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卮 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
卮zhīmeasuring cup; goblet, vessel of winezg, 5 strokes, radical 㔾
zhī(zhi1)zhi T1
  1. 1measuring cup; goblet, vessel of wine
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March 24, 2026

卮zhī(zhi1)

The character 卮 (zhī) refers to a type of measuring cup or goblet, often used for holding liquids like wine. It is commonly associated with ceremonial contexts or traditional Chinese feasts, symbolizing hospitality and abundance.

Strokes5Radical㔾
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the act of serving wine in a goblet (卮) symbolizes respect and the importance of hospitality, especially during festivals and family gatherings.

Memory Tip

Imagine a grand feast where a beautiful goblet (卮) is raised high to toast the guests. The character resembles a cup with a broad base and a narrow neck, suggesting its function as a vessel for pouring and measuring drinks.

Meanings of 卮

zhī(zhi1)
1measuring cup; goblet, vessel of wine
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 卮 means.

About 卮

卮Simplified
5Strokes
㔾Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 卮

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Podcast: 卮

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AI Study Notes for 卮

Usage Notes

In everyday conversation, 卮 is rarely used outside of literary or historical contexts, so it's important to be aware of its formal tone. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar characters like 杯 (bēi), which means cup, but is more general in usage.

HSK Study Tips

Though 卮 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can enrich understanding at higher levels. Students should connect it to related words about drinking vessels and cultural practices surrounding food and drink to enhance their comprehension.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 卮 with 杯 (bēi), thinking both mean cup. However, 卮 specifically refers to a goblet or measuring cup, often used in formal or ceremonial contexts. A correction would be to use 杯 for general cup references.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 卮

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Jason Explains 卮 to You

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Etymology of 卮

Decomposition of 卮

IDS Structure⿸?⿱一㔾
卮Full Character
=
一yi1
top
㔾xian1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 卮?

How to say measuring cup; goblet, vessel of wine in Chinese

“measuring cup; goblet, vessel of wine” in Chinese is卮zhī

The character 卮 (zhī) refers to a type of measuring cup or goblet, often used for holding liquids like wine. It is commonly associated with ceremonial contexts or traditional Chinese feasts, symbolizing hospitality and abundance.

When to use 卮

In everyday conversation, 卮 is rarely used outside of literary or historical contexts, so it's important to be aware of its formal tone. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar characters like 杯 (bēi), which means cup, but is more general in usage.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 卮 with 杯 (bēi), thinking both mean cup. However, 卮 specifically refers to a goblet or measuring cup, often used in formal or ceremonial contexts. A correction would be to use 杯 for general cup references.

Write 卮

卮

Practice writing 卮 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 卮

Words Containing This Character1
卮zhīgoblet

Frequently Asked Questions about 卮

It's primarily used in literary contexts or when discussing traditional ceremonies rather than in everyday conversation.

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