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兮 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
兮
xī
exclamatory particle
HSK 7, y, 4 strokes, radical 八, rank #3527, Very Hard
兮
xī
(particle in old Chinese similar to 啊)
HSK 7, unknown, 4 strokes, radical 八, rank #3527, Very Hard
xī(xi1)xi T1
1exclamatory particle
2(particle in old Chinese similar to 啊)
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March 24, 2026
兮xī(xi1)
The character 兮 (xī) is an exclamatory particle often found in classical Chinese literature. It serves to add emphasis, express emotion, or create a lyrical quality in poetry, akin to the modern particle 啊 (ā), but is primarily used in older texts.
Strokes4Radical八Frequency#3527DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
兮 is often found in ancient poetry and philosophical texts, reflecting the rich heritage of Chinese literary tradition. Its usage can evoke the elegance and emotional depth characteristic of classical Chinese literature.
Memory tip
Visualize a person exclaiming 'Xi!' with excitement, as they gaze at a beautiful scene. The character 兮 resembles a person with arms raised, expressing joy or surprise.
Meanings of 兮
xī(xi1)
1exclamatory particle
2(particle in old Chinese similar to 啊)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 兮 means.
About 兮
兮Simplified
4Strokes
八Radical
语气词yǔqìcímodal particle (mod.part.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 兮
Podcast: 兮
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AI study notes for 兮
Usage Notes
兮 is typically used in literary or poetic contexts, so it's less common in everyday conversation. Avoid using it in formal writing unless quoting classical texts. Remember that its tone can change the emotional impact of a sentence.
HSK Study Tips
While 兮 is not included in HSK levels, understanding its use in classical literature can enhance comprehension of Chinese poetry. Focus on recognizing it in texts rather than using it actively, as it is not part of modern vernacular.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 兮 with modern exclamatory particles like 啊 (ā) and attempt to use it in casual speech. For example, saying '我兮喜欢这个' instead of '我喜欢这个' (I like this) is incorrect; 兮 should not be used in this context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 兮
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 兮 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.
The character 兮 (xī) is an exclamatory particle often found in classical Chinese literature. It serves to add emphasis, express emotion, or create a lyrical quality in poetry, akin to the modern particle 啊 (ā), but is primarily used in older texts.
When to use 兮
兮 is typically used in literary or poetic contexts, so it's less common in everyday conversation. Avoid using it in formal writing unless quoting classical texts. Remember that its tone can change the emotional impact of a sentence.
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 兮 with modern exclamatory particles like 啊 (ā) and attempt to use it in casual speech. For example, saying '我兮喜欢这个' instead of '我喜欢这个' (I like this) is incorrect; 兮 should not be used in this context.
Write 兮
兮
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Grammar patterns of 兮
兮 functions as a grammatical particle — it carries no standalone meaning but signals a grammatical relationship. Particles attach to specific positions in the sentence (clause-final 吗/吧/呢, post-verbal 了/过/着, post-noun 的) and rarely move. 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 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他总是穿着一件从来不洗的脏____兮的旧夹克。
He never washed, and always wore a filthy old jacket.
Example sentences for 兮 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他总是穿着一件从来不洗的脏兮兮的旧夹克。
tā zǒngshì chuānzhuó yī jiàn cóngláibù xǐ de zāng xī xī de jiù jiā kè。
He never washed, and always wore a filthy old jacket.
2
他听起来既可怜兮兮的，又对想要的东西充满渴望。
tā tīng qǐlái jì kělián xī xī de， yòu duì xiǎngyào de dōngxi chōngmǎn kěwàng。
He sounded both pitiful and eager to get what he wanted.
3
老冉冉其将至兮.
lǎo rǎn rǎn qí jiāng zhì xī.
It'seems old is slowly catching up with me.
4
他的头发像脏兮兮的雪一样披散在肩上。
tā de tóufa xiàng zāng xī xī de xuě yíyàng pī sǎn zài jiān shàng。
His hair was drifting about his shoulders like dirty snow.
