素不相识 sùbùxiāngshí to be total strangers (idiom)
How to remember 素不相识: 素 plain + 不 not + 相 mutual + 识 recognize = to be total strangers (idiom).
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How it is used
- Idiom: to be complete strangers, never having met - 我们素不相识 (wǒmen sù bù xiāngshí) we're total strangers.
- 素 here = 'all along/never'; often sets up a contrast of kindness between strangers (素不相识却出手相助).
- Written/formal register.