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March 24, 2026
隘ài(ai4)
The character 隘 (ài) refers to a narrow passage or defile, often used in a geographical context to describe a strategic point in a landscape. It can also denote the sense of being in a confined or distressing situation, highlighting both physical and metaphorical narrowness.
Strokes12Radical阝Frequency#48418DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese military history, certain strategic passes (隘口) have been pivotal in battles, making the understanding of this term important for discussing historical conflicts and strategies.
Memory Tip
Imagine a narrow mountain pass where two cliffs come close together, creating a tight space. To remember the pronunciation, think of 'AI' as 'Aye!' when you see a narrow gap that makes you feel uneasy or distressed.
Meanings of 隘
ài(ai4)
1pass
2defile
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 隘
隘Simplified
12Strokes
阝Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#48418Frequency Rank
Podcast: 隘
Podcast: 隘
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AI Study Notes for 隘
Quick Contrast
狭 (xiá) - use 隘 (ài) when emphasizing a strategic or metaphorical narrowness, while 狭 (xiá) generally refers to physical narrowness without the same connotation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a narrow mountain pass where two cliffs come close together, creating a tight space. To remember the pronunciation, think of 'AI' as 'Aye!' when you see a narrow gap that makes you feel uneasy or distressed.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the context when using 隘; it often implies not just a physical narrowness but can also suggest emotional or situational distress. It is more formal and may not be used in everyday conversation, so consider the tone of your discourse.
HSK Study Tips
While 隘 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it can be useful for learners at higher levels looking to expand their understanding of geographical terms and their metaphorical uses. Focus on related terms for 'narrow' or 'confined' to build a broader vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese military history, certain strategic passes (隘口) have been pivotal in battles, making the understanding of this term important for discussing historical conflicts and strategies.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 隘 with other similar characters like 狭 (xiá), which also means narrow but lacks the strategic or distressful connotation. For example, saying '我在一个狭的地方' (I am in a narrow place) can be vague; specify using 隘 if referring to a strategic pass.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 隘
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Grammar Patterns of 隘
隘 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 6 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 3
Complete the Sentence
这实质上是一种狭____的、因循守旧的照顾孩子的方法。
It is essentially a narrow and conservative approach to child care.
Example Sentences for 隘 (3)
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1
这实质上是一种狭隘的、因循守旧的照顾孩子的方法。
zhè shí zhì shàng shì yī zhǒng xiá ài de、 、 yīn xún shǒu jiù de zhào gù hái zǐ de fāng。
It is essentially a narrow and conservative approach to child care.
2
他们的判断是基于一种狭隘的世界观。
tā mén de pàn duàn shì jī yú yī zhǒng xiá ài de shì jiè guān。
They're making judgments based on a narrowly focused vision of the world.
3
狭隘自私的行为最终会自拆台脚。
xiá ài zì sī de háng wéi zuì zhōng huì zì chāi tái jiǎo。
Narrowly self-interested behaviour is ultimately self-defeating.
Cultural Notes for 隘
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese military history, certain strategic passes (隘口) have been pivotal in battles, making the understanding of this term important for discussing historical conflicts and strategies.
Word Family of 隘
Words Containing This Character7
狭隘xiá’àinarrow狹隘
隘àipass
隘口defile
关隘mountain pass關隘
要隘strategic pass
隘路defile
隘谷ravine
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 狭隘 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 隘
An example sentence is: '这个山隘很难通过' (This mountain pass is hard to get through).
It's more commonly found in literary or formal contexts rather than casual conversations.
Think of 'Aye!' echoing through a narrow valley to recall the sound.
