Skip to content
Begin learning Chinese at your own paceStart learning
犄 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
犄jīanimal hornsn, 12 strokes, radical 牛
犄jīox-hornsunknown, 12 strokes, radical 牛
犄jīwing of an armyunknown, 12 strokes, radical 牛
jī(ji1)ji T1
  1. 1animal horns
  2. 2ox-horns
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

犄jī(ji1)

The character 犄 (jī) primarily refers to animal horns, particularly those of oxen. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the wings of an army, signifying a strategic advantage. This term is often used in discussions related to agriculture or military tactics.

Strokes12Radical牛
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese culture, oxen are considered symbols of hard work and diligence, making the representation of their horns significant in agricultural contexts. The strategic use of terms like 犄 in military discussions reflects the historical importance of warfare in Chinese history.

Memory tip

Imagine an ox with its impressive horns protruding, forming a 'J' shape. The horns stand out like the wings of an army, giving it strength and defense. The pronunciation 'jī' sounds like the English 'G' in 'giraffe', which also has a long neck and prominent features.

Meanings of 犄

jī(ji1)
1animal horns
2ox-horns
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 犄 means.

About 犄

犄Simplified
12Strokes
牛Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 犄

JasonAmy

Podcast: 犄

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 犄

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 犄 with similar sounding characters, as it is less commonly used in everyday conversation. While it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is more frequently found in literary or historical texts. Common collocations include phrases discussing military strategies or agricultural practices.

HSK Study Tips

Although 犄 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it shares a conceptual linkage with other terms related to animals and military strategy. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in context, especially within literature or historical discussions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 犄 with similar characters due to its rarity. For example, mistakenly using 犄 in place of 角 (jiǎo), which also means horn but is more common. Correct usage should focus on context to avoid confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 犄

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 犄 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 犄 to You

Let me explain 犄 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 犄 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 犄?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 犄 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 犄

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 牛 represents the meaning and 奇 represents the sound.

Memory hint

ox

Semantic (meaning)牛
+
Phonetic (sound)奇
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

犄 = 牛 + 奇. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 犄

IDS Structure⿰牛奇
犄Full character
=
牛Niu2
left
奇ji1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 犄?

How to say animal horns in Chinese

“animal horns” in Chinese is犄jī

The character 犄 (jī) primarily refers to animal horns, particularly those of oxen. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the wings of an army, signifying a strategic advantage. This term is often used in discussions related to agriculture or military tactics.

When to use 犄

Be cautious not to confuse 犄 with similar sounding characters, as it is less commonly used in everyday conversation. While it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is more frequently found in literary or historical texts. Common collocations include phrases discussing military strategies or agricultural practices.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 犄 with similar characters due to its rarity. For example, mistakenly using 犄 in place of 角 (jiǎo), which also means horn but is more common. Correct usage should focus on context to avoid confusion.

Write 犄

犄

Practice writing 犄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 犄

犄 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 3 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 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这凿子在要伸入到____角儿里时十分有用.

This chisel is useful for getting into awkward spaces.

Example Sentences for 犄 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这凿子在要伸入到犄角儿里时十分有用.

zhè záo zǐ zài yào shēn rù dào jī jiǎo ér lǐ shí shí fēn yǒu yòng.

This chisel is useful for getting into awkward spaces.

Ask Jason

Have a question about 犄?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

Word Family of 犄

Words containing this character3
犄角horn
犄角旮旯corner
犄jīox-horns
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 犄

What does 犄角 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 犄

In military terms, 犄 can refer to the wings of an army, indicating a strategic formation or advantage.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 犄?

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.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab