Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
彗 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
彗huìcomet; broomstickn, 11 strokes, radical 彐, rank #74386, Very Hard
彗huìbroomunknown, 11 strokes, radical 彐, rank #74386, Very Hard
huì(hui4)hui T4
  1. 1comet; broomstick
  2. 2broom
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

彗huì(hui4)

The character 彗 (huì) primarily means 'comet' and can also refer to a 'broomstick' or 'broom.' In astronomical contexts, it denotes the celestial body with a bright head and tail, while in everyday contexts, it relates to sweeping tools used for cleaning. The usage of this character can vary significantly based on context, emphasizing its dual meanings.

Strokes11Radical彐Frequency#74386DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, comets are often viewed as omens or signs, linking them to historical events or changes. The character 彗 thus carries a weight of cultural significance, reflecting ancient beliefs about celestial events.

Memory Tip

Imagine a comet sweeping through the sky like a broom cleaning up the stars. The character 彗 resembles a broom with its sweeping motion on one side and the tail of a comet on the other, helping you remember both meanings and pronunciation.

Meanings of 彗

huì(hui4)
1comet; broomstick
2broom
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 彗 means.

About 彗

彗Simplified
11Strokes
彐Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 彗

JasonAmy

Podcast: 彗

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 彗

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 彗 with similar characters, such as 灰 (huī), which means 'ash.' It’s essential to note the context in which 彗 is used, as it tends to appear in more formal or literary contexts when referring to comets. Be careful with tones, as 'huì' has a falling tone, which can change meaning if mispronounced.

HSK Study Tips

While 彗 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary lists, it is beneficial for learners interested in astronomy or literary texts. Understanding 彗 can help contextualize other vocabulary related to celestial phenomena and tools for cleaning, which may appear in higher-level reading materials.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using 彗 when referring to a regular broom in everyday conversation. Instead, use 扫把 (sǎobǎ) for a more common term for broom. Additionally, learners may mix up 彗 with 灰 (huī), which can lead to confusion in meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 彗

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 彗 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 彗 to You

Let me explain 彗 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 彗 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 彗?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 彗 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
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 彗

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Pictograph of a broom.

Memory Hint

A hand 彐 holding a bamboo broom 丰

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 彗?

Decomposition of 彗

IDS Structure⿱⿰丰丰彐
彗Full Character
=
丰feng1
left
丰feng1
right
彐ji4
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 彗?

How to say comet; broomstick in Chinese

“comet; broomstick” in Chinese is彗huì

The character 彗 (huì) primarily means 'comet' and can also refer to a 'broomstick' or 'broom.' In astronomical contexts, it denotes the celestial body with a bright head and tail, while in everyday contexts, it relates to sweeping tools used for cleaning. The usage of this character can vary significantly based on context, emphasizing its dual meanings.

When to use 彗

Learners often confuse 彗 with similar characters, such as 灰 (huī), which means 'ash.' It’s essential to note the context in which 彗 is used, as it tends to appear in more formal or literary contexts when referring to comets. Be careful with tones, as 'huì' has a falling tone, which can change meaning if mispronounced.

What learners get wrong

A common mistake is using 彗 when referring to a regular broom in everyday conversation. Instead, use 扫把 (sǎobǎ) for a more common term for broom. Additionally, learners may mix up 彗 with 灰 (huī), which can lead to confusion in meaning.

Write 彗

彗

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 彗

彗 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.

就____星而言,它可是个庞然大物。

As comets go, it is a whopper.

Example Sentences for 彗 (4)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
就彗星而言,它可是个庞然大物。

jiù huì xīng ér yán, , tā kě shì gè páng rán dà。

As comets go, it is a whopper.
2
我们不能完全肯定彗星不会与地球相撞。

wǒ mén bù néng wán quán kěn dìng huì xīng bù huì yǔ dì qiú xiāng zhuàng。

We were not altogether sure that the comet would miss the Earth.
3
“彗星”还跟“斯平威·哈维斯特”生下了这匹出类拔萃的小马驹。

“ “ huì” xīng ”“ huán gēn “· sī píng wēi ·” hā wéi sī tè ” shēng xià le zhè pǐ chū lèi bá。

Comet also sired the champion foal out of Spinway Harvest.
4
这颗彗星的轨道与地球的轨道交叉。

zhè kē huì xīng de guǐ dào yǔ dì qiú de guǐ dào jiāo chā。

The orbit of this comet intersects the orbit of the Earth.

Ask Jason

Have a question about 彗?

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 300 AI credits.

Word Family of 彗

Words Containing This Character3
彗星comet
彗huìbroom
哈雷彗星Halley's Comet
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 彗

What does 彗星 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 彗

彗 specifically refers to a comet or broomstick, while characters like 灰 (huī) mean ash and could be confused due to similar pronunciations.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 彗?

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.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab