历史 (lìshǐ) — history; historical
HSK 4 | noun/adjective | the record of past events or something relating to the past
历史 (lìshǐ)
历史 refers to history as a body of knowledge about past events, and can also function as an adjective meaning historical.
Meanings
- [noun] history, the study or record of past events
- [adjective] historical, relating to the past
Example Sentences
中国有五千年的历史。 Zhōngguó yǒu wǔqiān nián de lìshǐ. China has a history of five thousand years.
学习历史可以帮助我们了解现在。 Xuéxí lìshǐ kěyǐ bāngzhù wǒmen liǎojiě xiànzài. Studying history can help us understand the present.
这座城市有很多历史建筑。 Zhè zuò chéngshì yǒu hěn duō lìshǐ jiànzhù. This city has many historical buildings.
这是一个具有历史意义的时刻。 Zhè shì yīgè jùyǒu lìshǐ yìyì de shíkè. This is a moment of historical significance.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 历史文化 | history and culture |
| 历史意义 | historical significance |
| 悠久历史 | long history |
| 历史事件 | historical event |
Usage Notes
历史 is a fundamental word at HSK 4 level. It is used both as a subject of study and as an adjective modifier before nouns (历史建筑, historical buildings). Common phrases include 有历史意义 (of historical significance) and 悠久的历史 (a long history). Chinese people often take pride in their country's long historical heritage.
Memory Hook
历 means "to pass through or experience" and 史 means "history or records," so 历史 is the record of what has been experienced and passed through.