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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to 'awareness' with 意识 (yìshí)

    Actions & Events
    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    Subject + 意识到 + Clause

    Explanation

    The word 意识 (yìshí) can function as both a noun meaning 'consciousness' or 'awareness' and a verb meaning 'to realize' or 'to become aware of.' As a verb, it is commonly followed by 到 to introduce what one has realized. For example, 意识到 means 'to realize that.'

    Examples

    • 他终于意识到自己犯了一个大错误。

      Tā zhōngyú yìshí dào zìjǐ fàn le yí gè dà cuòwù.

      He finally realized that he had made a big mistake.

    • 很多人没有意识到这个问题的严重性。

      Hěn duō rén méiyǒu yìshí dào zhège wèntí de yánzhòngxìng.

      Many people haven't realized the seriousness of this problem.

    • 她突然意识到时间已经很晚了。

      tā tūrán yìshí dào shíjiān yǐjīng hěn wǎn le.

      She suddenly realized it was already very late.

    Referring to 'awareness' with 意识 (yìshí) | Chinese Grammar