识

• Pinyin: shí
• Hanzi breakdown: 识 = 讠(言, speech) + 只 (phonetic) — to know, recognize

Meaning

To know; to recognize; to be acquainted with. A literary verb for recognition or knowledge.

In modern usage, rarely stands alone — typically appears in compounds like 认识 (to know), 识别 (to identify), 知识 (knowledge), 识字 (literacy). As a standalone, it's literary or classical. Can also mean discernment or judgment in certain contexts.

Examples

1. 不识庐山真面目，只缘身在此山中。 One cannot recognize the true face of Mount Lu when standing within it.
2. 他博学多识，在学术界颇有名气。 He is learned and knowledgeable, quite famous in academic circles.
3. 这种鸟我不识，你知道叫什么吗？ I don't recognize this bird — do you know what it's called?

Usage Guide

Context: classical, poetry, formal writing

Tone: elevated

Do Say

• 识时务者为俊杰。(Those who understand the times are the wise ones.)
• 素不相识的人帮了我大忙。(A complete stranger helped me greatly.)

Don't Say

• 现代口语中单独用'识'较少见 (In modern spoken Chinese, standalone 识 is rare — use 认识 or 知道 instead)

Origin & History

Originally a pictophonetic character with 言 (speech) as semantic component and 戠 as phonetic. Related to recognition through verbal identification.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated