administrative subdivision in inner Mongolia equivalent to 縣|县[xian4] county
unknown, 14 strokes, radical 方, rank #5361, Hard
qí(qi2) T2
1flag
2banner, flag, streamer
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
旗(旂)qí(qi2)
The character 旗 (qí) refers to a flag or banner, often used symbolically to represent a group, organization, or nation. In various contexts, it can denote military flags, ceremonial banners, or even metaphorical flags signifying support or allegiance.
Strokes14Radical方Frequency#5361DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, flags are often used in festivals and ceremonies, symbolizing unity and pride. The term 旗 can also be linked to the historical Eight Banners (八旗), which were vital to the governance and military organization of the Qing dynasty.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bright flag flapping in the wind, signaling victory. The character 旗 resembles a flag on a pole, with its strokes evoking the image of fluttering fabric. The pronunciation 'qí' can be remembered as 'key' to unlocking a new level of understanding in Chinese culture.
Meanings of 旗
qí(qi2)
1flag
2banner, flag, streamer
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 旗
旗Simplified
旂Traditional
14Strokes
方Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5361Frequency Rank
Podcast: 旗
Podcast: 旗
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AI Study Notes for 旗
Quick Contrast
旗 (qí) vs 幕 (mù) — use 旗 when referring specifically to flags or banners, while 幕 refers to curtains or drapes.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bright flag flapping in the wind, signaling victory. The character 旗 resembles a flag on a pole, with its strokes evoking the image of fluttering fabric. The pronunciation 'qí' can be remembered as 'key' to unlocking a new level of understanding in Chinese culture.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 旗 (qí) with similar-sounding words or characters, such as 其 (qí), which means 'its' or 'their.' This word is generally neutral in tone, but be aware of its formal context in discussions about history or politics. Collocations include 旗帜 (qízhì, banner) and 旗手 (qíshǒu, flag bearer).
HSK Study Tips
While 旗 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other HSK words related to symbols and representations, such as 标志 (biāozhì, sign) or 军 (jūn, military). Focus on recognizing its use in historical texts and modern contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, flags are often used in festivals and ceremonies, symbolizing unity and pride. The term 旗 can also be linked to the historical Eight Banners (八旗), which were vital to the governance and military organization of the Qing dynasty.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 旗 (qí) with 其 (qí) due to their similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我喜欢其' (Wǒ xǐhuān qí) instead of '我喜欢旗' (Wǒ xǐhuān qí) can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 旗
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Grammar Patterns of 旗
旗 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 4 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 4
Complete the Sentence
她重振____鼓去开创自己的事业了。
She dusted herself down and left to build her own career.
Example Sentences for 旗 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
她重振旗鼓去开创自己的事业了。
tā zhòng zhèn qí gǔ qù kāi chuàng zì jǐ de shì yè le。
She dusted herself down and left to build her own career.
2
他显然一直在挥舞旗子吸引主裁判的注意。
tā xiǎn rán yī zhí zài huī wǔ qí zǐ xī yǐn zhǔ cái pàn de zhù yì。
He had unmistakably been waving his flag to attract the referee's attention.
The company is opening a new flagship store in London.
9
旗鼓相当,胜负难分.
qí gǔ xiāng dāng, , shèng fù nán.
The two sides were so well - matched that neither could gain the upper hand.
10
高挂在旗杆顶端的旗子
gāo guà zài qí gān dǐng duān de qí zǐ
a flag high atop a pole
Cultural Notes for 旗
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, flags are often used in festivals and ceremonies, symbolizing unity and pride. The term 旗 can also be linked to the historical Eight Banners (八旗), which were vital to the governance and military organization of the Qing dynasty.
Word Family of 旗
Words Containing This Character20
旗qíbanner
旗帜qízhìensign旗幟
国旗guóqíflag (of a country)國旗
红旗Red flag city district紅旗
旗子flag
旗舰flagship旗艦
花旗the Stars and Stripes (US flag)
旗杆flagpole
旗号military banner旗號
大张旗鼓with great fanfare大張旗鼓
白旗white flag
旗袍qípáocheongsam
星条旗Stars and Stripes, the flag of the United States星條旗
重整旗鼓to attempt a comeback
升旗to raise a flag
旗鼓相当roughly comparable (opponents)旗鼓相當
旗帜鲜明to show one's colors旗幟鮮明
旗手ensign
五星红旗five-starred red flag (PRC national flag)五星紅旗
彩旗colored flag
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 旗 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 旗
旗 (qí) is a general term for flag, while 旗帜 (qízhì) specifically means a banner or standard, often used in formal contexts.
Yes, 旗 can metaphorically represent ideals or causes, such as when someone raises a 'flag' for a social movement.
It may not come up frequently in casual conversation but is common in discussions related to history, politics, or events.
