unknown, 16 strokes, radical 髟, rank #55581, Very Hard
jì(ji4) T4
1bun, topknot
2hair rolled up in a bun, topknot
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March 24, 2026
髻jì(ji4)
The character 髻 (jì) refers to a hairstyle where hair is rolled up and tied, commonly known as a bun or topknot. This style is often associated with traditional Chinese culture, particularly for women and in historical contexts, symbolizing elegance and formality.
Strokes16Radical髟Frequency#55581DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, various hairstyles, including the 髻, signify marital status or rank, particularly during the imperial era. The bun is often seen in historical dramas and traditional celebrations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'jittery' (jì) person trying to wrap their hair into a bun; the way the hair twists and turns resembles the character 髻. The top part of the character suggests the 'top' where the bun is placed.
Meanings of 髻
jì(ji4)
1bun, topknot
2hair rolled up in a bun, topknot
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 髻
髻Simplified
16Strokes
髟Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 髻
Podcast: 髻
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AI Study Notes for 髻
Quick Contrast
髻 (jì) vs 发髻 (fà jì) — use 髻 for a general term for the hairstyle, while 发髻 specifically refers to the hair bun with emphasis on the hair itself.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'jittery' (jì) person trying to wrap their hair into a bun; the way the hair twists and turns resembles the character 髻. The top part of the character suggests the 'top' where the bun is placed.
Usage Notes
While 髻 is frequently used in literary or historical contexts, it's less common in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with other hair-related terms like 发 (fà), which refers to hair in general. Proper pronunciation with the fourth tone is crucial to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
Although 髻 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects with other HSK words related to appearance and grooming, such as 头发 (tóufà - hair). Students should focus on pronunciation and the contexts in which this hairstyle is relevant.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, various hairstyles, including the 髻, signify marital status or rank, particularly during the imperial era. The bun is often seen in historical dramas and traditional celebrations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 髻 with simpler terms like 发 (fà) or 头发 (tóufà), which refer to hair in general. Remember, 髻 specifically refers to the bun or topknot hairstyle.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 髻
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Grammar Patterns of 髻
髻 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 2
Complete the Sentence
她把一头稀疏的浅黄色头发向后梳，挽成了个圆____。
She had pale thin yellow hair she pulled back into a bun.
Example Sentences for 髻 (2)
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1
她把一头稀疏的浅黄色头发向后梳，挽成了个圆髻。
tā bǎ yī tóu xī shū de qiǎn huáng sè tóu fā xiàng hòu shū， ， wǎn chéng le gè yuán。
She had pale thin yellow hair she pulled back into a bun.
2
她把自己漂亮的头发做成了个圆髻.
tā bǎ zì jǐ piāo liàng de tóu fā zuò chéng le gè yuán jì.
She had her fair hair done up in a bun.
Cultural Notes for 髻
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, various hairstyles, including the 髻, signify marital status or rank, particularly during the imperial era. The bun is often seen in historical dramas and traditional celebrations.
Word Family of 髻
Words Containing This Character4
发髻hair worn in a bun or coil髮髻
髻jìhair rolled up in a bun, topknot
丫髻topknot
螺髻spiral coil (in hairdressing)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 发髻 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 髻
髻 means a bun or topknot, a hairstyle where hair is rolled up and tied.
It's more commonly found in historical or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation.
髻 is pronounced with a fourth tone, similar to a sharp 'jì'.
