unknown, 17 strokes, radical 罒, rank #22020, Very Hard
羁
jī
to detain
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 罒, rank #22020, Very Hard
羁
jī
to lodge
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 罒, rank #22020, Very Hard
羁
jī
inn
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 罒, rank #22020, Very Hard
jī(ji1) T1
1halter; to restrain, to hold, to control
2bridle
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March 24, 2026
羁(羈)jī(ji1)
The character 羁 (jī) primarily means 'halter' or 'bridle,' referring to the equipment used to control an animal, especially horses. It is also used in a more abstract sense to convey the idea of restraint or control, often in contexts where someone or something is being held back or detained. This word can be used in both literal and figurative situations, such as emotional or physical restraint.
Strokes17Radical罒Frequency#22020DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of restraint is often associated with moral teachings and personal discipline. The use of a halter not only relates to controlling animals but also symbolizes the control one must exercise over one's desires and impulses.
Memory Tip
Imagine a horse wearing a halter (羁) that holds it back from running free. The 'horse' radical 羊 (yáng) suggests the connection to animals, while the rest of the character (基 - jī) can remind you of the 'base' or 'foundation' of control. Picture the horse tethered to its base, unable to roam freely.
Meanings of 羁
jī(ji1)
1halter; to restrain, to hold, to control
2bridle
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 羁
羁Simplified
羈Traditional
17Strokes
罒Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 羁
Podcast: 羁
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AI Study Notes for 羁
Quick Contrast
拘 (jū) — use 羁 (jī) when emphasizing the restraint of an animal, while 拘 (jū) is more appropriate for legal or formal detention contexts.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a horse wearing a halter (羁) that holds it back from running free. The 'horse' radical 羊 (yáng) suggests the connection to animals, while the rest of the character (基 - jī) can remind you of the 'base' or 'foundation' of control. Picture the horse tethered to its base, unable to roam freely.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 羁 with similar words related to restraint, such as 拘 (jū) or 禁 (jìn), which have different nuances. This term is more commonly used in literary and formal contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Be mindful of the tone when using it, as it can carry a more serious connotation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 羁 is not part of the standard HSK curriculum, it may appear in advanced texts or literature. Students should focus on understanding the concept of restraint in both physical and metaphorical contexts, and how it connects to other HSK vocabulary related to control and limitation.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of restraint is often associated with moral teachings and personal discipline. The use of a halter not only relates to controlling animals but also symbolizes the control one must exercise over one's desires and impulses.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 羁 interchangeably with 拘 (jū) or 禁 (jìn), ignoring the specific context of physical restraint. For example, saying '我被羁在家里' (Wǒ bèi jī zài jiālǐ - 'I was restrained at home') is incorrect; it should be '我被拘在家里' (Wǒ bèi jū zài jiālǐ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 羁
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Grammar Patterns of 羁
羁 carries 5 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 3
Complete the Sentence
她已经被____押了一年。
She has already served a year on remand.
Example Sentences for 羁 (2)
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1
她已经被羁押了一年。
tā yǐ jīng bèi jī yā le yī nián。
She has already served a year on remand.
2
他们大声喊出了被羁押人的名字。
tā mén dà shēng hǎn chū le bèi jī yā rén de míng zì。
They shouted out the names of those detained.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
She has already served a year on remand.
Tap tokens to build the sentence
Cultural Notes for 羁
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of restraint is often associated with moral teachings and personal discipline. The use of a halter not only relates to controlling animals but also symbolizes the control one must exercise over one's desires and impulses.
Word Family of 羁
Words Containing This Character10
羁押to detain羈押
羁绊trammels羈絆
羁jībridle羈
不羁unruly不羈
放荡不羁wanton and unrestrained (idiom); dissolute放蕩不羈
羁留to stay羈留
羁旅to live abroad羈旅
放浪不羁wanton and unrestrained (idiom); dissolute放浪不羈
放诞不羁wanton and unrestrained (idiom); dissolute放誕不羈
非羁押性noncustodial (sentence)非羈押性
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 羁押 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 羁
While both terms relate to restraint, 羁 specifically refers to physical restraint, like a halter, whereas 拘 implies legal or situational detention.
It's more commonly seen in literature or formal writing than in casual speech; use it in contexts discussing restraint or control.
Yes, expressions involving 羁 often relate to being held back or limited, especially in a metaphorical sense.
