識 (shí) - To know & to recognize

識Tone 2

shí ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

上姝

識 · shí

To know;

to recognize;

to understand;

knowledge;

insight;

also used in Buddhist contexts for consciousness.

To knowto recognizeto understand

Usage highlights

KnowledgeRecognizeCommon senseInsightConsciousnessAcquaintance

Synonyms

  • 知— to know; knowledge
  • 认— to recognize; to identify
  • 懂— to understand

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I recognize this person (认识这个人).
  • She has extensive knowledge (知识渊博).
  • Common sense (常识) is important in daily life.
  • He has good taste (有见识).

Collocations

  • Knowledge(知识)
  • Recognize(认识)
  • Common sense(常识)
  • Insight(见识)
  • Consciousness(意识)
  • Acquaintance(相识)

Idioms

  • Well-informed and experienced(见多识广)
  • Recognize talent(识才)
  • Short-sighted(识见短浅)
  • Recognize the times and understand affairs(识时达务)
  • Knowledgeable about the past and present(识古知今)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Confucian tradition, 识 represents cultivated knowledge and discernment gained through study and experience.
  • In Buddhism, 识 (vijñāna) refers to consciousness, one of the five skandhas that constitute human existence.
  • The character combines 言 (speech) and 戠 (mark), suggesting the ability to mark and articulate knowledge.

FAQ