Keywords: 提醒, tíxǐng, how to say remind in Chinese, remind in Chinese, warn in Chinese, Chinese verb for remind, 提醒 meaning, 提醒 vs 通知, set a reminder in Chinese.
Summary: Learn how to use 提醒 (tíxǐng), the essential Chinese verb for “to remind” or “to call attention to.” This guide covers its meaning, from a friendly nudge to a gentle warning, and its cultural role in showing consideration. Understand the difference between 提醒 (tíxǐng), 通知 (tōngzhī), and 警告 (jǐnggào) with practical examples for daily conversation, work, and digital life, making it a must-know word for any beginner.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): tíxǐng
Part of Speech: Verb
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: To remind; to call attention to; to warn gently.
In a Nutshell:提醒 (tíxǐng) is the act of bringing something back into someone's awareness. Think of it as a helpful, verbal tap on the shoulder. It's for information that someone might know but has likely forgotten, like an appointment or a task. It's generally a friendly, cooperative action, much more gentle than a formal “warning.”
Character Breakdown
提 (tí): This character's radical is a hand (手). Its core meaning is “to lift” or “to raise.” In 提醒, it takes on the meaning of “to bring up” or “to raise” a point or topic for discussion.
醒 (xǐng): This character means “to wake up” or “to be alert/sober.” It's the feeling of coming out of a state of sleep or unawareness.
When combined, 提醒 (tíxǐng) literally means “to lift [an idea] to wakefulness.” It perfectly describes the action of pulling a forgotten piece of information from the back of someone's mind to the front, making them mentally “awake” to it.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, which often emphasizes collective well-being and harmony, giving a timely 提醒 (tíxǐng) is frequently seen as a sign of thoughtfulness and care. It's a proactive way to help others (and the group) avoid mistakes or inefficiencies. For example, reminding a coworker about a deadline isn't just about the task; it's about showing you're a supportive team member.
Comparison to Western Culture: In more individualistic Western cultures, an unsolicited reminder can sometimes be interpreted as nagging, condescending, or implying that the other person is forgetful or incompetent. While this can also happen in Chinese culture depending on the tone and frequency, a gentle 提醒 (tíxǐng) is far more likely to be received positively as a gesture of goodwill. It's a low-friction tool for maintaining social and professional harmony.
Practical Usage in Modern China
Everyday Life: It's used constantly among friends and family for simple things. “提醒我五点打电话” (Remind me to make a phone call at 5).
Workplace: In the office, 提醒 is a standard and professional way to ensure tasks are on track. It's common in emails and meetings. “我发这封邮件是为了提醒大家，报告周五到期” (I'm sending this email to remind everyone that the report is due Friday).
Digital Age: This is the exact term used for digital alerts. “设置一个提醒” (shèzhì yí ge tíxǐng) means “to set a reminder” on your phone or computer. The notification itself is also a 提醒.
Gentle Warning: It can be used as a soft warning, much less severe than 警告 (jǐnggào). For example: “我得提醒你，那里的路不太好走” (I have to remind/warn you, the roads there aren't very good).
Example Sentences
Example 1:
谢谢你的提醒，我差点忘了。
Pinyin: Xièxie nǐ de tíxǐng, wǒ chàdiǎn wàng le.
English: Thanks for the reminder, I almost forgot.
Analysis: Here, 提醒 is used as a noun (“the reminder”). This is a very common and polite response after someone reminds you of something.
Example 2:
你能提醒我明天带护照吗？
Pinyin: Nǐ néng tíxǐng wǒ míngtiān dài hùzhào ma?
English: Can you remind me to bring my passport tomorrow?
Analysis: A classic example of asking someone for a future reminder. This is a very natural and common request.
Example 3:
医生提醒他要按时吃药。
Pinyin: Yīshēng tíxǐng tā yào ànshí chī yào.
English: The doctor reminded him to take his medicine on time.
Analysis: Shows a situation where the reminder is important for someone's well-being. The relationship is professional (doctor-patient).
Example 4:
我想提醒一下，会议室已经被预订了。
Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng tíxǐng yíxià, huìyìshì yǐjīng bèi yùdìng le.
English: I'd like to just remind everyone that the conference room is already booked.
Analysis: The use of “一下 (yíxià)” softens the tone, making the reminder sound more casual and less demanding. This is very common in spoken Chinese.
Example 5:
手机提醒我今天是你的生日。
Pinyin: Shǒujī tíxǐng wǒ jīntiān shì nǐ de shēngrì.
English: My phone reminded me that today is your birthday.
Analysis: Perfect example of how 提醒 is used in the context of technology and digital alerts.
English: I must remind you that this project is very risky.
Analysis: Here, 提醒 functions as a gentle but serious warning. It's stronger than a simple reminder but not as harsh as a formal 警告 (jǐnggào).
Example 7:
他善意地提醒我注意言辞。
Pinyin: Tā shànyì de tíxǐng wǒ zhùyì yáncí.
English: He kindly reminded me to pay attention to my wording.
Analysis: The adverb “善意地 (shànyì de)” means “with good intentions” or “kindly,” emphasizing the helpful and non-confrontational nature of the reminder.
Example 8:
这幅画让我想起了我的家乡，这是一个很好的提醒。
Pinyin: Zhè fú huà ràng wǒ xiǎng qǐ le wǒ de jiāxiāng, zhè shì yí ge hěn hǎo de tíxǐng.
English: This painting makes me think of my hometown; it's a good reminder.
Analysis: This shows a more abstract use of 提醒 as a noun, referring to something that triggers a memory or a feeling.
English: As a friend, I feel it's necessary to remind you.
Analysis: A common preface to giving unsolicited but well-intentioned advice or a reminder, establishing the friendly context first.
Example 10:
请把这个当作一个友好的提醒。
Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ zhège dàngzuò yí ge yǒuhǎo de tíxǐng.
English: Please take this as a friendly reminder.
Analysis: A phrase often used in written communication (like emails) to ensure the message is perceived as helpful rather than demanding.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`提醒 (tíxǐng)` vs. `通知 (tōngzhī)` - Reminder vs. Notification:
提醒 is for information the person already knows but may have forgotten.
通知 is for giving *new* information.
Mistake: ~~我提醒你，明天的会议取消了。~~ (I remind you, tomorrow's meeting is cancelled.)
Correct: 我通知你，明天的会议取消了。(I'm notifying you that tomorrow's meeting is cancelled.)
`提醒 (tíxǐng)` vs. `警告 (jǐnggào)` - Gentle vs. Severe Warning:
提醒 is a soft warning, often out of concern.
警告 is a serious warning, implying strong, negative consequences if ignored.
Mistake: A sign near a cliff says: “友善的提醒：不要靠近悬崖。” (Friendly reminder: Don't get close to the cliff.) While understandable, a stronger word is needed for safety.
Correct:警告：不要靠近悬崖。( Warning: Do not get close to the cliff.)
Related Terms and Concepts
通知 (tōngzhī) - To notify or inform. Used for conveying new information, not forgotten information.
警告 (jǐnggào) - To warn. Much more severe than `提醒`, implies serious consequences.
注意 (zhùyì) - To pay attention. `提醒` is the action of getting someone to `注意` something.
提示 (tíshì) - To prompt, to hint. Often more subtle and indirect than `提醒`. A pop-up tool-tip on a website is a `提示`.
记得 (jìde) - To remember. This is the state you are in when you don't need a `提醒`.
忘记 (wàngjì) - To forget. This is the state that necessitates a `提醒`.
备忘录 (bèiwànglù) - A memo, memorandum. A physical or digital tool (like the “Memos” app) used for the purpose of reminding oneself of things.