悉 (xī) - to know & to understand thoroughly

悉Tone 1

xī ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

悉 · xī

to know;

to understand thoroughly;

to be familiar with;

to inform;

all;

entirely.

to knowto understand thoroughlyto be familiar with

Usage highlights

to know in detailto be familiar withto informall; entirelyto learn the detailsto understand thoroughly

Synonyms

  • 知— to know
  • 解— to understand
  • 熟— familiar
  • 详— detailed

Antonyms

  • 昧— ignorant; unclear
  • 惑— confused; doubtful

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I am familiar with the details (熟悉细节).
  • Please inform me of any changes (请悉知任何变化).
  • He knows everything about the plan (他悉知计划的一切).
  • We are fully aware of the situation (我们悉知情况).

Collocations

  • to know in detail(知悉)
  • to be familiar with(熟悉)
  • to inform(告知)
  • all; entirely(悉数)
  • to learn the details(获悉)
  • to understand thoroughly(洞悉)

Idioms

  • To have a keen insight into something(洞悉其奸)
  • To be thoroughly familiar with every detail(纤悉无遗)
  • To work diligently and conscientiously(悉心竭力)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 悉 originally depicted 'heart' (心) over 'rice' (釆), representing thorough mental processing and understanding.
  • In Buddhist texts, 悉 is used in terms like 'sarva' meaning 'all' or 'entirely'.
  • It conveys a sense of complete knowledge and careful attention in classical Chinese contexts.

FAQ