Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
伊yī(Yi1)
The character 伊 (yī) is primarily used as a pronoun meaning 'he' or 'she', often employed in literary or formal contexts. It can also refer to 'this' or 'that', and serves as an abbreviation in transliterations for names of countries like Iraq (伊拉克) and Iran (伊朗). Its usage may convey a certain level of formality or stylistic nuance in conversation.
Strokes6Radical亻Frequency#2294DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
In classical Chinese literature, 伊 frequently appears in poetry and prose, often reflecting a more refined or elevated style of communication. Its presence in modern transliterations also highlights the importance of historical and cultural ties between China and countries like Iraq and Iran.
Memory tip
Imagine 伊 (yī) as a stylized figure holding a flag representing a person, symbolizing the pronoun 'he' or 'she'. The shape of the character can remind you of a person standing proudly, emphasizing its role in referring to individuals.
Meanings of 伊
yī(Yi1)
1he she; this, that; used in transliterations
2abbr. for 伊拉克[Yi1 la1 ke4], Iraq
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 伊 means.
About 伊
伊Simplified
6Strokes
亻Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 伊
Podcast: 伊
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 伊
Quick Contrast
他 (tā, he) — use 伊 (yī) for formal or literary contexts, while 他 (tā) is more common in everyday speech.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 伊 with the more common pronouns like 他 (tā, he) and 她 (tā, she), which are used more frequently in everyday speech. 伊 carries a more formal tone and is less common in casual conversation. Be cautious with pronunciation; the first tone (yī) is crucial for clarity.
HSK Study Tips
Although 伊 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 1 pronouns like 他 and 她. Students should focus on understanding its formal usage and how it contrasts with more commonly used pronouns in conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 伊 in casual conversation instead of 他 or 她, thinking it is interchangeable. For example, saying '伊喜欢这个' instead of '他喜欢这个' (He likes this) is incorrect in informal contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 伊
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 伊 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 伊 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 伊?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 伊 is seven skills, not one.
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.
伊 = 亻 + 尹. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 伊
IDS Structure⿰亻尹
伊Full character
=
亻ren2
left
尹Yin3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 伊?
How to say surname Yi in Chinese
“surname Yi” in Chinese is伊yī
The character 伊 (yī) is primarily used as a pronoun meaning 'he' or 'she', often employed in literary or formal contexts. It can also refer to 'this' or 'that', and serves as an abbreviation in transliterations for names of countries like Iraq (伊拉克) and Iran (伊朗). Its usage may convey a certain level of formality or stylistic nuance in conversation.
When to use 伊
Learners often confuse 伊 with the more common pronouns like 他 (tā, he) and 她 (tā, she), which are used more frequently in everyday speech. 伊 carries a more formal tone and is less common in casual conversation. Be cautious with pronunciation; the first tone (yī) is crucial for clarity.
伊 or something close to it
他 (tā, he) — use 伊 (yī) for formal or literary contexts, while 他 (tā) is more common in everyday speech.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 伊 in casual conversation instead of 他 or 她, thinking it is interchangeable. For example, saying '伊喜欢这个' instead of '他喜欢这个' (He likes this) is incorrect in informal contexts.
Write 伊
伊
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 伊 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar patterns of 伊
伊 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
