unknown, 6 strokes, radical 牛, rank #85314, Very Hard
pìn(pin4) T4
1female animal; keyhole; valley
2(of a bird, animal or plant) female
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March 24, 2026
牝pìn(pin4)
The character 牝 (pìn) refers primarily to a female animal, particularly in the context of livestock or domesticated species. It can also denote a keyhole or a valley, reflecting its use in specific contexts related to geography or mechanics. This character is often encountered in more specialized discussions regarding animals or in literary contexts.
Strokes6Radical牛Frequency#85314DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese agriculture, distinguishing between male and female animals is crucial for breeding practices, which is why terms like 牝 have specific significance. This reflects the importance of livestock in rural Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a female horse (for '牝' meaning female animal) standing at the entrance of a valley, gazing into a keyhole that reveals a hidden paradise. The character '牝' has the radical for 'animal' (犭) on the left, which helps you remember its connection to animals.
Meanings of 牝
pìn(pin4)
1female animal; keyhole; valley
2(of a bird, animal or plant) female
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 牝
牝Simplified
6Strokes
牛Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 牝
Podcast: 牝
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AI Study Notes for 牝
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a female horse (for '牝' meaning female animal) standing at the entrance of a valley, gazing into a keyhole that reveals a hidden paradise. The character '牝' has the radical for 'animal' (犭) on the left, which helps you remember its connection to animals.
Usage Notes
While '牝' is an important term in specific contexts, it is not commonly used in everyday conversation. Learners should be cautious not to confuse it with '公' (gōng), which means male, especially in discussions about animals. It's more likely to appear in formal writings or veterinary contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Although 牝 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your knowledge of animal-related terms, especially those that differentiate between genders. Focus on memorizing the radicals and components to better grasp its meaning.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese agriculture, distinguishing between male and female animals is crucial for breeding practices, which is why terms like 牝 have specific significance. This reflects the importance of livestock in rural Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 牝 with 牦 (máo), which refers to a specific type of yak. Remember that 牝 is specifically about female animals, while 牦 relates to a specific breed.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 牝
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Cultural Notes for 牝
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese agriculture, distinguishing between male and female animals is crucial for breeding practices, which is why terms like 牝 have specific significance. This reflects the importance of livestock in rural Chinese culture.
Word Family of 牝
Words Containing This Character2
牝pìnkeyhole
牝鸡司晨women meddle in politics牝雞司晨
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 牝 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 牝
Commonly, you'll find it used in terms related to livestock and animal husbandry, but it’s not as frequently seen in everyday vocabulary.
The male counterpart is 公 (gōng), which is used to denote male animals. Both terms are important in contexts involving breeding.
