认识 rènshi to know
to know; to recognize; to be acquainted with
How to remember 认识: 认 recognize + 识 recognize = to know.
Characters
How it is used
- Know / be acquainted with a person or place, or recognize a character - 我认识她 (wǒ rènshi tā) I know her; 这个字我不认识 I don't recognize this character.
- Contrast 知道 (zhīdào), knowing a fact: 认识 is familiarity through contact, 知道 is having the information.
- First meeting: 认识 emphasizes the acquaintance; 见面 is the meeting event itself.
Example sentences
- 她认识我。 Tā rènshí wǒ.She knows me.
- 我认识你吗？ Wǒ rènshí nǐ ma?Do I know you?
- 我认识那个人。 Wǒ rènshi nàge rén.I know that person.
- 我认识了新朋友。 Wǒ rènshile xīn péngyou.I have made a new friend.