HSK · Level 3
131 words
Chinese word
新手
Pronunciation
Pinyinxīn shǒu
Meaning
- nounbeginner
Example
他刚来公司，还是个新手。tā gāng lái gōng sī hái shì gè xīn shǒu
He just joined the company and is still a beginner.
More examples
这款软件对新手很友好，功能易上手。zhè kuǎn ruǎn jiàn duì xīn shǒu hěn yóu hǎo gōng néng yì shàng shǒu
This software is very beginner-friendly, and its features are easy to use.
Core concept
A learner who has started a task but has not yet developed reliable skill or smooth technique.
Common phrases
对新手友好duì xīn shǒu yóu hǎo
beginner-friendly
新手入门xīn shǒu rù mén
beginner's introduction
新手指南xīn shǒu zhǐ nán
beginner's guide
Similar words
初学者chū xué zhě: A learner at the very beginning of a subject, with only basic knowledge and skills.
新人xīn rén: A newcomer to a group or workplace who is still unfamiliar with how things are done there.
生手shēng shǒu: A person inexperienced in practical work and not yet skilled in carrying it out.
外行wài háng: A nonexpert in a field who does not understand or handle its specialized matters correctly.
Definition in Chinese
指刚开始做某事、缺乏经验或技巧的人。zhǐ gāng kāi shǐ zuò mǒu shì quē fá jīng yàn huò jì qiǎo de rén
Word origin
新 (xīn, "new") + 手 (shǒu, "hand") forms a person who is new to a task, with 手 pointing to practical skill and experience.
Usage tips
- In everyday conversation, this noun can describe a new driver, player, or employee even when the person is already familiar with the wider setting.
Other meanings
- newcomernoun
Opposites
- 高手gāo shǒuexpertnoun
- 老手láo shǒuveterannoun