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March 24, 2026
机(機)Jī(Ji1)
The character 机 (jī) primarily refers to a machine or engine, signifying technology and mechanical devices. It can also imply a pivotal moment or opportunity in various contexts, reflecting the concept of flexibility and quick wit, essential in decision-making. Commonly used in terms like '飞机' (fēijī - airplane) and '机器' (jīqì - machine), it is versatile in its applications.
Strokes6Radical木Frequency#1197DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '机' often relates to the importance of seizing opportunities, a theme prevalent in business and personal growth. This aligns with the value placed on adaptability and quick decision-making in fast-paced environments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant 'machine' (机) with gears turning inside it. The character looks like a machine part itself, with its horizontal and vertical lines representing the interconnected components. To remember its pronunciation, think of 'ji' as the sound a machine makes when it starts up!
Meanings of 机
Jī(Ji1)
1machine
2engine
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 机
机Simplified
機Traditional
6Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1197Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L1
Podcast: 机
Podcast: 机
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AI Study Notes for 机
Quick Contrast
机器 (jīqì - machine) refers specifically to a type of machine, while 机 (jī) can refer to machines in general or more abstract concepts like opportunity.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the different meanings of 机 in various contexts, as it can refer to both physical machines and abstract concepts like opportunities. It's often used in both formal and informal settings, but collocations like '机会' (jīhuì - opportunity) are more common in conversational language. Pay attention to the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 机 is not in the HSK levels, it connects well with HSK 1 and 2 vocabulary related to technology and daily life. Focus on practicing its usage in sentences and common phrases to reinforce its meanings. This will help in understanding more complex phrases in higher levels.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 机 with similar-sounding characters. For instance, mixing it up with '基' (jī - base) is common. Remember that 机 relates to machines and opportunities, while 基 refers to a foundation or base.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 机
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Simplified form of 機. Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 幾 represents the sound.
1The giveawayA table 几 made of wood 木; 几 also provides the pronunciation
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 机? 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 机?
Decomposition of 机
IDS Structure⿰木几
机Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
几ji1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 机?
How to say machine in Chinese
“machine” in Chinese is机Jī
The character 机 (jī) primarily refers to a machine or engine, signifying technology and mechanical devices. It can also imply a pivotal moment or opportunity in various contexts, reflecting the concept of flexibility and quick wit, essential in decision-making. Commonly used in terms like '飞机' (fēijī - airplane) and '机器' (jīqì - machine), it is versatile in its applications.
When to use 机
Be mindful of the different meanings of 机 in various contexts, as it can refer to both physical machines and abstract concepts like opportunities. It's often used in both formal and informal settings, but collocations like '机会' (jīhuì - opportunity) are more common in conversational language. Pay attention to the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
机 or something close to it
机器 (jīqì - machine) refers specifically to a type of machine, while 机 (jī) can refer to machines in general or more abstract concepts like opportunity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 机 with similar-sounding characters. For instance, mixing it up with '基' (jī - base) is common. Remember that 机 relates to machines and opportunities, while 基 refers to a foundation or base.
Write 机
机
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Practice writing 机 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 机
机 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 11 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.
