unknown, 10 strokes, radical 卩, rank #32817, Very Hard
卿
qīng
term of endearment between spouses (old)
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 卩, rank #32817, Very Hard
卿
qīng
(from the Tang Dynasty onwards) term used by the emperor for his subjects (old)
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 卩, rank #32817, Very Hard
卿
qīng
honorific (old)
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 卩, rank #32817, Very Hard
qīng(qing1) T1
1noble; minister; thou (poetic)
2high ranking official (old)
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March 24, 2026
卿qīng(qing1)
The character 卿 (qīng) historically refers to a noble or high-ranking official, often used in formal or poetic contexts. It can also denote a term of endearment between spouses, particularly in classical literature. In modern usage, it may be considered archaic or poetic, often evoking a sense of respect or intimacy.
Strokes10Radical卩Frequency#32817DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, 卿 was often used by emperors to address their subjects, reflecting the hierarchical structure of society. This character symbolizes the respect and status associated with nobility in Chinese history.
Memory Tip
Imagine a noble figure dressed in elegant robes, standing in a palace (the character 卿 resembles a person in a dignified posture). Picture the noble addressing their beloved with the word 'thou' as a sign of deep affection. This connection between nobility and intimate address helps remember the character’s meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 卿
qīng(qing1)
1noble; minister; thou (poetic)
2high ranking official (old)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 卿
卿Simplified
10Strokes
卩Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 卿
Podcast: 卿
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AI Study Notes for 卿
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a noble figure dressed in elegant robes, standing in a palace (the character 卿 resembles a person in a dignified posture). Picture the noble addressing their beloved with the word 'thou' as a sign of deep affection. This connection between nobility and intimate address helps remember the character’s meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using 卿 in casual contexts where simpler terms would be more appropriate. It tends to be used in formal or literary settings rather than everyday conversation. Be mindful of its poetic nuances; using it casually can sound overly dramatic.
HSK Study Tips
Although 卿 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to other classical terms frequently encountered in literature. Students should focus on recognizing its historical and cultural contexts, as well as its use in expressions of respect.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, 卿 was often used by emperors to address their subjects, reflecting the hierarchical structure of society. This character symbolizes the respect and status associated with nobility in Chinese history.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use 卿 in informal settings, leading to awkwardness. For example, saying '卿好' (qīng hǎo) as a casual greeting is incorrect; instead, use '你好' (nǐ hǎo).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 卿
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Grammar Patterns of 卿
卿 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
Complete the Sentence
国务____已被那些诡辩之词给说服了。
The Secretary of State has given in to special pleading.
Ho Shen - an hurriedly assured him, then sat down opposite him.
Cultural Notes for 卿
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, 卿 was often used by emperors to address their subjects, reflecting the hierarchical structure of society. This character symbolizes the respect and status associated with nobility in Chinese history.
Word Family of 卿
Words Containing This Character7
国务卿Secretary of State國務卿
卿qīnghonorific (old)
卿卿我我to bill and coo (idiom)
颜真卿Yan Zhenqing (709-785), a leading calligrapher of the Tang Dynasty顏真卿
关汉卿Guan Hanqing (c. 1235-c. 1300), Yuan dynasty dramatist in the 雜劇|杂剧 tradition of musical comedy, one of the Four Great Yuan dramatists 元曲四大家關漢卿
公卿high-ranking officials in the court of a Chinese emperor
徐祯卿Xu Zhenqing (1479-1511), Ming writer, one of Four great southern talents of the Ming 江南四大才子徐禎卿
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 国务卿 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 卿
While 卿 is not commonly used in everyday language, it may appear in poetry or formal writing.
Common phrases include 卿我 (qīng wǒ), meaning 'you and I,' often used in a poetic sense.
It's best to reserve 卿 for formal or romantic contexts, as it may sound overly grand in casual conversation.