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棋 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
棋
qí
chess; any strategy game
HSK 7, n, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #9602, Very Hard
棋
qí
chess-like game
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #9602, Very Hard
棋
qí
a game of chess
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #9602, Very Hard
棋
qí
chess piece
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 木, rank #9602, Very Hard
qí(qi2)qi T2
1chess; any strategy game
2chess-like game
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March 24, 2026
棋(棊)qí(qi2)
The character 棋 (qí) primarily refers to chess or strategy games in general. It denotes not only the game of chess itself but also other games that involve strategic thinking and planning. In modern usage, it may also connote strategic decision-making in various contexts.
Strokes12Radical木Frequency#9602DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
Chess (象棋) is a popular pastime in China, often played in parks and community spaces. The game reflects strategic thinking and is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, symbolizing wisdom and tactical skills.
Memory tip
Imagine a giant chessboard where each piece is a character (棋) playing a grand match. The left side of the character (木) looks like a chess piece standing tall, representing the strategy involved in the game, while the right side (奇) hints at the uniqueness of each strategic move.
Meanings of 棋
qí(qi2)
1chess; any strategy game
2chess-like game
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 棋
棋Simplified
棊Traditional
12Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9602Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 棋
Podcast: 棋
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AI study notes for 棋
Quick Contrast
象棋 (xiàngqí) refers specifically to Chinese chess, while 棋 (qí) can refer to chess or strategy games in general.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 棋 with similar-sounding words or characters, so it's important to distinguish its specific meaning related to games. It's generally used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing games in social settings. Common collocations include '下棋' (to play chess) and '棋类游戏' (board games).
HSK Study Tips
Although 棋 is not included in HSK levels, it connects with other HSK vocabulary related to games and strategy. Students should focus on its usage in context, particularly with phrases that involve playing games, as it can enrich conversations about leisure activities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 棋 in contexts where more specific terms are needed, such as using it interchangeably with '游戏' (game). Always clarify if referring specifically to chess or strategic games.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 棋
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棋 = 木 + 其. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 棋
IDS Structure⿰木其
棋Full character
=
木Mu4
left
其qi2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 棋?
How to say chess; any strategy game in Chinese
“chess; any strategy game” in Chinese is棋qí
The character 棋 (qí) primarily refers to chess or strategy games in general. It denotes not only the game of chess itself but also other games that involve strategic thinking and planning. In modern usage, it may also connote strategic decision-making in various contexts.
When to use 棋
Learners often confuse 棋 with similar-sounding words or characters, so it's important to distinguish its specific meaning related to games. It's generally used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing games in social settings. Common collocations include '下棋' (to play chess) and '棋类游戏' (board games).
棋 or something close to it
象棋 (xiàngqí) refers specifically to Chinese chess, while 棋 (qí) can refer to chess or strategy games in general.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 棋 in contexts where more specific terms are needed, such as using it interchangeably with '游戏' (game). Always clarify if referring specifically to chess or strategic games.
Write 棋
棋
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Practice writing 棋 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 棋
棋 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.
With no idea of what to do for my next move, my hand hovered over the board.
10
加雷·卡斯帕罗夫卫冕了他国际象棋世界冠军的称号。
jiā léi· kǎ Sī pà luō fū wèi miǎn le tā guójì xiàngqí shìjiè guànjūn de chēnghào。
Gary Kasparov has retained his title as world chess champion.
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Cultural Notes for 棋
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While chess is universally recognized, the strategic games popular in China, such as Xiangqi (Chinese chess), have different rules and pieces, emphasizing a distinct cultural approach to strategy.
Word Family of 棋
Compounds1
簯qi
Words containing this character20
棋qíchess
围棋wéiqíthe game of Go圍棋
下棋xiàqíto play chess
棋子qízǐchess piece
象棋xiàngqíChinese chess
棋手qíshǒuchess player
国际象棋guójìxiàngqíchess國際象棋
棋盘qípánchessboard棋盤
跳棋tiàoqíChinese checkers
棋局qíjú(old) chessboard
举棋不定jǔqí-búdìngto shilly-shally舉棋不定
棋艺qíyìchess skill棋藝
死棋sǐqístupid move
星罗棋布xīngluóqíbùscattered about like stars in the sky or chess pieces on a board (idiom); spread all over the place星羅棋布
棋王qíwángchess champion
棋赛qísàichess game棋賽
棋谱qípǔkifu (record of a game of go or shogi)棋譜
和棋héqídraw or tie in chess etc
琴棋书画qín-qí-shū-huàthe four arts (zither, Go, calligraphy, painting)琴棋書畫
悔棋huǐqíto withdraw a move (chess)
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 棋
What does 围棋 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 棋
Besides chess, 棋 can refer to various strategic board games like Go (围棋) and other chess-like games.
You can use it in phrases like '我喜欢下棋' (I like to play chess) or '他是一个棋迷' (He is a chess enthusiast).
No, 棋 can generally refer to any strategic game, not just chess.
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