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March 24, 2026
颉(頡)jié(jie2)
The character 颉 (jié) typically refers to the action of contesting or soaring, often in a metaphorical sense, such as competing or striving. It can also denote a stiff neck, or be used as a surname. This character is less commonly used in everyday language and may appear in literary or historical contexts.
Strokes12Radical页Frequency#87439DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese texts, 颉 is sometimes associated with mythical creatures, particularly in tales that emphasize competition and striving for greatness, reflecting values important in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bird soaring high in the sky (飞, fēi) with a stiff neck (颈, jǐng) as it contests with other birds for space. The character's top resembles the wings of a bird, while the bottom looks like a neck, reminding you of its meaning and pronunciation 'jié'.
Meanings of 颉
jié(jie2)
primary
1contest; to fly, to soar
2to confiscate
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 颉
颉Simplified
頡Traditional
12Strokes
页Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 颉
Podcast: 颉
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AI Study Notes for 颉
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bird soaring high in the sky (飞, fēi) with a stiff neck (颈, jǐng) as it contests with other birds for space. The character's top resembles the wings of a bird, while the bottom looks like a neck, reminding you of its meaning and pronunciation 'jié'.
Usage Notes
While 颉 has several meanings, learners often confuse it with similar-sounding characters. It's important to use it in appropriate contexts, particularly when referring to competitions or metaphorical soaring. The tone is crucial; mispronouncing it as 'jie' can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As 颉 is not listed in HSK levels, learners should focus on its usage in literary texts or historical documents. Connecting it with related characters like 飛 (to fly) may help reinforce its meaning and pronunciation.
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese texts, 颉 is sometimes associated with mythical creatures, particularly in tales that emphasize competition and striving for greatness, reflecting values important in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 颉 with similar characters like 亘 (gèn), which means to extend. For example, saying '我很颉' (wǒ hěn jié) incorrectly implies a meaning of 'I am contesting', whereas it should be used in specific contexts related to soaring or competition.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 颉
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Cultural Notes for 颉
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient Chinese texts, 颉 is sometimes associated with mythical creatures, particularly in tales that emphasize competition and striving for greatness, reflecting values important in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 颉
Words Containing This Character2
颉jiéto confiscate頡
仓颉Cangjie input method (computing)倉頡
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 颉 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 颉
In modern usage, 颉 is not commonly used; it primarily appears in literary or historical contexts.
You pronounce it as 'jié', with a rising tone, similar to the word for 'to fly'.
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