Meanings of 魁
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 魁
Podcast: 魁
Podcast: 魁
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 魁
魁 (kuí) vs 领 (lǐng) — use 魁 for a formal or exceptional leader, while 领 is more general for any leader or head.
When using 魁, ensure you are in an appropriate context since it conveys a sense of respect and admiration. Common collocations include 魁首 (chief) and 英雄魁 (heroic leader). Be careful with the tone; the first tone in 'kuí' can be confused with other similar-sounding words if not pronounced clearly.
Although 魁 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, its components and meaning can help learners connect with other words that denote leadership or excellence. Focus on recognizing its use in set phrases and idiomatic expressions related to leadership or distinction.
Learners often confuse 魁 with other similar-sounding characters like 睿 (ruì), which means wise. For instance, saying '我想成为一个睿的人' (I want to be a wise person) instead of '我想成为一个魁的人' (I want to be an outstanding person) can change the intended meaning.
Pronunciation of 魁
Drill the tone of 魁 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 魁
One who fought 斗 a ghost 鬼; 鬼 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 魁
- 1The giveawayOne who fought 斗 a ghost 鬼; 鬼 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 魁? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 魁?
Decomposition of 魁
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 魁?
How to say chief, leader; best; monstrous in Chinese
“chief, leader; best; monstrous” in Chinese is魁
The character 魁 (kuí) refers to a chief or leader and can also denote someone who is outstanding or exceptional in a particular field. It is often used in formal contexts to describe individuals who stand out due to their abilities or achievements, such as a leader in a community or an exceptional talent in a competition.
When to use 魁
When using 魁, ensure you are in an appropriate context since it conveys a sense of respect and admiration. Common collocations include 魁首 (chief) and 英雄魁 (heroic leader). Be careful with the tone; the first tone in 'kuí' can be confused with other similar-sounding words if not pronounced clearly.
魁 or something close to it
魁 (kuí) vs 领 (lǐng) — use 魁 for a formal or exceptional leader, while 领 is more general for any leader or head.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 魁 with other similar-sounding characters like 睿 (ruì), which means wise. For instance, saying '我想成为一个睿的人' (I want to be a wise person) instead of '我想成为一个魁的人' (I want to be an outstanding person) can change the intended meaning.
Write 魁
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 魁 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 魁
魁 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 5 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.
Complete the Sentence
这一危机已在____北克激起了一波民族独立主义情绪。
The crisis has set off a wave of nationalist feelings in Quebec.
Example Sentences for 魁 (6)
Word Family of 魁
Compound Meaning
What does 罪魁祸首 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 魁
While both terms refer to leaders, 魁 emphasizes exceptional ability or status, whereas 领导 is a more general term for a person in charge.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 魁?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.