熟悉

• Pinyin: shú xi
• Hanzi breakdown: 熟 = 享 (enjoy) + 灬 (fire), cooked/ripe; 悉 = 釆 (distinguish) + 心 (heart), to know completely

Meaning

To be familiar with; to know well. Also used as an adjective meaning familiar.

Describes having thorough knowledge or experience with something or someone. Can be used for people, places, subjects, or skills. The object of familiarity follows 熟悉 or uses 对...熟悉 structure. Implies deeper knowledge than just recognition.

Examples

1. 我对这个城市非常熟悉，闭着眼睛都能找到路。 I'm very familiar with this city — I could find my way with my eyes closed.
2. 他刚来公司，还不太熟悉业务流程。 He just joined the company and isn't very familiar with the business processes yet.
3. 这首歌的旋律听起来很熟悉，但我想不起来叫什么名字。 This song's melody sounds familiar, but I can't remember what it's called.

Usage Guide

Context: work, relationships, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们很熟悉。(We know each other well.)
• 你熟悉这个软件吗？(Are you familiar with this software?)

Don't Say

• 熟悉他的名字 — for just knowing a name, use 知道; 熟悉 implies deeper familiarity

Origin & History

Compound of 熟 (ripe/cooked/familiar) + 悉 (to know completely), meaning to know thoroughly like something fully ripened.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal