 歧 (qí) looks like a path diverging, symbolizing the separation of people, while 视 (shì) is similar to 'sight', relating to how we perceive others. Together, they remind you of seeing and treating people differently.

Meanings of 歧视

qíshì(qi2shi4)
1to discriminate against
2discrimination
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 歧视

歧视Simplified
歧視Traditional
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5762Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 歧视

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Podcast: 歧视

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AI Study Notes for 歧视

Quick Contrast

歧视 (discriminate) vs 偏见 (prejudice) — use 歧视 when referring specifically to unfair treatment, whereas 偏见 emphasizes biased beliefs or attitudes.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'key' (qi) that opens doors for some but not for others, representing discrimination. The character 歧 (qí) looks like a path diverging, symbolizing the separation of people, while 视 (shì) is similar to 'sight', relating to how we perceive others. Together, they remind you of seeing and treating people differently.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 歧视 with other similar words, such as 偏见 (prejudice) or 歧义 (ambiguity), but it specifically denotes discriminatory actions. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in legal or social discussions. Be careful with the tones; mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning entirely.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 歧视 connects with concepts of fairness and equality found in other advanced vocabulary. Students should focus on using it within contexts discussing social issues or laws to enhance their understanding of its implications.

Cultural Note

In Chinese society, discussions about discrimination can sometimes be sensitive, particularly regarding ethnic minorities and gender. The concept of 歧视 is increasingly relevant in contexts like employment and education, paralleling global movements for equality.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 歧视 (discriminate) with 偏见 (prejudice), which refers more to biased opinions rather than actions. For example, saying '我有歧视对她' (I have discrimination against her) should be corrected to '我对她有偏见' (I have prejudice against her).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 歧视

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Component Characters

divergent
HSK 78 strokes
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shìto look at
HSK 18 strokes
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Write 歧视

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

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Grammar Patterns of 歧视

歧视 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 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 5

Complete the Sentence

雇主以种族或国籍为由____员工是非法的。

Discrimination by employers on the grounds of race and nationality was illegal.

Example Sentences for 歧视 (6)

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1
雇主以种族或国籍为由歧视员工是非法的。

gù zhǔ yǐ zhǒng zú huò guó jí wéi yóu qí shì yuán gōng shì fēi fǎ de。

Discrimination by employers on the grounds of race and nationality was illegal.
2
他们关注的是公开的歧视,而不是种族主义的一些潜在问题。

tā mén guān zhù de shì gōng kāi de qí shì, , ér bù shì zhǒng zú zhǔ yì de yī xiē qián zài wèn。

They focus on overt discrimination rather than insidious aspects of racism.
3
亚裔英国人发起了一项呼吁消除种族歧视的运动。

yà yì yīng guó rén fā qǐ le yī xiàng hū xū xiāo chú zhǒng zú qí shì de yùn dòng。

British Asians have begun a campaign calling for an end to discrimination.
4
他们指责他歧视女雇员.

tā mén zhǐ zé tā qí shì nǚ gù yuán.

They accused him of having a prejudice against his women employees.
5
“嗬,天哪!那评论有点种族歧视,不是吗?”

“ “, hē ,! tiān nǎ ! nà píng lùn yǒu diǎn zhǒng, zú qí shì?”

"Ooh dear me, that's a bit of a racist comment isn't it."
6
我很少读到像这篇文章般带有侮辱性的性别歧视的东西。

wǒ hěn shǎo dú dào xiàng zhè piān wén zhāng bān dài yǒu wǔ rǔ xìng de xìng bié qí shì de dōng xī。

I have rarely read anything so insultingly sexist as this article.

Cultural Notes for 歧视

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese society, discussions about discrimination can sometimes be sensitive, particularly regarding ethnic minorities and gender. The concept of 歧视 is increasingly relevant in contexts like employment and education, paralleling global movements for equality.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, discrimination is often explicitly addressed through laws and social movements, while in some Chinese contexts, it may be more subtly acknowledged, leading to different societal dynamics around discussions of bias.

Frequently Asked Questions about 歧视

You might encounter phrases like 种族歧视 (racial discrimination) or 性别歧视 (gender discrimination) frequently in discussions about social issues.