Meanings of 桀
By ear
Play it, then pick what 桀 means.
About 桀
Podcast: 桀
Podcast: 桀
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 桀
桀 is often used in literary or historical contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Be cautious with its negative connotation; using it to describe someone in a casual setting can be offensive. Common collocations include 桀骜不驯 (jié ào bù xùn), meaning 'arrogantly unrestrained'.
While 桀 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other words describing qualities of leadership or authority, such as 帝 (dì, emperor) and 皇 (huáng, sovereign). Students should focus on recognizing its historical significance and negative connotations.
Learners often confuse 桀 with similar-sounding characters like 结 (jié, to tie or knot). For example, saying '结的统治者' (jié de tǒngzhì zhě) instead of '桀的统治者' (jié de tǒngzhì zhě) can lead to misunderstandings about the intended meaning.
Pronunciation of 桀
Drill the tone of 桀 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 桀 to you
Let me explain 桀 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 桀 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 桀?
Learning Lab
Knowing 桀 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
Etymology of 桀
Depicts tearing off legs (舛) and putting them in a tree (木) as punishment.
tree
Origin
What kind of character is 桀?
Decomposition of 桀
Parts
Which of these is part of 桀?
How to say cruel in Chinese
“cruel” in Chinese is桀
The character 桀 (jié) primarily refers to a cruel leader or tyrant, often associated with the last emperor of the Xia Dynasty. It is typically used in historical contexts to describe oppressive rulers or regimes. In modern usage, it can also denote a sense of brutality or harshness.
When to use 桀
桀 is often used in literary or historical contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Be cautious with its negative connotation; using it to describe someone in a casual setting can be offensive. Common collocations include 桀骜不驯 (jié ào bù xùn), meaning 'arrogantly unrestrained'.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 桀 with similar-sounding characters like 结 (jié, to tie or knot). For example, saying '结的统治者' (jié de tǒngzhì zhě) instead of '桀的统治者' (jié de tǒngzhì zhě) can lead to misunderstandings about the intended meaning.
Write 桀
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 桀 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 桀?
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 215 AI credits.
Word Family of 桀
Words with 桀
What does 桀骜不驯 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 桀
It is pronounced as 'jié'.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 桀?
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.