Meanings of 桀
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 桀
Podcast: 桀
Podcast: 桀
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 桀
桀 is often used in literary or historical contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Be cautious with its negative connotation; using it to describe someone in a casual setting can be offensive. Common collocations include 桀骜不驯 (jié ào bù xùn), meaning 'arrogantly unrestrained'.
While 桀 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other words describing qualities of leadership or authority, such as 帝 (dì, emperor) and 皇 (huáng, sovereign). Students should focus on recognizing its historical significance and negative connotations.
Learners often confuse 桀 with similar-sounding characters like 结 (jié, to tie or knot). For example, saying '结的统治者' (jié de tǒngzhì zhě) instead of '桀的统治者' (jié de tǒngzhì zhě) can lead to misunderstandings about the intended meaning.
Pronunciation of 桀
Drill the tone of 桀 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 桀
Depicts tearing off legs (舛) and putting them in a tree (木) as punishment.
tree
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 桀
Depicts tearing off legs (舛) and putting them in a tree (木) as punishment.
- 1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
- 2The giveawaytree
- 3On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 桀? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 桀?
Decomposition of 桀
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 桀?
How to say cruel in Chinese
“cruel” in Chinese is桀
The character 桀 (jié) primarily refers to a cruel leader or tyrant, often associated with the last emperor of the Xia Dynasty. It is typically used in historical contexts to describe oppressive rulers or regimes. In modern usage, it can also denote a sense of brutality or harshness.
When to use 桀
桀 is often used in literary or historical contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Be cautious with its negative connotation; using it to describe someone in a casual setting can be offensive. Common collocations include 桀骜不驯 (jié ào bù xùn), meaning 'arrogantly unrestrained'.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 桀 with similar-sounding characters like 结 (jié, to tie or knot). For example, saying '结的统治者' (jié de tǒngzhì zhě) instead of '桀的统治者' (jié de tǒngzhì zhě) can lead to misunderstandings about the intended meaning.
Write 桀
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 桀 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 桀
Compound Meaning
What does 桀 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 桀
It is pronounced as 'jié'.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 桀?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.