Meanings of 契
By ear
Play it, then pick what 契 means.
About 契
Podcast: 契
Podcast: 契
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 契
契 (qì) vs 合同 (hétong) — use 契 for formal or legal agreements, while 合同 is more commonly used for contracts in general contexts.
When using 契, be careful to use it in formal contexts, as it might sound too stiff or legal in casual conversations. Common collocations include 契约 (qìyuē, contract) and 契合 (qìhé, to agree or fit together). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words like 期 (qī, period) or 气 (qì, air), which have different meanings.
Although 契 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it offers a great opportunity to connect with related terms like 合同 (hétong, contract) and 约定 (yuēdìng, agreement). Focus on its usage in contractual contexts and practice its pronunciation to differentiate it from other similar-sounding words.
Learners often confuse 契 with similar characters, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我签了一个契' (Wǒ qiānle yīgè qì) instead of '我签了一个合同' (Wǒ qiānle yīgè hétong) can imply a misunderstanding of the context, as 合同 is the more appropriate term for a contract.
Pronunciation of 契
Drill the tone of 契 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 契 to you
Let me explain 契 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 契 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 契?
Learning Lab
Knowing 契 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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 契
A contract signed by cutting 刀 notches 丰 in wood 木 (now changed to 大)
Origin
What kind of character is 契?
Decomposition of 契
Parts
Which of these is part of 契?
How to say deed, bond, contract; to engrave in Chinese
“deed, bond, contract; to engrave” in Chinese is契
The character 契 (qì) primarily refers to a deed, bond, or contract, often used in legal and formal contexts to signify an agreement between parties. It can also imply the act of engraving or carving, connecting to the idea of making a lasting mark or commitment. This character is commonly encountered in discussions about contracts or agreements in business and law.
When to use 契
When using 契, be careful to use it in formal contexts, as it might sound too stiff or legal in casual conversations. Common collocations include 契约 (qìyuē, contract) and 契合 (qìhé, to agree or fit together). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words like 期 (qī, period) or 气 (qì, air), which have different meanings.
契 or something close to it
契 (qì) vs 合同 (hétong) — use 契 for formal or legal agreements, while 合同 is more commonly used for contracts in general contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 契 with similar characters, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我签了一个契' (Wǒ qiānle yīgè qì) instead of '我签了一个合同' (Wǒ qiānle yīgè hétong) can imply a misunderstanding of the context, as 合同 is the more appropriate term for a contract.
Write 契
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 契 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 契
契 carries 6 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
五点钟之前谁都不离开的默____
an unwritten understanding that nobody leaves before five o'clock
Example sentences for 契 (3)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 契?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Word Family of 契
Words with 契
What does 默契 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 契
While both terms refer to agreements, 契 typically emphasizes the notion of a deed or bond, often used in formal or legal contexts, whereas 合同 is a more general term for any type of contract.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 契?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.