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March 24, 2026
挤(擠)jǐ(ji3)
The character 挤 (jǐ) primarily means to squeeze or press something tightly, often implying a sense of crowding or forcing others aside. It can also refer to the act of finding time for something in a busy schedule, illustrating the idea of making room for priorities. This word is commonly used in both physical contexts, such as squeezing into a crowded space, and metaphorical ones, like managing time effectively.
Strokes9Radical扌Frequency#2607DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of crowding is very relatable in Chinese cities, where public transport can be incredibly packed, making the term 挤 a common part of everyday life. This reflects the larger social dynamics of urban living in China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a can of juice being squeezed (挤) to get the last drops out. The character has the radical 手 (hand) on the left, which suggests action, and the right part sounds like 'ji,' reminding you of the pressing action—like using your hand to squeeze.
Meanings of 挤
jǐ(ji3)
1to crowd in
2to cram in
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 挤
挤Simplified
擠Traditional
9Strokes
扌Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#2607Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRB2
Podcast: 挤
Podcast: 挤
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AI Study Notes for 挤
Quick Contrast
挤 (jǐ) vs 拥 (yōng) — use 挤 when emphasizing squeezing or crowding, while 拥 conveys the idea of embracing or holding tightly.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is using 挤 in contexts where a gentle approach is needed; for example, saying '挤出时间' (squeeze out time) instead of a softer approach like '安排时间' (arrange time) can sound too aggressive. This word is often used in informal contexts, so be mindful of your audience when using it.
HSK Study Tips
While 挤 is not part of HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other action verbs at the same level. Focus on the nuances of squeezing in both physical and metaphorical contexts to grasp its flexibility in usage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 挤 with 塞 (sāi), which means to stuff or block. For example, saying '我塞出时间' (I stuffed out time) is incorrect; use '挤出时间' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 挤
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Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 齐 represents the sound. Simplified form of 擠.
1The meaning half扌 carries the sense.
2The sound half齐 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayhand
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 挤? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 挤?
Decomposition of 挤
IDS Structure⿰扌齐
挤Full Character
=
扌shou3
left
齐Qi2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 挤?
How to say to crowd in in Chinese
“to crowd in” in Chinese is挤jǐ
The character 挤 (jǐ) primarily means to squeeze or press something tightly, often implying a sense of crowding or forcing others aside. It can also refer to the act of finding time for something in a busy schedule, illustrating the idea of making room for priorities. This word is commonly used in both physical contexts, such as squeezing into a crowded space, and metaphorical ones, like managing time effectively.
When to use 挤
A common mistake is using 挤 in contexts where a gentle approach is needed; for example, saying '挤出时间' (squeeze out time) instead of a softer approach like '安排时间' (arrange time) can sound too aggressive. This word is often used in informal contexts, so be mindful of your audience when using it.
挤 or something close to it
挤 (jǐ) vs 拥 (yōng) — use 挤 when emphasizing squeezing or crowding, while 拥 conveys the idea of embracing or holding tightly.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 挤 with 塞 (sāi), which means to stuff or block. For example, saying '我塞出时间' (I stuffed out time) is incorrect; use '挤出时间' instead.
Write 挤
挤
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Practice writing 挤 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 挤
挤 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 7 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.
