niàn HSK 5

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

他喜欢念故事书。
Tā xǐhuan niàn gùshishū.
He likes to read storybooks aloud.
我念大学的时候很忙。
Wǒ niàn dàxué de shíhou hěn máng.
When I attended university, I was very busy.
请念一下这个句子。
Qǐng niàn yīxià zhège jùzi.
Please read this sentence aloud.
我念书。
Wǒ niàn shū.
I read books.
他念信。
Tā niàn xìn.
He reads the letter.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 念 as 'reading with your mouth'—the character contains 今 (jīn, now/today) over 心 (xīn, heart), suggesting 'speaking from the heart now,' which aligns with vocalizing words.

📝 Usage Notes

念 is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, in formal and informal contexts. It is frequently used in educational settings (e.g., reading aloud in class) and in daily life when asking someone to read something out loud or mentioning school attendance.

📖 Grammar Points

念 is a transitive verb and often takes an object (e.g., 念课文). In the pattern '念 + [school level]' (e.g., 念高中), it means 'to attend [that level of school].' It can also be used in imperative sentences, as in the example 你能念大声一点儿吗?

🏯 Cultural Notes

In traditional Chinese culture, 念经 (chanting scriptures) is a common practice in Buddhism and Taoism. The phrase 念念不忘 reflects a cultural value placed on deep remembrance and loyalty.

🔄 Similar Words

读 (dú) also means 'to read,' but 读 can refer to both silent and aloud reading, while 念 specifically emphasizes reading aloud or reciting. 学习 (xuéxí) means 'to study/learn' in a general sense, whereas 念 in '念书' focuses more on the act of attending school.

Master this word with quizzes, flashcards & more

Learn in CILI →

Related Words