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胁 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
胁
xié
flank (the side of one's torso)
ng, 8 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #31458, Very Hard
胁
xié
to coerce
ng, 8 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #31458, Very Hard
胁
xié
to threaten
ng, 8 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #31458, Very Hard
胁
xié
to threaten, to coerce; ribs, flank
ng, 8 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #31458, Very Hard
xié(xie2)xie T2
1flank (the side of one's torso)
2to coerce
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March 24, 2026
胁(脅)xié(xie2)
The character 胁 (xié) primarily means 'flank,' referring to the side of the torso. It also implies coercion or threatening behavior, often used in contexts where one party exerts pressure on another to achieve compliance. This duality highlights both a physical and psychological aspect.
Strokes8Radical⺼Frequency#31458DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of coercion often relates to social dynamics where group harmony is valued over individual desires, making 胁 a relevant term in discussions of personal boundaries and societal pressure.
Memory tip
Imagine a person with strong flanks (sides) being coerced into doing something against their will. The character 胁 looks like a side view of a torso (the '月' radical represents the flesh) with a looming shadow of a person threatening from the side, helping you remember its meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 胁
xié(xie2)
1flank (the side of one's torso)
2to coerce
Exercise 1 of 3
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About 胁
胁Simplified
脅Traditional
8Strokes
⺼Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#31458Frequency Rank
Podcast: 胁
Podcast: 胁
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AI study notes for 胁
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 胁 with its variant 脅 (xié), which also means to threaten. This character is more formal and less frequently used in everyday conversation. Be cautious with tone; 'xié' (胁) is pronounced with a rising tone, while 'xiè' (脅) has a falling tone.
HSK Study Tips
Though 胁 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, its connection to other body-related terms at HSK level 3 (like 身体 shēntǐ - body) can enhance understanding. Focus on recognizing the character's form and differentiating it from similar-sounding characters.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes write 胁 incorrectly by confusing it with similar characters, like 脅. For example, writing 脅 instead of 胁 when intending to discuss 'flank' or 'to threaten' is common. Always double-check the radicals to ensure accuracy.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 胁
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How to say flank (the side of one's torso) in Chinese
“flank (the side of one's torso)” in Chinese is胁xié
The character 胁 (xié) primarily means 'flank,' referring to the side of the torso. It also implies coercion or threatening behavior, often used in contexts where one party exerts pressure on another to achieve compliance. This duality highlights both a physical and psychological aspect.
When to use 胁
Learners often confuse 胁 with its variant 脅 (xié), which also means to threaten. This character is more formal and less frequently used in everyday conversation. Be cautious with tone; 'xié' (胁) is pronounced with a rising tone, while 'xiè' (脅) has a falling tone.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes write 胁 incorrectly by confusing it with similar characters, like 脅. For example, writing 脅 instead of 胁 when intending to discuss 'flank' or 'to threaten' is common. Always double-check the radicals to ensure accuracy.
Write 胁
胁
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Grammar patterns of 胁
胁 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 4 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.
Teachers were threatened with kitchen knives, physically assaulted and verbally abused..
5
他不会为了帮助朋友而让自己的事业受到威胁。
tā bù huì wèile bāngzhù péngyou ér ràng zìjǐ de shìyè shòudào wēixié。
He wouldn't put his career on the line to help a friend.
6
在企业内部，拒不服从指令的工人会面临遭解雇的威胁。
zài qǐyè nèibù， jù bùfú cóng zhǐlìng de gōngrén huìmiàn lín zāo jiěgù de wēixié。
In industry, a worker who is grossly insubordinate is threatened with discharge.
7
他威胁说如果她拒绝服从就剥夺她的继承权。
tā wēixié shuō rúguǒ tā jùjué fúcóng jiù bōduó tā de jìchéng quán。
He threatened to disinherit her if she refused to obey.
8
她威胁说如果他离开她，她就将他双重人格的生活方式公之于众。
tā wēixié shuō rúguǒ tā líkāi tā， tā jiù jiāng tā shuāngchóng réngé de shēnghuó fāngshì gōng zhī yú zhòng。
She threatened to publicly expose his double life if he left her.
9
他指控她曾威胁要挖出他的眼睛。
tā zhǐkòng tā céng wēixié yào wā chū tā de yǎnjing。
He has accused her of threatening to gouge his eyes out.
10
他们威胁将他驱逐出他的移居国。
tāmen wēixié jiāng tā qūzhú chū tā de yí jī guó。
They threatened to expel him from his adoptive country.
11
猫在我的胁边睡觉。
Māo zài wǒ de xié biān shuìjiào.
The cat is sleeping by my flank.
12
他用手摸了摸自己的胁。
Tā yòng shǒu mōle mō zìjǐ de xié.
He touched his own flank with his hand.
13
医生检查了他的胁部。
Yīshēng jiǎnchá le tā de xié bù.
The doctor examined his flank.
14
她的胁有点疼。
Tā de xié yǒudiǎn téng.
Her flank hurts a little.
15
我觉得左边的胁有点疼。
Wǒ juéde zuǒbiān de xié yǒudiǎn téng.
I feel some pain on the left flank.
16
医生告诉我，运动时要注意保护胁。
Yīshēng gàosu wǒ, yùndòng shí yào zhùyì bǎohù xié.
The doctor told me to protect my flanks during exercise.
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Word Family of 胁
Words containing this character6
威胁wēixiéto threaten威脅
胁迫xiépòto coerce脅迫
胁xiéto coerce脅
胁持xiéchíto hold under duress脅持
胁从犯xiécóngfàninduced accomplice脅從犯
迫胁pòxiéto coerce迫脅
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 胁
What does 威胁 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 胁
Yes, 胁 (xié) can be used in a legal context when discussing issues of coercion or threats. For example, if someone is forced into an agreement under duress, 胁迫 (xié pò) can describe that coercive act. This term is important in legal discussions regarding consent and pressure.
胁 (xié) means 'flank' or 'to coerce,' while 威胁 (wēi xié) specifically means 'to threaten' or 'to menace.' The former can refer to physical sides of the body, whereas the latter is more about intimidation or danger in a social context.
To use 胁 (xié) in a sentence, you might say, '他在胁迫我做这个决定,' which translates to 'He is coercing me to make this decision.' This showcases its meaning related to coercion. You can also use it in a medical context when discussing the physical aspect of the torso.
胁 (xié) primarily means 'flank,' referring to the side of one's torso. Additionally, it can also mean 'to coerce' or 'to threaten' in various contexts. This character is often used in expressions related to pressure or compulsion.
胁 (xié) refers specifically to the flank or side of the body and can also mean to threaten, whereas 脅 (xié) solely means to threaten or coerce.
No, 胁 is more formal and is often found in literary or legal contexts rather than in casual conversation.
Focus on the 'xié' sound, which is similar to 'share' with an 'x' sound; visualize flanks being shared or threatened.
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