Meanings of 機
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About 機
Podcast: 機
Podcast: 機
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AI Study Notes for 機
機 (jī) vs 器 (qì) — use 機 for machines/mechanisms, while 器 refers to tools or utensils.
Learners often confuse 機 with its homophones. It's important to remember that while 機 can refer to machines, it also has metaphorical uses related to opportunities. Common collocations include 機會 (jīhuì - opportunity) and 機械 (jīxiè - machinery), which help clarify its usage in different contexts.
Although 機 is not currently part of the HSK vocabulary, students at HSK level 3 and above should recognize its relevance in technical contexts and idiomatic expressions. Focus on understanding its various meanings and practice using it in sentences to enhance retention.
Learners often mistakenly use 機 in contexts where another character would be more appropriate, such as using it to refer to 'opportunity' without recognizing its nuances. For example, saying '我没有機会' (wǒ méiyǒu jīhuì) is correct, but using '機' alone can lead to confusion.
Pronunciation of 機
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Etymology of 機
Simplified form of 機. Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 幾 represents the sound.
A table 幾 made of wood 木; 幾 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 機
Simplified form of 機. Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 幾 represents the sound.
- 1The giveawayA table 幾 made of wood 木; 幾 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 機? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 機?
Decomposition of 機
Identify the Components
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How to say desk; machine; moment, opportunity in Chinese
“desk; machine; moment, opportunity” in Chinese is機
The character 機 (jī) primarily means 'machine' or 'mechanism', referring to devices that operate through mechanical processes. It can also denote 'opportunity' or 'moment', emphasizing the fleeting nature of chances that arise in life. This character is commonly used in various contexts, from technology to expressions related to timing and seizing opportunities.
When to use 機
Learners often confuse 機 with its homophones. It's important to remember that while 機 can refer to machines, it also has metaphorical uses related to opportunities. Common collocations include 機會 (jīhuì - opportunity) and 機械 (jīxiè - machinery), which help clarify its usage in different contexts.
機 or something close to it
機 (jī) vs 器 (qì) — use 機 for machines/mechanisms, while 器 refers to tools or utensils.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 機 in contexts where another character would be more appropriate, such as using it to refer to 'opportunity' without recognizing its nuances. For example, saying '我没有機会' (wǒ méiyǒu jīhuì) is correct, but using '機' alone can lead to confusion.
Write 機
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Practice writing 機 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 機
Compound Meaning
What does 机会 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 機
Common phrases include 機會 (jīhuì - opportunity) and 機械 (jīxiè - machinery).
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