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March 24, 2026
宜yí(Yi2)
The character 宜 (yí) means suitable, appropriate, or fitting. It is often used to describe something that is deemed proper in a particular context or situation, such as in advice or recommendations. It can also function as a verb meaning 'should,' indicating a suggestion or expectation of what is correct or required.
Strokes8Radical宀Frequency#13617DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The character 宜 is often used in the context of traditional Chinese philosophy, where suitability and appropriateness are important in moral and social behavior, reflecting values of harmony and balance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing in front of a mirror, adjusting their outfit to ensure it looks just right. The shape of the character 宜 resembles a person (亻) deciding what is suitable (宜) to wear, reminding you that 'yí' sounds like 'yee,' as in 'yee, that looks fitting!'
Meanings of 宜
yí(Yi2)
1proper
2should
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About 宜
宜Simplified
8Strokes
宀Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#13617Frequency Rank
Podcast: 宜
Podcast: 宜
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AI Study Notes for 宜
Quick Contrast
合适 (héshì) - use 宜 (yí) when implying a suggestion or expectation, while 合适 (héshì) focuses more on suitability without the connotation of obligation.
Usage Notes
宜 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in written language, such as in guidelines or rules. Common collocations include 宜人 (yírén, pleasant) and 宜居 (yíjū, suitable for living). Watch out for tone mistakes; it is pronounced with a rising tone (yí).
HSK Study Tips
While 宜 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it is relevant for HSK 5 and 6 as it appears in more advanced texts and discussions. Students should focus on its use in phrases and idiomatic expressions to understand its contextual applications.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 宜 with similar-sounding words like 易 (yì, easy) and mistakenly use it in contexts where it doesn't fit. For example, saying '这件事很宜' (This matter is very suitable) is incorrect; it should be '这件事很合适' (This matter is very suitable).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 宜
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Knowing 宜 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.
Originally a pictograph of two pieces of meat (肉) on a table. Based on the original meaning "delicacy" or "fine food". The meaning later shifted to "proper".
The character 宜 (yí) means suitable, appropriate, or fitting. It is often used to describe something that is deemed proper in a particular context or situation, such as in advice or recommendations. It can also function as a verb meaning 'should,' indicating a suggestion or expectation of what is correct or required.
When to use 宜
宜 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in written language, such as in guidelines or rules. Common collocations include 宜人 (yírén, pleasant) and 宜居 (yíjū, suitable for living). Watch out for tone mistakes; it is pronounced with a rising tone (yí).
宜 or something close to it
合适 (héshì) - use 宜 (yí) when implying a suggestion or expectation, while 合适 (héshì) focuses more on suitability without the connotation of obligation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 宜 with similar-sounding words like 易 (yì, easy) and mistakenly use it in contexts where it doesn't fit. For example, saying '这件事很宜' (This matter is very suitable) is incorrect; it should be '这件事很合适' (This matter is very suitable).
Write 宜
宜
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Grammar Patterns of 宜
宜 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
