HSK 5 lesson 3_final Flashcards by Minka Vrabecgortnar

n. life, human life

人生 (rénshēng) - n. life
人 (rén) Meaning: human, person, people; also refers to personality, manpower, or others (e.g., 人家 - others, 人生 - human life).
Radical: 人 (rén) - a standing human figure.
Related words: 大人 (dàrén - adult), 人民 (rénmín - people).
Similar-looking: 入 (rù - enter). Distinction: 人 has legs apart (wide base); 入 has a closed top and narrower base, like entering a door.

生 (shēng)Meaning: to be born, life, raw, unripe; also to grow, produce, living, student (e.g., 生活 - life, 发生 - happen).
Radical: 生 (shēng) - growth, life.
Components: 牛 (ox) + 一 (ground). A sprouting plant under a horizontal line (ground).
How parts form meaning: Ox (牛) plows the earth, and a sprout (the vertical line) emerges from the ground (一) → life, birth.
Mnemonic: Imagine an ox stepping on soil, and a green shoot pushes up through the ground.
Related words: 生命 (shēngmìng - life), 生日 (shēngrì - birthday).
Similar-looking: 牛 (niú - ox) vs. 生 (shēng). Distinction: 牛 has a prominent upward horn (the top stroke is angled); 生 has a horizontal top and a vertical sprout.

Word: 人生 (rénshēng)
Meaning: human life, one’s lifetime.
Visual story: A person (人) stands at birth (生) and walks through time. The character 人 is the traveler, 生 is the journey from sprout to full growth.
Sample sentence: 人生充满了挑战和机遇。
Rénshēng chōngmǎnle tiǎozhàn hé jīyù. (Life is full of challenges and opportunities.)

Related words: 人生哲学 (rénshēng zhéxué - philosophy of life), 人生观 (rénshēng guān - outlook on life).
Similar-looking character pair: 人 (rén) vs. 入 (rù) – as above; 生 (shēng) vs. 牛 (niú) – as above.

人生短促，所以我们要珍惜每一分钟。
rén shēng duǎn cù, suǒ yǐ wǒ men yào zhēn xī měi yì fēn zhōng .
phr. Life is short, so we should cherish every minute.

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人生

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n. worker

工人 (gōngrén) - n. worker
工 (gōng) Meaning: work, labor, industry, skill; also a worker, project, or delicate craftsmanship (e.g., 工作 - job, 工厂 - factory).
Radical: 工 (gōng) - work, labor.
Components: 工 itself is a pictograph of a carpenter’s square (a tool for measuring).
How parts form meaning: The shape of a square tool represents precise work and measurement → work, labor.
Related words: 工具 (gōngjù - tool), 工业 (gōngyè - industry).
Similar-looking: 土 (tǔ - earth). Distinction: 工 has the top stroke shorter than the bottom? A
人 (rén)
Word: 工人 (gōngrén)
Meaning: worker, laborer, employee (often manual or industrial).
Visual story: A person (人) using a measuring tool (工) to build something. The combination shows someone who performs manual work.
Sample sentence: 工厂里的工人每天都在辛勤劳动。
Gōngchǎng lǐ de gōngrén měitiān dōu zài xīnqín láodòng. (The workers in the factory work hard every day.)

Related words: 工人运动 (gōngrén yùndòng - labor movement), 工人阶段 (gōngrén jiēduàn - working class).
Similar-looking character pair: 工 (gōng) vs. 土 (tǔ) – as above; 人 (rén) vs. 入 (rù) – as above.
工人阶级 gōng rén jiē jí (n. working class)

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工人

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adj./v. stable, firm, steady; to stabilize, to steady

稳定 (wěndìng) - adj. stable
稳 (wěn) Meaning: stable, steady, firm; also to settle, secure, reliable (e.g., 安稳 - peaceful, 稳固 - firm).
Radical: 禾 (hé) - grain, cereal (left side).
Components: 禾 (grain) + 急 (jí - urgent, anxious).
How parts form meaning: Grain (禾) needs to be harvested carefully; if you are in a hurry (急), you might destabilize it. But the character 稳 actually suggests “pulling grain with a hand” – originally from 穩, where 禾 represents crops and 急 hints at pressing down to make firm. The modern meaning: like a ripe grain stalk that stands upright and steady despite wind.
Mnemonic: A stalk of grain (禾) stands firm even when a strong wind (represented by 急’s “urgent” energy) blows. Steadiness overcomes urgency.
Related words: 稳定 (itself), 稳固 (wěngù - stable and solid).
Similar-looking: 隐 (yǐn - hidden). Distinction: 稳 has 禾 (grain) on left; 隐 has 阝 (mound/hill) on left and a different right part (急 vs 急?). Actually 隐 is 阝+ 急? No, 隐 is 阝+ 急 with a different component. Better: 稳 (wěn) vs. 急 (jí). 稳 includes 急, but 急 alone means urgent. If you see 禾 next to 急, it’s stable; without 禾, it’s urgent.

定 (dìng) Meaning: to fix, set, determine, stable; also surely, decide, order (e.g., 决定 - decide, 一定 - certainly).
Radical: 宀 (mián) - roof (top). Components: 宀 (roof) + 疋 (pǐ - bolt of cloth, or foot).
How parts form meaning: Under a roof (宀), a foot (疋) stops moving → to settle, fix in place. The “foot” represents walking, and the roof confines it → stability.
Mnemonic: Imagine you come home under a roof (宀), take off your shoes (疋 as foot), and finally rest – everything is settled and stable.
Related words: 安定 (āndìng - stable, peaceful), 规定 (guīdìng - regulation).
Similar-looking: 室 (shì - room). Distinction: 定 has 疋 below; 室 has 至 (to arrive) below. 定 focuses on “setting,” 室 on “space.”

Word: 稳定 (wěndìng) Meaning: stable, steady; to stabilize.
Visual story: A grain stalk (稳) stands under a roof (定) – both images convey no movement. The grain doesn’t fall, the foot doesn’t walk.
Sample sentence: 这个国家的经济很稳定。
Zhège guójiā de jīngjì hěn wěndìng. (This country’s economy is very stable.)

Related words: 稳定性 (wěndìngxìng - stability), 不稳定 (bù wěndìng - unstable).
Similar-looking character pair: 稳 (wěn) vs. 隐 (yǐn) – 隐 has 阝 (hill) on left and means hidden; 稳 has 禾 (grain) and means stable.

这个季度的物价很稳定。 zhè ge jì dù de wù jià hěn wěn dìng .
phr. This quarter the commodity price is stable.
稳定的工作 - wěn dìng de gōng zuò (nphr. stable job)
情绪稳定 qíng xù wěn dìng - phr. to have a stable mood, to be calm and not emotional
motional

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稳定

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n. salary, wages, pay; treatment, reception (pay and perks)

待遇 (dàiyù) - n. pay and perks, treatment
待 (dài) Meaning: to treat, wait for, entertain, need; also about to, going to (e.g., 等待 - wait, 对待 - treat).
Radical: 彳 (chì) - step with left foot (double person radical).
Components: 彳 (small step) + 寺 (sì - temple, office).
How parts form meaning: 彳 indicates movement or action; 寺 (temple) is a place where people gather. To move toward a temple may mean to wait or to treat guests → treatment, waiting.
Mnemonic: A monk (at the temple 寺) takes small steps (彳) to welcome visitors – that is “treatment” and “waiting.”
Related words: 待遇 (itself), 待客 (dàikè - entertain guests).
Similar-looking: 侍 (shì - serve). Distinction: 待 has 寺 (temple); 侍 has 士 (scholar) on right. 待 is waiting/treatment; 侍 is serving.

遇 (yù) Meaning: meet, encounter, treat, opportunity; also happen to (e.g., 相遇 - meet, 机遇 - opportunity).
Radical: 辶 (chuò) - walk, movement (bottom).
Components: 辶 (walk) + 禺 (yú - ancient mythical creature or a kind of monkey; also region).
How parts form meaning: Walking (辶) and coming across a creature (禺) → to encounter, meet. Extended to “treatment” as in how you are met by others.
Mnemonic: You take a walk (辶) and suddenly see a strange animal (禺) – an unexpected encounter. Your treatment depends on that meeting.
Related words: 遭遇 (zāoyù - encounter, suffer), 遇见 (yùjiàn - meet by chance).
Similar-looking: 偶 (ǒu - accidental, couple). Distinction: 遇 has 辶 (walking radical) on bottom; 偶 has 亻 (person) on left. 遇 emphasizes movement/meeting; 偶 emphasizes accidental pairing.

Word: 待遇 (dàiyù) Meaning: treatment (financial or social), pay and perks, salary package.
Visual story: You wait (待) and then meet (遇) your boss – the outcome is your salary and benefits. The “treatment” you receive.
Sample sentence: 这家公司的待遇很好，包括奖金和保险。
Zhè jiā gōngsī de dàiyù hěn hǎo, bāokuò jiǎngjīn hé bǎoxiǎn. (This company’s pay and perks are very good, including bonuses and insurance.)

Related words: 优厚待遇 (yōuhòu dàiyù - generous treatment), 公平待遇 (gōngpíng dàiyù - fair treatment).
Similar-looking character pair: 待 (dài) vs. 侍 (shì) – as above; 遇 (yù) vs. 偶 (ǒu) – as above.
公司的待遇还不错。 gōng sī de dài yù hái bú cuò .
phr. The company’s treatment is not bad.

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待遇

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sep-v. to worry (about), to fret (at), to get anxious (about)

发愁 (fā chóu) - v. to worry
发 (fā) Meaning: to send out, issue, emit, start; also to become, develop, hair (traditional 髮). In simplified 发 covers both. (e.g., 发生 - happen, 发展 - develop).
Radical: 又 (yòu) - right hand (bottom part).
Components: Simplified 发 comes from cursive script; historically 癶 (two feet) + 弓 (bow) + 几 (table) but simplified as 丿+ 一 + 又. For memory: 又 (hand) + top part like a bow.
How parts form meaning: A hand (又) pulling a bow to shoot an arrow → sending out, launching.
Mnemonic: Pull the bowstring with your hand (又), and you “send out” an arrow.
Related words: 发送 (fāsòng - send), 出发 (chūfā - set out).
Similar-looking: 友 (yǒu - friend). Distinction: 发 has a dot and horizontal on top; 友 has a horizontal and a slanted stroke. 发 is more complex.

愁 (chóu)
Meaning: worry, anxiety, sorrow (e.g., 忧愁 - sad, 愁苦 - distressed).
Radical: 心 (xīn) - heart (bottom). Components: 秋 (qiū - autumn) + 心 (heart).
How parts form meaning: Autumn (秋) is a season of decay and impending winter. The heart (心) feels sadness and worry at that change → anxiety.
Mnemonic: In autumn, leaves fall and days grow short – your heart (心) feels heavy with worry (愁).
Related words: 愁眉 (chóuméi - worried brows), 愁容 (chóuróng - worried look).
Similar-looking: 秋 (qiū - autumn) vs. 愁 (chóu). Distinction: 愁 has an extra 心 below; without 心 it’s just autumn.

Word: 发愁 (fā chóu) Meaning: to worry, to be anxious about something.
Visual story: Your heart (愁) sends out (发) signals of distress. Imagine a person whose heart feels like autumn leaves falling – they begin to worry.
Sample sentence: 别为小事发愁，一切都会好起来的。
Bié wèi xiǎoshì fā chóu, yīqiè dōu huì hǎo qǐlai de. (Don’t worry about small things; everything will get better.)

Related words: 发愁的事 (fā chóu de shì - something to worry about), 不发愁 (bù fā chóu - not worry).
Similar-looking character pair: 发 (fā) vs. 友 (yǒu) – as above; 愁 (chóu) vs. 秋 (qiū) – as above.

他毕业后开始为住房问题发愁。
tā bì yè hòu kāi shǐ wèi zhù fáng wèn tí fā chóu .
phr. He began to worry about the housing problem after his graduation.

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发愁

他毕业后开始为住房问题发愁。
tā bì yè hòu kāi shǐ wèi zhù fáng wèn tí fā chóu .
phr. He began to worry about the housing problem after his graduation.

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adj. calm, quiet, tranquil, composed, peaceful

平静 -píng jìng
静 jìng (adj./v. silent, quiet; still, motionless; to calm down, to make quiet : 心静 xīn jìng, 安静 ān jìng)
平静的情绪 : píng jìng de qíng xù (phr. calm emotions)

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平静

píng jìng -adj. calm, quiet, tranquil, composed, peaceful

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n. sailing boat + MV

帆船 -fān chuán
帆 fān (凡, fán: char. ordinary, commonplace;)
n. sail; (lit.) sailing boat
MV : 艘 sōu m. measure word for a ship or boat

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艘帆船

fān chuán-n. sailing boat

艘 sōu m. measure word for a ship or boat

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v. collide, run into, bump against; rush, dash; meet by chance; try one’s luck

撞 - zhuàng
撞见 zhuàng jiàn (v. meet by accident)

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撞

zhuàng
v. collide, run into, bump against; rush, dash; meet by chance; try one’s luck

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v. sail, fly, voyage

航行 - háng xíng
航 háng : char. plane, ship; to sail or fly (航空: n. aviation)

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航行

háng xíng - v. sail, fly, voyage

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v./n. to accumulate, to save; savings

积蓄 - jī xù - v./n. to accumulate, to save; savings
积 - jī: v./n. amass, accumulate; (math.) multiplication, integration; (TCM)
indigestion , 积累 jī lěi
蓄 - xù. v. save up, store; (of beard or hair) grow; to entertain (an idea)

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积蓄

jī xù
v./n. to accumulate, to save; savings

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adj. second-hand

二手 -èr shǒu

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n. rainbow

彩虹 - cǎi hóng
不经历风雨，哪能见彩虹。
bù jīng lì fēng yǔ, nǎ néng jiàn cǎi hóng .
phr. Rainbows always comes after wind and rain. Success comes after overcoming hardships

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彩虹

cǎi hóng - n. rainbow

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GRAMMAR POINT 3

v. to include, to comprise, to consist of

包括 - bāo kuò
这里包括我在内一共有十个人。
zhè lǐ bāo kuò wǒ zài nèi yí gòng yǒu shí gè rén
phr. There are ten people here in total, including me.

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包括

bāo kuò -v. to include, to comprise, to consist of

adj./v. crazy, mad, insane; frivolous, not calm; to play wilfully; (of plants) to overgrow but bear few fruits

疯 - fēng

疯

fēng adj./v. crazy, mad, insane; frivolous, not calm; to play wilfully; (of plants) to overgrow but bear few fruits

sep-v. resign, quit the job

辞职 - cí zhí 辞: cí: n./v. words; take leave; resign, decline, shirk, reject; dismiss, fire (sb. from his job) (辛: xīn: radical. bitter, 舌, shé-n. tongue; tongue-shaped object; tongue of a bell, clapper) 告辞 - gào cí, v. take leave, say goodbye

辞职

cí zhí - sep-v. resign, quit the job

v./n. drive, steer; to pilot driver (short for 驾驶员)

驾驶-jià shǐ 驶: shǐ, v. drive, sail; (of a vehicle or horse) to go rapidly 驾驶执照 - jià shǐ zhí zhào - phr. Driving license 驾驶员 - jià shǐ yuán - n. driver, pilot 驾驶证 - jià shǐ zhèng- n. driving license

驾驶

jià shǐ- v./n. drive, steer; driver (short for 驾驶员)

v. (to do ...) by turns, in turn, in rotation, to take turns

轮流 - lún liú 流 . liú, v. (of liquid) flow

轮流

lún liú v. (to do ...) by turns, in turn, in rotation, to take turns

v. fish (with a hook and bait); (fig.) to fish for, to pursue (fame and wealth)

钓 , diào

钓

diào: v. fish (with a hook and bait); (fig.) to fish for, to pursue (fame and wealth)

m.v for meals

顿 -dùn

顿

dùn m. ...time (frequency for meals, reproach, admonishment, beating, etc.)

n. seafood

海鲜:hǎi xiān 我对海鲜过敏。wǒ duì hǎi xiān guò mǐn . phr. I am allergic to seafoods.

海鲜

hǎi xiān-n. seafood

n. evening, dusk, nightfall

傍晚-bàng wǎn 傍: bàng-v. be close to, be near; to depend on

傍晚

bàng wǎn: n. evening, dusk, nightfall

adj. cosy, comfortable, snug

舒适 -shū shì 舒适圈_ shū shì quān: nphr. comfort zone 圈. quān n./v. circle, loop; to mark with a circle; to enclose; to tag (on social media platforms)

舒适

shū shì adj. cosy, comfortable, snug

v. to work (esp. referring to manual labours)

干活: gàn huó

干活

gàn huó, to work (especially manually)

v. to yearn for, to hope for, to long for, to expect, look forward to

盼望-pàn wàng 盼: pàn- v. to expect, to look forward to; to look ( 期盼 qī pàn: v. expect, look forward to) 望: wàng: v./prep. look over, gaze into distance; towards 我很盼望下周和你打乒乓。 wǒ hěn pàn wàng xià zhōu hé nǐ dǎ pīng pāng . phr. I'm looking forward to play ping-pong with you next week.

盼望

pàn wàng-v. to yearn for, to hope for, to long for, to expect, look forward to

n. land

陆地 - lù dì 陆: lù- n. land (击: jī =char. strike, break; attack, assault; come in contact with, 阝: fǔ= radical. (On the left of characters ) mound, (on the right side ) city 大陆:dà lù= n. mainland (China), mainland, continent 登陆: dēng lù= v. to go on shore, to land; (of a commodity) to enter the market of an area 内陆: nèi lù =n. inland, interior, landlocked 陆运: yùn: n. land transportation

陆地

lù dì -n. land

# GRAMMAR POINT 1 pro. each, oneself, respective

各自-gè zì 我们各自买单。wǒ men gè zì mǎi dān (phr. Each of us pays for his own bill.)

各自

gè zì - pro. each, oneself, respective

# GRAMMAR POINT 2 勿

wù - adv. (used in prohibition) never, not, don't 勿扰模式: wù rǎo mó shì (phr. Do Not Disturb mode (settings on a smartphone, also known as 免打扰模式) 请勿: qǐng wù ( phr. please do not...)

adv. (used in prohibition) never, not, don't

勿 - wù

# GRAMMAR POINT 4 n./adv. time, moment; constantly, always

时刻 - shí kè 时时刻刻: shí shí kè kè ( adv. at all times, every moment) 列车时刻表: liè chē shí kè biǎo (phr. train schedule)

时刻

shí kè - n./adv. time, moment; constantly, always

v. catch fire

着火 zháo huǒ

着火

zháo huǒ -v. catch fire

v. to leak; to divulge, to give away; to miss, to leave out

漏-lòu ( 漏水: lòu shuǐ= v. leak, drip (of water) 消息给泄漏了。 xiāo xi gěi xiè lòu le . (phr. The news has been let out.) 漏税: lòu shuì (sep-v. evade payment of a tax)

漏

lòu: v. to leak; to divulge, to give away; to miss, to leave out

n. thunder

雷-léi ( 雷雨: léi yǔ = n. thunder storm; 雷电: léi diàn =n. thunder and lightning) 雷打不动: léi dá bú dòng (idiom. not to be shaken by thunder, unyielding, not to be altered under any circumstances)

雷

léi-n. thunder

adv. at any time

随时 - suí shí (1.随时随地: suí shí suí dì: adv. anytime and anywhere 2. 你可以随时随地向我提问题。nǐ kě yǐ suí shí suí dì xiàng wǒ tí wèn tí . phr. You can ask me questions anytime and anywhere. 3. 要是你不满意，可以随时退货。yào shi nǐ bù mǎn yì, kě yǐ suí shí tuì huò . phr. If you're not satisfied, you can return the goods at any time. 4. 请随时联系我。qǐng suí shí lián xì wǒ . phr. Please contact me anytime.有什么问题可以随时联系我。5. 请你随时打我的手机。 qǐng nǐ suí shí dǎ wǒ de shǒu jī .phr. Please call my cell phone anytime. 6. 请您随时提问。qǐng nín suí shí tí wèn .phr. Please ask questions at any time.

随时

suí shí -adv. at any time

n. lightning

闪电-shǎn diàn 闪: shǎn n./v. lightning; to sprain or strain; to appear suddenly, v. flash;

闪电

shǎn diàn-n. lightning

v./n. hug, embrace

拥抱-yōng bào

拥抱

yōng bào-v./n. hug, embrace

m. nautical (sea) mile

海里- hǎili

海里

hǎi lǐ-m. nautical mile

flight of steps, n. step, staircase; (fig.) opportunity to extricate from an awkward position

台阶 - tái jiē

台阶

tái jiē-n. step, staircase; (fig.) opportunity to extricate from an awkward position

n./adj. future; approaching, coming, next

未来-wèi lái 你能估测一下未来的发展吗？ nǐ néng gū cè yí xià wèi lái de fā zhǎn ma phr. Could you estimate the development in the future?

未来

wèi lái n./adj. future; approaching, coming, next

n. madam, lady; wife

太太-tài tai

太太

tài tai-n. madam, lady; wife

n. period, era, age

时代-shí dài 博客是网络时代的新鲜事物。 bó kè shì wǎng luò shí dài de xīn xiān shì wù . phr. Blog is a new phenomenon in the cyber age.

时代

shí dài-n. period, era, age

n. fog; mist, fine spray

雾 - wù

雾

wù n. fog; mist, fine spray

n. part, component, spare part

零件 - líng jiàn 零: líng: num. zero, 0 Other meanings; [líng] adj./n. fragmentary, fractional; fragment, fraction , [líng] char. (of rain, dew, tears, etc.) to fall, to drop; (lit. of plants, etc.) wither

零件

líng jiàn - n. part, component, spare part

n./adj. handwork; manual, hand-operated, handmade

手工-shǒu gōng

手工

shǒu gōng-n./adj. handwork; manual, hand-operated, handmade

v. keep in good repair, maintain, mend

维修-wéi xiū 维-wéi: to preserve; to hold together; thinking, thought 维修汽车- wéi xiū qì chē: phr. service a car 维修服务 - wéi xiū fú wù: nphr. maintenance service 这座房子需要维修翻新。 zhè zuò fáng zi xū yào wéi xiū fān xīn phr. This house needs repairing and renovating.

维修

wéi xiū-v. keep in good repair, maintain, mend

n. machine

机器-jī qì (机: jī, char. engine, machine; aircraft , 器: qì char. implement, utensil; organ; forbearance; to think highly of) 开启机器 - kāi qǐ jī qì: phr. start the machine 智能机器人 _zhì néng jī qì rén -phr. intelligent robot 机器人: jī qì rén -n. robot, android 把机器关掉- bǎ jī qì guān diào-phr. to turn off the machine 机器学习: jī qì xué xí -phr. machine learning

机器

jī qì-n. machine

n./v. equipment, facility; to equip, to install

设备-shè bèi 设: shè - v./conj. to set up; to place; to work out; to assume or presume; provided, if, supposing 备: bèi - v./adv. to prepare; to equip; (lit.) to the utmost, fully [bèi] char. to take precaution against; equipment; complete, perfect 电子设备 -diàn zǐ shè bèi - n. electronic equipment 工业设备 - gōng yè shè bèi - nphr. industrial equipment 机器设备 - jī qì shè bèi - phr. machinery equipment 电力设备 - diàn lì shè bèi - nphr. power equipment 通信设备 - tōng xìn shè bèi-nphr. communication equipment 存储设备 - cún chǔ shè bèi- phr. data storage device, memory device

设备

shè bèi-n./v. equipment, facility; to equip, to install

n. facility, installation

设施-shè shī 设: shè - v./conj. to set up; to place; to work out; to assume or presume; provided, if, supposing 施_ shī_ v. apply; carry out; give (施工: shī gōng -sep-v. construct, carry out a construction project:; 施行: shī xíng -v. go into effect, put in force, apply

设施

shè shī-n. facility, installation

n. tool

工具-gōng jù

工具

gōng jù-n. tool

to strike, to hit, to beat, to attack

击 (jī) — (v.) to strike, to hit, to beat, to attack 击中 (jī zhòng) – to hit (the target) 打击 (dǎ jī) – to strike, to attack; also used metaphorically: "to strike a blow to someone emotionally" 雷击 (léi jī) – lightning strike 这棵树被雷击倒了。 Zhè kē shù bèi léijī dǎo le. The tree was struck down by lightning.

击

ji — (v.) to strike, to hit, to beat, to attack 击中 (jī zhòng) – to hit (the target) 雷击 (léi jī) – lightning strike 👉 This is probably what you were thinking of! 这棵树被雷击倒了。 Zhè kē shù bèi léijī dǎo le. The tree was struck down by lightning.

adj. boundless, limitless

无边无际 wú biān wú jì 望着无边无际的大海，我感到内心格外平静。 Wàngzhe wúbiānwújì de dàhǎi, wǒ gǎndào nèixīn géwài píngjìng. Looking at the boundless sea, I felt an exceptional sense of calm inside.

无边无际

wú biān wú jì adj. boundless, limitless

v. underestimate, look down upon

看轻-kàn qīng 看- (kàn) – to look, to see, to watch Radical: 目 (eye) 轻 (qīng) – light (in weight); gentle; not important, Radical: 车 (chē - vehicle) Component: 彡 (shān – ornament/ decoration) Visual hint: A light car floating gently through the air, decorated with tassels. Sample Sentence: 别看轻自己，你有很多优点。 Bié kànqīng zìjǐ, nǐ yǒu hěn duō yōudiǎn. → Don’t underestimate yourself, you have many strengths.

看轻

kàn qīng v. underestimate, look down upon

Usage: idiom; self-knowledge is a virtue.

1. 人贵自知- rén guì zì zhī – It is valuable for a person to know themselves (lit. “A person’s worth lies in self-awareness”) Usage: idiom; self-knowledge is a virtue. Breakdown: 人 (rén) – person, human being. Radical: 人 (person radical, semantic). 贵 (guì) – expensive, valuable, noble, honorable. Radical: 贝 (shell, associated with money/value) + phonetic: 中/为-like form. 自 (zì) – self, from. Radical: 自 (self radical, semantic). 知 (zhī) – know, be aware of. Radical: 矢 (arrow, semantic) + 口 (mouth, phonetic component here). Example: 人贵自知，知道自己的优点和缺点才能进步。 Rén guì zì zhī, zhīdào zìjǐ de yōudiǎn hé quēdiǎn cáinéng jìnbù. A person’s worth lies in knowing themselves; only by knowing your strengths and weaknesses can you improve.

人贵自知

1. 人贵自知 - rén guì zì zhī – It is valuable for a person to know themselves (lit. “A person’s worth lies in self-awareness”) Usage: idiom; self-knowledge is a virtue. 人 (rén) – person, human being. Radical: 人 (person radical, semantic). 贵 (guì) – expensive, valuable, noble, honorable. Radical: 贝 (shell, associated with money/value) + phonetic: 中/为-like form. 自 (zì) – self, from. Radical: 自 (self radical, semantic). 知 (zhī) – know, be aware of. Radical: 矢 (arrow, semantic) + 口 (mouth, phonetic component here). Example: 人贵自知，知道自己的优点和缺点才能进步。 Rén guì zì zhī, zhīdào zìjǐ de yōudiǎn hé quēdiǎn cáinéng jìnbù. A person’s worth lies in knowing themselves; only by knowing your strengths and weaknesses can you improve.

appropriate, proper, suitable.

2. 恰当- qià dàng – appropriate, proper, suitable. Breakdown: 恰 (qià) – just right, exactly, proper. Radical: 忄(heart, semantic: feelings/attitudes) + 合 (fit, combine, phonetic). 当 (dàng) – appropriate, act as, manage; also “should”. Radical: 小 (small) variation at top + 田 (field), historically phonetic. Example: 这篇文章的标题用得非常恰当。 Zhè piān wénzhāng de biāotí yòng de fēicháng qiàdàng. The title of this article is very appropriate.

恰当

qià dàng – appropriate, proper, suitable. Breakdown: 恰 (qià) – just right, exactly, proper. Radical: 忄(heart, semantic: feelings/attitudes) + 合 (fit, combine, phonetic). 当 (dàng) – appropriate, act as, manage; also “should”. Radical: 小 (small) variation at top + 田 (field), historically phonetic. Example: 这篇文章的标题用得非常恰当。 Zhè piān wénzhāng de biāotí yòng de fēicháng qiàdàng. The title of this article is very appropriate.

to contact, to come into touch with, engage with.

接触 -jiē chù – to contact, to come into touch with, engage with. Breakdown: 接 (jiē) – connect, receive. Radical: 扌(hand, semantic) + 妾 (concubine, phonetic). 触 (chù) – touch, contact; offend. Radical: 角 (horn, semantic: physical touch/impact) + 虫 (insect, phonetic here). Example: 他刚开始接触这个领域的知识。 Tā gāng kāishǐ jiēchù zhège lǐngyù de zhīshi. He has just started coming into contact with knowledge in this field.

接触

jiē chù – to contact, to come into touch with, engage with. Breakdown: 接 (jiē) – connect, receive. Radical: 扌(hand, semantic) + 妾 (concubine, phonetic). 触 (chù) – touch, contact; offend. Radical: 角 (horn, semantic: physical touch/impact) + 虫 (insect, phonetic here). Example: 他刚开始接触这个领域的知识。 Tā gāng kāishǐ jiēchù zhège lǐngyù de zhīshi. He has just started coming into contact with knowledge in this field.

to plan, program, lay out; plan (n.).

规划 -guī huà – to plan, program, lay out; plan (n.). Breakdown: 规 (guī) – rule, regulation. Radical: 见 (see) + phonetic: 夫. 划 (huà) – to mark, to plan; to scratch, cut. Radical: 刂 (knife, semantic) + phonetic: 戈 (spear). Example: 政府正在规划新的城市道路。 Zhèngfǔ zhèngzài guīhuà xīn de chéngshì dàolù. The government is planning new city roads.

规划

wisdom, intelligence

智慧-zhì huì – wisdom, intelligence. Breakdown: 智 (zhì) – wisdom, intelligence. Radical: 知 (know) + 日 (sun, semantic for clarity/enlightenment). 慧 (huì) – wisdom, brightness of mind. Radical: 心 (heart, semantic) + phonetic parts: 彗 (comet/broom). Example: 老人常常有丰富的人生智慧。 Lǎorén chángcháng yǒu fēngfù de rénshēng zhìhuì. Elderly people often have rich life wisdom.

智慧

智慧 - zhì huì – wisdom, intelligence. Breakdown: 智 (zhì) – wisdom, intelligence. Radical: 知 (know) + 日 (sun, semantic for clarity/enlightenment). 慧 (huì) – wisdom, brightness of mind. Radical: 心 (heart, semantic) + phonetic parts: 彗 (comet/broom). Example: 老人常常有丰富的人生智慧。 Lǎorén chángcháng yǒu fēngfù de rénshēng zhìhuì. Elderly people often have rich life wisdom.

to complain, to blame

埋怨- mán yuàn – to complain, to blame. Breakdown: 埋 (mán/mái) – bury, conceal. Radical: 土 (earth, semantic) + 里 (inside, phonetic). 怨 (yuàn) – resent, blame. Radical: 心 (heart, semantic) + 爰 (phonetic). Example: 不要总是埋怨别人，要想办法解决问题。 Bùyào zǒng shì mányuàn biérén, yào xiǎng bànfǎ jiějué wèntí. Don’t always complain about others; think of ways to solve the problem.

埋怨

to communicate, connect

沟通- gōu tōng – to communicate, connect. Breakdown: 沟 (gōu) – ditch, channel. Radical: 氵(water, semantic) + 句 (sentence, phonetic). 通 (tōng) – go through, connect. Radical: 辶 (walk, movement) + 甬 (phonetic). Example: 我们需要多沟通，才能更好地合作。 Wǒmen xūyào duō gōutōng, cáinéng gèng hǎo de hézuò. We need to communicate more to cooperate better.

沟通

inside and outside, the ins and outs.

里里外外 -lǐ lǐ wài wài – inside and outside, the ins and outs. Breakdown: 里 (lǐ) – inside, within. Radical: 田 (field) + 土 (earth). 外 (wài) – outside. Radical: 夕 (evening, semantic) + 卜 (divination, phonetic). Example: 他对公司的情况里里外外都很清楚。 Tā duì gōngsī de qíngkuàng lǐlǐwàiwài dōu hěn qīngchu. He knows the company’s situation inside and out.

里里外外

里里外外-lǐ lǐ wài wài – inside and outside, the ins and outs. Breakdown: 里 (lǐ) – inside, within. Radical: 田 (field) + 土 (earth). 外 (wài) – outside. Radical: 夕 (evening, semantic) + 卜 (divination, phonetic). Example: 他对公司的情况里里外外都很清楚。 Tā duì gōngsī de qíngkuàng lǐlǐwàiwài dōu hěn qīngchu. He knows the company’s situation inside and out.

be at leisure, relax.

休闲-xiū xián – be at leisure, relax. Breakdown: 休 (xiū) – rest, stop work. Radical: 人 (person, semantic) + 木 (tree, semantic: leaning against a tree to rest). 闲 (xián) – idle, free time. Radical: 门 (gate, semantic) + 木 (tree, phonetic). Example: 周末我们一起去公园休闲。 Zhōumò wǒmen yīqǐ qù gōngyuán xiūxián. On weekends we go to the park to relax.

休闲

休闲- xiū xián – be at leisure, relax. 休 (xiū) – rest, stop work. Radical: 人 (person, semantic) + 木 (tree, semantic: leaning against a tree to rest). 闲 (xián) – idle, free time. Radical: 门 (gate, semantic) + 木 (tree, phonetic). Example: 周末我们一起去公园休闲。 Zhōumò wǒmen yīqǐ qù gōngyuán xiūxián. On weekends we go to the park to relax.

not indispensable, may or may not be present and not important/indispensable

可有可无 - kě yǒu kě wú – not indispensable, may or may not be present. and 不可或缺(bùkěhuòquē) not important/indispensable Breakdown: 可 (kě) – can, may, worthy of. Radical: 口 (mouth) + phonetic element. 有 (yǒu) – have, exist. Radical: 月 (moon/flesh, semantic) + hand-like strokes. 无 (wú) – without, none. Radical: 一 + four small strokes (ancient dance form). Example: 这个装饰品可有可无，不影响房间的美观。 Zhège zhuāngshìpǐn kě yǒu kě wú, bù yǐngxiǎng fángjiān de měiguān. This decoration is optional; it doesn’t affect the room’s beauty.

可有可无 and 不可或缺

可有可无 - kě yǒu kě wú – not indispensable, may or may not be present. and 不可或缺(bùkěhuòquē) important/indispensable Breakdown: 可 (kě) – can,may, worthy of. Radical: 口 (mouth) + phonetic element. 有 (yǒu) – have, exist. Radical: 月 (moon/flesh, semantic) + hand-like strokes. 无 (wú) – without, none. Radical: 一 + four small strokes (ancient dance form). Example: 这个装饰品可有可无，不影响房间的美观。 Zhège zhuāngshìpǐn kě yǒu kě wú, bù yǐngxiǎng fángjiān de měiguān. This decoration is optional; it doesn’t affect the room’s beauty.

enjoy something and never tire of it.

乐此不疲-lè cǐ bù pí – enjoy something and never tire of it. Breakdown: 乐 (lè) – happy, enjoy; also (yuè) – music. Radical: 丿 + 小-like structure; ancient depiction of music/happiness. 此 (cǐ) – this. Radical: 止 (stop, foot, semantic) + 匕 (spoon/knife, phonetic). 不 (bù) – not. Radical: independent character, pictograph of a bird in flight (ancient form). 疲 (pí) – tired, weary. Radical: 疒 (sickness, semantic) + 皮 (skin, phonetic). Example: 他对研究历史乐此不疲。 Tā duì yánjiū lìshǐ lè cǐ bù pí. He enjoys studying history and never tires of it.

11. 乐此不疲

乐此不疲 - lè cǐ bù pí – enjoy something and never tire of it. Breakdown: 乐 (lè) – happy, enjoy; also (yuè) – music. Radical: 丿 + 小-like structure; ancient depiction of music/happiness. 此 (cǐ) – this. Radical: 止 (stop, foot, semantic) + 匕 (spoon/knife, phonetic). 不 (bù) – not. Radical: independent character, pictograph of a bird in flight (ancient form). 疲 (pí) – tired, weary. Radical: 疒 (sickness, semantic) + 皮 (skin, phonetic). Example: 他对研究历史乐此不疲。 Tā duì yánjiū lìshǐ lè cǐ bù pí. He enjoys studying history and never tires of it.

title, heading, caption.

标题 - biāo tí – title, heading, caption. 标 (biāo) – mark, sign, label. Radical: 木 (wood, semantic) + 票 (ticket, phonetic). 题 (tí) – topic, subject, problem (exam); title. Radical: 页 (page/head, semantic) + 是 (is, phonetic). Example: 这篇文章的标题很吸引人。 Zhè piān wénzhāng de biāotí hěn xīyǐn rén. The title of this article is very attractive.

标题

标题 - biāo tí – title, heading, caption. Breakdown: 标 (biāo) – mark, sign, label. Radical: 木 (wood, semantic) + 票 (ticket, phonetic). 题 (tí) – topic, subject, problem (exam); title. Radical: 页 (page/head, semantic) + 是 (is, phonetic). Example: 这篇文章的标题很吸引人。 Zhè piān wénzhāng de biāotí hěn xīyǐn rén. The title of this article is very attractive.

annual leave

年假 (nián jià) – annual leave Q: 年假 – Break down the characters into radicals and meanings. 年 (nián) – year. Radical: 干 (gān, "dry") top part + 丿 + 一; pictograph of a person carrying a sheaf of grain → "year/harvest." 假 (jià) – vacation/leave. Radical: 亻(person) + 叚 (borrow/false). Originally: borrowed time, later → "holiday, leave." A: Annual leave / vacation. Example: 我下个月打算休年假。 (Wǒ xià gè yuè dǎsuàn xiū niánjià.)I plan to take annual leave next month.

年假

1. 年假 (nián jià) – annual leave 年 (nián) – year. Radical: 干 (gān, "dry") top part + 丿 + 一; pictograph of a person carrying a sheaf of grain → "year/harvest." 假 (jià) – vacation/leave. Radical: 亻(person) + 叚 (borrow/false). Originally: borrowed time, later → "holiday, leave." A: Annual leave / vacation.Example: 我下个月打算休年假。 (Wǒ xià gè yuè dǎsuàn xiū niánjià.) I plan to take annual leave next month.

harvest; gains

收获 (shōu huò) – harvest; gains Q: 收获 – Break down the characters. 收 (shōu) – to receive/collect. Radical: 攵 (tap/strike) + 丩 (entwine) → to gather. 获 (huò) – to obtain. Radical: 艹 (grass) + 犬 (dog) → hunting with dogs, to seize. Example: 没有付出，就没有收获。 (Méiyǒu fùchū, jiù méiyǒu shōuhuò.) No pain, no gain.

3. 收获

3. 收获 (shōu huò) – harvest; gains 收 (shōu) – to receive/collect. Radical: 攵 (tap/strike) + 丩 (entwine) → to gather. 获 (huò) – to obtain. Radical: 艹 (grass) + 犬 (dog) → hunting with dogs, to seize. Example: 没有付出，就没有收获。 (Méiyǒu fùchū, jiù méiyǒu shōuhuò.) No pain, no gain.

2. 享受

(xiǎng shòu) – to enjoy

to enjoy

2. 享受 (xiǎng shòu) – to enjoy 享 (xiǎng) – to enjoy. Radical: 亠 (lid) + 子 (child) → originally a child under a roof enjoying protection. 受 (shòu) – to receive. Radical: 又 (hand) + 爪 (claw) + 冖 (cover) → hand receiving something. Example: 她很享受独处的时光。 (Tā hěn xiǎngshòu dúchǔ de shíguāng.) She really enjoys time alone.

limited and unlimited

4. 有限 (yǒu xiàn) – limited & 没有限制的有 (yǒu) – to have. Radical: 月 (flesh) + 又 (hand). 限 (xiàn) – limit. Radical: 阝(earthen mound) + 艮 (stopping, stubborn). Example: 时间是有限的。 (Shíjiān shì yǒuxiàn de.) Time is limited.

有限 & 没有限制的

有限 (yǒu xiàn) – limited & 没有限制的 - unlimited 有 (yǒu) – to have. Radical: 月 (flesh) + 又 (hand). 限 (xiàn) – limit. Radical: 阝(earthen mound) + 艮 (stopping, stubborn). Example: 时间是有限的。 (Shíjiān shì yǒuxiàn de.) Time is limited.

to browse, flip through

5. 翻阅 (fān yuè) – to browse, flip through Q: 翻阅 – Break down the characters. 翻 (fān) – to turn over. Radical: 羽 (feather) + 番 (repeated, turn). 阅 (yuè) – to read. Radical: 阝(door) + 兑 (exchange) → pass through, read/inspect. Example: 他正在翻阅一本杂志。 (Tā zhèngzài fānyuè yī běn zázhì.) He is flipping through a magazine.

翻阅

manuscript

6. 稿件 / 手稿 (gǎojiàn / shǒugǎo) – manuscript Q: 稿件 / 手稿 – Break down the characters. 稿 (gǎo) – draft. Radical: 禾 (grain) + 高 (tall) → grain stalk, extended meaning: draft copy. 件 (jiàn) – piece/document. Radical: 亻(person) + 牛 (cow) → originally a "cow as a unit," later → measure word/document. 手 (shǒu) – hand. Radical: 手.; 稿 (gǎo) again = draft. Example: 他把稿件交给了编辑。 (Tā bǎ gǎojiàn jiāo gěi le biānjí.) He handed the manuscript to the editor.

稿件 / 手稿

6. 稿件 / 手稿 (gǎojiàn / shǒugǎo) – manuscript Q: 稿件 / 手稿 – Break down the characters. 稿 (gǎo) – draft. Radical: 禾 (grain) + 高 (tall) → grain stalk, extended meaning: draft copy. 件 (jiàn) – piece/document. Radical: 亻(person) + 牛 (cow) → originally a "cow as a unit," later → measure word/document. 手 (shǒu) – hand. Radical: 手. 稿 (gǎo) again = draft. Example: 他把稿件交给了编辑。 (Tā bǎ gǎojiàn jiāo gěi le biānjí.) He handed the manuscript to the editor.

passenger ship / passenger cabin

7. 客船 / 客舱 (kè chuán / kè cāng) – passenger ship / passenger cabin Q: 客船 / 客舱 – Break down the characters. 客 (kè) – guest. Radical: 宀 (roof) + 各 (each) → guest under a roof. 船 (chuán) – ship. Radical: 舟 (boat) + 殳 (weapon/hand) → vessel. 舱 (cāng) – cabin/hold. Radical: 舟 (boat) + 仓 (storehouse). 客船 (kèchuán) – passenger ship 客舱 (kècāng) – passenger cabin Example: 这艘客船有很多舒适的客舱。 (Zhè sōu kèchuán yǒu hěn duō shūshì de kècāng.) This passenger ship has many comfortable cabins.

7. 客船 / 客舱

concept, notion, idea

概念 (gài niàn) – concept, notion, idea 概 (gài) – general, approximate. Radical: 木 (wood) + 既 (already). Originally related to wood and completion → generalized meaning. 念 (niàn) – thought, idea. Radical: 今 (now) + 心 (heart) → present in heart = to think. Example: 这个概念很难理解。 (Zhège gàiniàn hěn nán lǐjiě.) This concept is hard to understand.

概念

subscription

2. 订阅 (dìng yuè) – subscription 订阅者 (dìng yuè zhě) – subscriber 订 (dìng) – to order, subscribe. Radical: 讠(speech) + 丁 (nail) → to settle/order by words. 阅 (yuè) – to read. Radical: 门 (door) + 兑 (exchange). 者 (zhě) – person/agent. Radical: 耂 (old) + 日 (sun) → originally "the one who..." Example: 我订阅了一份杂志。 (Wǒ dìngyuèle yī fèn zázhì.) I subscribed to a magazine.

data database

3. 数据 (shù jù) – data 数据库 (shù jù kù) – database 数 (shù) – number. Radical: 攵 (tap/strike) + 娄 (bundle). 据 (jù) – to base on. Radical: 扌(hand) + 居 (to reside). 库 (kù) – storehouse. Radical: 广 (house) + 车 (cart). Example: 这个数据库里有很多有用的数据。 (Zhège shùjùkù lǐ yǒu hěn duō yǒuyòng de shùjù.) This database contains a lot of useful data.

数据数据库

pension for elderly

4. 养老金 (yǎng lǎo jīn) – pension for elderly 养 (yǎng) – to raise/nourish. Radical: 羊 (sheep) + 且 (and). 老 (lǎo) – old. Radical: 老 (elderly person). 金 (jīn) – gold/money. Radical: 金 (metal). Example: 退休后他靠养老金生活。 (Tuìxiū hòu tā kào yǎnglǎojīn shēnghuó.) After retirement he lives on his pension.

养老金

compulsory course / elective course

5. 必修课 (bì xiū kè) – compulsory course / 选修课 (xuǎn xiū kè) – elective course 必 (bì) – must. Radical: 心 (heart) → necessity. 修 (xiū) – to study/cultivate. Radical: 亻(person) + 彡(hair/decoration). 课 (kè) – lesson. Radical: 讠(speech) + 果 (fruit/result). 选 (xuǎn) – to choose. Radical: 辶 (movement) + 先 (first). Example: 大学里有必修课，也有选修课。 (Dàxué lǐ yǒu bìxiūkè, yě yǒu xuǎnxiūkè.) At university there are compulsory courses and elective courses

必修课 / 选修课

addiction (get additcted)

上瘾 (shàng yǐn) – get addicted 上 (shàng) – above, on. 瘾 (yǐn) – addiction. Radical: 疒 (sickness) + 隐 (hidden). 上瘾-shàng yǐn-v. be addicted (to something), get into the habit (of doing something) Example: 她对网上购物上瘾了。 (Tā duì wǎngshàng gòuwù shàngyǐn le.) 毒瘾-dú yǐn-n. drug addiction 网瘾-wǎng yǐn-phr. addiction to the Internet 赌瘾-dǔ yǐn-nphr. gambling addiction

上瘾

上瘾 (shàng yǐn) – addiction 瘾 (yǐn) – addiction. Radical: 疒 (sickness) + 隐 (hidden). Example: 她对网上购物上瘾了。 (Tā duì wǎngshàng gòuwù shàngyǐn le.)

to get rid of

摆脱 (bǎituō) – to get rid of 摆 (bǎi) – to arrange/swing. Radical: 扌(hand) + 罢 (stop). 脱 (tuō) – to shed/remove. Radical: 月 (flesh) + 兑 (exchange). Example: 他终于摆脱了坏习惯。 (Tā zhōngyú bǎituōle huài xíguàn.) He finally got rid of his bad habit.

摆脱

to invest; investment – to pay taxes

投资 (tóu zī) – to invest; investment / 交税 (jiāo shuì) – to pay taxes 投 (tóu) – to throw. Radical: 扌(hand) + 殳 (weapon/strike). 资 (zī) – resources. Radical: 次 (order) + 贝 (money). 交 (jiāo) – to hand over. Radical: 亠(lid) + 父(father). 税 (shuì) – tax. Radical: 禾 (grain) + 兑 (exchange). Example: 他投资开了一家公司，还要定期交税。 (Tā tóuzī kāile yī jiā gōngsī, hái yào dìngqī jiāo shuì.) He invested in starting a company and still needs to pay taxes regularly.

投资 (tóu zī) / 交税 (jiāo shuì)

HSK 5 lesson 3_final Flashcards

(153 cards)