jìhào: 记号 - Mark, Sign, Symbol, Notation

• Keywords: jìhào, 记号, what does jihao mean, Chinese symbol, Chinese mark, notation in Chinese, leave a mark, sign in Chinese, Chinese for mark, HSK 4 vocabulary.
• Summary: Learn the versatile Chinese word 记号 (jìhào), a fundamental term for any physical mark, sign, or symbol used to identify, remember, or communicate something. From a simple checkmark on a list to secret signs on a trail or complex musical notation, `记号` is the go-to noun for a deliberate, functional mark. This guide will break down its meaning, practical usage, and how it differs from similar words like `符号 (fúhào)` and `标志 (biāozhì)`.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jìhào
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: A mark, sign, or symbol used for identification or as a reminder.
• In a Nutshell: Think of `记号` as any kind of “mark” you make with a purpose. It's less about abstract symbolism and more about practical, physical signs. It could be an 'X' on a treasure map, a knot in a rope to remember something, a notch on a tree to mark a path, or a checkmark next to a completed task. It’s a physical trace left intentionally to convey information or aid memory.

• 记 (jì): This character means “to remember,” “to record,” or “to note down.” The left-side radical, 讠(yán), is the “speech” radical, indicating something related to language or communication. The right side, 己 (jǐ), means “oneself.” Together, they create the idea of recording something for oneself to remember.
• 号 (hào): This character means “mark,” “sign,” or “number.” The 口 (kǒu) radical at the top means “mouth,” alluding to calling out or announcing, while the rest of the character contributes to the sound. In this context, it refers to a visual signifier, like a number on a door or a symbol on a page.

When combined, 记号 (jìhào) literally means a “remembering mark” or a “recording sign”—a perfect description of its function.

While `记号` is primarily a functional word, its importance is rooted in the visual nature of the Chinese language itself. Chinese characters are, in essence, highly sophisticated `记号` that have evolved over millennia. This background gives the concept of “making a mark” a foundational role in communication. A helpful comparison for Western learners is to contrast `记号` with the English word “symbol.”

• A “symbol” in English can be highly abstract. For example, a dove is a symbol of peace, and a lion is a symbol of courage. These are conceptual connections.
• A `记号` is almost always concrete and practical. It's the physical mark itself. While a secret sign could be symbolic to the people who understand it, the word `记号` focuses on the physical sign—the scratch, the drawing, the mark—rather than a broad, abstract cultural meaning. You would not say a dove is a `记号` for peace; you would use a different word like 象征 (xiàngzhēng). `记号` is about utility and direct communication through a physical trace.

`记号` is a common, everyday word used in a variety of situations. It is generally neutral in connotation and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• Marking for Identification: This is the most common use. People use it when they need to distinguish their belongings or mark a specific location.
  • e.g., Making a mark on your luggage at the airport, putting a sticky note in a book.
• Leaving a Message or Trail: This usage has a hint of adventure or secrecy, like leaving signs for others to follow.
  • e.g., Hikers marking a trail, or children leaving secret signs for their friends.
• Technical and Formal Notation: In specialized fields, `记号` refers to sets of conventional symbols.
  • e.g., 音乐记号 (yīnyuè jìhào) for musical notation, or 音标记号 (yīnbiāo jìhào) for phonetic symbols.

• Example 1:
  • 我在我的书上做了一个记号，这样就不会忘了读到哪里了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zài wǒ de shū shàng zuòle yí ge jìhào, zhèyàng jiù bú huì wàng le dú dào nǎlǐ le.
  • English: I made a mark in my book so I wouldn't forget where I'd read to.
  • Analysis: A classic, everyday use of `记号` as a bookmark or reminder.
• Example 2:
  • 为了防止迷路，我们在树上留下了记号。
  • Pinyin: Wèile fángzhǐ mílù, wǒmen zài shù shàng liúxià le jìhào.
  • English: To prevent getting lost, we left marks on the trees.
  • Analysis: This shows `记号` used for navigation, similar to a trail marker or blaze.
• Example 3:
  • 这是我们之间的秘密记号，别人看不懂。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒmen zhījiān de mìmì jìhào, biérén kàn bù dǒng.
  • English: This is our secret sign; other people won't understand it.
  • Analysis: Here, `记号` functions as a form of code or secret communication.
• Example 4:
  • 老师用红笔在我的作业上画了一个对勾记号。
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī yòng hóng bǐ zài wǒ de zuòyè shàng huàle yí ge duìgōu jìhào.
  • English: The teacher drew a check mark on my homework with a red pen.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates `记号` in an educational context. A checkmark (对勾) is a type of `记号`.
• Example 5:
  • 你能解释一下地图上这个记号是什么意思吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng jiěshì yíxià dìtú shàng zhè ge jìhào shì shénme yìsi ma?
  • English: Can you explain what this mark on the map means?
  • Analysis: A common question when trying to understand a legend or key.
• Example 6:
  • 每个包裹上都有一个特殊的记号来区分它们。
  • Pinyin: Měi ge bāoguǒ shàng dōu yǒu yí ge tèshū de jìhào lái qūfēn tāmen.
  • English: Each package has a special mark on it to distinguish them.
  • Analysis: Highlights the use of `记号` for sorting and identification in logistics.
• Example 7:
  • 这个记号太小了，我几乎没看见。
  • Pinyin: Zhè ge jìhào tài xiǎo le, wǒ jīhū méi kànjiàn.
  • English: This mark is too small, I almost didn't see it.
  • Analysis: A simple sentence describing the physical attribute of a `记号`.
• Example 8:
  • 作曲家使用各种记号来表示音高和节奏。
  • Pinyin: Zuòqǔjiā shǐyòng gèzhǒng jìhào lái biǎoshì yīngāo hé jiézòu.
  • English: Composers use various notations (marks) to represent pitch and rhythm.
  • Analysis: This shows the technical use of `记号` in the context of music theory.
• Example 9:
  • 他在门框上刻了一个记号来记录孩子的身高。
  • Pinyin: Tā zài ménkuàng shàng kè le yí ge jìhào lái jìlù háizi de shēngāo.
  • English: He carved a mark on the doorframe to record his child's height.
  • Analysis: A sentimental and practical use of `记号` to track growth over time.
• Example 10:
  • 小偷可能会在目标房屋附近留下不易察觉的记号。
  • Pinyin: Xiǎotōu kěnéng huì zài mùbiāo fángwū fùjìn liúxià bùyì chájué de jìhào.
  • English: Thieves might leave inconspicuous marks near a target house.
  • Analysis: This example shows a more sinister use of `记号` as a covert sign.

The most common mistake for learners is confusing `记号` with other words for “sign” or “symbol.”

• `记号 (jìhào)` vs. `符号 (fúhào)`
  • `记号` is a practical, often informal or self-made mark (e.g., a scratch on a door, an 'X' on a page).
  • `符号 (fúhào)` is a standardized, conventional symbol (e.g., mathematical symbols like +, -, punctuation marks like ?, !, currency symbols like ¥, $).
  • Overlap: A checkmark (✓) is a `记号` you make, but it's also a universally understood `符号`. The key is that `符号` implies a pre-existing system, while `记号` can be created on the spot.
• `记号 (jìhào)` vs. `标志 (biāozhì)`
  • `记号` is typically small, personal, and can be temporary.
  • `标志 (biāozhì)` is a public, official, or commercial sign or logo. A traffic sign, a company's logo (like the Nike swoosh), or a landmark are all `标志`. You would never call a stop sign a `记号`.
• Incorrect Usage Example:
  • Incorrect: 鸽子是和平的记号。 (Gēzi shì hépíng de jìhào.)
  • Why it's wrong: This sentence tries to say “A dove is a symbol of peace.” As discussed, `记号` is for concrete marks, not abstract symbolism.
  • Correct: 鸽子是和平的象征 (xiàngzhēng).

• 符号 (fúhào) - A standardized symbol (mathematical, punctuation). More formal and systematic than `记号`.
• 标志 (biāozhì) - A sign, logo, or landmark. Used for public and official identification.
• 标记 (biāojì) - A mark or sign. Very similar to `记号` and often interchangeable as a noun. However, `标记` can also be used as a verb meaning “to mark.”
• 痕迹 (hénjì) - A trace, mark, or vestige. Crucially, a `痕迹` is often unintentional (like footprints in the sand or a scar), whereas a `记号` is always made intentionally.
• 暗号 (ànhào) - A secret sign, password, or countersign. This is a specific type of `记号` used for covert communication.
• 信号 (xìnhào) - A signal. Refers to something that transmits information, often through a change in state, like a traffic light (`交通信号灯`) or a radio signal.
• 号码 (hàomǎ) - Number (as in a series for identification, e.g., phone number, room number). It shares the character `号`.
• 记 (jì) - The root verb meaning “to remember” or “to record.”