Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
阄 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
jiūchance, risk; to draw lotsng, 10 strokes, radical 门, Very Hard
jiūlots (to be drawn)unknown, 10 strokes, radical 门, Very Hard
jiūlot (in a game of chance)unknown, 10 strokes, radical 门, Very Hard
jiū(jiu1) T1
  1. 1chance, risk; to draw lots
  2. 2lots (to be drawn)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(鬮)jiū(jiu1)

The character 阄 (jiū) refers to the concept of chance or risk, particularly in contexts of drawing lots or random selection. It is commonly used in games of chance where outcomes are uncertain, highlighting the element of luck involved in such situations.

Strokes10RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, drawing lots (阄) has historical significance, often used in decision-making or divination practices, reflecting the belief in fate and destiny. This practice can be seen during festivals or important events.

Memory Tip

Imagine a game where you 'draw' a lot from a box (阄) filled with different colored balls. The box represents chance, and 'jiū' sounds like 'draw' in English. Visualize pulling a ball out and the suspense of wondering if it’s the winning one, tying the character’s meaning to its pronunciation.

Meanings of 阄

jiū(jiu1)
1chance, risk; to draw lots
2lots (to be drawn)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 阄

Simplified
Traditional
10Strokes
Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 阄

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 阄

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a game where you 'draw' a lot from a box (阄) filled with different colored balls. The box represents chance, and 'jiū' sounds like 'draw' in English. Visualize pulling a ball out and the suspense of wondering if it’s the winning one, tying the character’s meaning to its pronunciation.

Usage Notes

Be cautious when using 阄 in formal contexts as it is primarily informal and associated with games of luck. It often collocates with words relating to games, such as '抽签' (chōu qiān, lottery) or '赌博' (dǔ bó, gambling). Ensure the tone is correct; it should be pronounced with a high level tone.

HSK Study Tips

Although 阄 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, its components can help learners recognize other characters related to chance or luck. Students at this level should focus on understanding how this character connects with concepts of randomness and uncertainty in both language and culture.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, drawing lots (阄) has historical significance, often used in decision-making or divination practices, reflecting the belief in fate and destiny. This practice can be seen during festivals or important events.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 阄 with similar sounding characters; for example, using '九' (jiǔ, nine) instead of 阄. Always remember that 阄 relates to chance and drawing lots, while 九 refers to the number nine.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 阄

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 阄

Decomposition of 阄

IDS Structure⿵门龟
Full Character
=
Men2
enclosing
gui1
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 阄?

Write 阄

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 阄

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese culture, drawing lots (阄) has historical significance, often used in decision-making or divination practices, reflecting the belief in fate and destiny. This practice can be seen during festivals or important events.

Word Family of 阄

Words Containing This Character2
抓阄to draw straws抓鬮
jiūlots (to be drawn)
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 抓阄 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 阄

You would use 阄 in informal settings, particularly when discussing games of chance or decisions made by random selection.