Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
衄 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
a bloody nose; to be defeatedzg, 10 strokes, radical 血, Very Hard
old variant of 衄[nu:4]unknown, 10 strokes, radical 血, Very Hard
fig. to be defeatedunknown, 10 strokes, radical 血, Very Hard
a bloody nose; to be defeatedzg, 10 strokes, radical 血, Very Hard
old variant of 衄[nu:4]unknown, 10 strokes, radical 血, Very Hard
fig. to be defeatedunknown, 10 strokes, radical 血, Very Hard
(nü4)
primary
T4
  1. 1a bloody nose; to be defeated
  2. 2old variant of 衄[nu:4]
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(䶊)(nü4)

The character 衄 (nǜ) primarily refers to a bloody nose, often used in medical contexts. It can also metaphorically suggest being defeated or suffering a setback, especially in competitive situations. This character is less common and may appear in discussions about health or in literature.

Strokes10RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, a bloody nose (衄) may be associated with internal heat or excessive emotions, reflecting the holistic view of health in Chinese culture that connects physical symptoms to emotional states.

Memory Tip

Imagine a fierce boxing match where one fighter, represented by the character's sharp edges, suffers a bloody nose, symbolizing defeat. The 'n' in nǜ sounds like 'no,' reminding you that when you have a bloody nose, you might feel like saying 'no' to further competition.

Meanings of 衄

(nü4)
primary
1a bloody nose; to be defeated
2fig. to be defeated
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 衄

Simplified
Traditional
10Strokes
Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 衄

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 衄

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a fierce boxing match where one fighter, represented by the character's sharp edges, suffers a bloody nose, symbolizing defeat. The 'n' in nǜ sounds like 'no,' reminding you that when you have a bloody nose, you might feel like saying 'no' to further competition.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 衄 with other similar-sounding characters. It is important to use this term in appropriate contexts related to health or competition. Note that the tone (nǜ) should be pronounced correctly to avoid misunderstanding.

HSK Study Tips

Although 衄 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, understanding it can enrich your knowledge of medical terms and idiomatic expressions. Focus on the context in which it is used, especially in literature or discussions about health.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, a bloody nose (衄) may be associated with internal heat or excessive emotions, reflecting the holistic view of health in Chinese culture that connects physical symptoms to emotional states.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is confusing 衄 with other similar characters due to pronunciation. For instance, using 'nǚ' instead of 'nǜ' can lead to misunderstandings, as it changes the meaning entirely.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 衄

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 衄

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

To be shamed 丑 by a bloody 血 nose

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 衄?

Decomposition of 衄

IDS Structure⿰血丑
Full Character
=
xue4
left
Chou3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 衄?

Write 衄

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 衄

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese medicine, a bloody nose (衄) may be associated with internal heat or excessive emotions, reflecting the holistic view of health in Chinese culture that connects physical symptoms to emotional states.

Word Family of 衄

Words Containing This Character1
fig. to be defeated
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 衄 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 衄

In a medical context, 衄 refers to a bloody nose, which can indicate various health conditions.