Meanings of 吉
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About 吉
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Podcast: 吉
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AI study notes for 吉
吉 (jí) vs 宜 (yí) — choose 吉 for 'lucky' or 'auspicious' contexts, while 宜 means 'suitable' or 'appropriate'.
In informal contexts, 吉 can be used to express good wishes, such as during the Lunar New Year. Be careful not to confuse it with words that sound similar but convey different meanings, especially in tone. Common collocations include 吉日 (lucky day) and 吉祥 (auspicious).
吉 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list but is relevant for learners at an intermediate level due to its use in cultural contexts. Students should focus on recognizing its role in expressions of good fortune and connecting it with related terms like 吉祥.
Learners often confuse 吉 (jí) with similar-sounding characters that have negative meanings, such as 及 (jí), which means 'to reach'. For example, saying '吉日' (jí rì) but writing it as '及日' (jí rì) changes the meaning significantly.
Pronunciation of 吉
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Etymology of 吉
Based on the original meaning "authority" or "respect" given to scholars (士). The meaning later shifted to "lucky".
The words 口 of a scholar 士
Origin
What kind of character is 吉?
Decomposition of 吉
Parts
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How to say surname Ji in Chinese
“surname Ji” in Chinese is吉
The character 吉 (jí) primarily means 'lucky' or 'auspicious' in Mandarin. It is often used in contexts related to good fortune, such as during festivals or celebrations. Additionally, it serves as a surname and an abbreviation for Jilin Province, highlighting its diverse applications in both personal names and geographic references.
When to use 吉
In informal contexts, 吉 can be used to express good wishes, such as during the Lunar New Year. Be careful not to confuse it with words that sound similar but convey different meanings, especially in tone. Common collocations include 吉日 (lucky day) and 吉祥 (auspicious).
吉 or something close to it
吉 (jí) vs 宜 (yí) — choose 吉 for 'lucky' or 'auspicious' contexts, while 宜 means 'suitable' or 'appropriate'.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 吉 (jí) with similar-sounding characters that have negative meanings, such as 及 (jí), which means 'to reach'. For example, saying '吉日' (jí rì) but writing it as '及日' (jí rì) changes the meaning significantly.
Write 吉
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Practice writing 吉 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 吉
吉 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.
Fill the gap
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伯爵茶、大____岭茶和茉莉花茶是最畅销的几种传统茶叶。
Earl Grey, Darjeeling and Jasmine are best-selling traditional teas.
Example sentences for 吉 (10)
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Word Family of 吉
Characters with 吉
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Frequently asked questions about 吉
吉 can be used as a surname, often signifying a hopeful or fortunate character.
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