senior (in terms of depth of accumulated experience)
HSK 7, n, rank #12266, Hard
资深
zīshēn
deeply qualified
HSK 7, n, rank #12266, Hard
资深
zīshēn
veteran (attributive)
HSK 7, unknown, rank #12266, Hard
资深
zīshēn
senior
HSK 7, unknown, rank #12266, Hard
资深
zīshēn
highly experienced
HSK 7, unknown, rank #12266, Hard
zīshēn(zi1shen1) T1
1senior (in terms of depth of accumulated experience)
2deeply qualified
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March 24, 2026
资深(資深)zīshēn(zi1shen1)
资深 (zī shēn) refers to someone who has a significant amount of experience or qualifications in a particular field. This term is commonly used in professional contexts to describe individuals who have held positions for many years and possess deep knowledge and expertise.
Frequency#12266DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, seniority and experience are highly valued, especially in professional settings. The term 资深 reflects respect for those who have dedicated time to their careers and are seen as mentors to younger professionals.
Memory Tip
Think of 资 (zī) as 'resources' and 深 (shēn) as 'deep'. Imagine a deep well of resources that showcases a person's vast experiences and qualifications. This image can help you remember that '资深' refers to someone who is well-resourced in terms of experience.
Meanings of 资深
zīshēn(zi1shen1)
1senior (in terms of depth of accumulated experience)
2deeply qualified
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 资深
资深Simplified
資深Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#12266Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 资深
Podcast: 资深
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AI Study Notes for 资深
Quick Contrast
资深 (zīshēn) vs 老练 (lǎoliàn) — choose 资深 when emphasizing depth of experience in a professional context, while 老练 highlights skillfulness and proficiency.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 资 (zī) as 'resources' and 深 (shēn) as 'deep'. Imagine a deep well of resources that showcases a person's vast experiences and qualifications. This image can help you remember that '资深' refers to someone who is well-resourced in terms of experience.
Usage Notes
It's important to use 资深 in formal contexts, such as workplaces or academic settings, as it conveys respect. A common mistake is to confuse 资深 with 新手 (xīn shǒu), which means 'newbie'; ensure you use 资深 for experienced individuals. Common collocations include 资深专家 (senior expert) and 资深人士 (senior person).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 资深 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to qualifications and professionalism. Focus on using it in sentences that reflect depth of experience, and practice with related terms like 专业 (zhuānyè, profession) and 经验 (jīngyàn, experience).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, seniority and experience are highly valued, especially in professional settings. The term 资深 reflects respect for those who have dedicated time to their careers and are seen as mentors to younger professionals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 资深 by applying it to situations where 'experienced' or 'expert' is not appropriate, such as saying 资深学生 (senior student). Instead, use 资深 in professional contexts to describe someone with extensive work experience.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 资深
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Grammar Patterns of 资深
资深 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 2
Complete the Sentence
他是个____议员，其观点受到广泛尊重。
He is a veteran parliamentarian whose views enjoy widespread respect.
He is a veteran parliamentarian whose views enjoy widespread respect.
2
几位资深政治家串通起来确保他不会获释。
jī wèi zī shēn zhèng zhì jiā chuàn tōng qǐ lái què bǎo tā bù huì huò shì。
Senior politicians connived to ensure that he was not released.
Cultural Notes for 资深
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, seniority and experience are highly valued, especially in professional settings. The term 资深 reflects respect for those who have dedicated time to their careers and are seen as mentors to younger professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions about 资深
While it is most commonly used in professional contexts, it can also refer to someone with deep knowledge or experience in hobbies or other areas.
Typically, 资深 refers to older individuals or those with extensive experience; using it for younger people may sound odd unless they have truly exceptional qualifications.
The opposite would be 新手 (xīn shǒu), which means 'newbie' or 'beginner', indicating a lack of experience.
