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March 24, 2026
犀xī(xi1)
The character 犀 (xī) primarily refers to the rhinoceros, a large, thick-skinned herbivore known for its distinctive horn. In a broader context, it can also imply sharpness or temper, often used metaphorically to describe something that is keen or intense. This word is commonly encountered in discussions about wildlife or in literary contexts where sharpness or intensity is emphasized.
Strokes12Radical牛Frequency#18507DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the rhinoceros is often associated with strength and resilience, reflecting its formidable presence in nature. Additionally, rhinoceros horns have been historically valued in traditional medicine, which has implications for wildlife conservation efforts in China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a rhinoceros (犀) with a sharp horn that can pierce through anything. The radical 犬 (dog) hints at its animal nature, while the character's overall shape resembles a large, steadfast creature. Picture this rhino charging forward, symbolizing both its physicality and its sharpness, making it memorable as 'sharp like a rhinoceros.'
Meanings of 犀
xī(xi1)
1rhinoceros; sharp, tempered
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 犀
犀Simplified
12Strokes
牛Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 犀
Podcast: 犀
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AI Study Notes for 犀
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a rhinoceros (犀) with a sharp horn that can pierce through anything. The radical 犬 (dog) hints at its animal nature, while the character's overall shape resembles a large, steadfast creature. Picture this rhino charging forward, symbolizing both its physicality and its sharpness, making it memorable as 'sharp like a rhinoceros.'
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 犀 (xī) with similar-sounding characters that may have different meanings, such as 西 (xī, west). This word is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in literature or discussions pertaining to wildlife. Common collocations include phrases related to wildlife conservation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 犀 is not listed in the HSK vocabulary, it can be connected to HSK 3 and 4 words that describe animals and nature, such as 猫 (māo, cat) or 狗 (gǒu, dog). Students should focus on pronunciation and contextual usage to better grasp its nuances.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the rhinoceros is often associated with strength and resilience, reflecting its formidable presence in nature. Additionally, rhinoceros horns have been historically valued in traditional medicine, which has implications for wildlife conservation efforts in China.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 犀 with other characters like 西 (xī, west) due to similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我看到西牛' (wǒ kàn dào xīniú, 'I saw a west cow') instead of '我看到犀牛' (wǒ kàn dào xīniú, 'I saw a rhinoceros').
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 犀
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Grammar Patterns of 犀
犀 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). 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
她是伦敦著名的“薄荷____牛”夜总会的钢管舞舞者。
She is a pole dancer at London's famous Spearmint Rhino club.
Example Sentences for 犀 (5)
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1
她是伦敦著名的“薄荷犀牛”夜总会的钢管舞舞者。
tā shì lún dūn zhù míng de“ “ báo hé xī” niú ” yè zǒng huì de gāng guǎn wǔ。
She is a pole dancer at London's famous Spearmint Rhino club.
2
犀牛夜里在这些村民的庄稼地里也已吃饱了.
xī niú yè lǐ zài zhè xiē cūn mín de zhuāng jià dì lǐ yě yǐ chī bǎo le.
The rhinos had fed during the night in the rice fields of these villagers.
3
卡拉瑟斯被犀牛顶伤了。
kǎ lā sè sī bèi xī niú dǐng shāng le。
Carruthers had been gored by a rhinoceros.
4
犀牛甲: 走吧,他想冻死就让他去吧,别拦着.
xī niú jiǎ: : zǒu, bā , tā xiǎng dòng sǐ jiù ràng tā, qù bā ,.
Rhinoceros: Dome on . If he wants to freeze to death, let him.
5
犀牛甲: 走吧, 他想冻死就让他去吧,别拦著.
xī niú jiǎ: : zǒu, bā , tā xiǎng dòng sǐ jiù ràng tā, qù bā ,.
Rhinoceros: Come on. If he wants to freeze to death, let him.
Cultural Notes for 犀
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the rhinoceros is often associated with strength and resilience, reflecting its formidable presence in nature. Additionally, rhinoceros horns have been historically valued in traditional medicine, which has implications for wildlife conservation efforts in China.
Word Family of 犀
Words Containing This Character6
犀利sharp
犀牛rhinoceros
犀xīsharp
灵犀fig. mutual sensitivity靈犀
心有灵犀一点通hearts linked as one, just as the proverbial rhinoceros communicates emotion telepathically through his single horn (idiom); fig. two hearts beat as one心有靈犀一點通
犀鸟hornbill犀鳥
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 犀利 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 犀
It means rhinoceros, and can also imply sharpness or intensity.
You might say '这是一只犀牛' (zhè shì yī zhī xīniú), meaning 'This is a rhinoceros.'
While there are no common idioms, it can be used in literary contexts to evoke strong imagery.
