unknown, 10 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #14054, Very Hard
脊
jǐ
Taiwan pr. [ji2] or [ji3]
unknown, 10 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #14054, Very Hard
脊
jí
spine, backbone; ridge
n, 10 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #14054, Very Hard
脊
jí
back
unknown, 10 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #14054, Very Hard
脊
jí
Taiwan pr. [ji2] or [ji3]
unknown, 10 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #14054, Very Hard
jí(ji2)
primary
T2
1spine, backbone; ridge
2back
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#14054DifficultyVery Hard
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
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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.
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.
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
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1The giveawayA vertebra 人 protruding from the flesh ⺼
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 脊? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 脊?
Decomposition of 脊
IDS Structure⿱⿻人？⺼
脊Full Character
=
人ren2
outer
⺼rou4
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 脊?
How to say spine, backbone; ridge in Chinese
“spine, backbone; ridge” in Chinese is脊jǐ
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.
When to use 脊
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.
脊 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 脊
脊
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Practice writing 脊 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
