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岂 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
岂
kǎi
how? (emphatic question)
d, 6 strokes, radical 山, rank #8903, Very Hard
岂
kǎi
what; how
d, 6 strokes, radical 山, rank #8903, Very Hard
岂
kǎi
old variant of 愷
d, 6 strokes, radical 山, rank #8903, Very Hard
岂
kǎi
old variant of 凱
d, 6 strokes, radical 山, rank #8903, Very Hard
岂
kǎi
old variant of 愷|恺[kai3]
unknown, 6 strokes, radical 山, rank #8903, Very Hard
岂
kǎi
old variant of 凱|凯[kai3]
unknown, 6 strokes, radical 山, rank #8903, Very Hard
岂
qǐ
how? (emphatic question)
d, 6 strokes, radical 山, rank #8903, Very Hard
岂
qǐ
what; how
d, 6 strokes, radical 山, rank #8903, Very Hard
岂
qǐ
old variant of 愷
d, 6 strokes, radical 山, rank #8903, Very Hard
岂
qǐ
old variant of 凱
d, 6 strokes, radical 山, rank #8903, Very Hard
岂
qǐ
old variant of 愷|恺[kai3]
unknown, 6 strokes, radical 山, rank #8903, Very Hard
岂
qǐ
old variant of 凱|凯[kai3]
unknown, 6 strokes, radical 山, rank #8903, Very Hard
kǎi(kai3)kai
primary
T3
1how? (emphatic question)
2what; how
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March 24, 2026
岂(豈)kǎi(kai3)
The character 岂 (kǐ) is primarily used as an emphatic question word meaning 'how?' or 'what?' It often expresses disbelief or surprise, emphasizing the incredulous nature of a statement or situation. You might see it in literary texts or formal discussions, where its strong tone enhances the rhetorical effect.
Strokes6Radical山Frequency#8903DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In classical Chinese literature, 岂 appears frequently in philosophical texts, where it is used to challenge assumptions and provoke thought. This reflects a cultural appreciation for inquiry and debate, particularly in Confucian discourse.
Memory tip
Imagine standing on a cliff (the radical 岂 resembles a cliff) and shouting down below, 'How could this happen?' The steep drop symbolizes your surprise, connecting the character’s form to its meaning and pronunciation, kǐ. The sound 'kǐ' can also be linked to 'key,' as in a key question that unlocks surprise.
Meanings of 岂
kǎi(kai3)
primary
1how? (emphatic question)
2what; how
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 岂
岂Simplified
豈Traditional
6Strokes
山Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#8903Frequency Rank
Podcast: 岂
Podcast: 岂
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AI study notes for 岂
Usage Notes
When using 岂, ensure that you maintain the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words. It is typically used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Common phrases include 岂有此理 (qǐ yǒu cǐ lǐ), meaning 'how could this be reasonable?'
HSK Study Tips
Although 岂 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it is beneficial for learners at the advanced level (HSK 5 and above) to understand its usage in classical texts and formal writing. Students should focus on recognizing its emphatic function in questions and how it contrasts with other question words.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 岂 (kǐ) with its homophones or similar characters like 何 (hé), which can lead to incorrect usage in questions. For instance, saying '何有此理' instead of '岂有此理' changes the nuance from disbelief to a neutral inquiry.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 岂
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The character 岂 (kǐ) is primarily used as an emphatic question word meaning 'how?' or 'what?' It often expresses disbelief or surprise, emphasizing the incredulous nature of a statement or situation. You might see it in literary texts or formal discussions, where its strong tone enhances the rhetorical effect.
When to use 岂
When using 岂, ensure that you maintain the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words. It is typically used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Common phrases include 岂有此理 (qǐ yǒu cǐ lǐ), meaning 'how could this be reasonable?'
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 岂 (kǐ) with its homophones or similar characters like 何 (hé), which can lead to incorrect usage in questions. For instance, saying '何有此理' instead of '岂有此理' changes the nuance from disbelief to a neutral inquiry.
Write 岂
岂
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Grammar patterns of 岂
岂 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 6 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
