Definitions

shí (verb) to know; to recognize
shí (noun) knowledge

Etymology

Simplified from . Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "识", as the simplified form of the traditional character "識", derives from an etymological foundation where its components originally conveyed the idea of marking or recording through language. The traditional form combines "言", representing speech or verbal expression, with "戠", an element that historically provided both phonetic guidance and semantic connotations related to distinguishing or knowing. Initially associated with the act of remembering or making mental notations, the character's meaning gradually broadened to encompass the faculties of understanding, recognition, and acquired knowledge. This semantic shift from concrete notation to abstract cognition is mirrored in the structural simplification where "戠" was replaced by "只", streamlining the character's composition while maintaining its essential conceptual link to perception and awareness.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我认他。

Wǒ rènshi tā.

I know him.

就是力量。

Zhīshi jiùshì lìliang.

Knowledge is power.

她很有见

Tā hěn yǒu jiànshi.

She is very knowledgeable and experienced.

你认这条路吗?

Nǐ rènshi zhè tiáo lù ma?

Do you know this road?

我们需要有危机意

Wǒmen xūyào yǒu wēijī yìshí.

We need to have a sense of crisis.

别出了那个错误。

Tā shíbié chūle nàgè cuòwù.

He identified that mistake.

这个标志你认吗?

Zhège biāozhì nǐ rènshi ma?

Do you recognize this sign?

破了那个骗局。

Tā shípòle nàgè piànjú.

He saw through that scam.