结识

• Pinyin: jié shí
• Hanzi breakdown: 结 = 纟(silk) + 吉 — to form, tie; 识 = 讠(speech) + 只 — to know

Meaning

To get acquainted with; to make the acquaintance of. Meeting and forming a relationship with someone.

More formal than simply 认识, implying a meaningful connection rather than just meeting. Often used when describing how friendships or important relationships began. Suggests the relationship developed beyond initial acquaintance.

Examples

1. 我是在一次学术会议上结识这位教授的。 I made the acquaintance of this professor at an academic conference.
2. 他在创业过程中结识了很多志同道合的朋友。 He met many like-minded friends during his entrepreneurial journey.
3. 出国留学让她结识了来自世界各地的同学。 Studying abroad allowed her to meet classmates from all over the world.

Usage Guide

Context: networking, friendship, biography

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 很高兴结识你。(I'm pleased to make your acquaintance.)
• 我们是在大学时结识的。(We got acquainted in university.)

Don't Say

• 用'结识'形容点头之交 (Don't use 结识 for casual acquaintances — it implies a meaningful relationship formed, not just meeting once)

Origin & History

Composed of 结 (to form; to tie) + 识 (to know; to recognize). Together they describe forming a connection through getting to know someone.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal