shíjiàn: 实践 - Practice, To Put into Practice, Implementation
Quick Summary
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Summary: Discover the meaning of 实践 (shíjiàn), a fundamental Chinese term that goes beyond simple “practice.” Learn how shíjiàn represents the crucial act of applying theory and knowledge to the real world, a concept deeply embedded in Chinese philosophy and modern life. This guide breaks down its characters, cultural significance, and practical usage with clear examples, helping you distinguish it from similar words like `练习 (liànxí)` and use it accurately.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): shíjiàn
Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: To put theory, knowledge, or a plan into practice; the application or implementation of an idea.
In a Nutshell:实践 (shíjiàn) isn't about repetitive drills like practicing piano scales. Instead, it's the vital bridge between knowing something and *doing* something with that knowledge. It's about testing ideas, plans, and theories in the real world to see if they work. Think of it as “application,” “implementation,” or “real-world practice.” It carries a sense of purpose, action, and validation.
Character Breakdown
实 (shí): This character means “real,” “actual,” “solid,” or “true.” It's composed of the radical `宀` (bǎogài) representing a roof, and a component below that originally depicted strung-together valuables. Together, they signify something real and substantial.
践 (jiàn): This character means “to tread,” “to step on,” or “to fulfill (a promise).” It features the foot radical `⻊` (zú) on the left, clearly indicating action, movement, or walking a path.
Combined Meaning: The characters literally combine to mean “to tread a real path” or “to take real steps.” This beautifully illustrates the word's meaning: moving beyond abstract thought and taking concrete actions to make something a reality.
Cultural Context and Significance
Philosophical Roots: `实践` is deeply connected to the Neo-Confucian concept of 知行合一 (zhī xíng hé yī), or “the unity of knowledge and action,” promoted by the philosopher Wang Yangming. This philosophy argues that one cannot truly be said to “know” something until one has acted upon that knowledge. `实践` is the very embodiment of the “action” (行) part of this equation.
Political Importance: The phrase 实践是检验真理的唯一标准 (shíjiàn shì jiǎnyàn zhēnlǐ de wéiyī biāozhǔn), meaning “Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth,” became a cornerstone of Deng Xiaoping's reform era in the late 1970s. It signaled a major shift away from rigid ideology towards a more pragmatic approach to governance and economic development, emphasizing results over doctrine. This phrase is still widely known and used in China.
Comparison to “Practice”: In English, “practice” can mean repetitive drills (piano practice), a professional field (medical practice), or a habit (a daily practice of meditation). 实践 (shíjiàn) is much more specific. It almost exclusively refers to the application of a plan, theory, or belief. It's less about building a skill through repetition and more about validating a concept through implementation. While you `练习 (liànxí)` your tennis serve, you `实践 (shíjiàn)` a new game strategy during a match.
Practical Usage in Modern China
In Business and Technology: This term is extremely common in professional settings. Teams discuss how to `实践` a new business strategy, engineers `实践` a new technical theory, and companies `实践` their corporate social responsibility promises. It's the “implementation” phase of any project.
In Education: Educators emphasize the need for students to `实践` what they learn in the classroom. This is why internships (`实习 shíxí`) and hands-on projects are so valued. It's about connecting `理论 (lǐlùn)` (theory) with real-world application.
In Personal Development: An individual might talk about putting a life philosophy, a piece of advice, or a new habit into `实践`. For example, “I've read a lot about mindfulness; now I need to actually `实践` it in my daily life.”
Formality: `实践` is a standard, slightly formal word. It's not overly academic, but it's more serious than casual slang. It's appropriate for written reports, formal discussions, and serious conversations.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
理论必须与实践相结合。
Pinyin: Lǐlùn bìxū yǔ shíjiàn xiāng jiéhé.
English: Theory must be combined with practice.
Analysis: This is a classic sentence that perfectly captures the core meaning of `实践` as the real-world counterpart to `理论` (theory).
Example 2:
我们需要一个能付诸实践的计划。
Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào yīgè néng fùzhū shíjiàn de jìhuà.
English: We need a plan that can be put into practice.
Analysis: The phrase `付诸实践 (fùzhū shíjiàn)` is a very common and slightly formal set phrase meaning “to put into practice.”
Example 3:
他把自己的想法在公司里进行了实践。
Pinyin: Tā bǎ zìjǐ de xiǎngfǎ zài gōngsī lǐ jìnxíngle shíjiàn.
English: He put his ideas into practice within the company.
Analysis: Here, `实践` is used as a noun, part of the pattern `进行实践 (jìnxíng shíjiàn)`, meaning “to carry out the practice/implementation of.”
Example 4:
实践证明，这个方法是有效的。
Pinyin: Shíjiàn zhèngmíng, zhège fāngfǎ shì yǒuxiào de.
English: Practice has proven that this method is effective.
Analysis: This shows how `实践` can be the subject of a sentence. It refers to the collective experience or results from applying something.
English: Many young people gain experience through social practice activities (e.g., volunteering, community projects).
Analysis: `社会实践 (shèhuì shíjiàn)` is a common term for activities where students apply their skills and values in a community setting, similar to service-learning.
English: Their environmental philosophy is interesting, but it's difficult to put into practice.
Analysis: The structure `实践起来 (shíjiàn qǐlái)` means “when it comes to actually practicing/implementing it.” It's a common way to discuss the practical challenges of an idea.
Example 7:
他是一个勇于实践、敢于创新的人。
Pinyin: Tā shì yīgè yǒngyú shíjiàn, gǎnyú chuàngxīn de rén.
English: He is a person who has the courage to put things into practice and the boldness to innovate.
Analysis: This sentence uses `实践` to describe a personal characteristic—being an “doer” and not just a “talker.”
English: In the practice of teaching, we discovered many problems.
Analysis: Here, `教学实践 (jiàoxué shíjiàn)` refers to the real-world act of teaching, as opposed to educational theory.
Example 10:
实践是检验真理的唯一标准。
Pinyin: Shíjiàn shì jiǎnyàn zhēnlǐ de wéiyī biāozhǔn.
English: Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth.
Analysis: This is the famous political and philosophical slogan mentioned earlier. Using it shows a deep understanding of modern Chinese culture.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`实践 (shíjiàn)` vs. `练习 (liànxí)`: This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
`练习 (liànxí)`: Use this for repetitive drills to build or maintain a skill. It's about improving proficiency.
Correct: 我每天练习一个小时的中文口语。(Wǒ měitiān liànxí yīgè xiǎoshí de Zhōngwén kǒuyǔ.) - I practice spoken Chinese for one hour every day.
Incorrect: 我每天实践一个小时的中文口语。 (This sounds strange, as if you are testing a grand theory about speaking Chinese every day.)
`实践 (shíjiàn)`: Use this for applying a theory, plan, or concept to a real situation. It's about testing or implementing an idea.
Correct: 我们要在实际工作中实践新的管理理念。(Wǒmen yào zài shíjì gōngzuò zhōng shíjiàn xīn de guǎnlǐ lǐniàn.) - We must put into practice the new management philosophy in our actual work.
Incorrect: 我们要练习新的管理理念。 (This implies you are just doing drills or exercises about the philosophy, not actually implementing it.)
Related Terms and Concepts
理论 (lǐlùn) - Theory; the conceptual opposite of `实践`.
练习 (liànxí) - To practice (a skill), exercise (noun); distinguished from `实践` by its focus on repetition for proficiency.
实习 (shíxí) - Internship, to work as an intern; a very specific and common form of `实践` for students and new graduates.
实行 (shíxíng) - To implement, to carry out; a close synonym often used for policies, rules, or systems. It's slightly more formal and action-oriented than `实践`.
实际 (shíjì) - Actual, practical, reality. The adjective form (`实际的`) describes things related to `实践`.
应用 (yìngyòng) - To apply, application. Very similar to `实践`, but often used in technical or scientific contexts (e.g., software application).
经验 (jīngyàn) - Experience; often seen as the direct result of `实践`.
知行合一 (zhī xíng hé yī) - The unity of knowledge and action; the philosophical principle that gives `实践` its cultural weight.