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March 24, 2026
伊yī(Yi1)
The character 伊 (yī) is primarily used as a pronoun meaning 'he' or 'she', often employed in literary or formal contexts. It can also refer to 'this' or 'that', and serves as an abbreviation in transliterations for names of countries like Iraq (伊拉克) and Iran (伊朗). Its usage may convey a certain level of formality or stylistic nuance in conversation.
Strokes6Radical亻Frequency#2294DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In classical Chinese literature, 伊 frequently appears in poetry and prose, often reflecting a more refined or elevated style of communication. Its presence in modern transliterations also highlights the importance of historical and cultural ties between China and countries like Iraq and Iran.
Memory Tip
Imagine 伊 (yī) as a stylized figure holding a flag representing a person, symbolizing the pronoun 'he' or 'she'. The shape of the character can remind you of a person standing proudly, emphasizing its role in referring to individuals.
Meanings of 伊
yī(Yi1)
1he she; this, that; used in transliterations
2abbr. for 伊拉克[Yi1 la1 ke4], Iraq
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 伊
伊Simplified
6Strokes
亻Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 伊
Podcast: 伊
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AI Study Notes for 伊
Quick Contrast
他 (tā, he) — use 伊 (yī) for formal or literary contexts, while 他 (tā) is more common in everyday speech.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine 伊 (yī) as a stylized figure holding a flag representing a person, symbolizing the pronoun 'he' or 'she'. The shape of the character can remind you of a person standing proudly, emphasizing its role in referring to individuals.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 伊 with the more common pronouns like 他 (tā, he) and 她 (tā, she), which are used more frequently in everyday speech. 伊 carries a more formal tone and is less common in casual conversation. Be cautious with pronunciation; the first tone (yī) is crucial for clarity.
HSK Study Tips
Although 伊 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 1 pronouns like 他 and 她. Students should focus on understanding its formal usage and how it contrasts with more commonly used pronouns in conversation.
Cultural Note
In classical Chinese literature, 伊 frequently appears in poetry and prose, often reflecting a more refined or elevated style of communication. Its presence in modern transliterations also highlights the importance of historical and cultural ties between China and countries like Iraq and Iran.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 伊 in casual conversation instead of 他 or 她, thinking it is interchangeable. For example, saying '伊喜欢这个' instead of '他喜欢这个' (He likes this) is incorrect in informal contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 伊
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Grammar Patterns of 伊
伊 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 4 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.
tā shì yī wá zuì shēn è tòng jué de nà zhǒng rén zhōng de diǎn xíng。
He was the quintessence of all that Eva most deeply loathed.
5
约翰尼和盖伊是英国最了不起的、还未被公众认可的流行歌曲创作者。
yuē hàn ní hé gài yī shì yīng guó zuì le bù qǐ de、 、 huán wèi bèi gōng zhòng rèn kě de liú háng gē qū chuàng zuò。
Johnny and Guy are the greatest unacknowledged pop songwriters in Britain.
6
伊莱恩转过身，懒懒地挥了一下手就走了。
yī lái ēn zhuǎn guò shēn， ， lǎn lǎn dì huī le yī xià shǒu jiù zǒu。
Elaine turned and waved her hand lazily and left.
7
伊莎贝尔把酒杯放在桌上他伸手可及的地方。
yī suō bèi ěr bǎ jiǔ bēi fàng zài zhuō shàng tā shēn shǒu kě jí de dì fāng。
Isabelle placed a wine cup on the table within his reach.
8
奥拉伊奇先生通过结婚而取得在英国的永久居留权。
ào lā yī qí xiān shēng tōng guò jié hūn ér qǔ dé zài yīng guó de yǒng jiǔ jū liú quán。
Mr Olaechea has British residency by virtue of his marriage.
9
在塞伊有生之年，他的作品拥有大量的读者。
zài sāi yī yǒu shēng zhī nián， ， tā de zuò pǐn yōng yǒu dà liáng de dú。
Say's writings reached a wide audience during his lifetime.
10
这一遗迹在德鲁伊特来到不列颠前就已存在。
zhè yī yí jì zài dé lǔ yī tè lái dào bù liè diān qián jiù yǐ cún zài。
The monument predates the arrival of the druids in Britain.
Cultural Notes for 伊
🏮Cultural insight
In classical Chinese literature, 伊 frequently appears in poetry and prose, often reflecting a more refined or elevated style of communication. Its presence in modern transliterations also highlights the importance of historical and cultural ties between China and countries like Iraq and Iran.
Word Family of 伊
Words Containing This Character13
伊拉克Iraq
伊朗Iran
伊yīthat (preceding a noun)
伊丽莎白Elizabeth (person name)伊麗莎白
伊斯兰Islam伊斯蘭
木乃伊mummy (preserved corpse) (loanword)
伊始outset
伊娃Eva (name)
伊斯兰教yīsīlánjiàoIslam伊斯蘭教
特洛伊ancient city of Troy
弗洛伊德Floyd (name)
伊甸园Garden of Eden伊甸園
伊凡Ivan (Russian name)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 伊拉克 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 伊
Use 伊 in more formal or literary contexts; it tends to sound more poetic or traditional.
Primarily, yes; however, it can also mean 'this' or 'that' in certain contexts.
Yes, 他 (tā) for 'he' and 她 (tā) for 'she' are more commonly used in everyday speech.
