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猩 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
猩xīngape, orangutann, 12 strokes, radical 犭, rank #46812, Very Hard
xīng(xing1)xing T1
  1. 1ape, orangutan
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March 24, 2026

猩xīng(xing1)

The character 猩 (xīng) refers to a type of large primate, specifically an ape or orangutan. It is often used in both scientific contexts and popular discussions about wildlife, emphasizing the intelligence and uniqueness of these creatures.

Strokes12Radical犭Frequency#46812DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the orangutan is often seen as a symbol of intelligence and conservation efforts, particularly in the context of environmental protection campaigns. The character 猩 is sometimes used in literature to convey themes of nature and humanity's relationship with animals.

Memory tip

Imagine an orangutan swinging from tree branches, its bright red fur shining in the sun. The character 猩 has the radical for 'animal' (犭) on the left, indicating it refers to a living creature, while the right side resembles a human-like face, suggesting its intelligence and connection to humans.

Meanings of 猩

xīng(xing1)
1ape, orangutan
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 猩 means.

About 猩

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

Podcast: 猩

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Podcast: 猩

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AI study notes for 猩

Quick Contrast

猩 (xīng) vs 猩猩 (xīng xīng) — use 猩 for general reference to apes, while 猩猩 specifically refers to orangutans.

Usage Notes

This character is typically used in more formal contexts, such as biology or wildlife discussions. A common mistake is confusing 猩 with similar-sounding characters; ensure correct pronunciation and context to avoid mix-ups. It often collocates with terms like '猩猩' (xīngxīng) meaning 'orangutan.'

HSK Study Tips

While 猩 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other animal-related words like 猫 (māo - cat) and 狗 (gǒu - dog). Focus on pronunciation, especially the tone, as it is critical for correct identification.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 猩 with the character 星 (xīng - star) due to similar pronunciation. Remember that 猩 relates to animals, while 星 refers to celestial bodies.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 猩

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Jason Explains 猩 to you

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Etymology of 猩

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

Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 星 represents the sound.

Memory hint

animal

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

Origin

猩 = 犭 + 星. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 猩

IDS Structure⿰犭星
猩Full character
=
犭quan3
left
星xing1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 猩?

How to say ape, orangutan in Chinese

“ape, orangutan” in Chinese is猩xīng

The character 猩 (xīng) refers to a type of large primate, specifically an ape or orangutan. It is often used in both scientific contexts and popular discussions about wildlife, emphasizing the intelligence and uniqueness of these creatures.

When to use 猩

This character is typically used in more formal contexts, such as biology or wildlife discussions. A common mistake is confusing 猩 with similar-sounding characters; ensure correct pronunciation and context to avoid mix-ups. It often collocates with terms like '猩猩' (xīngxīng) meaning 'orangutan.'

猩 or something close to it

猩 (xīng) vs 猩猩 (xīng xīng) — use 猩 for general reference to apes, while 猩猩 specifically refers to orangutans.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 猩 with the character 星 (xīng - star) due to similar pronunciation. Remember that 猩 relates to animals, while 星 refers to celestial bodies.

Write 猩

猩

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

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Grammar patterns of 猩

猩 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 5

Fill the gap

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

我知道你研究黑____猩至今已有30年了。

I know that you'vebeen studying chimpanzees for thirty years now.

Example sentences for 猩 (4)

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1
我知道你研究黑猩猩至今已有30年了。

wǒ zhīdào nǐ yánjiū hēi xīngxing zhìjīn yǐ yǒu30 nián le。

I know that you'vebeen studying chimpanzees for thirty years now.
2
第三只大猩猩要高出一头。

dì sān zhī dà xīngxing yào gāo chū yìtóu。

The third gorilla was taller by a head.
3
我们看两只猩猩在互相理毛.

wǒmen kàn liǎng zhī xīngxing zài hùxiāng lǐ máo.

We watched two apes grooming each other.
4
快到年底时他染上了猩红热.

kuài dào niándǐ shí tā rǎn shàng le xīng hóng rè.

Toward the end of the year he caught scarlet fever.

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Word Family of 猩

Words containing this character6
猩猩xīngxingorangutan
大猩猩gorilla
猩xīngape
黑猩猩common chimpanzee
猩红scarlet猩紅
猩红热scarlet fever猩紅熱
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 猩

What does 猩猩 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 猩

It is pronounced as 'xīng', with a high and level tone.

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