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March 24, 2026
晷guǐ(gui3)
The character 晷 (guǐ) refers to the sun's shadow, particularly in the context of a sundial. It represents the concept of measuring time based on the position of the sun, which is a traditional method used in ancient Chinese timekeeping.
Strokes12Radical日Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, sundials were important for agriculture and daily life, representing the deep connection between timekeeping and natural cycles. The use of shadows to tell time reflects the philosophical view of harmony with nature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sundial casting a shadow on a sunny day. The character 晷 has the sun (日) on top and a shadow-like component (圭) below, symbolizing how the sun's position creates shadows that tell time.
Meanings of 晷
guǐ(gui3)
1the sun's shadow; sundial; time
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 晷
晷Simplified
12Strokes
日Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 晷
Podcast: 晷
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AI Study Notes for 晷
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sundial casting a shadow on a sunny day. The character 晷 has the sun (日) on top and a shadow-like component (圭) below, symbolizing how the sun's position creates shadows that tell time.
Usage Notes
This character is mostly used in historical or literary contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Learners might confuse it with similar characters, so pay attention to the context in which it appears. It is not commonly used in modern Chinese.
HSK Study Tips
Although 晷 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects with themes of time and nature, which are common in HSK vocabulary. Focus on understanding related characters like 时间 (shíjiān, time) and 日 (rì, sun) to build a broader vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, sundials were important for agriculture and daily life, representing the deep connection between timekeeping and natural cycles. The use of shadows to tell time reflects the philosophical view of harmony with nature.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 晷 in modern contexts where it is not appropriate. For example, saying '我用晷看时间' (Wǒ yòng guǐ kàn shíjiān) is incorrect; instead, use '我用钟表看时间' (Wǒ yòng zhōngbiǎo kàn shíjiān) for 'I use a clock to tell time.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 晷
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Grammar Patterns of 晷
晷 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 1
Complete the Sentence
作为计时器,漏刻的使用比日____史为普遍.
Many ancient Chinese men of letters left behind beautiful verses about the clepsydra.
Example Sentences for 晷 (1)
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1
作为计时器,漏刻的使用比日晷史为普遍.
zuò wéi jì shí qì, , lòu kè de shǐ yòng bǐ rì guǐ shǐ wéi pǔ.
Many ancient Chinese men of letters left behind beautiful verses about the clepsydra.
Cultural Notes for 晷
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, sundials were important for agriculture and daily life, representing the deep connection between timekeeping and natural cycles. The use of shadows to tell time reflects the philosophical view of harmony with nature.
Word Family of 晷
Words Containing This Character4
日晷sundial
晷guǐsundial
焚膏继晷to burn the midnight oil (idiom); to work continuously night and day焚膏繼晷
日无暇晷no time to spare (idiom)日無暇晷
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 日晷 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 晷
It is pronounced as 'guǐ'.
No, it is more commonly found in historical texts and discussions about ancient timekeeping.
Related characters include 日 (rì) for sun and 时间 (shíjiān) for time.
