Definition
认识 (rènshi) means to know a person or recognize something by sight — it's about personal acquaintance or visual recognition. In contrast, 知道 (zhīdào) means to know a fact or information. 认识 is also used when meeting someone for the first time (e.g., 认识你很高兴).
verb
to know (a person)to recognize (something)to get to know (used when meeting for the first time)
Easily confused
- 人士rén shìsound-alikeperson (formal, used in compounds and set phrases to indicate a figure or personage of a specific category)
- 人事rén shìsound-alikepersonnel; human resources
Examples
- 认识。Wǒ rèn shi tā.I know him.
- 认识？Nǐ rèn shi zhège zì ma?Do you recognize this character?
- 认识。Wǒ rèn shi tā sān nián le.I have known him for three years.
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