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蟋 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
蟋xīcricket (1)n, 17 strokes, radical 虫
蟋xīcricketunknown, 17 strokes, radical 虫
xī(xi1) T1
  1. 1cricket (1)
  2. 2cricket
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

蟋xī(xi1)

The character 蟋 (xī) refers to a cricket, a small insect known for its distinctive chirping sound. Crickets are often associated with good luck and are commonly found in Chinese gardens and folklore, symbolizing prosperity and joy.

Strokes17Radical虫
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, crickets are often kept as pets and are believed to bring good fortune. They are featured in traditional poetry and art, symbolizing harmony with nature and the changing seasons.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tiny 'x' character hopping around like a cricket. The 'x' sound in 'xī' can remind you of the chirping sound crickets make, while the character's form, resembling a small bug, enhances the connection to the insect.

Meanings of 蟋

xī(xi1)
1cricket (1)
2cricket
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 蟋

蟋Simplified
17Strokes
虫Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 蟋

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Podcast: 蟋

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 蟋

Usage Notes

In informal contexts, 蟋 is used to refer to crickets as pets or in discussions about nature. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words, and remember that it's a noun, so it should be used as a subject or object in sentences.

HSK Study Tips

Although 蟋 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can help expand your understanding of animals in Chinese. Focus on related vocabulary such as 昆虫 (kūnchóng - insect) and other animal names to enrich your language skills.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 蟋 with other insect-related characters like 虫 (chóng - insect) or 蛤 (há - clam). Remember that 蟋 specifically denotes crickets and should be used in contexts discussing this particular insect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 蟋

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Etymology of 蟋

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 悉 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

insect

Semantic (meaning)虫
+
Phonetic (sound)悉
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 蟋

Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 悉 represents the sound.

  1. 1The meaning half虫 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half悉 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawayinsect
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 蟋? 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 蟋?

Decomposition of 蟋

IDS Structure⿰虫悉
蟋Full Character
=
虫chong2
left
悉xi1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 蟋?

How to say cricket (1) in Chinese

“cricket (1)” in Chinese is蟋xī

The character 蟋 (xī) refers to a cricket, a small insect known for its distinctive chirping sound. Crickets are often associated with good luck and are commonly found in Chinese gardens and folklore, symbolizing prosperity and joy.

When to use 蟋

In informal contexts, 蟋 is used to refer to crickets as pets or in discussions about nature. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words, and remember that it's a noun, so it should be used as a subject or object in sentences.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 蟋 with other insect-related characters like 虫 (chóng - insect) or 蛤 (há - clam). Remember that 蟋 specifically denotes crickets and should be used in contexts discussing this particular insect.

Write 蟋

蟋

Practice writing 蟋 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 蟋

蟋 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 2 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 1

Complete the Sentence

秋蝉安静下来,____蟀和蚱蜢的合唱声减弱.

The cicada is stilled. The chorus of the cricket and katydid diminishes.

Example Sentences for 蟋 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
秋蝉安静下来,蟋蟀和蚱蜢的合唱声减弱.

qiū chán ān jìng xià lái, , xī shuài hé zhà měng de hé chàng shēng jiǎn.

The cicada is stilled. The chorus of the cricket and katydid diminishes.

Word Family of 蟋

Words Containing This Character2
蟋蟀cricket (insect)
蟋xīcricket
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 蟋蟀 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 蟋

Crickets are viewed as symbols of good luck and joy, often featured in art and poetry.

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