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March 24, 2026
膝(厀)xī(xi1)
The character 膝 (xī) means 'knee' and refers specifically to the joint connecting the thigh and the lower leg. It can be used in both medical and everyday contexts, often appearing in discussions about health, anatomy, or physical activities. This term is also an old variant of the character 膝, which is still used in modern Chinese.
Strokes15Radical⺼Frequency#8342DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, knees are often associated with the concept of 'wind' and 'cold', which can affect joint health. This cultural understanding emphasizes the importance of protecting the knees from exposure to cold weather.
Memory Tip
Imagine your knee as a 'knee-saw' (xī sounds like 'see'), where you can visualize a saw cutting through the knee joint. The character 膝 is made of the radical 月 (yuè), which often relates to body parts, combined with the character for 'saw' to help you remember its meaning.
Meanings of 膝
xī(xi1)
1knee
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 膝
膝Simplified
厀Traditional
15Strokes
⺼Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#8342Frequency Rank
Podcast: 膝
Podcast: 膝
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AI Study Notes for 膝
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine your knee as a 'knee-saw' (xī sounds like 'see'), where you can visualize a saw cutting through the knee joint. The character 膝 is made of the radical 月 (yuè), which often relates to body parts, combined with the character for 'saw' to help you remember its meaning.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 膝 (knee) with similar-sounding words. It's important to use the correct tone, as xī has a high level tone that can be easily mispronounced. This word is typically used in both formal and informal registers, especially in medical contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Although 膝 is not included in HSK vocabulary lists, it can be helpful for learners at HSK 3-4 level who are expanding their medical or anatomical vocabulary. Students should focus on recognizing the character in context and practicing its pronunciation.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, knees are often associated with the concept of 'wind' and 'cold', which can affect joint health. This cultural understanding emphasizes the importance of protecting the knees from exposure to cold weather.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 膝 with the character 习 (xí), which means 'to practice'. A common mistake is writing 膝 as 习, which changes the meaning entirely. It’s crucial to remember that 膝 (xī) has the 'knee' meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 膝
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Grammar Patterns of 膝
膝 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
淑女端坐时总是双手放在____上，不发一言。
A lady always sits quietly with her hands in her lap.
The knee's coming on fine, I'm walking comfortably already.
8
她绊了一下摔倒了，手掌和膝盖都蹭破了。
tā bàn le yī xià shuāi dǎo le， ， shǒu zhǎng hé xī gài dū cèng pò。
She stumbled and fell, scraping her palms and knees.
9
送信人弯下腰来，挠着膝部被绑腿磨红的地方。
sòng xìn rén wān xià yāo lái， ， náo zháo xī bù bèi bǎng tuǐ mó hóng de dì。
The messenger bent and scratched at his knee where the strapping chafed.
10
我们在他的膝盖上涂了些药膏并打上了绷带。
wǒ mén zài tā de xī gài shàng tú le xiē yào gāo bìng dǎ shàng le bēng dài。
We put some ointment and a bandage on his knee.
Cultural Notes for 膝
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, knees are often associated with the concept of 'wind' and 'cold', which can affect joint health. This cultural understanding emphasizes the importance of protecting the knees from exposure to cold weather.
Word Family of 膝
Words Containing This Character12
膝盖xīgàiknee膝蓋
膝xīold variant of 膝[xī]厀
膝下at the knee (in reference to children)
护膝kneepad護膝
膝盖骨kneecap膝蓋骨
盘膝cross-legged盤膝
牛膝Achyranthes bidentata (root used in Chinese medicine)
促膝intimate
促膝谈心to sit side-by-side and have a heart-to-heart talk (idiom)促膝談心
卑躬屈膝to bow and bend the knee (idiom); fawning
齐膝level with one's knees齊膝
奴颜婢膝bending and scraping to curry favor奴顏婢膝
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 膝盖 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 膝
It is pronounced as 'xī' with a high-level tone.
Yes, it can be used in both medical discussions and general conversations about health.
膝 specifically refers to the knee, while similar characters may refer to other body parts or concepts.
