unknown, 9 strokes, radical 廾, rank #97721, Very Hard
yì(yi4) T4
1Chinese chess
2ancient name for go (Chinese board game)
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March 24, 2026
弈yì(yi4)
The character 弈 (yì) refers to the game of chess in Chinese, specifically Chinese chess (象棋, xiàngqí) and historically to the game of Go (围棋, wéiqí). This term embodies strategic thinking and intellectual engagement, highlighting its cultural significance in traditional Chinese games. It is often used in contexts related to competitive play and intellectual challenges.
Strokes9Radical廾Frequency#97721DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The game of chess (and by extension, 弈) has deep roots in Chinese culture, often associated with strategy and wisdom. It is a popular pastime and is frequently played in parks and community centers across China, emphasizing social interaction.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise old man (the character 弈) sitting by a board, contemplating his next chess move. The character's form includes the radical for 'hand' (扌), suggesting the act of playing, while the phonetic component sounds like 'yì,' reminiscent of a strategic 'yes' as he makes his move.
Meanings of 弈
yì(yi4)
1Chinese chess
2ancient name for go (Chinese board game)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 弈
弈Simplified
9Strokes
廾Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 弈
Podcast: 弈
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AI Study Notes for 弈
Quick Contrast
象棋 (xiàngqí) refers specifically to Chinese chess, while 弈 (yì) encompasses the broader concept of chess or strategic games, including Go.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise old man (the character 弈) sitting by a board, contemplating his next chess move. The character's form includes the radical for 'hand' (扌), suggesting the act of playing, while the phonetic component sounds like 'yì,' reminiscent of a strategic 'yes' as he makes his move.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 弈 with other game-related terms, particularly 围棋 (wéiqí) for Go. It's important to note that 弈 is more specific to chess contexts. This term is more commonly used in formal discussions about games or competitions rather than casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
While 弈 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects with other terms related to games and strategy at higher levels. Students should focus on its usage in literature or discussions about traditional games to enhance their vocabulary.
Cultural Note
The game of chess (and by extension, 弈) has deep roots in Chinese culture, often associated with strategy and wisdom. It is a popular pastime and is frequently played in parks and community centers across China, emphasizing social interaction.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 弈 to refer to all board games, leading to confusion. For example, saying '我喜欢弈围棋' (Wǒ xǐhuān yì wéiqí) is incorrect; the correct term for Go should be used directly, such as '我喜欢围棋'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 弈
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Grammar Patterns of 弈
弈 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 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 1
Complete the Sentence
他们明白他们正处于一场零和博____中，双方必须针锋相对，争夺那少得可怜的资源。
They believe they're playing a zero-sum game, where both must compete for the same paltry resources.
Example Sentences for 弈 (1)
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1
他们明白他们正处于一场零和博弈中，双方必须针锋相对，争夺那少得可怜的资源。
tā mén míng bái tā mén zhèng chǔ yú yī cháng líng hé bó yì zhōng， ， shuāng fāng bì xū zhēn fēng xiāng， duì ， zhēng duó nà shǎo dé kě lián de。
They believe they're playing a zero-sum game, where both must compete for the same paltry resources.
Cultural Notes for 弈
🏮Cultural insight
The game of chess (and by extension, 弈) has deep roots in Chinese culture, often associated with strategy and wisdom. It is a popular pastime and is frequently played in parks and community centers across China, emphasizing social interaction.
Word Family of 弈
Words Containing This Character4
博弈gambling
博弈论game theory博弈論
对弈duìyìto play go, chess etc對弈
弈yìancient name for go (Chinese board game)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 博弈 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 弈
弈 typically refers to chess, while 围棋 specifically denotes the game of Go, which is a different board game with its own rules.
You can say '我们今天去下棋吧，玩弈' (Wǒmen jīntiān qù xiàqí ba, wán yì), meaning 'Let's go play chess today.'
It's used more in formal contexts or discussions about games; in casual conversation, people may just refer to the specific type of game like 象棋.
