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March 24, 2026
妻qī(qi1)
The character 妻 (qī) refers to 'wife' in Mandarin and is commonly used in contexts discussing marriage, family, and relationships. It can also imply the act of marrying off a daughter, which reflects traditional familial roles. This character is often used in formal and informal settings when discussing one's spouse or family structure.
Strokes8Radical女Frequency#3951DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of a wife often embodies specific roles within the family, including managing the household and raising children, reflecting Confucian values about family hierarchy and responsibilities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a woman (the character 妻) sitting in a cozy home, symbolizing warmth and partnership, which is what a wife represents. The top component, 女 (nǚ), means 'woman,' and the bottom component suggests a dwelling, helping you visualize a wife as the woman of the home.
Meanings of 妻
qī(qi1)
primary
1wife
2to marry off (a daughter)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 妻
妻Simplified
8Strokes
女Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3951Frequency Rank
Podcast: 妻
Podcast: 妻
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AI Study Notes for 妻
Quick Contrast
妻 (wife) vs 媳 (daughter-in-law) — use 妻 when referring to one's spouse, while 媳 specifically denotes the wife of one's child.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a woman (the character 妻) sitting in a cozy home, symbolizing warmth and partnership, which is what a wife represents. The top component, 女 (nǚ), means 'woman,' and the bottom component suggests a dwelling, helping you visualize a wife as the woman of the home.
Usage Notes
When using 妻, it is important to remember that it is typically used in a formal context. Avoid using it in casual situations where more informal terms like '老婆' (lǎopó) might be more appropriate. Be careful with pronunciation, as it has a high tone (qī), which can be confused with other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 妻 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to other family terms like '母' (mother) and '父' (father) that are essential for HSK Level 1 and 2. Focus on practicing the character in sentences discussing family to reinforce learning.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of a wife often embodies specific roles within the family, including managing the household and raising children, reflecting Confucian values about family hierarchy and responsibilities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 妻 to refer to any female partner, but it specifically denotes a wife. For example, saying '我的妻' (wǒ de qī) to mean 'my partner' is incorrect; use '女朋友' (nǚ péngyǒu) for 'girlfriend' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 妻
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Grammar Patterns of 妻
妻 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 2 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
现在夫____双方分别按各自的收入纳税。
Husband and wife are now taxed separately on their incomes.
Example Sentences for 妻 (10)
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1
现在夫妻双方分别按各自的收入纳税。
xiàn zài fū qī shuāng fāng fēn bié àn gè zì de shōu rù nà shuì。
Husband and wife are now taxed separately on their incomes.
To live together harmoniously as men and women is an achievement.
8
笑咧咧的夫妻把东西装上他们的红色跑车后疾驰而去。
xiào liě liě de fū qī bǎ dōng xī zhuāng shàng tā mén de hóng sè pǎo chē hòu jí chí ér qù。
The giggling couple loaded up their red sports car and drove off.
9
夫妻两人对他们婚姻出现问题的谣言一笑置之。
fū qī liǎng rén duì tā mén hūn yīn chū xiàn wèn tí de yáo yán yī xiào zhì zhī。
The couple laughed off rumours that their marriage was in trouble.
10
我母亲大谈为妻之道。
wǒ mǔ qīn dà tán wéi qī zhī dào。
My mother waxed eloquent on the theme of wifely duty.
Cultural Notes for 妻
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of a wife often embodies specific roles within the family, including managing the household and raising children, reflecting Confucian values about family hierarchy and responsibilities.
Word Family of 妻
Compounds12
凄qi1intense cold
棲qi1perch, roost, to stay
萋qi1luxuriant foliage
郪
啛
悽qi1sorrowful, grieving; melancholy
捿
淒qi1bitter, cold, dreary, miserable
緀
褄
霋
鶈
Words Containing This Character16
妻子qīziwife
夫妻fūqīhusband and wife
妻qīwife
前妻ex-wife
未婚妻fiancée
妻儿wife and child妻兒
贤妻良母a good wife and loving mother賢妻良母
妻妾harem
娶妻to take a wife
妻离子散a family wrenched apart (idiom)妻離子散
妻室wife
发妻first wife髮妻
夫妻店family-run shop
夫妻反目man and wife fall out (idiom, from Book of Changes); marital strife
封妻荫子(of a deserving official) to grant his wife a title and make his son heir to his titles封妻蔭子
露水夫妻a couple in a short-lived, improper relationship
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 凄 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 妻
妻 is more formal and typically used in written Chinese or official contexts, while 老婆 is a colloquial term for 'wife' that conveys familiarity and affection.
No, 妻 specifically means 'wife' and does not apply to a girlfriend; other terms should be used for that relationship.
