Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
脊jí(ji2)
The character 脊 (jí) primarily refers to the spine or backbone, which is essential for the structure and support of the body. It is also used to describe a ridge in a geographical context. In Chinese, it is often used in medical or anatomical discussions, emphasizing physical support and stability.
Strokes10Radical⺼Frequency#14054DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the spine is considered crucial for overall health, linking physical and spiritual well-being. Understanding the role of the spine in Chinese culture can give insights into practices like acupuncture and qi gong.
Memory Tip
Imagine the character 脊 as a person standing upright, with their spine highlighted. The left part (月) resembles a body, while the right part (木) can be thought of as the backbone, giving it strength like a tree trunk. Visualize a strong tree standing tall with a solid spine.
Meanings of 脊
jí(ji2)
primary
1spine, backbone; ridge
2back
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 脊
脊Simplified
10Strokes
⺼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 脊
Podcast: 脊
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 脊
Quick Contrast
脊 (jí) vs 背 (bèi) — use 脊 when specifically referring to the spine or backbone, while 背 refers more generally to the back of a person.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine the character 脊 as a person standing upright, with their spine highlighted. The left part (月) resembles a body, while the right part (木) can be thought of as the backbone, giving it strength like a tree trunk. Visualize a strong tree standing tall with a solid spine.
Usage Notes
Note that 脊 is often used in more formal or technical contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with 背 (bèi), which also means 'back' but is used more informally. Be careful with tone—using the wrong tone can change the meaning significantly.
HSK Study Tips
While 脊 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, understanding it can deepen your grasp of related terms in anatomy (e.g., 脊椎 for vertebra). Focus on the character's structure and pronunciation as you expand your vocabulary in medical and anatomical contexts.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the spine is considered crucial for overall health, linking physical and spiritual well-being. Understanding the role of the spine in Chinese culture can give insights into practices like acupuncture and qi gong.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 脊 with 背 (bèi). For example, saying 背椎 instead of 脊椎 is incorrect. Remember that 背 is more casual, while 脊 is used in more technical contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 脊
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 脊 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 脊 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 脊
脊 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 5
Complete the Sentence
每个能够参加战斗的男子现在都决心要保卫这条山____。
Every man who could fight was now committed to defend the ridge.
' Tall tree, Spy - glass shoulder , bearing a point to the N . of N . N . E.
6
拉米克住在高耸的山脊上一片有400户人家的地方。
lā mǐ kè zhù zài gāo sǒng de shān jǐ shàng yī piàn yǒu400 400 hù rén jiā de dì。
Rammick lives high on a ridge in a 400-home subdivision.
7
鱼 、 鸟和人类都是脊椎动物.
yú、 、 niǎo hé rén lèi dū shì jǐ zhuī dòng.
Fish, birds, and human beings are vertebrates.
8
我的脊椎骨有一节脱位。
wǒ de jǐ zhuī gǔ yǒu yī jié tuō wèi。
A bone in my spine was out of alignment .
9
隆起在沼泽上的一系列又长又矮的山脊,是平原上唯一可以栖住的地方.
lóng qǐ zài zhǎo zé shàng de yī xì liè yòu cháng yòu ǎi de shān jǐ, , shì píng yuán shàng wéi yī kě yǐ qī zhù de dì.
Long low ridges which rise above the marsh form the only inhabitable areas on the plain.
10
现在他知道这鱼就在这里,他的双手和背脊都不是梦中的东西.
xiàn zài tā zhī dào zhè yú jiù zài zhè lǐ, , tā de shuāng shǒu hé bèi jǐ dū bù shì mèng zhōng de dōng.
Now he knew there was the fish and his hands and back were no dream.
Cultural Notes for 脊
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the spine is considered crucial for overall health, linking physical and spiritual well-being. Understanding the role of the spine in Chinese culture can give insights into practices like acupuncture and qi gong.
Word Family of 脊
Words Containing This Character20
脊椎vertebra
脊髓spinal cord
脊柱spinal column
脊jíspine
山脊mountain ridge
脊梁jǐliángbackbone
脑脊液cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)腦脊液
脊背back
背脊the back of the human body
屋脊roof ridge
里脊(tender)loin (of pork, beef etc)裡脊
脊椎骨vertebra
脊骨backbone
脊椎动物vertebrate脊椎動物
脊梁骨backbone
脊髓灰质炎poliomyelitis脊髓灰質炎
脊髓炎myelitis
书脊spine of a book書脊
脊索notochord (anatomy)
无脊椎动物invertebrate無脊椎動物
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 脊椎 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 脊
It is pronounced as 'jí' in Mandarin, but can also be pronounced as 'ji3' in some Taiwanese contexts.
Common phrases include 脊椎 (jí zhuī) for 'vertebra' and 脊髓 (jí suǐ) for 'spinal cord'.
