agent, go-between, intermediary; to introduce; shell, armor
nr, 4 strokes, radical 人, rank #5702, Hard
jiè(jie4)jie T4
1to introduce
2to lie between
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March 24, 2026
介jiè(jie4)
The character 介 (jiè) primarily means 'to introduce' or 'to mediate,' and is often used in contexts where one person brings another into a relationship or situation. It can also refer to something that lies between two things, such as an intermediary or a shell, emphasizing its role as a connector or protector.
Strokes4Radical人Frequency#5702DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, introductions play a key role in forming social and business relationships, reflecting the importance of networks and connections. The concept of an intermediary is significant in both personal and professional contexts.
Memory Tip
Think of 介 (jiè) as a bridge between two sides, like a person introducing friends to each other. The character has a shell-like appearance, suggesting it protects what is inside, much like an agent who safeguards their client’s interests.
Meanings of 介
jiè(jie4)
1to introduce
2to lie between
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 介
介Simplified
4Strokes
人Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#5702Frequency Rank
Podcast: 介
Podcast: 介
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AI Study Notes for 介
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 介 with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings, such as 该 (gāi) which means 'should.' It is generally used in formal contexts when referring to introductions or mediators, so avoid using it in casual conversations.
HSK Study Tips
While 介 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with words related to social interactions and relationships. Students should focus on its usage in phrases like 介绍 (jièshào, 'to introduce') to enhance their conversational skills.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 介 with 载 (zài), which means 'to carry' or 'to load.' For example, saying '我介这个文件' (Wǒ jiè zhège wénjiàn) instead of '我载这个文件' (Wǒ zài zhège wénjiàn) is incorrect; 介 should not be used in this context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 介
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 介 (jiè) primarily means 'to introduce' or 'to mediate,' and is often used in contexts where one person brings another into a relationship or situation. It can also refer to something that lies between two things, such as an intermediary or a shell, emphasizing its role as a connector or protector.
When to use 介
Common mistakes include confusing 介 with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings, such as 该 (gāi) which means 'should.' It is generally used in formal contexts when referring to introductions or mediators, so avoid using it in casual conversations.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 介 with 载 (zài), which means 'to carry' or 'to load.' For example, saying '我介这个文件' (Wǒ jiè zhège wénjiàn) instead of '我载这个文件' (Wǒ zài zhège wénjiàn) is incorrect; 介 should not be used in this context.
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介
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Grammar Patterns of 介
介 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 6 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.
This is my first time here, please introduce more.
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Word Family of 介
Compounds27
界jie4boundary
价jia4price
养yang3to raise (animals)
阶jie1variant of 階
尬ga4in an embarrassing situation
芥gai4mustard, broccoli
疥jie4scabies; to itch
玠
祄
蚧jie4horny toad; red-spotted lizard
骱jie4skeletal joint
魀
吤
圿
妎
岕
庎
忦
扴
斺
炌
畍
砎
紒
衸
魪
齘
Words Containing This Character19
介绍jièshàoto introduce (sb to sb)介紹
介意jièyìto care about
介jièbetween
介入jièrùto intervene
中介zhōngjièto link
简介jiǎnjièsummary簡介
蒋介石Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975), military leader, head of the Nationalist government in China 1928-1949 and the government in exile on Taiwan 1950-1975蔣介石
媒介méijièvehicle
介质medium介質
介于jièyúbetween介於
婚介matchmaking
自我介绍self-introduction自我介紹
介词preposition介詞
介子meson
煞有介事to make a show of being very much in earnest (idiom)
卡介苗BCG vaccine
介乎to lie between
评介to review (a book)評介
介怀to mind介懷
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 介
What does 界 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 介
You can use it in the phrase '我来介绍一下' (Wǒ lái jièshào yīxià), meaning 'Let me introduce you.'
Generally, 介 is more suited for formal introductions rather than casual settings.
Common phrases include 介绍 (jièshào, 'to introduce') and 介入 (jièrù, 'to intervene').
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