Meanings of 丫
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 丫
Podcast: 丫
Podcast: 丫
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 丫
丫 is often used in informal contexts, especially in southern Chinese dialects, to refer to a girl. Learners should be cautious not to confuse it with more formal terms for girls or women like 女孩 (nǚhái) or 女人 (nǚrén). Additionally, it is important to use the correct tone, as 'yā' with the first tone has a distinct meaning.
Although not officially listed in HSK levels, understanding 丫 can enhance comprehension of expressions involving bifurcation or division. Students should connect this character with other words that imply splitting or duality, such as 分 (fēn) which means 'to divide.'
Learners often confuse 丫 with other characters that denote girls, like 女孩 (nǚhái). Additionally, they might mistakenly use it in formal contexts, which can sound awkward. Always ensure the context is informal when using 丫 for 'girl.'
Pronunciation of 丫
Drill the tone of 丫 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 丫
Pictograph of a fork or branch.
A forked line 丨
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 丫
Pictograph of a fork or branch.
- 1The giveawayA forked line 丨
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 丫? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 丫?
Decomposition of 丫
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 丫?
How to say forked; bifurcation in Chinese
“forked; bifurcation” in Chinese is丫
The character 丫 (yā) primarily means 'forked' or 'branching,' often used to describe something that splits into two parts. It can also refer to a girl in a casual context, particularly in southern dialects. This character is commonly used in words related to division or branching structures.
When to use 丫
丫 is often used in informal contexts, especially in southern Chinese dialects, to refer to a girl. Learners should be cautious not to confuse it with more formal terms for girls or women like 女孩 (nǚhái) or 女人 (nǚrén). Additionally, it is important to use the correct tone, as 'yā' with the first tone has a distinct meaning.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 丫 with other characters that denote girls, like 女孩 (nǚhái). Additionally, they might mistakenly use it in formal contexts, which can sound awkward. Always ensure the context is informal when using 丫 for 'girl.'
Write 丫
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 丫 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 丫
丫 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
亚历克斯好像很喜欢对这3个____头发号施令。
Alex seemed to enjoy lording it over the three girls.
Example Sentences for 丫 (7)
Word Family of 丫
Compound Meaning
What does 丫 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 丫
丫 means 'forked' or 'branching,' and can also refer to a girl in informal contexts.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 丫?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.