When you are learning a new language, it is important to know how to talk about people you don't know. In Chinese, the word for a stranger is 陌生人 (mò shēng rén).
You can use 陌生人 to describe someone you have never met before, or someone you don't know well. For example, if you see someone new in your neighborhood, you could say "He is a stranger to me." This word is useful in everyday conversations.
When you encounter someone you don't know, you can call them a 陌生人 (mò shēng rén). This word is made of two parts: 陌生 (mò shēng), which means unfamiliar or strange, and 人 (rén), which means person. So, literally, it means an unfamiliar person. You might use it if you need to describe someone you haven't met before, for example, if you see a new person in your neighborhood or at a party. It's a straightforward way to refer to someone unknown to you.
When you're talking about someone you don't know, use 陌生人 (mò shēng rén). It literally means 'strange person' or 'unfamiliar person'. This is a common and straightforward way to refer to a stranger in Chinese.
For example, if you see someone you don't recognize, you can say, '我看到一个陌生人' (Wǒ kàn dào yī gè mò shēng rén), meaning 'I saw a stranger.' Or, if someone asks you about a person you haven't met, you might reply, '我对她来说是个陌生人' (Wǒ duì tā lái shuō shì gè mò shēng rén), meaning 'To her, I am a stranger.' It's a useful term for everyday conversations.
When talking about someone you don't know, use 陌生人 (mò shēng rén). This literally translates to "unfamiliar person" and is the standard way to say "stranger" in Chinese. For example, if you see someone you've never met before, they are a 陌生人 to you. It's a straightforward and widely understood term.
陌生人 en 30 secondes
- Unfamiliar person
- Someone you don't know
- Not an acquaintance
Okay, so you know 陌生人 (mò shēng rén) means 'stranger.' Now let's get into how to actually use it when you're speaking Chinese. It's pretty straightforward, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind, especially with typical Chinese sentence structures.
§ Basic Sentence Structure
Most of the time, 陌生人 (mò shēng rén) will act as a noun in your sentence. This means it can be the subject (who is doing the action) or the object (who is receiving the action). Here are some basic examples.
- Subject Example
- When 陌生人 (mò shēng rén) is the subject, it comes at the beginning of the sentence, just like in English.
陌生人 帮了我。 (A stranger helped me.)
陌生人 走进了房间。 (A stranger walked into the room.)
- Object Example
- When it's the object, it usually comes after the verb.
我看到了一个陌生人。 (I saw a stranger.)
不要和陌生人说话。 (Don't talk to strangers.)
§ With Prepositions
You'll often use 陌生人 with prepositions like '跟' (gēn - with/to), '对' (duì - toward/to), or '和' (hé - and/with). The structure is usually preposition + 陌生人 + verb/action.
- 跟 (gēn) - with/to
她不喜欢跟陌生人说话。 (She doesn't like talking with strangers.)
- 对 (duì) - toward/to
他对陌生人很友好。 (He is very friendly to strangers.)
- 和 (hé) - and/with
不要和陌生人分享你的秘密。 (Don't share your secrets with strangers.)
§ Common Phrases and Usage
Here are a few more natural ways 陌生人 shows up in everyday Chinese. Pay attention to the verbs and particles used around it.
- 遇到陌生人 (yù dào mò shēng rén) - to encounter a stranger
我在路上遇到了一个陌生人。 (I met a stranger on the road.)
- 对待陌生人 (duì dài mò shēng rén) - to treat strangers
我们应该友善地对待陌生人。 (We should treat strangers kindly.)
- 警惕陌生人 (jǐng tì mò shēng rén) - be wary of strangers
父母教孩子要警惕陌生人。 (Parents teach children to be wary of strangers.)
So, there you have it. 陌生人 is a solid noun that you can plug into sentences as a subject or object, and it plays well with common prepositions. Practice these structures, and you'll be using it naturally in no time.
Alright, let's talk about the word 陌生人 (mò shēng rén), which simply means 'stranger' in Chinese. You'll hear this word in all sorts of daily situations. It's practical, and knowing how to use it correctly will definitely help you navigate conversations, whether you're at work, school, or just reading the news.
§ In Everyday Life and Public Spaces
Think about when you're out and about. You might hear someone talking about a stranger they encountered, or perhaps giving advice about how to deal with unknown people. It's a common topic.
不要和陌生人说话。
- Definition
- Don't talk to strangers.
This is a classic phrase, especially when talking to children about safety. You'll often hear parents or teachers saying this.
他在地铁上帮助了一个陌生人。
- Definition
- He helped a stranger on the subway.
§ In Work and Professional Settings
Even in a professional environment, you might come across 陌生人. It could be in discussions about new clients, security protocols, or even just general chit-chat about who's visiting the office.
公司不允许陌生人进入。
- Definition
- The company does not allow strangers to enter.
This is a common security measure. You might see signs with similar wording at entrances.
他需要和许多陌生人打交道。
- Definition
- He needs to deal with many strangers (or new people).
§ In News and Media
News reports frequently use 陌生人, especially when discussing public safety, crime, or social interactions. It's a key term to understand if you want to follow Chinese news.
警方正在调查一起涉及陌生人的案件。
- Definition
- The police are investigating a case involving a stranger.
You'll often see this in crime reports or public advisories.
有陌生人在网上发布不实信息。
- Definition
- Strangers (or unknown people) are publishing false information online.
§ Key Takeaways for 陌生人
It's a direct translation of 'stranger' and is used in similar contexts in Chinese.
You'll encounter it in conversations about safety, social interactions, and news reports.
Pay attention to the surrounding context to understand the specific nuance, but the core meaning of an 'unknown person' remains consistent.
Practicing these examples will help you get comfortable with 陌生人. You'll start noticing it everywhere once you're tuned in!
§ Mistakes people make with 陌生人
When you're learning Chinese, some words seem straightforward, but they can still trip you up. 陌生人 (mò shēng rén) for 'stranger' is one of those words. It looks simple enough, but there are a few common pitfalls to avoid. Let's break them down so you can use it correctly every time.
§ Mistake 1: Overusing it for anyone you don't know well
The biggest mistake learners make is using 陌生人 to describe anyone they've just met or don't know intimately. In English, you might say, 'I met a stranger at the party,' but in Chinese, that often sounds a bit dramatic or even rude if the person is right there. 陌生人 truly means a complete unknown, someone you have no connection to whatsoever, and often with a connotation of caution or unfamiliarity.
Instead of 陌生人, if you're talking about someone you've just met or an acquaintance, use phrases like:
刚认识的朋友 (gāng rèn shi de péng yǒu) - newly met friend
一个同事 (yī gè tóng shì) - a colleague
一个同学 (yī gè tóng xué) - a classmate
Or simply describe their role or your interaction. For example, if you're talking about a server in a restaurant, you'd just say 服务员 (fú wù yuán), not 陌生人.
我在派对上遇到了一个陌生人。 (Incorrect: I met a stranger at the party.)
我在派对上认识了一个新朋友。 (Correct: I met a new friend at the party.)
§ Mistake 2: Using it impersonally in situations where it sounds cold
Sometimes learners use 陌生人 in contexts where it simply sounds too distant or even unfriendly. For example, if you're talking about people in general, or someone you see regularly but don't know personally (like a neighbor you wave to), 陌生人 is not the right fit.
Consider this:
我不喜欢跟陌生人说话。 (Sounds a bit too strong: I don't like talking to strangers.)
While grammatically correct, it can come across as overly introverted or antisocial. If you mean you're shy with new people, you might say:
我有点害羞，不擅长和不认识的人聊天。 (Correct: I'm a bit shy and not good at chatting with people I don't know.)
§ Mistake 3: Confusing it with other 'unfamiliar' concepts
Sometimes learners might try to use 陌生人 to describe something unfamiliar, like a strange place or an unknown sound. Remember, 陌生人 is specifically for people. For other unfamiliar things, you'll need different vocabulary.
- DEFINITION
- For an unfamiliar place or environment, use 陌生的地方 (mò shēng de dì fāng).
- DEFINITION
- For an unknown sound, you'd use 奇怪的声音 (qí guài de shēng yīn) or 不知道哪里来的声音 (bù zhī dào nǎ lǐ lái de shēng yīn).
这个地方对我是陌生人。 (Incorrect: This place is a stranger to me.)
这个地方对我来说很陌生。 (Correct: This place is very unfamiliar to me.)
§ When to properly use 陌生人
So, when should you actually use 陌生人? Use it when you want to emphasize a complete lack of acquaintance, often with a sense of caution, anonymity, or even danger. Think of phrases like 'talking to strangers' (when warning a child), or seeing someone you truly have never seen before and don't know their identity.
- EXAMPLE
- 不要跟陌生人走。 (Don't go with strangers.)
- EXAMPLE
- 一个陌生人敲我的门。 (A stranger knocked on my door.)
By being mindful of these distinctions, you'll use 陌生人 more naturally and effectively, making your Chinese sound much more authentic. Keep practicing, and you'll master it in no time!
§ Understanding 陌生人 (mò shēng rén)
You're learning Chinese, and words like 'stranger' are essential for daily conversations. The word 陌生人 (mò shēng rén) is your go-to for saying 'stranger' in Chinese. Let's break down its components:
- 陌生 (mò shēng): This means 'unfamiliar' or 'strange'.
- 人 (rén): This means 'person'.
So, literally, 陌生人 means 'unfamiliar person'. It's a straightforward term, and you'll hear it a lot.
- DEFINITION
- Stranger.
不要和陌生人说话。(Bù yào hé mò shēng rén shuō huà.)
Translation hint: Don't talk to strangers.
§ Other words to consider (and why 陌生人 is usually better)
While 陌生人 is the most common and direct translation for 'stranger,' you might encounter other words that can sometimes overlap in meaning. However, for a general 'stranger,' stick with 陌生人.
- 外人 (wài rén): This means 'outsider' or 'foreigner'. While an outsider can be a stranger, 外人 emphasizes someone not part of a particular group or family. It carries a slightly different nuance than a complete stranger. For example, if you're talking about a family matter, and someone not in the family is present, you might refer to them as 外人.
这是我们家的事，你一个外人不方便插手。(Zhè shì wǒmen jiā de shì, nǐ yīgè wài rén bù fāngbiàn chā shǒu.)
Translation hint: This is our family's business, it's not convenient for an outsider to interfere.
- 生人 (shēng rén): This word is less common for 'stranger' in modern Mandarin. While it literally combines 'raw/unfamiliar' (生) and 'person' (人), 陌生人 is almost always preferred for 'stranger'. You might encounter 生人 in older texts or specific dialects, but it's not what you'd typically use in everyday conversation.
§ When to use 陌生人
Always use 陌生人 when you mean a person you do not know. It's the most natural and widely understood term. Here are a few more examples:
她对陌生人很警惕。(Tā duì mò shēng rén hěn jǐng tì.)
Translation hint: She is very wary of strangers.
在异国他乡，所有的面孔都是陌生人。(Zài yìguó tāxiāng, suǒyǒu de miànkǒng dōu shì mò shēng rén.)
Translation hint: In a foreign land, all faces are strangers.
Remember, direct and clear is key in communication. 陌生人 gives you that clarity when you need to refer to someone you don't know.
Le savais-tu ?
The character 生 (shēng) appears in many words related to life, birth, and raw/unfamiliar states, such as 学生 (xuéshēng - student, literally 'learning person') and 生产 (shēngchǎn - to produce).
Guide de prononciation
- Not emphasizing the first syllable 'mò' enough.
- Confusing 'shēng' with 'sheng' (first tone).
Niveau de difficulté
Two common characters, but 'mò' might be new.
Both characters have a moderate number of strokes.
Pronunciation is straightforward.
Clear and distinct syllables.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Nouns can be modified by adjectives. For example, in '一个陌生人' (yī ge mòshēngrén), '一个' (yī ge, a/an) modifies the noun '陌生人' (mòshēngrén, stranger).
他是一个陌生人。 (Tā shì yī ge mòshēngrén.) He is a stranger.
Nouns can act as the subject of a sentence. For instance, '陌生人' (mòshēngrén) can be the one performing the action.
陌生人走了。 (Mòshēngrén zǒule.) The stranger left.
Nouns can be the object of a verb. Here, '陌生人' (mòshēngrēng) is receiving the action.
我看到了一个陌生人。 (Wǒ kàndàole yī ge mòshēngrén.) I saw a stranger.
Nouns can be used with possessive particles like '的' (de) to show possession or association.
陌生人的狗。 (Mòshēngrén de gǒu.) The stranger's dog.
Nouns can be used in prepositional phrases. For example, '和陌生人' (hé mòshēngrén, with a stranger).
不要和陌生人说话。 (Bùyào hé mòshēngrén shuōhuà.) Don't talk to strangers.
Exemples par niveau
我看到一个陌生人。
I see a stranger.
Simple sentence structure.
他是一个陌生人。
He is a stranger.
Using '是一个' to connect subject and noun.
她不是陌生人。
She is not a stranger.
Using '不是' for negation.
我们不认识那个陌生人。
We don't know that stranger.
Using '不认识' for 'don't know'.
请不要和陌生人说话。
Please don't talk to strangers.
Using '请不要' for polite prohibition.
那个陌生人在哪里？
Where is that stranger?
Using '在哪里' to ask about location.
我看到一个陌生人在门口。
I see a stranger at the door.
Using '在... ' to indicate location.
他是一个好陌生人吗？
Is he a good stranger?
Using '好' as an adjective and '吗' for a yes/no question.
我看到一个陌生人。
I saw a stranger.
不要和陌生人说话。
Don't talk to strangers.
他对那里的一切都很陌生。
He is new to everything there.
一个陌生人帮了我。
A stranger helped me.
这个地方对我来说很陌生。
This place is unfamiliar to me.
她不喜欢陌生人。
She doesn't like strangers.
我们不认识那个陌生人。
We don't know that stranger.
他觉得生活在一个陌生城市。
He feels like he's living in a strange city.
他对陌生人很警惕。
He is very wary of strangers.
不要和陌生人说话。
Don't talk to strangers.
那个陌生人问我路。
That stranger asked me for directions.
她不喜欢和陌生人打交道。
She doesn't like dealing with strangers.
在异国他乡，每个人都是陌生人。
In a foreign country, everyone is a stranger.
我看到一个陌生人在我家门口。
I saw a stranger at my doorstep.
他很友善，即使对陌生人也一样。
He is friendly, even to strangers.
她对陌生人的防备心很强。
She is very cautious towards strangers.
在异国他乡，他感到自己像个陌生人。
In a foreign land, he felt like a stranger.
像个 (xiàng gè) means 'like a'.
她很警惕，从不轻易和陌生人说话。
She is very vigilant and never easily speaks to strangers.
轻易 (qīngyì) means 'easily'.
孩子被教导不要接受陌生人的糖果。
Children are taught not to accept candy from strangers.
被教导 (bèi jiàodǎo) means 'are taught'.
即使面对陌生人，他也能侃侃而谈。
Even facing strangers, he can talk eloquently.
侃侃而谈 (kǎnkǎn ér tán) is an idiom meaning 'to speak fluently and eloquently'.
帮助陌生人有时会给你带来意想不到的快乐。
Helping strangers can sometimes bring you unexpected joy.
意想不到 (yì xiǎng bù dào) means 'unexpected'.
第一次见面，我们都感觉有点陌生，但很快就聊开了。
The first time we met, we both felt a bit like strangers, but quickly started chatting.
聊开 (liáo kāi) means 'to open up and chat freely'.
他有一张大众脸，走在路上就像个陌生人。
He has a common face, walking on the street he's like a stranger.
大众脸 (dàzhòng liǎn) means 'a common face' or 'an average face'.
对这个城市而言，我还是个彻头彻尾的陌生人。
To this city, I am still a complete stranger.
彻头彻尾 (chètóuchèwěi) is an idiom meaning 'thoroughly' or 'out and out'.
在异国他乡，每一个陌生的面孔都可能成为你新的朋友。
In a foreign land, every unfamiliar face could become a new friend.
她对外面的陌生世界充满了好奇与向往。
She was full of curiosity and longing for the unfamiliar world outside.
面对突如其来的陌生环境，他显得有些手足无措。
Faced with the sudden unfamiliar environment, he seemed a bit at a loss.
尽管初次见面，但他对她却没有丝毫陌生感。
Although it was their first meeting, he felt no strangeness towards her.
这座城市对他来说，既熟悉又陌生，充满了矛盾的魅力。
This city was both familiar and unfamiliar to him, full of contradictory charm.
她在人群中努力寻找一个熟悉的身影，却只看到一张张陌生的脸。
She tried hard to find a familiar figure in the crowd, but only saw unfamiliar faces.
那首熟悉的旋律，在陌生的国度里，勾起了他深深的思乡之情。
That familiar melody, in a foreign land, evoked his deep homesickness.
从一个熟悉的领域跨入一个陌生的领域，需要勇气和决心。
Stepping from a familiar field into an unfamiliar one requires courage and determination.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
他对我来说是个陌生人。
He is a stranger to me.
不要和陌生人说话。
Don't talk to strangers.
我们是陌生人。
We are strangers.
她不怕陌生人。
She is not afraid of strangers.
他对待我像陌生人一样。
He treats me like a stranger.
一个陌生人帮助了我。
A stranger helped me.
他们变成了陌生人。
They became strangers.
不要相信陌生人。
Don't trust strangers.
我看到一个陌生人。
I saw a stranger.
对陌生人要礼貌。
Be polite to strangers.
Expressions idiomatiques
"萍水相逢 (píng shuǐ xiāng féng)"
Meeting by chance, like dewdrops on a duckweed. It describes an encounter between strangers without any prior connection.
我们不过是萍水相逢，不必如此客气。(We just met by chance, there's no need to be so polite.)
neutral"素不相识 (sù bù xiāng shí)"
Never known each other. This emphasizes that people are complete strangers.
我和他素不相识，不知道他为什么帮我。(I've never known him; I don't know why he helped me.)
neutral"路人甲 (lù rén jiǎ)"
A passerby, an anonymous person. Often used humorously or self-deprecatingly to refer to a stranger or an unimportant extra.
我只是一个路人甲，不了解你们的事情。(I'm just a passerby; I don't know about your business.)
informal"擦肩而过 (cā jiān ér guò)"
To brush shoulders with someone and pass by. It implies a brief, fleeting encounter with a stranger.
我们每天都擦肩而过，却从没说过话。(We brush shoulders every day but have never spoken.)
neutral"见外 (jiàn wài)"
To treat someone as an outsider or stranger. Often used in the negative to suggest being too formal or polite with someone familiar.
我们是朋友，别见外！(We are friends, don't treat me like a stranger!)
informal"不速之客 (bù sù zhī kè)"
An uninvited guest. While not always a stranger, it can refer to someone unexpected who is effectively a stranger in that context.
他们家来了一个不速之客。(An uninvited guest came to their house.)
neutral"形同陌路 (xíng tóng mò lù)"
To become like strangers. Used when former friends or lovers are now estranged.
他们分手后形同陌路。(After they broke up, they became like strangers.)
neutral"生面孔 (shēng miàn kǒng)"
A new face. Refers to a person one hasn't seen before, hence a stranger or newcomer.
今天公司里来了几个生面孔。(Several new faces came to the company today.)
neutral"不认识的人 (bù rèn shi de rén)"
A person one doesn't know. A straightforward way to say 'stranger'.
不要跟不认识的人走。(Don't go with people you don't know.)
neutral"陌生面孔 (mò shēng miàn kǒng)"
A strange face. Similar to 生面孔, but emphasizing the unfamiliarity.
这个小镇有很多陌生面孔。(This small town has many strange faces.)
neutralFamille de mots
Noms
Adjectifs
Astuces
Literal Meaning Breakdown
The word 陌生人 (mò shēng rén) is a combination of three characters: 陌 (mò) meaning 'unfamiliar path,' 生 (shēng) meaning 'raw' or 'unfamiliar,' and 人 (rén) meaning 'person.' So, literally, it's an 'unfamiliar person on an unfamiliar path.'
Pronunciation Practice
Pay attention to the tones: mò (4th tone), shēng (1st tone), rén (2nd tone). Practice saying it slowly at first, then at a natural speed.
Common Usage
You'll most often use 陌生人 to refer to someone you literally do not know. For example, '不要跟陌生人说话' (Bú yào gēn mòshēngrén shuōhuà) - 'Don't talk to strangers.'
Contextual Understanding
Consider the context. If you're in a new city and someone approaches you, they are a 陌生人. If you're introduced to someone new, they become a 陌生人 until you get to know them.
Distinction from 'Acquaintance'
陌生人 is distinct from 'acquaintance.' An acquaintance (熟人 - shúrén, literally 'familiar person') is someone you know a little, but not well. A 陌生人 is someone you know not at all.
Sentence Example 1
她不认识那个陌生人。 (Tā bú rènshi nà ge mòshēngrén.) - She doesn't know that stranger.
Sentence Example 2
陌生人突然问我路。 (Mòshēngrén túrán wèn wǒ lù.) - A stranger suddenly asked me for directions.
Be Cautious
In Chinese culture, as in many others, parents often teach children not to talk to 陌生人, emphasizing safety. This highlights the importance of the term.
Opposite Term
The direct opposite of 陌生人 is 熟人 (shúrén), meaning 'acquaintance' or 'familiar person.' This helps solidify your understanding.
Role-Playing
Practice using 陌生人 in simple role-playing scenarios. Imagine you're describing someone you met for the first time. '他是一个陌生人.' (Tā shì yī ge mòshēngrén.) - 'He is a stranger.'
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a **Mo**nster who is **Sheng**ing (singing) a strange song. You don't know him, he's a **stranger**.
Association visuelle
Picture a '陌生人' (mòshēngrén) standing in a dark alley, his face obscured, making him a mysterious stranger. Maybe he's wearing a trench coat and a hat, adding to his enigmatic aura.
Word Web
Défi
Create 3 sentences using 陌生人. 1. 我不跟陌生人说话。(Wǒ bù gēn mòshēngrén shuōhuà.) - I don't talk to strangers. 2. 那个陌生人是谁？(Nàge mòshēngrén shì shéi?) - Who is that stranger? 3. 小心陌生人。(Xiǎoxīn mòshēngrén.) - Be careful of strangers.
Origine du mot
Composed of 陌生 (mò shēng) meaning 'unfamiliar' or 'strange', and 人 (rén) meaning 'person'.
Sens originel : Unfamiliar person.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic, Mandarin Chinese.Contexte culturel
In Chinese culture, there can be a strong distinction between 'insiders' (熟人 - shúrén, familiar people) and 'outsiders' or 'strangers' (陌生人 - mòshēngrén). Trust and familiarity are often built within established social networks. While politeness is generally expected, caution around strangers is also common, especially regarding personal information.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Meeting someone new and introducing them as a stranger.
- 他是一个陌生人。
- 她对我来说是个陌生人。
- 我们以前没见过面，他是陌生人。
Warning someone about talking to strangers.
- 不要和陌生人说话。
- 小心陌生人。
- 陌生人可能会很危险。
Describing feeling like a stranger in a new place.
- 我在这个城市感到自己像个陌生人。
- 我在这里没有朋友，是个陌生人。
- 一切都很新，我感觉自己像个陌生人。
Referring to someone as an unfamiliar person in a general sense.
- 派对上有很多陌生人。
- 我被一群陌生人包围了。
- 我看到一个陌生人站在那里。
Discussing the concept of trust and strangers.
- 你不应该轻易相信陌生人。
- 对陌生人保持警惕是好的。
- 有时候陌生人也会帮助你。
Amorces de conversation
"你曾经帮助过陌生人吗？"
"你觉得和陌生人说话容易吗？"
"你第一次去一个新地方时，会觉得自己像个陌生人吗？"
"你认为在网上和陌生人交流安全吗？"
"如果你在一个陌生城市迷路了，你会向陌生人求助吗？"
Sujets d'écriture
描述一次你与陌生人互动的经历，无论是积极的还是消极的。你是如何处理的？
想象一下你搬到一个全新的国家，周围都是你听不懂语言的陌生人。你会怎么做来适应？
你认为社会对陌生人的看法是如何影响我们与他们互动的方式的？
如果你有机会和任何陌生人交谈，你会问他们什么？为什么？
写一篇关于如何平衡对陌生人的警惕和开放态度的文章。你认为什么是健康的平衡？
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsThe word for 'stranger' in Chinese is 陌生人 (mò shēng rén).
Yes, you can. 陌生人 refers to someone you don't know. Even if you've just been introduced, if you don't know them, they are a 陌生人 to you. It's not just for people you've never seen before.
It's a neutral term. It simply describes someone you don't know. There's no inherent politeness or impoliteness attached to 陌生人 itself.
While 陌生人 is the most common and direct translation for 'stranger,' other phrases might imply a lack of familiarity depending on the context. However, for a direct equivalent, 陌生人 is your best bet.
The pronunciation is mò shēng rén. 'Mò' is fourth tone, 'shēng' is first tone, and 'rén' is second tone.
No. 陌生人 specifically refers to a human being. For an unfamiliar object or animal, you would use different adjectives like 陌生 (mò shēng) meaning 'unfamiliar' or 'strange'.
陌生 (mò shēng) is an adjective meaning 'unfamiliar' or 'strange.' 陌生人 (mò shēng rén) is a noun meaning 'stranger.' Think of it as 'unfamiliar person'.
Here are a couple of examples:
1. 不要和陌生人说话。(Bú yào hé mò shēng rén shuō huà.) - Don't talk to strangers.
2. 他看到一个陌生人站在门口。(Tā kàn dào yī gè mò shēng rén zhàn zài mén kǒu.) - He saw a stranger standing at the door.
Yes, it's a very common and practical word in everyday conversation. You'll hear and use 陌生人 frequently.
Not inherently. It describes a lack of familiarity. However, in contexts like 'don't talk to strangers,' it can imply caution, but that's due to the situation, not the word 陌生人 itself.
Teste-toi 108 questions
她不认识那个男人，他是一个___。
The sentence says 'She doesn't know that man', so he must be a stranger.
不要和___说话。
It's a common safety warning: 'Don't talk to strangers.'
他刚搬到这个城市，所以有很多___。
When you move to a new city, most people you meet are strangers.
那个小女孩对___很害怕。
It's natural for a small girl to be scared of strangers.
我在这家公司是新来的，所以一切都感到很___。
When you are new to a place, things feel unfamiliar or 'strange'. '陌生' can also mean 'unfamiliar'.
请不要带___回家。
For safety, one should not bring strangers home.
Listen to the sentence about a stranger.
Listen to the sentence about not knowing a stranger.
Listen to the sentence about not talking to strangers.
Read this aloud:
陌生人
Focus: mò shēng rén
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他是一个陌生人。
Focus: tā shì yí gè mò shēng rén
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我不认识陌生人。
Focus: wǒ bù rèn shí mò shēng rén
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are at a bus stop. A person you don't know asks you for directions. Write a simple sentence in Chinese describing this situation. Use '陌生人'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
一个陌生人问我路。
Imagine you see a child talking to someone they don't know. Write a short sentence advising them to be careful. Use '陌生人' and '小心'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
不要和陌生人说话，要小心。
You've just moved to a new city. You feel like everyone around you is a stranger. Write a sentence expressing this feeling. Use '陌生人' and '都'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这里的人对我来说都是陌生人。
为什么小明有点害怕？
Read this passage:
小明今天在公园里玩。他看见一个不认识的人在对他笑。小明有点害怕，因为妈妈告诉他不要和陌生人说话。
为什么小明有点害怕？
文章中提到'妈妈告诉他不要和陌生人说话'，所以小明害怕是因为陌生人对他笑。
文章中提到'妈妈告诉他不要和陌生人说话'，所以小明害怕是因为陌生人对他笑。
根据短文，当我们遇到陌生人时，我们应该怎么做？
Read this passage:
当你去一个新的地方，你会遇到很多陌生人。这是很正常的。但是，我们也要保护好自己，不要随便相信陌生人说的话。
根据短文，当我们遇到陌生人时，我们应该怎么做？
文章中明确提到'但是，我们也要保护好自己，不要随便相信陌生人说的话。'
文章中明确提到'但是，我们也要保护好自己，不要随便相信陌生人说的话。'
在陌生城市问路时，我们应该注意什么？
Read this passage:
在一个陌生的城市里，问路是常有的事。但要记住，选择可靠的人问路。不要找看起来不友好或让你感到不舒服的陌生人。
在陌生城市问路时，我们应该注意什么？
文章建议'选择可靠的人问路'，并避免'不友好或让你感到不舒服的陌生人'。
文章建议'选择可靠的人问路'，并避免'不友好或让你感到不舒服的陌生人'。
The correct order to say 'This is a stranger' is '这 是 陌生人'.
The correct order to ask 'Do you know him?' is '你 认识 他 吗'.
The correct order to say 'Do not talk to strangers' is '不 要 和 陌生人 说话'.
A parent telling a child to be careful.
Someone describing a suspicious person.
A general safety tip.
Read this aloud:
不要和陌生人走。
Focus: 陌生人 (mò shēng rén)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他是一个陌生人。
Focus: 陌生人 (mò shēng rén)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我没见过那个陌生人。
Focus: 没见过 (méi jiàn guò)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are lost in a new city. You need to ask for directions. How would you describe the person you should NOT ask for help from, using '陌生人'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在一个新的城市迷路了，我应该避免向陌生人问路，因为我不认识他们。
Write a short sentence about why it's sometimes good to be cautious around strangers.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
有时候对陌生人要小心，这样才能保证自己的安全。
Describe a situation where you might encounter a stranger and what you would do.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我在公园里遇到了一个陌生人，他问我时间，我告诉他了。
为什么小明不敢问路？
Read this passage:
小明第一次去北京。他不知道怎么去火车站。他看到一个人站在路边，觉得那个人是陌生人，所以他不敢问路。
为什么小明不敢问路？
文章中提到“觉得那个人是陌生人，所以他不敢问路”，因此正确答案是A。
文章中提到“觉得那个人是陌生人，所以他不敢问路”，因此正确答案是A。
根据这段话，我们为什么要小心陌生人？
Read this passage:
我的朋友告诉我，不要随便和陌生人说话，因为你不知道他们是谁。保护自己很重要。
根据这段话，我们为什么要小心陌生人？
文章中明确提到“因为你不知道他们是谁”，所以答案是A。
文章中明确提到“因为你不知道他们是谁”，所以答案是A。
作者在路上看到了什么？
Read this passage:
今天我在路上看到一个迷路的小狗。我没有看到它的主人，它看起来像一个陌生的小狗。我打电话给动物保护组织。
作者在路上看到了什么？
文章开头就说“今天我在路上看到一个迷路的小狗”，所以答案是A。
文章开头就说“今天我在路上看到一个迷路的小狗”，所以答案是A。
她不认识那个男人，他是一个___。
The sentence indicates she doesn't know the man, so he must be a stranger. 朋友 (friend), 家人 (family), and 同事 (colleague) are people she would know.
在公共场合，不要轻易相信___说的话。
It's a common safety tip not to easily trust what strangers say in public. 老师 (teacher), 同学 (classmate), and 父母 (parents) are typically trusted individuals.
他刚搬到这个城市，所以对他来说，周围的一切都很___。
If he just moved, everything around him would be unfamiliar or strange, which aligns with '陌生' (strange/unfamiliar). 熟悉 (familiar), 清楚 (clear), and 特别 (special) don't fit the context.
当我第一次见到他时，他只是一个___的名字，现在我们是好朋友。
The sentence implies that the person was unknown at first but is now a good friend. '陌生' (unfamiliar/strange) describes this initial state. 熟悉 (familiar), 特别 (special), and 清楚 (clear) do not fit the narrative of becoming friends from an unknown beginning.
遇到___问路，我们应该热情帮助。
The context implies someone you don't know asking for directions, which is a stranger (陌生人). You would already know how to help a friend, neighbor, or family member, so it's less about '遇到...问路' in that sense.
那个___的眼神让我感到有些不安。
An unfamiliar or strange (陌生) gaze can make one feel uneasy. 熟悉 (familiar), 友好 (friendly), and 温柔 (gentle) would typically not evoke unease.
This sentence means 'I don't know that stranger.' The subject '我' (I) comes first, followed by the verb '不认识' (don't know), and then the object '那个陌生人' (that stranger).
This sentence means 'Don't talk to strangers.' '不要' (don't) comes before '和陌生人' (with strangers) and the verb '说话' (talk).
This sentence means 'I helped a stranger.' The subject '我' (I) comes first, followed by the verb '帮助' (helped), and then the object '一位陌生人' (a stranger).
在公共场合，和___说话要小心。
The sentence is talking about being careful when talking to someone in public, implying someone you don't know.
她一个人旅行，但从不害怕遇到___。
The context is about traveling alone and not being afraid of meeting new, unknown people.
小孩子不应该和___一起走。
This is a common safety rule for children, to not go with people they don't know.
在新的城市，每个人对我来说都是___。
When in a new city, most people you encounter will be unknown to you.
那个___问我路怎么走。
It's common for an unknown person to ask for directions.
他对待___总是很友善。
The sentence implies a general kindness towards people one doesn't know.
她总是对帮助有困难的___感到很乐意。
根据语境，“帮助有困难的陌生人”是常见的表达。选项中只有“陌生人”符合句意。
在旅途中，遇到友善的___总是让人感到温暖。
旅行中遇到友好的人，这些通常是第一次见面的人，即“陌生人”。
父母经常教育孩子不要轻易相信___说的话。
为了孩子的安全，父母通常会教导孩子不要轻易相信不认识的人，也就是“陌生人”。
“陌生人”指的是那些我们认识并且熟悉的人。
“陌生人”指的是我们不认识或不熟悉的人，与“认识并且熟悉”的描述相反。
在公共场合，和陌生人保持适当的距离是一种礼貌。
在公共场合，为了尊重个人空间和隐私，与陌生人保持适当距离是普遍的社交礼仪。
如果你在陌生的城市迷路了，可以尝试向陌生人问路。
在陌生城市迷路时，向当地的陌生人问路是常见的求助方式，通常会得到帮助。
The speaker is giving a warning about talking to strangers.
The sentence describes a feeling after a first meeting.
The speaker is new to a city.
Read this aloud:
在旅行中，我遇到了一些友好的陌生人。
Focus: 陌 (mò), 生 (shēng), 人 (rén)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
小时候，妈妈总是告诫我不要跟陌生人走。
Focus: 陌 (mò), 生 (shēng), 人 (rén), 告诫 (gàojiè)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
虽然我们是陌生人，但他还是帮了我。
Focus: 陌 (mò), 生 (shēng), 人 (rén), 还是 (háishì)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are at a bus stop late at night. A stranger approaches you. Describe what happens next, focusing on your feelings and actions.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
深夜，我在公交车站等车。一个陌生人向我走来。我感到有些害怕，立刻抓紧了包。我尽量保持冷静，眼睛观察四周，准备随时离开。幸运的是，他只是问路，我松了一口气。
Write a short paragraph about why it's important to be cautious around strangers, especially for children.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
对陌生人保持警惕非常重要，尤其是对小孩子。我们不能随便信任陌生人，因为有些陌生人可能会带来危险。父母应该教育孩子如何保护自己，不要和陌生人说话，更不要接受陌生人的食物或礼物，这样才能确保他们的安全。
Imagine you are introducing a new friend to your social circle. How would you explain that this person is not a stranger to you, but a trusted acquaintance?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
大家好，我来介绍一下我的朋友李明。他不是一个陌生人，我们认识很久了。他是一个非常值得信任的人，我们有很多共同的兴趣。我希望大家能和他好好相处，欢迎他加入我们的圈子。
根据短文，关于与陌生人打交道，以下哪种说法是正确的？
Read this passage:
在现代社会，我们每天都会遇到各种各样的人，其中不乏陌生人。如何与陌生人打交道是一门学问。有人认为应该对所有陌生人保持距离，以防不测；也有人觉得，适当的开放和友善能帮助我们建立新的人际关系。当然，这两种观点都有其道理。
根据短文，关于与陌生人打交道，以下哪种说法是正确的？
短文最后提到，“当然，这两种观点都有其道理。”指的就是对陌生人保持距离和适当的开放和友善这两种观点。
短文最后提到，“当然，这两种观点都有其道理。”指的就是对陌生人保持距离和适当的开放和友善这两种观点。
小王刚到新城市时，为什么感到孤独和害怕？
Read this passage:
小王去了一个新城市工作。刚开始，他对周围的一切都感到陌生，没有朋友，也没有亲戚。他感到很孤独，甚至有些害怕。但是，他积极参加社区活动，主动和同事交流，渐渐地，他认识了很多人，生活也变得丰富多彩起来。他不再觉得这是一个充满陌生人的城市了。
小王刚到新城市时，为什么感到孤独和害怕？
短文提到“刚开始，他对周围的一切都感到陌生，没有朋友，也没有亲戚。他感到很孤独，甚至有些害怕。”直接说明了他孤独和害怕的原因。
短文提到“刚开始，他对周围的一切都感到陌生，没有朋友，也没有亲戚。他感到很孤独，甚至有些害怕。”直接说明了他孤独和害怕的原因。
为什么村庄的宁静被打破了？
Read this passage:
在一个偏远的小村庄里，每个人都互相认识，几乎没有陌生人。村民们生活简单，彼此信任。然而，随着旅游业的发展，越来越多的陌生人来到这里。村庄的宁静被打破，一些村民也开始担心他们的传统生活方式会受到影响。
为什么村庄的宁静被打破了？
短文提到“随着旅游业的发展，越来越多的陌生人来到这里。村庄的宁静被打破”，明确指出是旅游业和陌生人的到来导致了宁静被打破。
短文提到“随着旅游业的发展，越来越多的陌生人来到这里。村庄的宁静被打破”，明确指出是旅游业和陌生人的到来导致了宁静被打破。
在派对上，她被一个完全的___搭讪了，感到有些不自在。
这句话描述了一个人在派对上被不认识的人搭讪，所以 '陌生人' 是最合适的词语。
面对___的求助，我们应该保持警惕，但也要尽力提供帮助。
这句话强调了在面对不认识的人求助时需要保持警惕，但也要提供帮助的平衡心态。
她从小被教导不要轻易相信___，尤其是当他们提出奇怪要求的时候。
这句话反映了对不认识的人保持戒备的普遍教导，尤其是当他们提出不寻常的要求时。
在公共场合，遇到___向你借钱，你应该毫不犹豫地借给他。
遇到陌生人借钱时，应该保持警惕，不应毫不犹豫地借出。这涉及到个人安全和财产保护。
一个___对你微笑打招呼，这意味着他可能是你的新邻居。
陌生人对你微笑打招呼并不一定意味着他是你的新邻居，他可能只是友善或者有其他目的。这需要进一步的判断。
孩子们应该被教育不要接受___给的食物或饮料。
这是对儿童安全非常重要的教导，旨在防止他们受到陌生人的伤害。
When faced with requests from strangers, we should remain vigilant but not overly cold.
In a foreign land, encountering kind help from strangers often makes one feel especially warm.
He felt curious about the unfamiliar surroundings near his grandmother's house, but also a hint of unease.
Read this aloud:
请描述一次你与陌生人交流的经历。
Focus: 陌生人, 交流, 经历
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你认为在城市生活中，如何平衡对陌生人的警惕与开放？
Focus: 平衡, 警惕, 开放
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
如果你在陌生的城市迷路了，你会向陌生人求助吗？为什么？
Focus: 迷路, 求助, 为什么
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you're at a crowded market and someone tries to steal your wallet. Describe the scene and what you would do, using the word 陌生人 (mòshēngrén).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在拥挤的市场里，我突然感到有人碰我的包。我转过身，看到一个陌生人正试图偷我的钱包。我大喊“抓小偷！”并且紧紧抓住我的包，希望能引起周围人的注意。
You've just moved to a new city and are feeling a bit lonely. Write a short journal entry about your feelings, mentioning how difficult it can be to make new friends when everyone feels like a 陌生人 (mòshēngrén).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
搬到这个新城市已经一个星期了，我还是觉得有点孤独。周围的每个人看起来都像陌生人，很难主动和他们交谈。我希望能尽快适应这里，交到一些新朋友。
Describe a time when you had to ask a 陌生人 (mòshēngrén) for help. What was the situation, and how did it turn out?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
有一次我在一个不熟悉的地方迷路了，手机也没电了。我不得不向一个陌生人问路。他非常友善，详细地给我指了路，我非常感谢他的帮助。
根据这段文字，中国传统文化中对陌生人的态度是什么？
Read this passage:
在中国的传统文化中，家长通常会教育孩子不要轻易相信陌生人。他们认为，陌生人可能带来危险，所以孩子们应该保持警惕。然而，社会发展到今天，人们发现有时候陌生人的善意也能带来温暖和帮助。
根据这段文字，中国传统文化中对陌生人的态度是什么？
文章第一句明确指出“家长通常会教育孩子不要轻易相信陌生人”，并解释“他们认为，陌生人可能带来危险，所以孩子们应该保持警惕”。
文章第一句明确指出“家长通常会教育孩子不要轻易相信陌生人”，并解释“他们认为，陌生人可能带来危险，所以孩子们应该保持警惕”。
小明为什么没有接受陌生人的糖果？
Read this passage:
小明独自一人在公园玩耍时，一个陌生人走过来，递给他一块糖果。小明想起了妈妈的教诲，没有接受，而是礼貌地离开了。他回家后把这件事告诉了妈妈，妈妈表扬了他。
小明为什么没有接受陌生人的糖果？
文章中明确提到“小明想起了妈妈的教诲，没有接受”。
文章中明确提到“小明想起了妈妈的教诲，没有接受”。
作者在陌生的城市旅行时，对于向陌生人问路有什么看法？
Read this passage:
在一个陌生的城市旅行时，我发现向当地的陌生人问路往往能得到最地道和有用的建议。虽然一开始可能会有些犹豫，但大多数人都是乐于助人的。这种与陌生人短暂的交流，也成为了旅途中难忘的经历。
作者在陌生的城市旅行时，对于向陌生人问路有什么看法？
文章提到“向当地的陌生人问路往往能得到最地道和有用的建议”以及“大多数人都是乐于助人的”。
文章提到“向当地的陌生人问路往往能得到最地道和有用的建议”以及“大多数人都是乐于助人的”。
在陌生的城市，他感到有些___，因为没有人认识他。
When in an unfamiliar city, one might feel lonely because no one knows them. 熟悉 (familiar), 兴奋 (excited), and 轻松 (relaxed) do not fit the context as well as 孤单 (lonely).
面对一群___，他仍能镇定自若地发表演讲。
The phrase '镇定自若地发表演讲' (calmly deliver a speech) implies facing a challenging situation, which is often the case when speaking to strangers. '支持者' (supporters) and '朋友' (friends) would make the situation easier, while '观众' (audience) is too general and less specific to the challenge of unfamiliarity.
她天生具有一种魅力，总能让___在短时间内放下戒备。
The ability to make '陌生人' (strangers) lower their guard quickly indicates a special charm. '熟人' (acquaintances), '同事' (colleagues), and '邻居' (neighbors) are already known to some degree, so the impact of '放下戒备' (lower their guard) is less significant.
即便是在___中，他也能迅速找到共同点，建立联系。
The ability to find common ground and build connections '即便是在人群中' (even among a crowd [of strangers]) emphasizes his social skill. While '亲友' (relatives and friends), '团队' (team), and '社区' (community) are groups, '人群' specifically implies a diverse and often unfamiliar group, making the task more impressive.
出于安全考虑，她从不轻易将个人信息透露给___。
It is a common safety practice not to reveal personal information to '陌生人' (strangers). '家人' (family), '朋友' (friends), and '熟人' (acquaintances) are typically trusted individuals.
孩子们从小就被教导不要和___说话，以免发生危险。
Children are often taught not to talk to '陌生人' (strangers) for safety reasons, as '以免发生危险' (to avoid danger) directly implies. '老师' (teachers), '父母' (parents), and '同学' (classmates) are generally considered safe to interact with.
Focus on understanding the challenges of social interaction with strangers in a foreign country and the need for balancing openness with self-protection.
Listen for the contrast between connectivity and alienation in modern society, and the growing distrust towards anonymous or semi-anonymous strangers online.
Pay attention to the educational challenge of teaching children about 'strangers' – balancing caution with avoiding excessive fear, and fostering self-protection.
Read this aloud:
请你用中文阐述一下，在数字化时代，我们应该如何构建一个既能促进交流，又能有效防范网络陌生人潜在风险的社交环境。
Focus: 陌生人 (mò shēng rén)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
假设你是一名社会学家，请分析一下，在大城市中，人们面对陌生人时普遍存在的心理防御机制，以及这些机制对社会凝聚力的影响。
Focus: 防御机制 (fáng yù jī zhì)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你认为在未来的AI技术发展中，人工智能如何能够帮助我们更好地识别和应对来自陌生人的信息，从而提升信息安全和个人隐私保护？
Focus: 识别 (shí bié)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence discusses the universal challenge of building trust with strangers in social interactions, highlighting the need for time and sincerity.
This sentence describes someone's cautious attitude towards strangers due to past experiences, framing it as understandable self-protection.
This sentence illustrates how someone adapted to a new foreign environment by actively communicating with strangers, commending their openness.
/ 108 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
陌生人 (mò shēng rén) means 'stranger' and refers to anyone you don't know personally.
- Unfamiliar person
- Someone you don't know
- Not an acquaintance
Literal Meaning Breakdown
The word 陌生人 (mò shēng rén) is a combination of three characters: 陌 (mò) meaning 'unfamiliar path,' 生 (shēng) meaning 'raw' or 'unfamiliar,' and 人 (rén) meaning 'person.' So, literally, it's an 'unfamiliar person on an unfamiliar path.'
Pronunciation Practice
Pay attention to the tones: mò (4th tone), shēng (1st tone), rén (2nd tone). Practice saying it slowly at first, then at a natural speed.
Common Usage
You'll most often use 陌生人 to refer to someone you literally do not know. For example, '不要跟陌生人说话' (Bú yào gēn mòshēngrén shuōhuà) - 'Don't talk to strangers.'
Contextual Understanding
Consider the context. If you're in a new city and someone approaches you, they are a 陌生人. If you're introduced to someone new, they become a 陌生人 until you get to know them.
Exemple
不要轻易相信陌生人说的话。
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Plus de mots sur daily_life
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
