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March 24, 2026
唧jī(ji1)
The character 唧 (jī) primarily refers to the sound made by insects, like chirping. It can also denote the action of pumping water, particularly in a rhythmic or repetitive manner, often associated with devices like hand pumps. This word is commonly used in literary contexts or when describing natural sounds.
Strokes10Radical口Frequency#20618DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese poetry and literature, the chirping of insects often symbolizes a peaceful or reflective moment in nature, highlighting the beauty of the natural world. This character can evoke nostalgia for rural life in China, where such sounds are prevalent.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small bug chirping away in the grass, making a 'jī' sound as it pumps air through its body. The character 唧 resembles a bug's tiny mouth making that sound, with the top part representing its head and the bottom part suggesting its body in motion.
Meanings of 唧
jī(ji1)
1the chirping of insects
2(onom.) to pump (water)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 唧
唧Simplified
10Strokes
口Radical
拟声词onomatopoeia (onom.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 唧
Podcast: 唧
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AI Study Notes for 唧
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a small bug chirping away in the grass, making a 'jī' sound as it pumps air through its body. The character 唧 resembles a bug's tiny mouth making that sound, with the top part representing its head and the bottom part suggesting its body in motion.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 唧 with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings. It's more commonly used in informal or literary contexts rather than formal speech. Collocations include phrases related to nature or mechanical actions, such as 唧唧声 (the sound of chirping).
HSK Study Tips
While 唧 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, its onomatopoeic nature connects it to other sound-related words. Focus on how it can be used to describe sounds in nature, as this can help expand your vocabulary related to sensory experiences.
Cultural Note
In Chinese poetry and literature, the chirping of insects often symbolizes a peaceful or reflective moment in nature, highlighting the beauty of the natural world. This character can evoke nostalgia for rural life in China, where such sounds are prevalent.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 唧 as jǐ (third tone), which changes its meaning completely. Another common mistake is using the character inappropriately in formal contexts; it's better suited for informal or literary discussions.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 唧
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Grammar Patterns of 唧
唧 functions as an onomatopoeic word — it imitates a sound. It often functions as an adverbial or stand-alone exclamation rather than a true verb or noun. It carries 2 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 2
Complete the Sentence
鸟儿在某处____唧喳喳地叫着。
Birds were chattering somewhere.
Example Sentences for 唧 (1)
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1
鸟儿在某处唧唧喳喳地叫着。
niǎo ér zài mǒu chǔ jī jī zhā zhā dì jiào zháo。
Birds were chattering somewhere.
Cultural Notes for 唧
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese poetry and literature, the chirping of insects often symbolizes a peaceful or reflective moment in nature, highlighting the beauty of the natural world. This character can evoke nostalgia for rural life in China, where such sounds are prevalent.
Word Family of 唧
Words Containing This Character12
唧唧(onom.) chirping of insects, sighing noise etc
唧jī(onom.) to pump (water)
吧唧(onom.) squishing sound
哼唧whisper
唧唧喳喳(onom.) chattering or giggling
哼哼唧唧whining
吧唧吧唧(onom.) smacking the lips
咕唧to whisper
唧筒a pump
唧咕(onom.) whisper
唧唧嘎嘎(onom.) giggling noise
唧啾(onom.) babble
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 唧唧 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 唧
It usually refers to the sound of insects chirping, but can also describe the action of pumping water.
It's not commonly used in daily conversation but may appear in literature or descriptions of nature.
The pinyin is jī, pronounced with a high-level tone.
