认识 rèn shi
“to know; to recognize; to be familiar with”
verb, noun, verb / nounHSK 1 · 2021 list level 1Traditional 認識
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
认识 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 171: 认识 rènshi — Level 1; official annotation 1 (动). PDF page 84
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 认识
认识 means to know or recognize a person, or to be familiar with something such as a character, place, or idea. It takes the person or thing directly as its object and is negated with 不 (不认识). For factual information use 知道; for being well acquainted with someone, use 跟…很熟 or 了解, not 很认识.
例句Example sentences
- 我认识他。wǒ rèn shi tā.I know him.
- 你认识这个字吗？nǐ rèn shi zhè ge zì ma?Do you know this character?
- 我们不认识那个人。wǒ men bú rèn shi nà ge rén.We don't know that person.
易混词Easily confused
认识vs知道
认识 is for knowing/recognizing people or being familiar with things; 知道 is for knowing facts or information, e.g. 我知道他叫什么，但不认识他。