What does 认识 mean in Chinese?

认识 (rèn shi) means "to know; to recognize; to be familiar with; to get acquainted with sb; knowledge; understanding; awareness; cognition" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 1.

How do you pronounce 认识?

认识 is pronounced "rèn shi" in Mandarin Chinese. It is made up of 2 syllables.

What HSK level is 认识?

认识 is an HSK 1 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 1 on both the old and the new exam.

What characters make up 认识?

认识 is made up of the characters 认, 识. Each character has its own meaning and can appear in other words.

How do you write 认识?

You can practice writing 认识 using our stroke order tool.

认识 (rèn shi), to know

认识

rèn shi

to know; to recognize; to be familiar with; to get acquainted with sb

HSK 1verb

Traditional: 認識

Characters in This Word

认识

Definitions

(verb) to know
to recognize
to be familiar with
to get acquainted with sb
knowledge
understanding
awareness
cognition

Example Sentences

我认识他。

Wǒ rènshi tā

I know him

→

不知好歹(bù zhī hǎo dǎi)· unable to differentiate good from bad (idiom)

→

不识高低(bù shí gāo dī)· can't recognize tall or short (idiom); doesn't know what's what

→

好学近乎知，力行近乎仁，知耻近乎勇(hào xué jìn hū zhī , lì xíng jìn hū rén , zhī chǐ jìn hū yǒng)· to love learning is akin to knowledge, to study diligently is akin to benevolence, to know shame is akin to courage (Confucius)

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HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 1
HSK 2.0: HSK 1
HSK Lord study list: HSK 1 list

认识: HSK 1 on both the old and the new exam. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 1 exam

Studying for HSK 1? Keep 认识 with the rest of your level.

HSK Lord schedules your reviews so each word comes back right before you would forget it. Free to start, and it picks up where you are.

Start studying free The words new HSK 1 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.

认识