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须知 (xū zhī) — (noun) key information, instructions (usually displayed as a list before an event or on a notice); (verb) one must know; it should be understood (used to introduce a formal reminder)

Definition

须知 is a formal noun for a posted list of instructions (e.g. 考试须知) and a formal lead-in meaning 'it should be noted that' — more official than 说明. Pairs with action verbs like 遵守 or 遵照.

noun
key informationinstructions (usually displayed as a list before an event or on a notice)
verb
one must knowit should be understood (used to introduce a formal reminder)

Examples

  • 须知。
    Qǐng xiān yuè dú kǎo shì xū zhī.
    Please read the exam instructions first.
  • 须知，。
    xū zhī, Shēn qǐng cái liào bì xū zhēn shí yǒu xiào.
    It must be known that all application materials must be truthful and valid.
  • 须知，。
    Zhè zhāng xū zhī tiē zài mén kǒu, qǐng zǐ xì kàn.
    This notice of key information is posted at the door; please read it carefully.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

须xūmust
知zhīknow

须 means must and 知 means know, together giving what one must know.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 須; 须 is its simplified writing.

The simplified 须 stands for more than one traditional character. In most words (必须) it is 須; in others it is 鬚.

  • 彡彡shānhair
  • 頁頁yèhead

The traditional form 須 shows 頁 (head) with 彡 (hair) beside it, drawing a head with hair on the side, a picture of a beard or whiskers.

Open 须 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

An early form of 知 showed 大 (adult), 口 (mouth), and 子 (child): an adult speaking to a child to pass on knowledge. The 子 part was dropped, and the 大 part changed shape.

Open 知 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9HSK 2.0 Level 6

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