语法 · HSK 1–2
认识 (rènshi) vs 知道 (zhīdào): "to know" in Chinese
认识 means to be acquainted with a person, place or Chinese character (recognise / have met): 我认识他 "I know him", 这个字我认识 "I recognise this character". 知道 means to know a fact or piece of information: 我知道他的名字 "I know his name", 我不知道他在哪儿. Never follow 认识 with a clause.
句型Patterns
认识 + Person / Place / CharacterAcquaintance or recognition: 我认识王老师.知道 + Fact / Question clauseInformation: 我知道他明天来.知道 + Person (have heard of)我知道成龙，但是我不认识他 "I know of Jackie Chan, but I don't know him personally".
例句Examples
- 很高兴认识你！hěn gāo xìng rèn shi nǐ!Nice to meet you!
- 你认识去火车站的路吗？nǐ rèn shi qù huǒ chē zhàn de lù ma?Do you know (are you familiar with) the way to the train station?
- 你知道今天星期几吗？nǐ zhī dao jīn tiān xīng qī jǐ ma?Do you know what day of the week it is today?
- 我知道那个老师，但是不认识她。wǒ zhī dao nà ge lǎo shī, dàn shì bú rèn shi tā.I know of that teacher, but I have never met her.
常见错误Common mistakes
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✗我认识他住在哪儿。
✓我知道他住在哪儿。
A clause or fact always uses 知道, never 认识.
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✗我认识怎么去机场。
✓我知道怎么去机场。
Knowing how to get somewhere is information, so use 知道.
重点词语Words in this guide
Common questions
How do I say "know how to speak Chinese"?
Neither 认识 nor 知道: a learned skill uses 会 (我会说中文).