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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to recognize' with 识 (shí)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    意识到 + Clause

    Explanation

    识 (shí) can mean "to recognize" or "to identify," often appearing in compound words like 意识 (yìshí, "to realize/be aware of") or 认识 (rènshi, "to recognize/know"). In the compound 意识到, it conveys the moment of becoming aware of or recognizing something. This character carries the sense of perceptual or cognitive recognition.

    Examples

    • 他终于意识到了自己的错误。

      Tā zhōngyú yìshí dàole zìjǐ de cuòwù.

      He finally realized his own mistake.

    • 我没有意识到时间过得这么快。

      Wǒ méiyǒu yìshí dào shíjiān guò de zhème kuài.

      I didn't realize time had passed so quickly.

    • 她突然意识到钥匙忘在家里了。

      Tā tūrán yìshí dào yàoshi wàng zài jiālǐ le.

      She suddenly realized she had left her keys at home.

    Expressing 'to recognize' with 识 (shí) | Chinese Grammar