HSK 1, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 日, rank #1269, Hard
xīng(xing1) T1
1star
2satellite
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March 24, 2026
星xīng(xing1)
The character 星 (xīng) primarily means 'star' and can refer to celestial bodies, including planets and satellites. It is often used in both literal contexts, such as astronomy, and metaphorical ones, like describing someone's brilliance or talent.
Strokes9Radical日Frequency#1269DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, stars have significant symbolic meanings, often associated with hope and guidance. The concept of wishing upon a star is reflected in traditional beliefs and practices, especially during festivals.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shining star in the night sky. The character 星 is made up of the radical for 'fire' (火) at the bottom, suggesting the brightness of a star, and the top part resembles a constellation. Think of 'xīng' as a 'shining thing' in the sky.
Meanings of 星
xīng(xing1)
1star
2satellite
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 星
星Simplified
9Strokes
日Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1269Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L1
Podcast: 星
Podcast: 星
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AI Study Notes for 星
Quick Contrast
星 (xīng) vs 行 (xíng) — use 星 when referring specifically to celestial bodies, while 行 relates to movement or behavior.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a shining star in the night sky. The character 星 is made up of the radical for 'fire' (火) at the bottom, suggesting the brightness of a star, and the top part resembles a constellation. Think of 'xīng' as a 'shining thing' in the sky.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 星 with 形 (xíng), which means 'form' or 'shape.' It's important to use 星 in contexts related to light or celestial bodies. This word is informal and can be used in everyday conversation, as well as in poetic or literary contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Although 星 is not included in HSK levels, it connects with other HSK vocabulary related to nature and the sky, such as 天 (tiān, sky) and 月 (yuè, moon). Students should focus on using 星 in phrases and expressions related to astronomy and figurative language.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, stars have significant symbolic meanings, often associated with hope and guidance. The concept of wishing upon a star is reflected in traditional beliefs and practices, especially during festivals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 星 as 'xìng' instead of 'xīng.' Additionally, some may confuse it with other similar characters like 牲 (shēng), which means 'livestock.' Always remember the correct pronunciation and context for celestial references.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 星
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Grammar Patterns of 星
星 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 5 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.
zuò wéi yī míng yǐng xīng， ， yīng gé lì yǐ jīng yuǎn yuǎn dì chāo yuè le tā， mén ， dàn zhè què wú guān。
It didn't matter that Ingrid had outdistanced them as a movie star.
8
这位网球明星与他的奥地利教练分道扬镳。
zhè wèi wǎng qiú míng xīng yǔ tā de ào dì lì jiào liàn fēn dào yáng biāo。
The tennis star has parted company with his Austrian trainer.
9
相对地球表面而言，这颗卫星位置固定。
xiāng duì dì qiú biǎo miàn ér yán， ， zhè kē wèi xīng wèi zhì gù。
The satellite remains in one spot relative to the earth's surface.
10
他轻松战胜了星期六击败厄尼·埃尔斯的加西亚。
tā qīng sōng zhàn shèng le xīng qī liù jī bài è ní· · āi ěr sī de jiā xī。
He easily overcame Garcia, Saturday's conqueror of Ernie Els.
Cultural Notes for 星
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, stars have significant symbolic meanings, often associated with hope and guidance. The concept of wishing upon a star is reflected in traditional beliefs and practices, especially during festivals.
Word Family of 星
Compounds13
醒xing3to wake up
猩xing1ape, orangutan
腥xing1fishy (smell)
惺xing1intelligent, clever, astute
戥deng3a steelyard balance for weighing money
暒
湦
煋
瑆
篂
謃
鍟
鯹
Words Containing This Character20
星xīngstar
星期xīngqīweek
明星míngxīngstar
卫星wèixīngmoon衛星
星球heavenly body
星座xīngzuòconstellation
星星xīngxingstar in the sky
三星the belt of Orion
外星人wàixīngrénspace alien
星期五Friday
星期六Saturday
火星Mars (planet)
星期一Monday
星期天xīngqītiānSunday
巨星jùxīng(astronomy) giant star
行星planet
星期二Tuesday
星际interstellar星際
星期三Wednesday
星期四Thursday
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 醒 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 星
You can say '夜空中有很多星星' (Yèkōng zhōng yǒu hěn duō xīngxīng) which means 'There are many stars in the night sky.'
Yes, 星 is commonly used in modern contexts, including names of satellites or in technology.
明星 (míngxīng) means 'celebrity' or 'famous star,' where 明 (míng) adds the meaning of brightness or fame.
