认识 (rènshi)

认识 means to know a person personally, to be acquainted with someone, or to recognize something. It differs from 知道 (zhīdào). Use 认识 for people and familiar things (you can recognize them); use 知道 for facts and information (things you are aware of). You can 认识 a person but you 知道 their address.

Meanings

[verb] To know, to be acquainted with (a person).
[verb] To recognize, to be able to identify.

Example Sentences

很高兴认识你！ Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ! Very pleased to meet you! (Nice to know you.)

你认识他吗？ Nǐ rènshi tā ma? Do you know him?

我认识这个汉字。 Wǒ rènshi zhège Hànzì. I recognize this Chinese character.

我们是在北京认识的。 Wǒmen shì zài Běijīng rènshi de. We met (got to know each other) in Beijing.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
认识你	know you, meet you
不认识	do not know, do not recognize
认识汉字	recognize Chinese characters
互相认识	know each other
重新认识	get to know again, reassess
认识到	come to realize, recognize (a fact)

Memory Hook

认 (recognize/acknowledge) + 识 (know/understand). You acknowledge a face and your mind clicks with understanding: "I know this person."