刷新

shuāxīn

to renovate

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"刷新" literally means "to brush anew" and is commonly used to mean "to refresh" or "to update." It is frequently used in digital contexts, such as refreshing a webpage or screen to load the latest information. Beyond technology, it also means "to break or set a new record" in sports or competitions, and figuratively, it can mean "to renew" or "refresh" one's memory or ideas.

Common Collocations

  • 刷新网页 (refresh a webpage): used when updating online content.
  • 刷新纪录 (break a record): used in sports or achievements.
  • 刷新记忆 (refresh memory): used when recalling or renewing knowledge.

Usage Notes

"刷新" is a formal and neutral term suitable for both spoken and written Chinese. It is often used in technical, sports, and educational contexts. Avoid confusing it with "更新," which also means "update" but is broader and can refer to software, data, or general updates. "刷新" emphasizes the act of making something appear new or current, especially visually or mentally.

Example Sentences

请刷新网页以查看最新内容。

Qǐng shuāxīn wǎngyè yǐ chákan zuìxīn nèiróng.

Please refresh the webpage to see the latest content.

这次比赛刷新了全国纪录。

Zhè cì bǐsài shuāxīn le quánguó jìlù.

This competition broke the national record.

你需要刷新一下你的记忆。

Nǐ xūyào shuāxīn yíxià nǐ de jìyì.

You need to refresh your memory a bit.