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帝 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
帝
dì
emperor
HSK 6, n, 9 strokes, radical 巾, rank #6831, Hard
帝
dì
supreme ruler, emperor; god
HSK 6, n, 9 strokes, radical 巾, rank #6831, Hard
dì(di4)di T4
1supreme ruler, emperor; god
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March 24, 2026
帝dì(di4)
The character 帝 (dì) refers to an emperor or supreme ruler, often associated with authority and divinity in historical and cultural contexts. It is commonly used in formal discussions about governance, Chinese history, and mythology, where the figure of the emperor holds significant power and influence.
Strokes9Radical巾Frequency#6831DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, emperors traditionally held a divine right to rule, often believed to be chosen by heaven. This concept of the 'Mandate of Heaven' is deeply embedded in Chinese history and emphasizes the emperor's vital role in maintaining harmony and order.
Memory tip
Imagine a majestic emperor sitting on a throne, ruling over a vast empire. The character 帝 has a radical that resembles a roof (宀) symbolizing a grand palace, and the bottom part (帝) can be visualized as a person (the emperor) inside that palace. Think of 'dì' rhyming with 'deity', emphasizing the god-like status of an emperor.
Meanings of 帝
dì(di4)
1emperor
2supreme ruler, emperor; god
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 帝
帝Simplified
9Strokes
巾Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6831Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 帝
Podcast: 帝
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AI study notes for 帝
Quick Contrast
皇 (huáng) - use 皇 for 'emperor' in a broader or more regal context, while 帝 emphasizes divine authority and historical significance.
Usage Notes
When using 帝, it's important to remember that it carries a formal connotation and is typically used in historical or literary contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Common collocations include phrases like '皇帝' (huángdì - emperor) and '帝国' (dìguó - empire). Be cautious with tone, as using the wrong tone could change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 帝 is not part of the HSK levels, it connects well with HSK vocabulary related to history and governance. Students should focus on understanding its use in context and how it contrasts with other terms for leadership, such as 君 (jūn - ruler) or 王 (wáng - king).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 帝 with other characters like 王 (wáng - king), assuming they are interchangeable. Remember, 帝 specifically denotes an emperor, while 王 refers to a king or monarch. Additionally, some might mistakenly use 帝 in casual conversation, which is inappropriate due to its formal context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 帝
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The character 帝 (dì) refers to an emperor or supreme ruler, often associated with authority and divinity in historical and cultural contexts. It is commonly used in formal discussions about governance, Chinese history, and mythology, where the figure of the emperor holds significant power and influence.
When to use 帝
When using 帝, it's important to remember that it carries a formal connotation and is typically used in historical or literary contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Common collocations include phrases like '皇帝' (huángdì - emperor) and '帝国' (dìguó - empire). Be cautious with tone, as using the wrong tone could change the meaning entirely.
帝 or something close to it
皇 (huáng) - use 皇 for 'emperor' in a broader or more regal context, while 帝 emphasizes divine authority and historical significance.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 帝 with other characters like 王 (wáng - king), assuming they are interchangeable. Remember, 帝 specifically denotes an emperor, while 王 refers to a king or monarch. Additionally, some might mistakenly use 帝 in casual conversation, which is inappropriate due to its formal context.
Write 帝
帝
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Grammar patterns of 帝
帝 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这位下院议员称这些谋杀是在上____面前的公然亵渎。
The MP described the killings as a blasphemy before God.
Emperor Taizong of Tang is considered one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history.
14
明朝的最后一位皇帝是崇祯帝，他在位时国家面临许多困难。
Míngcháo de zuìhòu yī wèi huángdì shì Chóngzhēn dì, tā zàiwèi shí guójiā miànlín xǔduō kùnnán.
The last emperor of the Ming dynasty was Emperor Chongzhen, during whose reign the country faced many difficulties.
15
清朝的康熙帝以其长寿和智慧而闻名。
Qīngcháo de Kāngxī dì yǐ qí chángshòu hé zhìhuì ér wénmíng.
Emperor Kangxi of the Qing dynasty was famous for his longevity and wisdom.
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Word Family of 帝
Compounds21
蒂dìstem (of fruit)
蹄tíhoof; pig's trotter
啼títo weep, to whimper; to howl; to crow
谛dìcareful, attentive; to examine; the truth
缔dìclosely joined
啻chìonly, merely, just; to stop at
揥tì
渧dì
碲dìtellurium
禘dì
偙dì
媂dì
崹tí
楴tì
締dìto tie, to join; knot, connection
腣dì
褅tì
諦dìcareful, attentive; to examine; the truth
遆tí
鍗tí
鶙tí
Words containing this character20
上帝shàngdìGod
帝dìemperor
皇帝huángdìemperor
帝国dìguóempire帝國
帝国主义dìguózhǔyìimperialism帝國主義
帝王dìwángregent
帝都dìdūimperial capital
大帝dàdìheavenly emperor
黄帝huángdìthe Yellow Emperor, mythological emperor of China, reigned c. 2697-2597 BC黃帝
反帝fǎndìanti-imperialist
东帝汶dōngdìwènEast Timor (officially Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste)東帝汶
汉武帝hànwǔdìEmperor Wu of the Han dynasty (141-87 BC)漢武帝
小皇帝xiǎohuángdìchild emperor
炎帝yándìFlame Emperors (c. 2000 BC), legendary dynasty descended from Shennong 神農|神农[Shénnóng] Farmer God
罗马帝国luómǎdìguóRoman Empire (27 BC-476 AD)羅馬帝國
玉帝yùdìthe Jade Emperor
天帝tiāndìGod of heaven
玉皇大帝yùhuángdàdìJade Emperor
隋炀帝suíyángdìEmperor Yang of Sui (569-618), said to have murdered his father and brother to seize the throne, reigned 604-618隋煬帝
帝制dìzhìautocratic monarchy
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 帝
What does 蒂 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 帝
帝 (dì) is a more general term for emperor, while 皇帝 (huángdì) specifically refers to the emperor of China, emphasizing the imperial title.
While 帝 primarily refers to Chinese emperors, it can be used metaphorically in literature or discussions about other cultures' rulers, but this usage is less common.
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