Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
氐 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
the name of an ancient tribeg, 5 strokes, radical 氏, Very Hard
name of an ancient tribeunknown, 5 strokes, radical 氏, Very Hard
foundationunknown, 5 strokes, radical 氏, Very Hard
on the wholeunknown, 5 strokes, radical 氏, Very Hard
the name of an ancient tribeg, 5 strokes, radical 氏, Very Hard
name of an ancient tribeunknown, 5 strokes, radical 氏, Very Hard
foundationunknown, 5 strokes, radical 氏, Very Hard
on the wholeunknown, 5 strokes, radical 氏, Very Hard
(Di1)
primary
T1
  1. 1the name of an ancient tribe
  2. 2name of an ancient tribe
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(Di1)

The character 氐 (dī) refers to an ancient tribe in Chinese history, as well as the concept of foundation or basis. It can indicate a fundamental or underlying aspect, often used in historical or literary contexts to convey depth or origin.

Strokes5RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

The 氐 tribe is part of China's rich history and is mentioned in classical texts, reflecting the complexity of ancient Chinese tribal societies. Understanding such terms can enhance your grasp of traditional narratives and historical studies in China.

Memory Tip

Picture a deep foundation (氐) of a building, representing stability. The character combines 气 (air/energy) and the radical for 'earth' (土) to symbolize something that is grounded and essential, reminding you that the tribe is the basis of cultural heritage.

Meanings of 氐

(Di1)
primary
1the name of an ancient tribe
2name of an ancient tribe
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 氐

Simplified
5Strokes
Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 氐

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 氐

Memory Mnemonic

Picture a deep foundation (氐) of a building, representing stability. The character combines 气 (air/energy) and the radical for 'earth' (土) to symbolize something that is grounded and essential, reminding you that the tribe is the basis of cultural heritage.

Usage Notes

氐 is not commonly used in modern conversation and is more relevant in historical or academic discussions. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; the tone must be accurate to convey the correct meaning. It can also appear in compound words, so familiarize yourself with its collocations.

HSK Study Tips

Although 氐 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can be connected to HSK Level 3 or 4 with words related to history or foundations, such as 基础 (jīchǔ, foundation) and 族 (zú, tribe). Focus on understanding its historical context to deepen your comprehension of related terms.

Cultural Note

The 氐 tribe is part of China's rich history and is mentioned in classical texts, reflecting the complexity of ancient Chinese tribal societies. Understanding such terms can enhance your grasp of traditional narratives and historical studies in China.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 氐 with similar characters like 低 (dī, low) or 地 (dì, earth). Remember that 氐 specifically relates to historical contexts and foundations, not just any low or earth-related concept.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 氐

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 氐

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Depicts a man bowing down (氏) low to the ground.

Memory Hint

clan

Semantic (meaning)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 氐?

Decomposition of 氐

IDS Structure⿱氏丶
Full Character
=
shi4
top
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 氐?

Write 氐

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 氐

氐 carries 4 distinct meanings. 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 2

Complete the Sentence

今晚气温将下降到七摄____度.

The temperature tonight will fall to seven degrees Celsius.

Example Sentences for 氐 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
今晚气温将下降到七摄氐度.

jīn wǎn qì wēn jiāng xià jiàng dào qī shè dī dù.

The temperature tonight will fall to seven degrees Celsius.

Cultural Notes for 氐

🏮Cultural insight

The 氐 tribe is part of China's rich history and is mentioned in classical texts, reflecting the complexity of ancient Chinese tribal societies. Understanding such terms can enhance your grasp of traditional narratives and historical studies in China.

Word Family of 氐

Words Containing This Character1
foundation
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 氐 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 氐

In modern contexts, 氐 is primarily of historical significance and not commonly used in daily conversation.