12th earthly branch: 9-11 p.m., 10th solar month (7th November-6th December), year of the Boar
unknown, 6 strokes, radical 亠, rank #23507, Very Hard
亥
hài
ancient Chinese compass point: 330°
unknown, 6 strokes, radical 亠, rank #23507, Very Hard
hài(hai4)hai T4
112th terrestrial branch; used in transliterations
212th earthly branch: 9-11 p.m., 10th solar month (7th November-6th December), year of the Boar
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March 24, 2026
亥hài(hai4)
亥 (hài) refers to the 12th terrestrial branch in the Chinese zodiac, associated with the Boar. It is used to denote specific time periods, particularly from 9 to 11 p.m., and corresponds to the 10th solar month. This character is also relevant in the context of traditional Chinese astrology and timekeeping.
Strokes6Radical亠Frequency#23507DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the year of the Boar is significant, often associated with wealth and prosperity. Celebrations during the lunar new year often highlight the traits of each zodiac, making 亥 an important character leading up to the festivities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pig (the Boar) sleeping peacefully at night (9-11 p.m.), embodying the essence of 亥. The character 亥 resembles a simplified version of a pig's snout or face, helping you remember its connection to the Boar and the night time.
Meanings of 亥
hài(hai4)
112th terrestrial branch; used in transliterations
212th earthly branch: 9-11 p.m., 10th solar month (7th November-6th December), year of the Boar
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 亥 means.
About 亥
亥Simplified
6Strokes
亠Radical
时间词time word (t.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 亥
Podcast: 亥
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AI Study Notes for 亥
Usage Notes
亥 is mostly used in formal or traditional contexts, such as astrology and the Chinese zodiac. Learners may confuse it with other branches like 子 (zǐ) or 丑 (chǒu). It's important to remember that it specifically refers to time and zodiac positioning rather than everyday vocabulary.
HSK Study Tips
Since 亥 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, learners should focus on its connections to the zodiac and timekeeping as they study related characters. Understanding the full cycle of the 12 earthly branches will enrich comprehension of Chinese cultural references.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 亥 with 亥's neighboring branches, leading to incorrect associations with other animals or times. For example, confusing 亥 (hài) with 寅 (yín) which represents the Tiger. Always ensure you memorize their distinct characteristics.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 亥
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How to say 12th terrestrial branch; used in transliterations in Chinese
“12th terrestrial branch; used in transliterations” in Chinese is亥hài
亥 (hài) refers to the 12th terrestrial branch in the Chinese zodiac, associated with the Boar. It is used to denote specific time periods, particularly from 9 to 11 p.m., and corresponds to the 10th solar month. This character is also relevant in the context of traditional Chinese astrology and timekeeping.
When to use 亥
亥 is mostly used in formal or traditional contexts, such as astrology and the Chinese zodiac. Learners may confuse it with other branches like 子 (zǐ) or 丑 (chǒu). It's important to remember that it specifically refers to time and zodiac positioning rather than everyday vocabulary.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 亥 with 亥's neighboring branches, leading to incorrect associations with other animals or times. For example, confusing 亥 (hài) with 寅 (yín) which represents the Tiger. Always ensure you memorize their distinct characteristics.
Write 亥
亥
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Practice writing 亥 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 亥
亥 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 3
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
总统将铭记这次俄____俄之行。
The president will cherish the memory of this visit to Ohio.
Example Sentences for 亥 (2)
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1
总统将铭记这次俄亥俄之行。
zǒng tǒng jiāng míng jì zhè cì é hài é zhī háng。
The president will cherish the memory of this visit to Ohio.
2
他认为亥伯龙会赢, 与我赌五先令.
tā rèn wéi hài bó lóng huì yíng, , yǔ wǒ dǔ wǔ xiān.
He thinks the hebolong can win, and gambles five Schillings with me.
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Word Family of 亥
Words Containing This Character10
俄亥俄州Ohio
俄亥俄Ohio
辛亥革命Xinhai Revolution (1911), which ended the Qing Dynasty
亥hàiancient Chinese compass point: 330°
辛亥cf 辛亥革命[XīnhàiGémìng], Xinhai Revolution of 1911
丁亥twenty-fourth year D12 of the 60 year cycle, e.g. 2007 or 2067
乙亥twelfth year B12 of the 60 year cycle, e.g. 1995 or 2055
己亥thirty-sixth year F12 of the 60 year cycle, e.g. 1959 or 2019
癸亥sixtieth year J12 of the 60 year cycle, e.g. 1983 or 2043
亥时9-11 pm (in the system of two-hour subdivisions used in former times)亥時
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 亥
What does 俄亥俄州 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 亥
亥 represents the Boar, which is the twelfth animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle.
亥 corresponds to the time period from 9 to 11 p.m.
No, 亥 is used mainly in formal or traditional contexts, especially related to astrology.
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