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March 24, 2026
麒qí(qi2)
The character 麒 (qí) refers to a mythical creature often depicted as a unicorn, symbolizing purity and wisdom. In Chinese culture, it represents auspiciousness and is often associated with good fortune and prosperity. It is less commonly used in everyday language, typically appearing in literary contexts or discussions of mythology.
Strokes19Radical鹿Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese mythology, the麒 is often associated with the arrival of a sage or a virtuous ruler, marking a time of peace and prosperity. This creature is revered as a symbol of good omens in traditional Chinese beliefs.
Memory Tip
Imagine a majestic unicorn (麒) with a shimmering mane, prancing through a field of flowers. The character's left side (米) resembles rice, symbolizing nourishment, while the right side (奇) suggests something extraordinary or unique, just like the mythical unicorn itself.
Meanings of 麒
qí(qi2)
1mythical unicorn
2mythical male unicorn
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 麒
麒Simplified
19Strokes
鹿Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 麒
Podcast: 麒
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AI Study Notes for 麒
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a majestic unicorn (麒) with a shimmering mane, prancing through a field of flowers. The character's left side (米) resembles rice, symbolizing nourishment, while the right side (奇) suggests something extraordinary or unique, just like the mythical unicorn itself.
Usage Notes
While 麒 is a more formal term related to mythology, it's often used in literary or artistic contexts. Learners may confuse it with other similar characters, so it's important to distinguish it from 麒麟 (qílín), which refers to the qilin, a different legendary creature. Use the correct tone to avoid miscommunication, as 'qí' can sound similar to other words.
HSK Study Tips
Though 麒 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to more advanced vocabulary related to mythology and symbolism in Chinese culture. Students should focus on recognizing the character's usage in classical texts and mythological discussions to enhance their language and cultural understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese mythology, the麒 is often associated with the arrival of a sage or a virtuous ruler, marking a time of peace and prosperity. This creature is revered as a symbol of good omens in traditional Chinese beliefs.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 麒 with similar characters, such as 麒麟. For example, saying '我喜欢麒' (I like the unicorn) could imply a misunderstanding; it would be more accurate to refer to 麒麟 for general discussions about the mythical creature.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 麒
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Grammar Patterns of 麒
麒 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 2 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 2
Complete the Sentence
在一排排笔直的,用带刺的铁丝编扎的栅栏那一边,有一丛丛金黄色的秋____麟草.
Beyond the undeviating barbed - wire fences were clumps of golden rod.
Example Sentences for 麒 (2)
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1
在一排排笔直的,用带刺的铁丝编扎的栅栏那一边,有一丛丛金黄色的秋麒麟草.
zài yī pái pái bǐ zhí de, , yòng dài cì de tiě sī biān zā de zhà lán nà yī, biān , yǒu yī cóng cóng jīn huáng sè de qiū qí.
Beyond the undeviating barbed - wire fences were clumps of golden rod.
2
空气里闻得到幽幽的大茴香和秋麒麟草的香味.
kōng qì lǐ wén dé dào yōu yōu de dà huí xiāng hé qiū qí lín cǎo de xiāng wèi.
A faint anise smell is on the air, goldenrod scent.
Cultural Notes for 麒
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese mythology, the麒 is often associated with the arrival of a sage or a virtuous ruler, marking a time of peace and prosperity. This creature is revered as a symbol of good omens in traditional Chinese beliefs.
Word Family of 麒
Words Containing This Character4
麒麟kylin
麒qíkylin
麒麟区Qilin district, Qujing city, Yunnan麒麟區
麒麟座Monoceros (constellation)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 麒麟 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 麒
麒 represents a mythical unicorn and symbolizes purity, wisdom, and good fortune.
麒 specifically refers to a male unicorn, while 麒麟 (qílín) is a broader term that can refer to a mythical hooved chimerical creature.
No, 麒 is not commonly used in everyday conversation and is more often found in literature or discussions about mythology.
