素不相识

No base JSON record found for this token.

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"素不相识" literally means 'completely unfamiliar with each other' and is used to describe people who have never met or do not know each other at all. It often emphasizes the lack of any prior relationship or acquaintance.

Common Contexts

This phrase is frequently used in storytelling, conversations about strangers, or situations where unexpected help or interaction occurs between people who do not know each other.

Collocations and Patterns

Nuance

Using "素不相识" stresses the total absence of familiarity, often to highlight surprise or emphasize the social distance between people. It is more formal and literary compared to simply saying "认识" (do not know).

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "素不相识" with "认识"; the former stresses complete unfamiliarity and is often used in more formal or narrative contexts, while the latter is a general term for not knowing someone.

Example Sentences

We are complete strangers; why do you want to help me?

He and I are complete strangers, yet he wrote me a letter.

In this city, even people who are complete strangers can become friends.