知道

zhī dào v.

to know; to be aware of; to realize

Knowing a fact, a schedule, or an event in your memory.

知道 connects to information, schedules, and facts. You "know" a fact (我知道你来), but you don't "知道 a person"—to be acquainted with someone, use 认识.

Common Usage & Traps

  • 我知道 (wǒ zhīdào) — I know / I am aware
  • 不知道 (bù zhīdào) — don't know
  • 我知道大中(指认识这个人) 我认识大中

    To be acquainted with a human being, use 认识; 知道 is strictly for information or facts about them.

Can I say "我知道他" to mean "I know him (we are acquainted)"?

No! 知道 is for facts and information; 认识 is for knowing a person face-to-face.

If you say "我知道他", it sounds like "I know OF him (like a celebrity on the news)". If you want to say you know someone personally, you must say "我认识他". But for schedules and facts, 知道 is perfect: "我知道你天天晚上都来" (I know you come by every night).
TargetCorrect WordExample
Facts, schedules, information知道 (zhīdào)我知道你天天来。
People, faces, acquaintances认识 (rènshi)我认识那个老先生。

Appears in Stories 12 stories

Real context sentences across different daily scenarios and graded readings.

《五块钱》 (The Five-Yuan Gift) HSK 1
~6 min read 414 chars
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This heartwarming story shows how a small act of kindness can be passed on. Follow Gao Xianming as he learns an important lesson about generosity in his new city.

  • 老先生看见高先明, 知道 他不是中国学生。

《热面条》 (Hot Noodles on a Cold Night) HSK 1
~5 min read 399 chars
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Follow Dazhong, a busy worker in China, as he finds warmth and kindness at a small noodle shop. Practice everyday words for food, weather, and expressing gratitude.

  • 老先生对大中说:“我 知道 你天天晚上都来。

《饥饿的深意》 (The Hidden Meaning of Hunger) HSK 7
~11 min read 1243 chars
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Why would a millionaire leave a table of lobster and wagyu untouched? This story explores the hidden rules of business dining and the true cost of staying alert.

  • 你多夹几口,别人就 知道 你好哪口。

  • 结果第二天对方笑着砍了他五个点的价,一边还看着他眼睛说,看你昨天吃东西的样子就 知道 你这人没坏心眼,肯定没跟我们要高价,就便宜百分之五吧。

《大学者和小人物》 (The Scholar and the Cookie Seller) HSK 5
~8 min read 882 chars
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Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.

  • 胡之适接到这封信, 知道 了他虽然只是一位卖饼干的,竟然能在业余勤奋自学;问的又是胡博士最关心的英美政治问题,更觉十分高兴,便立即亲自写了一封回信。

《哪里哪里!》 (Where is 'Where'?) HSK 1
~6 min read 432 chars
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Chat about where friends study Chinese while exploring 哪儿 and 哪里 across Beijing and Shanghai. Practice asking “where”, talking about “here” and “there”, and using the modest reply 哪里哪里 to accept a compliment.

  • 小米:你们 知道 吗?

《问问题》 (Asking Questions) HSK 1
~2 min read 107 chars
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Before you read, think about the questions you ask every day. This simple poem shows you how to ask age, price, time, and more in friendly Chinese.

  • 问问题,要 知道 ,问老师,说“请问”。

《星期七》 (The Week Without Seven) HSK 1
~2 min read 82 chars
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Before you read, try clapping the rhythm. This poem introduces the days of the week and a fun secret: Chinese has two names for Sunday, but no 'Week Seven'!

  • 你想 知道 星期几,可以问他星期几。

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