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弋 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
to catch, to arrest; to shoot with a bowns, 3 strokes, radical 弋, rank #67311, Very Hard
to shootunknown, 3 strokes, radical 弋, rank #67311, Very Hard
(yi4) T4
  1. 1to catch, to arrest; to shoot with a bow
  2. 2to shoot
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March 24, 2026
(yi4)

The character 弋 (yì) primarily means to catch or arrest, often in the context of hunting or using a bow to shoot. It conveys the action of targeting something with precision and can also refer to capturing or seizing in a broader sense. This character is less commonly used in modern contexts but may appear in literary texts or idiomatic expressions.

Strokes3RadicalFrequency#67311DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In ancient China, archery was a significant skill valued in military training and hunting. The character 弋 connects to this cultural appreciation for archery, emphasizing precision and skill in capturing game.

Memory Tip

Imagine a hunter (弋) aiming carefully at a target, bow in hand, ready to catch a bird. The character's shape resembles a person drawing a bow to shoot an arrow, connecting the action of targeting with the sound 'yì'. Visualize the tension in the bowstring as you remember the pronunciation.

Meanings of 弋

(yi4)
1to catch, to arrest; to shoot with a bow
2to shoot
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 弋

Simplified
3Strokes
Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 弋

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AI Study Notes for 弋

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a hunter (弋) aiming carefully at a target, bow in hand, ready to catch a bird. The character's shape resembles a person drawing a bow to shoot an arrow, connecting the action of targeting with the sound 'yì'. Visualize the tension in the bowstring as you remember the pronunciation.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of the character's formal tone; it may not be widely used in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 弋捕 (yì bǔ, to catch) or 弋猎 (yì liè, to hunt). A common mistake is confusing it with similar characters like 押 (yā, to press), which has a different meaning.

HSK Study Tips

Although 弋 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it is beneficial for learners to recognize it in classical texts. Students should focus on its usage in hunting terminology and idiomatic expressions, linking it to other HSK words related to action and capturing.

Cultural Note

In ancient China, archery was a significant skill valued in military training and hunting. The character 弋 connects to this cultural appreciation for archery, emphasizing precision and skill in capturing game.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 弋 with similar characters and misuse it in casual contexts. For example, saying '我想弋一个球' (I want to catch a ball) is incorrect; the correct term is 捕 (bǔ) for catching an object.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 弋

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Etymology of 弋

Formation TypePictographic 象形
六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
Explanation

Pictograph of a post for tethering animals, now written as 杙. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.

Memory Hint

Picture of an arrow shot from a bow

Learn more about Pictograph (象形字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 弋?

Write 弋

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Grammar Patterns of 弋

弋 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 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

一艘四桨的小艇,在四下游____.

A four - oared galley is hovering about.

Example Sentences for 弋 (1)

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1
一艘四桨的小艇,在四下游弋.

yī sōu sì jiǎng de xiǎo tǐng, , zài sì xià yóu.

A four - oared galley is hovering about.

Cultural Notes for 弋

🏮Cultural insight

In ancient China, archery was a significant skill valued in military training and hunting. The character 弋 connects to this cultural appreciation for archery, emphasizing precision and skill in capturing game.

Word Family of 弋

Words Containing This Character4
游弋to cruise遊弋
to shoot
弋阳Yiyang county in Shangrao 上饒|上饶, Jiangxi弋陽
弋阳县Yiyang county in Shangrao 上饒|上饶, Jiangxi弋陽縣
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 游弋 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 弋

In modern Chinese, 弋 primarily means to catch or arrest, often related to hunting or shooting.