This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb #1,500 most common 15 min read

提及

tiji Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 提及 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 提及 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning their journey into the Chinese language. The focus is on basic survival vocabulary, simple sentence structures, and immediate personal needs. Words like 'hello' (你好), 'thank you' (谢谢), and basic verbs like 'eat' (吃) and 'drink' (喝) dominate the curriculum. The word 提及 (tí jí) is generally too formal and complex for an A1 learner to actively use or even encounter frequently. A1 learners are taught the much simpler and more colloquial verb 说 (shuō - to speak/say) to express the idea of communicating something. If an A1 learner needs to say 'He mentioned it', they would likely just say '他说这个' (He said this). However, it is beneficial for A1 learners to be aware that Chinese has different registers—formal and informal words for similar concepts. While they do not need to memorize 提及, understanding that a more formal version of 'to say' or 'to mention' exists prepares them for future learning. If an A1 learner encounters 提及 in a text, it will likely be in a highly simplified graded reader where the context makes it clear that someone is talking or writing about a specific topic. The primary goal at this stage is recognition rather than production. Teachers might introduce the character 提 (to lift) in a physical sense, laying the groundwork for its metaphorical use in 提及 later on. For now, sticking to 说 is perfectly adequate and expected for A1 proficiency.

As learners progress to the A2 level, their vocabulary expands to include more daily routines, personal background, and basic social interactions. They begin to form compound sentences and use past tense markers like 了 (le) more confidently. At this stage, learners might be introduced to the word 提到 (tí dào), which is the everyday, conversational equivalent of 'to mention'. They learn to say things like '他提到了你' (He mentioned you). The formal word 提及 (tí jí) is still largely outside their active vocabulary requirements. However, A2 learners who consume Chinese media, such as simple news articles or formal announcements, might start seeing 提及 in print. The challenge at A2 is recognizing that 提及 and 提到 mean essentially the same thing but belong to different social contexts. An A2 learner should focus on mastering 提到 for their own speech and writing. If they see 提及, they should be able to deduce its meaning from the context, especially if it is followed by an object they recognize. For example, if they read '新闻提及了天气' (The news mentioned the weather), they can understand the core message even if the verb feels slightly elevated. Teachers at this level might point out 提及 as a 'bonus' word for reading comprehension, emphasizing that it is a formal written term. The focus remains on building fluency with colloquial equivalents before demanding the production of formal vocabulary.

The B1 level marks a significant transition from basic survival Chinese to independent, functional communication. Learners at this stage can handle most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. They can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. It is at the B1 level that 提及 (tí jí) becomes an active target vocabulary word. Learners are now expected to understand and produce formal language, especially in written contexts like emails, short essays, or summaries. They learn the crucial distinction between the casual 提到 (tí dào) and the formal 提及. A B1 learner should be able to write a sentence like '正如我在邮件中提及的' (As I mentioned in the email) when communicating in a professional or academic setting. They also learn to integrate 提及 with aspect markers correctly, understanding the difference between 提及了 (mentioned - completed action) and 提及过 (have mentioned - experiential). Furthermore, B1 learners begin to encounter 提及 in passive structures, such as '这个问题被提及' (This issue was mentioned), which is a key grammatical milestone. The challenge at this level is overcoming the habit of using casual words in formal writing. Teachers will actively correct students who use 提到 in a formal essay, guiding them to substitute it with 提及 to elevate their writing style. Mastery of 提及 at B1 demonstrates a growing awareness of register and pragmatic competence.

At the B2 level, learners achieve a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. They can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. For a B2 learner, 提及 (tí jí) is a fully integrated part of their active vocabulary. They use it effortlessly in professional discussions, academic presentations, and formal writing. They understand its nuances and can distinguish it from closely related synonyms like 谈及 (tán jí - to touch upon in discussion) and 涉及 (shè jí - to involve). A B2 learner can construct complex sentences using 提及, such as '报告不仅提及了当前的挑战，还提出了未来的解决方案' (The report not only mentioned the current challenges but also proposed future solutions). They are comfortable using it with various adverbs to add precision, such as 简要提及 (briefly mention), 明确提及 (explicitly mention), or 屡次提及 (repeatedly mention). Furthermore, B2 learners are adept at using the passive voice with 提及 in formal contexts, recognizing that '该理论在文献中被广泛提及' (This theory is widely mentioned in the literature) sounds much more professional than an active construction. The focus at this level is on refining usage, ensuring that 提及 is used in the correct register and with the appropriate collocations to sound natural and sophisticated. It becomes a tool for precise and objective reporting.

C1 learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. At this advanced level, the use of 提及 (tí jí) is expected to be flawless and highly nuanced. C1 learners use 提及 not just to report facts, but to structure arguments, summarize complex discourse, and navigate high-level professional or academic environments. They are acutely aware of the stylistic impact of the word. They might use phrases like '值得提及的是...' (It is worth mentioning that...) as a sophisticated rhetorical device to introduce a crucial point in a debate or essay. They can effortlessly parse dense academic or legal texts where 提及 is used in convoluted sentence structures. A C1 learner understands that 提及 implies a brief reference rather than a deep dive, and they use this semantic boundary to their advantage when summarizing information. For instance, they might critique a presentation by saying '演讲仅仅提及了表面问题，并未深入探讨核心' (The speech merely mentioned the surface issues and did not deeply explore the core). At this level, vocabulary acquisition is less about learning new meanings and more about mastering the precise contextual and stylistic deployment of words. 提及 is a prime example of a word that C1 learners wield with precision to project authority and academic rigor.

The C2 level represents near-native proficiency. Learners can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. For a C2 learner, 提及 (tí jí) is second nature. They use it with the same intuitive grasp of register, tone, and collocation as an educated native speaker. They can deploy it in highly specialized domains, such as legal drafting, diplomatic negotiations, or advanced literary criticism. A C2 learner might use complex idiomatic or classical structures incorporating the concept of mentioning, though 提及 itself remains a modern formal term. They understand the subtle historical and cultural weight of formal Chinese and use 提及 to maintain the appropriate distance and objectivity required in high-level discourse. They can play with the word, perhaps using it ironically or to highlight an omission: '令人惊讶的是，官方声明中竟对此次危机只字未提及' (Surprisingly, the official statement did not mention a single word about the crisis). At this pinnacle of language learning, 提及 is not just a vocabulary item; it is a structural element used to weave complex narratives, build airtight arguments, and demonstrate absolute mastery over the formal Chinese register. The C2 learner's use of 提及 is characterized by elegance, precision, and complete contextual appropriateness.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

提及 in 30 Seconds

Formal Verb: 提及 is a formal way to say 'to mention' or 'to refer to' in Chinese.
Written Contexts: It is highly common in business emails, academic papers, and news reports.
Requires an Object: As a transitive verb, it must be followed by the thing being mentioned.
Not for Casual Chat: Avoid using it with friends; use 提到 (tí dào) instead for daily conversation.

The Chinese verb 提及 (tí jí) is a formal and precise vocabulary word that translates to 'to mention' or 'to refer to' in English. To truly understand its meaning and application, we must first break down the individual characters that compose it. The first character, 提 (tí), primarily means 'to lift', 'to carry', or 'to raise'. In a conversational or communicative context, it takes on the metaphorical meaning of 'to bring up' a topic or subject. The second character, 及 (jí), means 'to reach', 'to come up to', or 'to attain'. When combined, the literal translation of 提及 is 'to bring up and reach', which perfectly encapsulates the act of bringing a topic into a conversation or written text so that the audience's attention reaches it. This word is typically used when someone briefly speaks or writes about a specific subject, person, or event without necessarily going into exhaustive detail. It is a cornerstone of intermediate to advanced Chinese communication, particularly in professional, academic, and journalistic settings.

Literal Meaning: To bring up (提) and reach (及) a specific topic.
Pragmatic Usage: Used to indicate that a subject was touched upon during a discourse.
Register: Formal, written, and polite spoken Chinese.

When people use 提及, they are often summarizing a previous conversation, referencing a document, or pointing out that a particular issue was included in a broader discussion. Unlike the more casual 说起 (shuō qǐ) or 提到 (tí dào), 提及 carries a weight of formality. You will frequently encounter it in news reports summarizing a press conference, in business emails referencing a previous meeting, or in academic papers citing previous research. It is less common in casual, everyday banter between close friends or family members, where simpler alternatives are preferred.

他在报告中提及了环境保护的重要性。

He mentioned the importance of environmental protection in his report.

Understanding the nuances of 提及 requires recognizing its boundaries. It does not imply a deep, thorough analysis of the subject. If a speaker spends an hour dissecting a topic, you would use words like 讨论 (tǎo lùn - to discuss) or 阐述 (chǎn shù - to expound). 提及 strictly means the topic was brought into the light, perhaps as a supporting point or a passing remark. This makes it an incredibly useful tool for summarizing long meetings or documents where you only want to highlight the key items that were touched upon.

信中并未提及具体的日期。

The letter did not mention a specific date.

Furthermore, 提及 is frequently used in the passive voice, especially in formal writing. The structure 被提及 (bèi tí jí) translates to 'to be mentioned'. This is highly prevalent in academic literature reviews or legal documents where the focus is on the subject matter rather than the person who brought it up. For instance, 'This theory was mentioned in the previous chapter' would be '这一理论在上一章中被提及'. The ability to comfortably use 提及 in both active and passive constructions marks a significant step forward in a learner's journey toward Chinese fluency.

这个名字经常在历史书中被提及。

This name is frequently mentioned in history books.

To master 提及, one must also pay attention to the objects it takes. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object. You cannot simply say '他提及' (He mentioned) and end the sentence. You must specify what was mentioned: 他提及了那件事 (He mentioned that matter). The object can be a simple noun, a noun phrase, or even a short clause. This versatility makes it a robust structural component in complex sentences. As you progress in your Chinese studies, you will find that incorporating 提及 into your vocabulary not only elevates the sophistication of your speech but also allows for more precise and accurate communication of past events and discussions.

会议纪要中提及了未来的发展计划。

The meeting minutes mentioned the future development plans.

校长在演讲中多次提及你的贡献。

The principal mentioned your contributions multiple times in the speech.

Using 提及 correctly in sentences requires an understanding of Chinese syntax, specifically regarding transitive verbs, aspect markers, and formal sentence structures. As a transitive verb, 提及 must be followed by an object. The basic structure is Subject + 提及 + Object. However, because 提及 is formal, the sentences it inhabits are often more complex than simple subject-verb-object constructions. They frequently include prepositional phrases indicating where or when the mentioning occurred, such as 在会议上 (at the meeting), 在报告中 (in the report), or 在信里 (in the letter). This contextual framing is crucial for natural-sounding Chinese.

Basic Structure: Subject + 提及 + (了) + Object
Contextual Structure: Subject + 在 [Location/Context] 中 + 提及 + Object
Passive Structure: Object + 被 + (Subject) + 提及

One of the most important grammatical aspects to consider is the use of aspect markers, particularly the perfective particle 了 (le) and the experiential particle 过 (guo). Because 'mentioning' is typically an action that has already been completed by the time you are talking about it, 提及 is very frequently followed by 了. For example, 他提及了这个问题 (He mentioned this problem). If you want to emphasize that something has been mentioned at some point in the past, focusing on the experience rather than the completion, you use 过: 他曾经提及过这个问题 (He has mentioned this problem before). Understanding the subtle difference between 提及了 and 提及过 is essential for accurate expression.

新闻发言人提及了最新的经济数据。

The news spokesperson mentioned the latest economic data.

Another common usage pattern involves negative sentences. To say that something was not mentioned, you use the negative adverb 没 (méi) or 没有 (méi yǒu) before 提及. You do not use 不 (bù) because you are negating a past action. For example, 报告中没有提及预算问题 (The report did not mention the budget issue). In highly formal written Chinese, you might also see 未 (wèi) used instead of 没有, as in 报告中未提及预算问题. This elevates the formality even further and is standard in legal or official documents.

合同中并未提及违约责任。

The contract did not mention the liability for breach.

The passive voice is another area where 提及 shines. In English, we often say 'It was mentioned that...' In Chinese, the passive marker 被 (bèi) is used. The structure is Object + 被 + 提及. This is particularly useful when the person who did the mentioning is unknown, unimportant, or deliberately omitted. For example, 这个问题在会议上被提及 (This issue was mentioned at the meeting). In formal writing, you might also encounter the structure 有所提及 (yǒu suǒ tí jí), which translates roughly to 'was mentioned to some extent' or 'received some mention'. This adds a layer of nuance, suggesting that the topic was touched upon but perhaps not deeply explored.

你的名字在讨论中被多次提及。

Your name was mentioned multiple times in the discussion.

Finally, let's look at how 提及 interacts with adverbs. Adverbs of frequency and degree are commonly placed before 提及. Words like 经常 (often), 很少 (rarely), 屡次 (repeatedly), and 简要 (briefly) modify the verb to provide more context. For instance, 他简要提及了接下来的计划 (He briefly mentioned the upcoming plans). Or, 这个问题很少被提及 (This issue is rarely mentioned). By combining 提及 with appropriate adverbs, prepositions, and aspect markers, you can construct highly precise and professional Chinese sentences that accurately reflect complex situations and discussions.

文章只是简要提及了历史背景。

The article only briefly mentioned the historical background.

他从未向任何人提及此事。

He never mentioned this matter to anyone.

The word 提及 is not typically found in the casual banter of a street market or a relaxed dinner with friends. Instead, it belongs to the domain of formal communication, professional environments, and structured media. Understanding where you actually hear and read this word is crucial for grasping its appropriate register and ensuring you sound natural when using it. The most common environment for 提及 is the modern workplace. In business meetings, corporate emails, and official reports, clarity and professionalism are paramount. When summarizing a previous discussion or referencing a specific clause in a contract, professionals will opt for 提及 over more colloquial terms.

Business Context: Emails, meeting minutes, formal proposals, and contract negotiations.
Academic Context: Research papers, lectures, literature reviews, and scholarly debates.
Media Context: News broadcasts, press releases, official statements, and journalistic articles.

For example, if you are reading a company's annual report, you might see a sentence like: '报告中提及了公司在可持续发展方面的努力' (The report mentioned the company's efforts in sustainable development). In an email to a client, a manager might write: '关于您在上一封邮件中提及的定价问题...' (Regarding the pricing issue you mentioned in your previous email...). In these scenarios, 提及 conveys a sense of respect and precise documentation. It shows that the speaker or writer is carefully tracking the flow of information and acknowledging points that have been raised.

正如邮件中所提及的，会议推迟了。

As mentioned in the email, the meeting has been postponed.

Another major domain for 提及 is academia and education. When professors deliver lectures, they frequently reference other scholars' work or previous topics covered in the course. They might say, '我们在第一周的课程中曾提及这个概念' (We mentioned this concept in the first week's class). In written academic papers, citing sources is mandatory, and 提及 is a standard verb used to introduce a citation or summarize a related study. Phrases like '前人的研究中多次提及...' (Previous studies have frequently mentioned...) are ubiquitous in Chinese academic literature. It provides a formal, objective tone necessary for scholarly discourse.

该文献提及了一种新的实验方法。

The literature mentioned a new experimental method.

The news media is also a heavy user of 提及. Journalists reporting on press conferences, government announcements, or international summits rely on this word to summarize lengthy speeches. A news anchor might report: '总统在讲话中特别提及了双边贸易问题' (The president specifically mentioned the bilateral trade issue in his speech). Here, 提及 helps the journalist distill a complex event into its most important components for the audience. It is also used in legal reporting, where the exact wording of documents is critical, such as '起诉书中提及了多项指控' (The indictment mentioned multiple charges).

警方通报中并未提及嫌疑人的动机。

The police briefing did not mention the suspect's motive.

While 提及 is formal, it does occasionally appear in everyday life, usually when the speaker wants to adopt a serious or polite tone. For example, if you are speaking to a landlord about a lease agreement, you might use 提及 to refer to a specific clause. Or, if you are having a serious discussion with a partner about a sensitive topic that was brought up previously, using 提及 can add a layer of objective distance to the conversation. However, in most casual settings, native speakers will default to 提到 (tí dào) or 说起 (shuō qǐ). Recognizing these contextual boundaries is what separates an intermediate learner from an advanced speaker who understands the social weight of vocabulary.

房东提及下个月要涨房租。

The landlord mentioned raising the rent next month.

说明书上提及了这种副作用。

The manual mentioned this side effect.

Even advanced learners of Chinese frequently make mistakes when using 提及. Because it translates directly to 'mention', English speakers often map English grammar rules onto the Chinese word, leading to awkward or incorrect sentences. The most prevalent mistake is confusing the register. 提及 is a formal word. Using it in a highly casual context sounds unnatural and overly stiff. For example, if you are chatting with a close friend about a movie, saying '你昨天提及的那部电影很好看' (The movie you mentioned yesterday is good) sounds strange. A native speaker would almost certainly say '你昨天说起的那部电影' or '你昨天提到的那部电影'. Reserving 提及 for professional, academic, or written contexts is the first rule of mastering this word.

Mistake 1: Register Mismatch: Using 提及 in casual conversation instead of 提到 or 说起.
Mistake 2: Missing Object: Using 提及 without specifying what was mentioned.
Mistake 3: Incorrect Preposition: Saying '提及关于...' (mention about...) which is redundant in Chinese.

Another very common grammatical error is treating 提及 as an intransitive verb. In English, you can sometimes say 'He mentioned' and let the context fill in the blank. In Chinese, 提及 must take an object. You cannot say '他昨天提及了' (He mentioned yesterday) and stop there. You must say '他昨天提及了这件事' (He mentioned this matter yesterday) or use a pronoun like '他昨天提及了它'. If the object is a long clause, it must still be clearly attached to the verb. Failing to provide an object leaves the sentence grammatically incomplete and confusing to a native listener.

❌ 错误: 开会时，老板提及了。
✅ 正确: 开会时，老板提及了新项目。

Incorrect: During the meeting, the boss mentioned. Correct: During the meeting, the boss mentioned the new project.

A subtle but frequent error arises from direct translation of the English phrase 'mention about'. English speakers often want to add the Chinese word 关于 (guān yú - about) after 提及, resulting in '提及关于...'. This is redundant and grammatically incorrect in Chinese. 提及 already contains the meaning of directing attention toward a subject. The object should follow the verb directly. For example, instead of saying '他提及关于预算的问题' (He mentioned about the budget issue), you should simply say '他提及了预算问题' (He mentioned the budget issue). Eliminating unnecessary prepositions will make your Chinese sound much more native and fluent.

❌ 错误: 文章提及关于全球变暖。
✅ 正确: 文章提及了全球变暖。

Incorrect: The article mentioned about global warming. Correct: The article mentioned global warming.

Learners also struggle with the placement of aspect markers like 了 (le) and 过 (guo) when using 提及 in complex sentences. When 提及 is used in a modifier clause (a relative clause in English), the aspect marker is often dropped or changed depending on the context. For example, 'The issue he mentioned yesterday' is '他昨天提及的问题'. Adding 了 here ('他昨天提及了的问题') is grammatically incorrect and sounds very clunky. The marker 了 is generally reserved for the main verb of the sentence to indicate completion, not for verbs acting as modifiers within a noun phrase.

❌ 错误: 这是他提及了的计划。
✅ 正确: 这是他提及的计划。

Incorrect: This is the plan he mentioned (with 'le'). Correct: This is the plan he mentioned.

Finally, be careful with the passive voice. While 被提及 is correct and common, learners sometimes overuse it or construct it awkwardly. In Chinese, the passive voice is often avoided if an active construction is possible and natural. If you know who did the mentioning, it is usually better to use the active voice. Instead of saying '这个问题被经理提及了' (This issue was mentioned by the manager), it is often more natural to say '经理提及了这个问题' (The manager mentioned this issue). Reserve the passive 被提及 for situations where the actor is unknown, generalized, or intentionally omitted, such as '这个问题在书中被多次提及' (This issue is mentioned multiple times in the book).

✅ 正确: 历史文献中很少提及这场战争。

Correct: Historical documents rarely mention this war. (Active is preferred here over passive).

The Chinese language is rich in vocabulary related to speaking, discussing, and referencing. 提及 exists within a cluster of similar words, and distinguishing between them is a hallmark of advanced proficiency. The most immediate synonym is 提到 (tí dào). Both translate to 'mention', but they differ significantly in register. 提到 is the workhorse of everyday conversation. It is versatile, common, and fits perfectly into casual dialogue. 提及, on the other hand, is the formal counterpart, reserved for writing, professional settings, and serious discourse. If you are talking to a friend, use 提到; if you are writing a report, use 提及.

提到 (tí dào): The casual, everyday equivalent of 提及. Used in spoken Chinese.
说起 (shuō qǐ): Means 'speaking of' or 'to bring up in conversation'. Highly colloquial.
谈及 (tán jí): Means 'to touch upon in discussion'. Implies a slightly deeper conversation than 提及.

Another common alternative is 说起 (shuō qǐ). This word literally means 'speak rise' and is used when a topic naturally arises during a conversation. It often functions as a conversational transition, similar to 'speaking of...' in English. For example, '说起旅游，你打算去哪里？' (Speaking of travel, where do you plan to go?). You would never use 提及 in this transitional, colloquial way. 说起 focuses on the act of starting to talk about something, whereas 提及 focuses on the fact that something was referenced, often as a point of data or record.

他刚才提到了你的名字。

He just mentioned your name. (Casual context).

Moving up the formality scale, we find 谈及 (tán jí). This word combines 谈 (to chat/discuss) with 及 (to reach). While 提及 means simply to mention or refer to, 谈及 implies that the topic was actually discussed, even if briefly. If a report 提及 a problem, it might just be a bullet point. If a meeting 谈及 a problem, people actually exchanged words about it. The distinction is subtle but important for accurate reporting. 谈及 is also highly formal and is often found in news reports or official summaries.

双方在会谈中谈及了合作事宜。

Both sides touched upon cooperation matters during the talks.

Another related word is 涉及 (shè jí), which means 'to involve' or 'to relate to'. While 提及 is about communication (mentioning), 涉及 is about scope and connection. For example, '这个案子涉及很多人' (This case involves many people). You cannot substitute 提及 here. However, in some contexts, they overlap. If a document 'mentions' a topic, it also 'involves' that topic. But the focus is different: 提及 highlights the act of stating it, while 涉及 highlights the logical connection. Understanding these boundaries prevents embarrassing vocabulary mix-ups in professional settings.

这项新政策涉及每一个人的利益。

This new policy involves everyone's interests.

Finally, for those looking to express 'to mention in passing', the phrase 顺便提及 (shùn biàn tí jí) is extremely useful. 顺便 means 'conveniently' or 'in passing'. This phrase is perfect for formal emails when you want to add a minor point at the end without making it the main focus. It translates well to 'Incidentally...' or 'I should also mention...'. By mastering 提及 and its surrounding vocabulary network, you gain the ability to calibrate the tone, formality, and precise meaning of your Chinese communication, ensuring you always strike the right chord whether you are chatting with a friend or presenting to a board of directors.

信的末尾顺便提及了下次会议的时间。

The end of the letter mentioned the time of the next meeting in passing.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 及 (jí) is a fascinating pictograph. In ancient oracle bone script, it looks like a hand reaching out to grab a person running away. This sense of 'reaching' or 'catching' is why it's used in words like 提及 (reaching a topic) and 来得及 (having enough time to reach a goal).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tiː dʒiː/ (Pinyin: tí jí)

US /ti dʒi/ (Pinyin: tí jí)

Both syllables are second tone (rising). The stress is generally equal, but in a sentence, the object following 提及 often carries the main sentence stress.

Rhymes With

奇迹 (qí jì - miracle) 笔记 (bǐ jì - notes) 实际 (shí jì - practical) 世纪 (shì jì - century) 刺激 (cì jī - stimulate) 底细 (dǐ xì - inside story) 体恤 (tǐ xù - empathize) 洗涤 (xǐ dí - wash)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tí' as 'dī' (first tone) instead of the rising second tone.
Pronouncing 'jí' with a soft 'zh' sound instead of the sharp 'j' (like 'jeep').
Failing to rise the pitch on both syllables, making it sound flat.
Confusing the pinyin 'j' with the English 'j' (it's closer to the 'j' in 'jeep' but with the tongue flat behind the lower teeth).
Adding a pause between 提 and 及. They should flow together as one word.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 6/5

Common in news and formal texts. Easy to recognize once learned.

Writing 7/5

Requires understanding of formal sentence structure and appropriate object pairing.

Speaking 5/5

Rarely used in daily speaking, so less pressure to produce spontaneously.

Listening 6/5

Often heard in news broadcasts; requires listening for the object that follows.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

说 (to say) 提 (to lift/bring up) 提到 (to mention - casual) 报告 (report) 会议 (meeting)

Learn Next

涉及 (to involve) 谈及 (to touch upon) 阐述 (to expound) 强调 (to emphasize) 引用 (to cite)

Advanced

论及 (to discuss/discourse) 述及 (to state and mention) 避而不谈 (to avoid mentioning) 只字未提 (not mention a single word) 相提并论 (to mention in the same breath)

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verbs and Objects

提及 must take an object. Correct: 他提及了计划。 Incorrect: 他提及了。

Aspect Marker 了 (le)

Use 了 after 提及 to indicate the mentioning is a completed action in the past. 报告提及了这个问题。

Passive Voice with 被 (bèi)

Use 被 to emphasize the object being mentioned rather than the speaker. 这个问题被多次提及。

Formal Negation with 未 (wèi)

In formal writing, use 未 instead of 没有 to negate 提及. 合同未提及此事。

Prepositional Phrases of Location/Context

Place the context before the verb using 在...中. 在会议中提及了预算。

Examples by Level

他说这个。

He said this. (Using simple 'say' instead of 'mention')

A1 uses 说 (shuō) instead of 提及.

老师说我的名字。

The teacher said my name.

Basic subject-verb-object structure.

你在说什么？

What are you saying?

Using 说 in a question.

书里说中国很大。

The book says China is very big.

Using 说 to reference written material simply.

妈妈说要吃饭。

Mom says it's time to eat.

Daily life context.

我不说。

I won't say it.

Simple negation with 不.

他说他喜欢猫。

He says he likes cats.

Simple clause as an object.

朋友说今天很冷。

My friend says it's cold today.

Reporting simple facts.

他提到了你。

He mentioned you. (Using the casual 提到)

Introduction of 提到 as a casual alternative.

昨天开会提到了这件事。

This matter was mentioned in yesterday's meeting.

Using 提到 with a time word.

你刚才提到了什么？

What did you just mention?

Question formation with 提到.

新闻里提到了天气。

The news mentioned the weather.

Referencing media casually.

我没有提到钱。

I didn't mention money.

Negation with 没有.

书里提到了很多历史。

The book mentioned a lot of history.

Using 提到 with a quantity.

老师提到了考试时间。

The teacher mentioned the exam time.

School context.

别提到他。

Don't mention him.

Imperative with 别.

报告中提及了这个问题。

The report mentioned this problem.

Standard formal usage of 提及 with 了.

正如信中所提及的。

As mentioned in the letter.

Common formal phrase: 正如...所提及的.

会议没有提及预算。

The meeting did not mention the budget.

Negation with 没有 in a formal context.

他简要提及了计划。

He briefly mentioned the plan.

Using the adverb 简要 (briefly) before 提及.

这个问题被多次提及。

This issue was mentioned multiple times.

Passive voice with 被.

文章提及了环境保护。

The article mentioned environmental protection.

Media context.

校长提及了你的贡献。

The principal mentioned your contribution.

Formal academic context.

合同未提及此事。

The contract did not mention this matter.

Formal negation using 未.

前人的研究中曾多次提及这一现象。

Previous studies have mentioned this phenomenon multiple times.

Academic context with 曾 (previously) and 多次 (multiple times).

声明明确提及了双方的责任。

The statement explicitly mentioned the responsibilities of both parties.

Using the strong adverb 明确 (explicitly).

值得提及的是，该项目已经盈利。

It is worth mentioning that the project is already profitable.

Advanced rhetorical phrase: 值得提及的是.

他在演讲中顺便提及了未来的挑战。

He mentioned future challenges in passing during his speech.

Using 顺便 (in passing) for nuance.

关于你提及的建议，我们会认真考虑。

Regarding the suggestion you mentioned, we will consider it seriously.

Using 提及 in a relative clause (提及的建议).

历史文献对此事鲜有提及。

Historical documents rarely mention this matter.

Formal phrasing: 鲜有提及 (rarely mentioned).

该条款在附件中有所提及。

This clause is mentioned to some extent in the appendix.

Using 有所 (to some extent) for precise degree.

新闻发布会并未提及具体的实施细节。

The press conference did not mention specific implementation details.

Complex object: 具体的实施细节.

尽管篇幅有限，作者还是隐晦地提及了当时的政治背景。

Despite the limited space, the author implicitly mentioned the political background of the time.

Using adverbs like 隐晦地 (implicitly) for high-level nuance.

官方通报对此类敏感问题往往避而不谈，极少提及。

Official briefings often avoid such sensitive issues and rarely mention them.

Combining idioms (避而不谈) with 提及.

该法案的草案中提及了多项旨在刺激经济的措施。

The draft of the bill mentioned multiple measures aimed at stimulating the economy.

Complex legal and economic vocabulary integration.

正如开篇所提及的那样，这一理论的适用性存在争议。

As mentioned at the beginning, the applicability of this theory is controversial.

Sophisticated discourse marker: 正如开篇所提及的那样.

他在回忆录中不经意间提及的一个细节，成为了破案的关键。

A detail he inadvertently mentioned in his memoirs became the key to solving the case.

Using 提及 as a modifier in a complex subject phrase.

对于反对派的质疑，发言人在回应中仅作了象征性的提及。

Regarding the opposition's doubts, the spokesperson only made a symbolic mention in the response.

Using 提及 as a noun phrase: 象征性的提及.

文献综述部分必须全面涵盖所有被广泛提及的核心期刊文章。

The literature review section must comprehensively cover all widely mentioned core journal articles.

Complex passive modifier: 被广泛提及的.

协议中提及的各项条款，均需经过双方严格的法律审查。

All clauses mentioned in the agreement must undergo strict legal review by both parties.

Formal legal phrasing and structure.

令人费解的是，长达百页的调查报告竟对核心利益冲突只字未提及。

Bafflingly, the hundred-page investigation report did not mention a single word about the core conflict of interest.

Using the emphatic idiom 只字未提及 (not a single word mentioned).

他巧妙地运用修辞手法，在不直接提及对手名字的情况下完成了反击。

He cleverly used rhetorical devices to complete his counterattack without directly mentioning his opponent's name.

Complex prepositional phrase: 在不直接提及...的情况下.

古典诗词中常借景抒情，对离愁别绪的提及往往含蓄而深远。

Classical poetry often uses scenery to express emotion; the mention of separation sorrow is usually subtle and profound.

Using 提及 as a formal noun in literary analysis.

条约的附件中以极其晦涩的法律术语提及了豁免权的问题。

The appendix of the treaty mentioned the issue of immunity using extremely obscure legal terminology.

High-level descriptive adverbs: 极其晦涩的.

纵观其一生的著作，对早年那段坎坷经历的提及可谓凤毛麟角。

Looking throughout his life's work, mentions of that rough early experience are extremely rare.

Combining 提及 with the advanced idiom 凤毛麟角 (extremely rare).

该判例之所以重要，是因为它首次在最高法院层面提及了数字隐私权。

The reason this precedent is important is that it mentioned digital privacy rights at the Supreme Court level for the first time.

Complex causal structure explaining legal significance.

在浩瀚的史料中，关于这位无名英雄的提及仅仅是寥寥数语。

In the vast historical records, the mention of this unsung hero is merely a few sparse words.

Poetic and historical register: 浩瀚的史料, 寥寥数语.

谈判陷入僵局，正是因为一方过早地提及了底线条件。

The negotiation fell into a stalemate precisely because one party mentioned their bottom-line conditions too early.

Precise analysis of a complex situation using 提及.

Synonyms

提到说起涉及援引

Antonyms

隐瞒忽略

Common Collocations

提及了

被提及

未提及

简要提及

明确提及

多次提及

顺便提及

只字未提及

有所提及

很少提及

Common Phrases

正如...所提及的

— As mentioned in/by... Used to reference a previous statement or document.

正如邮件中所提及的，会议取消了。 (As mentioned in the email, the meeting is canceled.)

值得提及的是

— It is worth mentioning that... Used to highlight an important point.

值得提及的是，利润增长了。 (It is worth mentioning that profits increased.)

前文提及的

— The aforementioned / mentioned previously. Used in writing.

关于前文提及的计划，我们需要讨论。 (Regarding the aforementioned plan, we need to discuss.)

顺便提及一句

— Just to mention in passing / By the way.

顺便提及一句，明天放假。 (Just to mention in passing, tomorrow is a holiday.)

未被提及的

— The unmentioned / What was not mentioned.

未被提及的细节才是关键。 (The unmentioned details are the key.)

在此提及

— Mentioned here.

我不想在此提及他的名字。 (I don't want to mention his name here.)

反复提及

— To mention repeatedly.

他反复提及那个要求。 (He repeatedly mentioned that request.)

偶尔提及

— To mention occasionally.

他只在喝醉时偶尔提及往事。 (He only occasionally mentions the past when drunk.)

不愿提及

— Unwilling to mention.

那是一段他不愿提及的过去。 (That is a past he is unwilling to mention.)

公开提及

— To mention publicly.

这是官方首次公开提及该项目。 (This is the first time the official publicly mentioned the project.)

Often Confused With

提及 vs 提到 (tí dào)

提到 is the casual equivalent of 提及. Use 提到 in daily life and 提及 in formal writing.

提及 vs 涉及 (shè jí)

涉及 means 'to involve' or 'to relate to'. 提及 is about speaking/writing about something, while 涉及 is about the scope of a topic.

提及 vs 谈及 (tán jí)

谈及 implies a discussion or conversation took place about the topic, whereas 提及 just means it was stated or brought up.

Idioms & Expressions

"只字未提"

— Not to mention a single word. Used when someone completely ignores a topic. (Note: uses 提, the root of 提及).

他对自己的贡献只字未提。 (He didn't mention a single word about his own contribution.)

Neutral/Formal

"旧事重提"

— To bring up old matters again. Often used negatively to describe bringing up past grievances.

过去的事就让它过去吧，不要旧事重提了。 (Let the past be the past, don't bring up old matters again.)

Neutral

"相提并论"

— To place on a par; to mention in the same breath. Used to compare two things.

这两件作品水平悬殊，不能相提并论。 (These two works are of vastly different levels and cannot be mentioned in the same breath.)

Formal

"绝口不提"

— To keep one's mouth shut and not mention a word.

他对那场事故绝口不提。 (He absolutely refuses to mention that accident.)

Neutral/Formal

"只字不提"

— Same as 只字未提, emphasizing the refusal to mention.

面对记者的追问，他只字不提。 (Facing the reporters' pressing questions, he didn't mention a single word.)

Neutral/Formal

"休要提起"

— Do not mention it. A slightly archaic or dramatic way to say 'don't bring it up'.

那段伤心事，休要再提起了。 (That sad matter, do not bring it up again.)

Literary/Dramatic

"避而不谈"

— To avoid talking about something. (Conceptually related to the opposite of 提及).

他对失败的原因避而不谈。 (He avoids talking about the reasons for the failure.)

Formal

"言不及义"

— To talk about things that are not to the point or lack meaning. (Uses 及).

他们聊了一下午，都是言不及义的废话。 (They chatted all afternoon, all meaningless nonsense.)

Formal/Literary

"力所不及"

— Beyond one's power or ability. (Uses 及, showing its meaning of 'reach').

这项任务我实在是力所不及。 (This task is truly beyond my ability.)

Formal

"望尘莫及"

— So far behind that one can only see the dust; completely left behind. (Uses 及).

他的技术水平让我望尘莫及。 (His technical skill leaves me completely in the dust.)

Formal

Easily Confused

提及 vs 提到

Both translate to 'mention'.

提到 is for spoken, everyday Chinese. 提及 is for formal, written Chinese. You '提到' a movie to a friend, but a report '提及' a budget.

他提到了你 (He mentioned you - casual). 报告提及了预算 (The report mentioned the budget - formal).

提及 vs 涉及

Both end in 及 and are formal words used in similar contexts.

提及 means to state or reference something. 涉及 means to involve or cover a scope. A document can 提及 a name, but a lawsuit 涉及 multiple people.

文章提及了环保 (The article mentioned environmental protection). 政策涉及所有人 (The policy involves everyone).

提及 vs 说起

Used to translate 'speaking of' or 'mentioning'.

说起 is highly colloquial and often used to transition topics in a chat. 提及 is formal and objective.

说起旅游，我想去日本 (Speaking of travel, I want to go to Japan).

提及 vs 谈及

Both mean bringing up a topic formally.

谈及 (from 谈 - to chat/discuss) implies actual discussion happened. 提及 (from 提 - to lift/bring up) just means it was referenced.

双方谈及了合作 (Both sides discussed cooperation). 信中提及了时间 (The letter mentioned the time).

提及 vs 论及

Both are formal academic words.

论及 (from 论 - to argue/discourse) means to discuss in depth or theorize about. 提及 is just a brief mention.

本书论及了古代哲学 (This book discourses upon ancient philosophy).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + 提及了 + [Object]

经理提及了新项目。 (The manager mentioned the new project.)

[Subject] + 没有提及 + [Object]

他没有提及钱。 (He did not mention money.)

在 + [Context] + 中，[Subject] + 提及了 + [Object]

在报告中，他提及了风险。 (In the report, he mentioned the risks.)

正如 + [Context] + 所提及的，...

正如信中所提及的，我明天不在。 (As mentioned in the letter, I am away tomorrow.)

[Object] + 被 + [Adverb] + 提及

这个问题被广泛提及。 (This issue was widely mentioned.)

值得提及的是，...

值得提及的是，利润翻倍了。 (It is worth mentioning that profits doubled.)

[Subject] + 对 + [Object] + 只字未提/鲜少提及

官方对此事鲜少提及。 (The official rarely mentions this matter.)

[Subject] + 顺便提及了 + [Object]

他在结尾顺便提及了下次会议。 (He mentioned the next meeting in passing at the end.)

Word Family

Verbs

提 (tí - to lift/raise)

及 (jí - to reach)

提到 (tí dào - to mention)

提供 (tí gōng - to provide)

普及 (pǔ jí - to popularize)

涉及 (shè jí - to involve)

谈及 (tán jí - to touch upon)

论及 (lùn jí - to discuss)

述及 (shù jí - to state and mention)

顾及 (gù jí - to take into account)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written Chinese and formal spoken Chinese; rare in casual daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using 提及 in casual conversation with friends. (e.g., 昨天我提及了你) → 昨天我提到了你。
提及 is too formal for casual chats. It sounds stiff and unnatural. Use 提到 (tí dào) for everyday conversations.
Adding 关于 (about) after 提及. (e.g., 报告提及了关于预算的问题) → 报告提及了预算问题。
提及 is a transitive verb that directly takes the object. Adding 关于 makes the sentence redundant and grammatically clunky.
Using 不 to negate a past mention. (e.g., 他昨天不提及这件事) → 他昨天没有提及这件事。 (or 未提及)
Because mentioning is an action that did or did not happen in the past, you must use 没有 (or the formal 未) to negate it, never 不.
Using 提及 without an object. (e.g., 开会时老板提及了) → 开会时老板提及了新项目。
In Chinese, 提及 cannot stand alone at the end of a sentence like 'mentioned' sometimes can in English. It must be followed by what was mentioned.
Adding 了 when 提及 is used as a modifier. (e.g., 这是他提及了的计划) → 这是他提及的计划。
When 提及 is part of a relative clause modifying a noun (the plan he mentioned), the aspect marker 了 is usually dropped to make the sentence flow naturally.

Tips

Direct Objects Only

Never use 关于 (about) after 提及. It is a transitive verb that directly takes its object. 'Mention the book' is 提及这本书, not 提及关于这本书.

Suit and Tie Vocabulary

Think of 提及 as wearing a suit. You wear it to the office (emails, reports, meetings) but you take it off when hanging out with friends (use 提到 instead).

The 'As Mentioned' Formula

Memorize the formula '正如...所提及的'. It is the ultimate professional transition phrase for emails. 正如邮件中所提及的 (As mentioned in the email).

Don't Forget '了'

When reporting that someone mentioned something, almost always add 了 after 提及 to show the action is complete. 他提及了预算 (He mentioned the budget).

Academic Power Word

If you are writing an essay or thesis in Chinese, use 提及 to cite sources. '史密斯教授在论文中提及...' (Professor Smith mentioned in his paper...).

Formal Negation with 未

To sound incredibly professional, replace 没有 with 未 when negating 提及. 合同未提及 (The contract did not mention) sounds better than 合同没有提及.

Embrace the Passive

In English, we often avoid the passive voice. In formal Chinese writing, 被提及 (was mentioned) is highly encouraged to maintain an objective tone.

Boost with Adverbs

Make your sentences more precise by adding adverbs before 提及. 明确提及 (explicitly mention), 简要提及 (briefly mention), 多次提及 (repeatedly mention).

News Indicator

When reading Chinese news, scan for 提及. The words immediately following it will give you the core subject of the official statement being reported.

The 'By the Way' Trick

Use 顺便提及一下 (Just to mention in passing) in formal meetings when you want to softly introduce a new, minor topic without disrupting the main agenda.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are holding a cup of TEA (提 - tí) and driving a JEEP (及 - jí). You are driving the jeep to a formal meeting where you will MENTION the new tea brand. TEA + JEEP = MENTION.

Visual Association

Visualize a person physically LIFTING (提) a heavy box labeled 'TOPIC' and placing it on a table so that it REACHES (及) the view of everyone in the boardroom. The act of lifting and reaching is the act of mentioning.

Word Web

提及 (Center) 提 (Lift/Bring up) 及 (Reach) 提到 (Casual synonym) 正式 (Formal - context) 报告 (Report - location) 被提及 (Passive usage) 未提及 (Negative usage)

Challenge

Write a formal email in Chinese to your boss. In the email, you must use the phrase '正如我在上次会议中所提及的' (As I mentioned in the last meeting) to remind them of a budget request.

Word Origin

The word 提及 is a modern compound word formed by combining two ancient characters. 提 (tí) originally meant 'to carry something suspended in the hand'. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to mean 'to lift up a topic' or 'to bring up'. 及 (jí) originally depicted a hand grabbing a person from behind, meaning 'to catch up with' or 'to reach'.

Original meaning: Literally 'to bring up (a topic) and reach (the audience's attention)'.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

There are no specific cultural sensitivities or taboos associated with the word 提及 itself. It is a neutral, objective verb.

English speakers often overuse the word 'mention' in casual contexts ('He mentioned he likes pizza'). In Chinese, translating this directly to 提及 sounds absurdly formal. English speakers must learn to split their concept of 'mention' into the casual 提到 and the formal 提及.

Official government white papers frequently use 提及 to cite historical treaties. Academic dissertations in Chinese universities mandate the use of words like 提及 for literature reviews. News broadcasts on CCTV (China Central Television) use 提及 daily when summarizing leaders' speeches.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Meetings & Emails

正如邮件中所提及的 (As mentioned in the email)
会议提及了 (The meeting mentioned)
未提及预算 (Did not mention the budget)
明确提及 (Explicitly mentioned)

Academic Writing

前人研究提及 (Previous studies mentioned)
文献中被提及 (Mentioned in the literature)
值得提及的是 (It is worth mentioning that)
简要提及 (Briefly mentioned)

News & Journalism

声明中提及 (Mentioned in the statement)
发言人提及 (The spokesperson mentioned)
报道未提及 (The report did not mention)
多次提及 (Mentioned multiple times)

Legal Documents

合同提及的条款 (Clauses mentioned in the contract)
法案提及 (The bill mentions)
未提及责任 (Did not mention liability)
附件中提及 (Mentioned in the appendix)

Formal Presentations

我刚才提及的 (What I just mentioned)
稍后会提及 (Will mention later)
顺便提及 (Mention in passing)
重点提及 (Mention as a key point)

Conversation Starters

"关于你在上一封邮件中提及的计划，我们什么时候可以详细讨论一下？ (Regarding the plan you mentioned in your last email, when can we discuss it in detail?)"

"你看了今天的新闻吗？报道中提及了新的税收政策。 (Did you see the news today? The report mentioned the new tax policy.)"

"正如校长在开学典礼上提及的，今年的学习任务很重。 (As the principal mentioned at the opening ceremony, this year's study load is heavy.)"

"会议纪要里好像没有提及下一次开会的时间，你知道吗？ (The meeting minutes don't seem to mention the time for the next meeting, do you know?)"

"值得提及的是，我们这个月的销售额创了新高。 (It is worth mentioning that our sales this month hit a new high.)"

Journal Prompts

Summarize a recent news article you read. Use '报道中提及了...' (The report mentioned...) to list the key points.

Write a formal email to a hypothetical professor referencing a topic they brought up in class. Use '正如您在课上提及的...' (As you mentioned in class...).

Describe a situation where an important detail was left out of a plan. Use '计划中未提及...' (The plan did not mention...).

Reflect on a book you read recently. What themes were frequently mentioned? Use '书中多次提及...' (The book frequently mentioned...).

Write a short business proposal and include a section that says '值得提及的是...' (It is worth mentioning that...) to highlight a benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is highly recommended not to. 提及 is a formal word. Using it with friends will make you sound like a news anchor or a legal document. Instead, use 提到 (tí dào) or 说 (shuō) for casual conversations.

Yes, 提及 is a transitive verb. You cannot just say '他提及了' (He mentioned). You must specify what was mentioned, for example, '他提及了那个计划' (He mentioned that plan).

提及了 (le) means the action of mentioning was completed, usually focusing on a specific past event (e.g., He mentioned it yesterday). 提及过 (guo) emphasizes the experience of having mentioned it at some point in the past (e.g., He has mentioned it before).

No, this is a common mistake made by English speakers. In Chinese, 提及 directly takes the object. Do not add 关于 (about). Say 提及这个问题, not 提及关于这个问题.

The standard and most professional phrase is '正如前文所提及的' (zhèng rú qián wén suǒ tí jí de) or '正如之前所提及的' (zhèng rú zhī qián suǒ tí jí de).

Yes, the passive voice 被提及 (bèi tí jí) is very common in formal writing, academic papers, and news reports when the focus is on the topic rather than the person who mentioned it.

Yes, you can mention a person. For example, '他在演讲中提及了你' (He mentioned you in his speech). However, in casual settings, '他提到了你' is much more natural.

顺便提及 (shùn biàn tí jí) means 'to mention in passing' or 'incidentally'. It is used when you want to add a minor point that is not the main focus of your communication.

Because 提及 refers to a past action, you negate it with 没有 (méi yǒu) or the more formal 未 (wèi). Do not use 不 (bù). Example: 报告未提及此事 (The report did not mention this matter).

提及 is primarily a verb. However, in highly advanced or translated texts, it can sometimes function as a noun phrase (e.g., '对这个问题的提及' - the mention of this problem), though this is less common than its verb usage.