Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
刑xíng(Xing2)
The character 刑 (xíng) primarily denotes concepts related to punishment or penalty in a legal context. It can refer to various forms of punishment, including corporal punishment and torture, as well as a broader sense of law enforcement. This character is often used in legal and formal discussions about penalties for crimes.
Strokes6Radical刂Frequency#7665DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, 刑 has been associated with various forms of corporal punishment utilized during different dynasties, reflecting the legal practices and societal views on justice. This character underscores the historical importance of law and order in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a judge wielding a 'sword' (the radical 刀, meaning knife) to deliver a penalty (刑). Visualize the scene vividly: the judge raises the sword to enforce the law, connecting the form of the character to its meaning of punishment.
Meanings of 刑
xíng(Xing2)
1punishment
2penalty
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 刑
刑Simplified
6Strokes
刂Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7665Frequency Rank
Podcast: 刑
Podcast: 刑
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 刑
Quick Contrast
罚 (fá) - use 刑 (xíng) when specifically referring to legal punishment or penalties, while 罚 (fá) can refer to fines or penalties in a broader sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a judge wielding a 'sword' (the radical 刀, meaning knife) to deliver a penalty (刑). Visualize the scene vividly: the judge raises the sword to enforce the law, connecting the form of the character to its meaning of punishment.
Usage Notes
It's important to use 刑 in appropriate contexts, as it can carry a heavy and formal connotation. Common collocations include 刑罚 (xíng fá - punishment), 刑事 (xíng shì - criminal), and 刑期 (xíng qī - sentence duration). Learners should also be cautious with tones, ensuring the correct pronunciation to convey the intended meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 刑 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, it connects with other legal terms that may appear at higher levels. Focus on understanding its use in legal contexts and how it can combine with other characters to form compound terms related to law.
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, 刑 has been associated with various forms of corporal punishment utilized during different dynasties, reflecting the legal practices and societal views on justice. This character underscores the historical importance of law and order in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 刑 with other characters related to punishment, such as 罚. For example, saying 刑罚 (xíng fá) when they mean to only refer to a fine can lead to misunderstandings. Always check the context to ensure the correct usage.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 刑
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 刑 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 刑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 刑
刑 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 7 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
Complete the Sentence
这是间谍罪，应判死____。
It was a crime of espionage and carried the death penalty.
Example Sentences for 刑 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这是间谍罪，应判死刑。
zhè shì jiān dié zuì， ， yīng pàn sǐ。
It was a crime of espionage and carried the death penalty.
If convicted for murder, both youngsters could face the death penalty.
9
约翰被判缓刑4个月。
yuē hàn bèi pàn huǎn xíng4 4 gè。
John was given a four-month suspended sentence.
10
有些人被冤判长期徒刑。
yǒu xiē rén bèi yuān pàn cháng qī tú xíng。
Some have been sentenced to long prison terms after unfair trials.
Cultural Notes for 刑
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese history, 刑 has been associated with various forms of corporal punishment utilized during different dynasties, reflecting the legal practices and societal views on justice. This character underscores the historical importance of law and order in Chinese culture.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
The concept of punishment in Chinese culture, as represented by 刑, often emphasizes communal harmony and social stability, while Western cultures may focus more on individual rights and rehabilitation.
Word Family of 刑
Compounds6
型xing2model
侀
硎xing2whetstone
鉶
荊jing1thorns, brambles; surname
铏
Words Containing This Character20
死刑death penalty
刑事xíngshìcriminal
刑xíngpenalty
刑警criminal police
有期徒刑limited term of imprisonment (i.e. anything less than life imprisonment)
服刑to serve a prison sentence
刑法xíngfǎcriminal law
判刑to sentence (to prison etc)
缓刑probation緩刑
刑期prison term
刑罚sentence刑罰
行刑execution
刑事拘留to detain as criminal
酷刑cruelty
无期徒刑life imprisonment無期徒刑
减刑to reduce penalty減刑
绞刑to execute by hanging絞刑
严刑strict law嚴刑
量刑to assess punishment
徒刑prison sentence
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 型 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 刑
刑 refers to a broader concept of punishment, often including serious penalties, while 罚 specifically means a fine or lesser penalty.
It's generally used in formal or legal contexts rather than everyday conversation.
Common phrases include 刑事犯罪 (xíng shì fàn zuì - criminal offense) and 刑罚执行 (xíng fá zhí xíng - execution of punishment).
