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宄 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
宄guǐtraitor; villainx, 5 strokes, radical 宀
guǐ(gui3)gui T3
  1. 1traitor; villain
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March 24, 2026

宄guǐ(gui3)

The character 宄 (guǐ) refers to a traitor or villain, often used to describe someone who betrays their own group or principles. It carries a strong negative connotation and is typically used in contexts discussing loyalty, betrayal, or moral decency.

Strokes5Radical宀
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, loyalty is highly valued, especially in historical contexts like the tales of the Three Kingdoms, where betrayal was often met with severe consequences. The concept of a traitor is deeply embedded in these narratives.

Memory Tip

Imagine a villain (traitor) hiding in a house (the character's radical '宀' indicates a roof or house) plotting against their friends. The pronunciation 'guǐ' sounds like 'guilty,' which helps to connect the idea of betrayal with a sense of wrongdoing.

Meanings of 宄

guǐ(gui3)
1traitor; villain
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 宄

宄Simplified
5Strokes
宀Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 宄

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Podcast: 宄

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AI Study Notes for 宄

Usage Notes

This term is quite formal and is often used in literature or serious discussions about loyalty. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; the tone is crucial. Avoid using it in light-hearted contexts, as it carries a heavy weight.

HSK Study Tips

Although 宄 is not part of the official HSK curriculum, it connects well with other words related to morality and ethics. Students at this level should focus on understanding the cultural implications of betrayal and loyalty in Chinese society.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 宄 with 背叛 (bèipàn) and use them interchangeably, which can lead to misunderstandings. It's important to remember that 宄 refers specifically to the character of a traitor, while 背叛 describes the act of betrayal.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 宄

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Etymology of 宄

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

house

Semantic (meaning)宀
+
Phonetic (sound)九
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

宄 = 宀 + 九. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 宄

IDS Structure⿱宀九
宄Full Character
=
宀gai4
top
九jiu3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 宄?

How to say traitor; villain in Chinese

“traitor; villain” in Chinese is宄guǐ

The character 宄 (guǐ) refers to a traitor or villain, often used to describe someone who betrays their own group or principles. It carries a strong negative connotation and is typically used in contexts discussing loyalty, betrayal, or moral decency.

When to use 宄

This term is quite formal and is often used in literature or serious discussions about loyalty. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; the tone is crucial. Avoid using it in light-hearted contexts, as it carries a heavy weight.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 宄 with 背叛 (bèipàn) and use them interchangeably, which can lead to misunderstandings. It's important to remember that 宄 refers specifically to the character of a traitor, while 背叛 describes the act of betrayal.

Write 宄

宄

Practice writing 宄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 宄

Words Containing This Character2
宄guǐtraitor
奸宄evildoer
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 宄

What does 奸宄 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 宄

While 宄 specifically refers to a traitor or villain, 背叛 means to betray and can refer to actions rather than the character of a person.

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