unknown, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #71041, Very Hard
拮
jié
laboring hard
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #71041, Very Hard
拮
jié
pressed
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #71041, Very Hard
jié(jie2) T2
1busy, occupied; to pursue
2antagonistic
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March 24, 2026
拮jié(jie2)
The character 拮 (jié) primarily conveys a sense of being busy or occupied, often associated with hard labor or efforts that are pursued. It can also imply an antagonistic or pressed situation, where one feels burdened or constrained, making it relevant in contexts discussing work or conflict.
Strokes9Radical扌Frequency#71041DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, hard work and perseverance are highly valued, and 拮 reflects this ethos of laboring diligently. It is often used in literature to describe characters who are striving against adversity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person (the character's radical '扌' representing a hand) who is busy pressing down on a large pile of work (the other components). Picture the stress of squeezing through a heavy load, which helps reinforce the meaning of being busy or pressed.
Meanings of 拮
jié(jie2)
1busy, occupied; to pursue
2antagonistic
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 拮
拮Simplified
9Strokes
扌Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 拮
Podcast: 拮
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AI Study Notes for 拮
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person (the character's radical '扌' representing a hand) who is busy pressing down on a large pile of work (the other components). Picture the stress of squeezing through a heavy load, which helps reinforce the meaning of being busy or pressed.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 拮 with similar-sounding characters like 结 (jié), which means 'to tie' or 'knot.' This character is more formal and can be used in literary contexts. Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
Though 拮 is not included in the HSK levels, it is beneficial to connect it with other HSK vocabulary related to work and effort. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in literary texts and how it relates to themes of labor and conflict.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, hard work and perseverance are highly valued, and 拮 reflects this ethos of laboring diligently. It is often used in literature to describe characters who are striving against adversity.
Common Mistakes
A frequent error is using 拮 in the wrong context, such as saying 拮 for 'happy' instead of its intended meaning of being busy or pressed. Make sure to use it in contexts that emphasize effort or a burdensome situation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 拮
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Grammar Patterns of 拮
拮 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 4 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
八口之家日子过得很____据。
The family of eight was living in straitened circumstances .
Example Sentences for 拮 (3)
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1
八口之家日子过得很拮据。
bā kǒu zhī jiā rì zǐ guò dé hěn jié jù。
The family of eight was living in straitened circumstances .
In traditional Chinese culture, hard work and perseverance are highly valued, and 拮 reflects this ethos of laboring diligently. It is often used in literature to describe characters who are striving against adversity.
Word Family of 拮
Words Containing This Character2
拮据hard pressed for money
拮jiépressed
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 拮据 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 拮
Common phrases include 拮据 (jiéjū), meaning to be in a tight situation, typically referring to financial strain.
Focus on the 'jie' sound, which can be linked to the action of 'pressing' or squeezing, as if trying to remember the burden it represents.
It's less common in casual conversation and more likely to appear in written texts or formal discussions about work or effort.
