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March 24, 2026
侠(俠)xiá(xia2)
侠 (xiá) refers to a person who embodies chivalry, often characterized as a knight-errant or hero. This term is commonly used in literature and popular culture to describe individuals who act courageously for justice, often standing up for the oppressed. In everyday usage, it can imply bravery and a sense of moral righteousness.
Strokes8Radical亻Frequency#2791DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of 侠 is deeply rooted in Chinese martial arts culture, often depicted in wuxia novels where heroes fight against injustice. This character represents not just bravery but also a commitment to moral principles, reflecting traditional Chinese values.
Memory Tip
Imagine a brave knight (侠) riding a horse, ready to fight for justice. The character has a radical that resembles a person (亻), emphasizing the human element of heroism, while the second part suggests a sense of action or movement, perfect for remembering a chivalrous figure.
Meanings of 侠
xiá(xia2)
1knight-errant
2brave and chivalrous
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 侠 means.
About 侠
侠Simplified
俠Traditional
8Strokes
亻Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#2791Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 侠
Podcast: 侠
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AI Study Notes for 侠
Quick Contrast
义 (yì) — use 侠 (xiá) when emphasizing the chivalrous and heroic aspect of a person, while 义 (yì) focuses more on righteousness and moral duty.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when using 侠 (xiá); it is pronounced with a rising tone which can be confused with similar-sounding words. This character is typically used in more formal contexts or literature, so avoid using it in casual conversations unless discussing related themes. Common collocations include 侠客 (xiá kè - knight-errant) and 侠义 (xiá yì - chivalry).
HSK Study Tips
Although 侠 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects with other HSK 4 and 5 words related to ethics and heroism. Focus on its use in classical literature and modern media to see its application in different contexts. Knowing this word will enhance your understanding of chivalric themes in Chinese narratives.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 侠 (xiá) with the similar-sounding character 霞 (xiá), which means 'rosy clouds' or 'glow.' For example, saying '我想成为一个霞' (wǒ xiǎng chéngwéi yīgè xiá) when they mean '我想成为一个侠' (wǒ xiǎng chéngwéi yīgè xiá) can lead to confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 侠
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How Well Do You Know 侠?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 侠 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
侠 = 亻 + 夹. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 侠
IDS Structure⿰亻夹
侠Full Character
=
亻ren2
left
夹jia1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 侠?
How to say knight-errant in Chinese
“knight-errant” in Chinese is侠xiá
侠 (xiá) refers to a person who embodies chivalry, often characterized as a knight-errant or hero. This term is commonly used in literature and popular culture to describe individuals who act courageously for justice, often standing up for the oppressed. In everyday usage, it can imply bravery and a sense of moral righteousness.
When to use 侠
Be cautious with the tone when using 侠 (xiá); it is pronounced with a rising tone which can be confused with similar-sounding words. This character is typically used in more formal contexts or literature, so avoid using it in casual conversations unless discussing related themes. Common collocations include 侠客 (xiá kè - knight-errant) and 侠义 (xiá yì - chivalry).
侠 or something close to it
义 (yì) — use 侠 (xiá) when emphasizing the chivalrous and heroic aspect of a person, while 义 (yì) focuses more on righteousness and moral duty.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 侠 (xiá) with the similar-sounding character 霞 (xiá), which means 'rosy clouds' or 'glow.' For example, saying '我想成为一个霞' (wǒ xiǎng chéngwéi yīgè xiá) when they mean '我想成为一个侠' (wǒ xiǎng chéngwéi yīgè xiá) can lead to confusion.
Write 侠
侠
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Grammar Patterns of 侠
侠 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这部电影最早在1957年上映，后被翻拍为《七____荡寇志》。
Originally released in 1957, the film was remade as "The Magnificent Seven".
In many martial arts novels, knights-errant are depicted as symbols of wisdom and strength.
nrbrave and chivalrous1
10
在古老的传说中，侠客常常被描绘成勇敢无畏的英雄，保护弱小，伸张正义。
Zài gǔlǎo de chuánshuō zhōng, xiákè chángcháng bèi miáohuì chéng yǒnggǎn wúwèi de yīngxióng, bǎohù ruòxiǎo, shēnzhāng zhèngyì.
In ancient legends, knights are often depicted as brave and chivalrous heroes who protect the weak and uphold justice.
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Word Family of 侠
Words Containing This Character14
侠xiáhero俠
大侠knight大俠
武侠wǔxiáknight-errant武俠
游侠knight-errant遊俠
武侠小说a martial arts (wuxia) novel武俠小說
侠客chivalrous person俠客
侠义xiáyìchivalrous俠義
独行侠loner獨行俠
侠士knight-errant俠士
豪侠brave and chivalrous豪俠
水行侠Aquaman, DC comic book superhero (Tw)水行俠
侠气chivalry俠氣
任侠chivalrous任俠
三侠五义Sanxia wuyi (lit. Three knight-errants and five righteous one), novel edited from stories of late Qing dynasty pinghua 評話|评话 master storyteller Shi Yukun 石玉昆三俠五義
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 侠
What does 大侠 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 侠
Common phrases include 侠客 (xiá kè - knight-errant) and 侠义 (xiá yì - chivalry).
Yes, while it's more commonly found in literature and film, it can still be used to describe someone who acts heroically in everyday situations.
侠 emphasizes chivalry and moral righteousness, while 英雄 generally refers to a hero in a broader sense, often highlighting bravery without the specific connotations of chivalry.
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