Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
衤 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
衤yīclothzg, 5 strokes, radical 衤
yī(yi1) T1
  1. 1cloth
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

衤yī(yi1)

The character 衤 (yī) represents the concept of 'cloth' or 'fabric.' It is often used as a radical in other characters related to textiles or clothing, emphasizing their connection to the material. In daily use, it may appear in words that pertain to garments and coverings.

Strokes5Radical衤
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, clothing has significant meanings tied to social status, occasions, and traditions. The character 衤 is integral in many terms that express these cultural values, such as in traditional attire during festivals.

Memory Tip

Imagine a piece of cloth hanging on a line, fluttering in the wind. The character 衤 looks like a piece of fabric draped over a structure, reminding you of its meaning related to clothing. The pronunciation 'yī' can be linked to the sound of 'eek!' when one sees a beautiful fabric.

Meanings of 衤

yī(yi1)
1cloth
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 衤

衤Simplified
5Strokes
衤Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 衤

JasonAmy

Podcast: 衤

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 衤

Usage Notes

This character typically appears in more formal contexts or in compound words related to clothing. Be careful not to confuse it with similar radicals or components that have different meanings. Common collocations include 衣服 (yīfú - clothes) and 衣料 (yīliào - fabric).

HSK Study Tips

Although 衤 itself is not an HSK vocabulary word, it is useful for learners at HSK level 1 and above to recognize it as a radical in words related to clothing. Focus on patterns where this radical appears to enhance vocabulary retention.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce 衤, thinking it should have a different tone, but it is always 'yī.' Another mistake is confusing it with similar radicals like 纟 (sī), which relates to silk. For example, 衤 should not be used when discussing silk garments; instead, use 纟.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 衤

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 衤 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 衤

Explanation

衤 is a component form of 衣.

Learn more about character formation (六书)

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 衤

衤 is a component form of 衣.

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

Want the full history of 衤? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.

How to say cloth in Chinese

“cloth” in Chinese is衤yī

The character 衤 (yī) represents the concept of 'cloth' or 'fabric.' It is often used as a radical in other characters related to textiles or clothing, emphasizing their connection to the material. In daily use, it may appear in words that pertain to garments and coverings.

When to use 衤

This character typically appears in more formal contexts or in compound words related to clothing. Be careful not to confuse it with similar radicals or components that have different meanings. Common collocations include 衣服 (yīfú - clothes) and 衣料 (yīliào - fabric).

What learners get wrong

Learners often mispronounce 衤, thinking it should have a different tone, but it is always 'yī.' Another mistake is confusing it with similar radicals like 纟 (sī), which relates to silk. For example, 衤 should not be used when discussing silk garments; instead, use 纟.

Write 衤

衤

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 衤

Words Containing This Character1
衤yīclothes
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 衤 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 衤

Common characters include 衣 (yī - clothes), 衬 (chèn - shirt), and 裙 (qún - skirt).

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 衤?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.