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豸 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
豸zhìbadger; legendary beastg, 7 strokes, radical 豸, rank #93797, Very Hard
豸zhìworm-like invertebrateunknown, 7 strokes, radical 豸, rank #93797, Very Hard
豸zhìmythical animal (see 獬豸[xie4 zhi4])unknown, 7 strokes, radical 豸, rank #93797, Very Hard
豸zhìradical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 153)unknown, 7 strokes, radical 豸, rank #93797, Very Hard
zhì(zhi4)zhi T4
  1. 1badger; legendary beast
  2. 2worm-like invertebrate
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March 24, 2026

豸zhì(zhi4)

The character 豸 (zhì) primarily refers to small, burrowing animals such as badgers and other similar creatures. It is also used to denote mythical or legendary beasts, particularly in historical texts. Additionally, it serves as a radical in various Chinese characters, often associated with animals or insects.

Strokes7Radical豸Frequency#93797DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the badger is sometimes associated with myths and legends, particularly in stories that involve animal spirits or guardians. This reflects the deep connection between nature and folklore in Chinese traditions.

Memory tip

Imagine a badger (which 豸 represents) digging into the ground, with its burrow looking like the character itself. The shape of 豸 resembles the badger's rounded body and small limbs, helping you remember both its pronunciation and its meaning.

Meanings of 豸

zhì(zhi4)
1badger; legendary beast
2worm-like invertebrate
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 豸 means.

About 豸

豸Simplified
7Strokes
豸Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 豸

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Podcast: 豸

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AI study notes for 豸

Usage Notes

Many learners confuse 豸 with other animal-related characters; it's essential to remember its specific association with burrowing creatures. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but you will rarely encounter it in everyday conversation. Watch out for tone pitfalls, as 'zhì' is pronounced with a falling tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced.

HSK Study Tips

Since 豸 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, students at the HSK 3 or 4 level should focus on recognizing it as a radical in other words they encounter. Additionally, understanding its connection to animals can help in expanding vocabulary related to nature.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 豸 with similar characters like 獬 (xiè) or other animal-related characters. Ensure you remember that 豸 specifically refers to badgers and related creatures, not just any small animal.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 豸

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Etymology of 豸

Explanation

Pictograph of some sort of beast or insect.

Learn more about character formation (六书)
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 豸?

Decomposition of 豸

IDS Structure⿱爫犭
豸Full character
=
爫zhao3
top
犭quan3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 豸?

How to say badger; legendary beast in Chinese

“badger; legendary beast” in Chinese is豸zhì

The character 豸 (zhì) primarily refers to small, burrowing animals such as badgers and other similar creatures. It is also used to denote mythical or legendary beasts, particularly in historical texts. Additionally, it serves as a radical in various Chinese characters, often associated with animals or insects.

When to use 豸

Many learners confuse 豸 with other animal-related characters; it's essential to remember its specific association with burrowing creatures. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but you will rarely encounter it in everyday conversation. Watch out for tone pitfalls, as 'zhì' is pronounced with a falling tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 豸 with similar characters like 獬 (xiè) or other animal-related characters. Ensure you remember that 豸 specifically refers to badgers and related creatures, not just any small animal.

Write 豸

豸

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

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Word Family of 豸

Words containing this character2
豸zhìworm-like invertebrate
虫豸small bug蟲豸
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 豸

What does 虫豸 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 豸

It means badger and refers to small burrowing animals and mythical beasts.

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