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March 24, 2026
肌jī(ji1)
The character 肌 (jī) refers to flesh or muscle in the body, highlighting the soft tissues that are found beneath the skin. Commonly used in medical, health, and fitness contexts, it emphasizes the idea of physical form, strength, and bodily structure.
Strokes6Radical⺼Frequency#7559DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), understanding the balance of bodily 'flesh' and 'muscle' is essential for diagnosing health issues, reflecting a holistic view of the human body.
Memory Tip
Imagine a muscular 'giant' (jī) flexing their arms, showcasing the 'flesh' and 'muscle' beneath their skin. The character 肌 has a radical for 'meat' (肉), reminding us that this word is about the physical aspects of the body.
Meanings of 肌
jī(ji1)
1flesh
2muscle
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About 肌
肌Simplified
6Strokes
⺼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7559Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L3
Podcast: 肌
Podcast: 肌
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AI Study Notes for 肌
Quick Contrast
肌 (jī) vs 肉 (ròu) — use 肌 for muscle or flesh in a medical context, while 肉 refers to meat in a culinary context.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a muscular 'giant' (jī) flexing their arms, showcasing the 'flesh' and 'muscle' beneath their skin. The character 肌 has a radical for 'meat' (肉), reminding us that this word is about the physical aspects of the body.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 肌 with similar characters like 肉 (ròu), which means 'meat' in a broader sense. This term is more common in medical or fitness discussions, so use it in appropriate contexts. Remember that the pronunciation is crucial; ensure you use the correct tone (first tone).
HSK Study Tips
While 肌 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is relevant for learners who are at an intermediate level (HSK 3-4) and interested in health-related vocabulary. Focus on how this term connects to words related to anatomy and physical fitness.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), understanding the balance of bodily 'flesh' and 'muscle' is essential for diagnosing health issues, reflecting a holistic view of the human body.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 肌 with 肉 (ròu), mistakenly using 肌 when discussing general meat products. Correct usage would involve 肌 for muscle contexts, while 肉 should be used when referring to meat as food.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 肌
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Grammar Patterns of 肌
肌 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.
The Mud Bath is particularly recommended for relieving tension and stiff muscles.
Cultural Notes for 肌
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), understanding the balance of bodily 'flesh' and 'muscle' is essential for diagnosing health issues, reflecting a holistic view of the human body.
Word Family of 肌
Words Containing This Character20
肌肉jīròumuscle
肌jīflesh
肌肤jīfūskin肌膚
心肌myocardium
腹肌abdominal muscle
肌腱sinew
心肌梗塞heart attack
括约肌sphincter括約肌
平滑肌smooth muscle (anatomy)
胸肌pectoral muscles
心肌梗死heart attack
肌体the body肌體
心肌炎myocarditis
肌纤维muscle fiber肌纖維
横纹肌striated muscle橫紋肌
骨骼肌striated muscle
肌理texture (of skin, surface etc)
肌电图electromyogram (EMG)肌電圖
胸大肌pectoralis major muscle (across the top of the chest)
腓肠肌calf muscle腓腸肌
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Compound Meaning
What does 肌肉 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 肌
It is pronounced as 'jī' with a high-level tone.
No, 肌 specifically refers to flesh and muscle, while 肉 (ròu) is the general term for meat.
It is more commonly used in medical or fitness contexts than in casual conversation.