ninth of the ten Heavenly Stems 十天干[shi2 tian1 gan1]
unknown, 4 strokes, radical 士, rank #32420, Very Hard
壬
rén
ninth in order
unknown, 4 strokes, radical 士, rank #32420, Very Hard
壬
rén
letter "I" or roman "IX" in list "A, B, C", or "I, II, III" etc
unknown, 4 strokes, radical 士, rank #32420, Very Hard
壬
rén
ancient Chinese compass point: 345°
unknown, 4 strokes, radical 士, rank #32420, Very Hard
壬
rén
nona
unknown, 4 strokes, radical 士, rank #32420, Very Hard
rén(ren2) T2
19th heavenly stem
2ninth of the ten Heavenly Stems 十天干[shi2 tian1 gan1]
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March 24, 2026
壬rén(ren2)
壬 (rén) refers to the ninth of the ten Heavenly Stems, which are used in traditional Chinese calendars and astrology. It can also denote the number nine in various contexts, such as Roman numeral IX or the compass point at 345°. This character may appear in discussions of Chinese culture, astrology, and ancient systems of classification.
Strokes4Radical士Frequency#32420DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the Heavenly Stems are integral to the traditional calendar system, and each stem is associated with elements and zodiac signs. 壬, being the ninth stem, has specific astrological implications.
Memory Tip
Think of 壬 as a 'nine' standing proudly on a pedestal, its strong strokes representing the importance of this number in Chinese culture. The top part resembles a roof, symbolizing elevation, while the vertical line suggests stability, connecting it to the concept of order in the Heavenly Stems.
Meanings of 壬
rén(ren2)
19th heavenly stem
2ninth of the ten Heavenly Stems 十天干[shi2 tian1 gan1]
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 壬
壬Simplified
4Strokes
士Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 壬
Podcast: 壬
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AI Study Notes for 壬
Usage Notes
壬 is primarily used in formal contexts related to astrology, calendars, and historical texts. Common mistakes include confusing it with other Heavenly Stems or numerals. Always be mindful of proper pronunciation, as mispronouncing the tone can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
While 壬 is not an HSK level word, it connects with HSK Level 1 vocabulary by introducing learners to numbers and their cultural significance. Focus on understanding its role in the Heavenly Stems to appreciate its broader context in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 壬 with other similar characters like 辛 (xīn), which is the eighth Heavenly Stem. Remember that 壬 represents the number nine, while 辛 indicates eight. Additionally, mispronouncing the tone can lead to confusion with other unrelated words.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 壬
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Decomposition of 壬
IDS Structure⿱丿士
壬Full Character
=
丿pie3
top
士Shi4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 壬?
How to say 9th heavenly stem in Chinese
“9th heavenly stem” in Chinese is壬rén
壬 (rén) refers to the ninth of the ten Heavenly Stems, which are used in traditional Chinese calendars and astrology. It can also denote the number nine in various contexts, such as Roman numeral IX or the compass point at 345°. This character may appear in discussions of Chinese culture, astrology, and ancient systems of classification.
When to use 壬
壬 is primarily used in formal contexts related to astrology, calendars, and historical texts. Common mistakes include confusing it with other Heavenly Stems or numerals. Always be mindful of proper pronunciation, as mispronouncing the tone can lead to misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 壬 with other similar characters like 辛 (xīn), which is the eighth Heavenly Stem. Remember that 壬 represents the number nine, while 辛 indicates eight. Additionally, mispronouncing the tone can lead to confusion with other unrelated words.
Write 壬
壬
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Practice writing 壬 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Word Family of 壬
Words Containing This Character7
壬rénnona
壬辰twenty-ninth year I5 of the 60 year cycle, e.g. 2012 or 2072
壬午nineteenth year I7 of the 60 year cycle, e.g. 2002 or 2062
壬子forty-ninth year I1 of the 60 year cycle, e.g. 1972 or 2032
壬申ninth year I9 of the 60 year cycle, e.g. 1992 or 2052
壬寅thirty-ninth year I3 of the 60 year cycle, e.g. 1962 or 2022
壬戌fifty-ninth year I11 of the 60 year cycle, e.g. 1982 or 2042
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 壬 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 壬
壬 corresponds to the water element in the Chinese zodiac and has specific meanings in fortune-telling.
While primarily historical, 壬 may appear in discussions of Chinese astrology or when referencing traditional calendars.
Yes, it can indicate the number nine in specific contexts, similar to Roman numeral IX.
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