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March 24, 2026
器qì(qi4)
The character 器 (qì) refers to a device, tool, or utensil used for specific purposes. It can also denote a receptacle or vessel, emphasizing its function in holding or containing something. Commonly used in contexts relating to cooking, instruments, and equipment, it conveys a sense of practicality and utility.
Strokes16Radical口Frequency#1476DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 器 is often associated with craftsmanship and the importance of tools in traditional arts, such as calligraphy and cooking. Quality utensils are valued not just for their functionality, but also as a reflection of one's skill and dedication.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sturdy '器' (qì) as a toolbox filled with various devices and utensils. The top part looks like a roof, symbolizing shelter for the tools inside, while the bottom resembles a sturdy base, holding everything together. Picture a busy kitchen where every '器' is essential for cooking up a storm!
Meanings of 器
qì(qi4)
1device
2tool
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 器
器Simplified
16Strokes
口Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1476Frequency Rank
台Measure Word
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 器
Podcast: 器
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AI Study Notes for 器
Quick Contrast
器 (qì) vs 工具 (gōngjù) — use 器 when referring to a vessel or receptacle, while 工具 specifically refers to tools used for work.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sturdy '器' (qì) as a toolbox filled with various devices and utensils. The top part looks like a roof, symbolizing shelter for the tools inside, while the bottom resembles a sturdy base, holding everything together. Picture a busy kitchen where every '器' is essential for cooking up a storm!
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 器 with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to pronunciation. This term is typically used in both formal and informal contexts but is more frequently found in formal settings such as discussions about technology or equipment. Common collocations include '器具' (qìjù) for 'utensils' and '乐器' (yuèqì) for 'musical instruments.'
HSK Study Tips
Although 器 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects well with other terms related to tools and instruments at this level. Focus on recognizing its usage in compound words to enhance vocabulary retention, such as in '器械' (qìxiè) meaning 'equipment.'
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 器 is often associated with craftsmanship and the importance of tools in traditional arts, such as calligraphy and cooking. Quality utensils are valued not just for their functionality, but also as a reflection of one's skill and dedication.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 器 in contexts where a more specific term is required, such as using it instead of '工具' (gōngjù) for 'tools.' It's important to choose the right term based on the specific type of utensil or device being discussed.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 器
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Grammar Patterns of 器
器 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 5
Complete the Sentence
我讨厌被看作政治机____。
I get sick of being thought of as a political automaton.
Example Sentences for 器 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我讨厌被看作政治机器。
wǒ tǎo yàn bèi kàn zuò zhèng zhì jī qì。
I get sick of being thought of as a political automaton.
2
警察以携带攻击性武器为由逮捕了我。
jǐng chá yǐ xié dài gōng jī xìng wǔ qì wéi yóu dài bǔ le wǒ。
The police nicked me for carrying an offensive weapon.
3
呼吸分析器显示你饮酒过量。
hū xī fēn xī qì xiǎn shì nǐ yǐn jiǔ guò liáng。
A breathalyzer tells you you've a had a few too many.
4
有些器乐段落谱写得非常优美，尤其是竖琴和长笛的部分。
yǒu xiē qì lè duàn luò pǔ xiě dé fēi cháng yōu měi， ， yóu qí shì shù qín hé cháng dí de bù。
Some of the instrumentation is exquisite, particularly for harp and flute.
5
他用微型声波发射器开启了门。
tā yòng wēi xíng shēng bō fā shè qì kāi qǐ le mén。
He activated the door with the miniature sonic transmitter.
6
全国的核武器工厂均受到了有毒废弃物的严重污染。
quán guó de hé wǔ qì gōng chǎng jūn shòu dào le yǒu dú fèi qì wù de yán zhòng wū rǎn。
Nuclear weapons plants across the country are heavily contaminated with toxic wastes.
A technician loads a video tape into one of the machines.
9
他回到机场时听到自己的汽车报警器响了。
tā huí dào jī cháng shí tīng dào zì jǐ de qì chē bào jǐng qì xiǎng le。
He returned to the airport to find his car alarm going off.
10
内置有断路器，防止设备过载。
nèi zhì yǒu duàn lù qì， ， fáng zhǐ shè bèi guò。
There is an internal circuit breaker to protect the instrument from overload.
Cultural Notes for 器
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 器 is often associated with craftsmanship and the importance of tools in traditional arts, such as calligraphy and cooking. Quality utensils are valued not just for their functionality, but also as a reflection of one's skill and dedication.
Word Family of 器
Words Containing This Character20
武器wǔqìweapon
器qìdevice
机器jīqìmachine機器
机器人jīqìrénrobot機器人
器官qìguānapparatus
服务器fúwùqìserver (computer)服務器
电器diànqìdevice電器
仪器yíqìinstrument儀器
凶器lethal weapon兇器
处理器processor處理器
核武器héwǔqìnuclear weapon
容器róngqìreceptacle
显示器xiǎnshìqìmonitor (computer)顯示器
器材qìcáiequipment
器械qìxièapparatus
乐器yuèqìmusical instrument樂器
传感器sensor傳感器
兵器weaponry
探测器detector探測器
监视器security camera監視器
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 武器 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 器
器 is pronounced as 'qì' in Mandarin, with a falling tone. It's important to practice the tone to ensure clear communication, as pronunciation can significantly change the meaning of words in Mandarin Chinese.
Common phrases that include 器 (qì) are '器械' (qìxiè), meaning 'equipment' or 'instruments', and '乐器' (yuèqì), meaning 'musical instrument'. These phrases highlight the usage of 器 in various contexts related to tools and equipment.
You can use 器 (qì) in sentences like '这个器很实用' (zhège qì hěn shíyòng), which means 'This tool is very practical.' It's often used in contexts where you are discussing tools or equipment needed for a task.
器 (qì) refers to a device, tool, or utensil used for a specific purpose. It can describe anything from kitchenware to instruments, emphasizing its functional aspect. This character is often used in compound words that relate to tools or equipment.
Common phrases include '乐器' (yuèqì), meaning 'musical instruments,' and '器皿' (qìmǐn), meaning 'vessels or utensils.'
Yes, 器 is used in both everyday conversation and more formal discussions, particularly when referring to tools or equipment.
Focus on the context; 器 specifically refers to tools or devices, while other characters like 器材 (qìcái) refer to materials or equipment.
