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爵 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
juénoble; a feudal rank or titlen, 17 strokes, radical 爫, rank #14596, Hard
juéancient bronze wine holder with 3 legs and loop handleunknown, 17 strokes, radical 爫, rank #14596, Hard
juénobilityunknown, 17 strokes, radical 爫, rank #14596, Hard
jué(jue2) T2
  1. 1noble; a feudal rank or title
  2. 2ancient bronze wine holder with 3 legs and loop handle
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March 24, 2026
jué(jue2)

The character 爵 (jué) refers to a noble rank or title in ancient China, often associated with feudal hierarchies. It can also denote an ancient bronze vessel used for wine, which symbolizes status. In modern usage, it reflects the concept of nobility more broadly.

Strokes17RadicalFrequency#14596DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In ancient China, the title associated with 爵 was crucial in the feudal system, affecting social status and political power. The vessels associated with this rank were often used in ceremonies, reflecting the importance of ritual in Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Think of 爵 (jué) as a 'jewel' of nobility — both share the 'j' sound. Imagine an ancient noble holding a beautiful, ornate wine vessel (the bronze holder) that symbolizes their status, with three legs representing the support of their rank.

Meanings of 爵

jué(jue2)
1noble; a feudal rank or title
2ancient bronze wine holder with 3 legs and loop handle
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 爵

Simplified
17Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 爵

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AI Study Notes for 爵

Quick Contrast

爵 (jué) vs 侯 (hóu) — use 爵 when specifically referring to noble ranks or titles, while 侯 typically denotes a marquis or specific noble title.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 爵 (jué) as a 'jewel' of nobility — both share the 'j' sound. Imagine an ancient noble holding a beautiful, ornate wine vessel (the bronze holder) that symbolizes their status, with three legs representing the support of their rank.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 爵 with similar-sounding characters like 绝 (jué, meaning 'to cut off'). It is more commonly used in formal contexts or historical discussions. Pay attention to the tone; mispronouncing it could change the meaning entirely.

HSK Study Tips

Although not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding 爵 (jué) can enhance your appreciation of historical texts and discussions. Focus on its significance in ancient Chinese society and how it relates to other terms of rank and status.

Cultural Note

In ancient China, the title associated with 爵 was crucial in the feudal system, affecting social status and political power. The vessels associated with this rank were often used in ceremonies, reflecting the importance of ritual in Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners might mistakenly use 爵 in contexts unrelated to nobility, confusing it with everyday terms. For instance, saying '爵' when they mean '绝' (to cut off) is incorrect; be mindful of the context and meanings.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 爵

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Etymology of 爵

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

A hand 寸 holding a goblet 良 of wine 罒

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 爵?

Decomposition of 爵

IDS Structure⿱爫⿱罒⿰良寸
Full Character
=
zhao3
top
wang3
top
liang2
left
cun4
right
Exercise 1 of 3

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 爵?

Write 爵

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

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Grammar Patterns of 爵

爵 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 3 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

她告诉我们她是某苏格兰勋____的后裔。

She told us she was descended from some Scottish Lord.

Example Sentences for 爵 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
她告诉我们她是某苏格兰勋爵的后裔。

tā gào sù wǒ mén tā shì mǒu sū gé lán xūn jué de hòu yì。

She told us she was descended from some Scottish Lord.
2
伯爵茶、大吉岭茶和茉莉花茶是最畅销的几种传统茶叶。

bó jué chá、 、 dà jí lǐng chá hé mò lì huā chá shì zuì chàng xiāo de jī zhǒng chuán tǒng chá。

Earl Grey, Darjeeling and Jasmine are best-selling traditional teas.
3
公爵为海伦女士和她的成就感到自豪,这很容易理解。

gōng jué wéi hǎi lún nǚ shì hé tā de chéng jiù gǎn dào zì háo, , zhè hěn róng yì lǐ。

The duke is understandably proud of Lady Helen and her achievements.
4
几天前,他收到劳埃德勋爵发来的一封电报。

jī tiān qián, , tā shōu dào láo āi dé xūn jué fā lái de yī fēng diàn。

A few days earlier he had received a telegram from Lord Lloyd.
5
在我看来,罗伯特爵士的争辩纯属瞎说。

zài wǒ kàn lái, , luó bó tè jué shì de zhēng biàn chún shǔ xiā。

It seemed to me that Sir Robert's arguments were nonsensical.
6
他是当下仍旧活跃的最有闯劲、最具想象力的爵士乐钢琴师之一。

tā shì dāng xià réng jiù huó yuè de zuì yǒu chuǎng jìn、 、 zuì jù xiǎng xiàng lì de jué shì lè gāng qín shī zhī。

He's one of the most dynamically imaginative jazz pianists still functioning.
7
他是现代爵士乐最有影响力的表演者之一。

tā shì xiàn dài jué shì lè zuì yǒu yǐng xiǎng lì de biǎo yǎn zhě zhī yī。

He was one of the most influential perfor-mers of modern jazz.
8
她是六位公爵的好朋友.

tā shì liù wèi gōng jué de hǎo péng yǒu.

She was a good friend of six British dukes.
9
公爵对别人把他看作钱包鼓鼓、游手好闲的人感到气愤。

gōng jué duì bié rén bǎ tā kàn zuò qián bāo gǔ gǔ、 、 yóu shǒu hǎo xián de rén gǎn dào qì。

The Duke resents being seen as a moneyed idler.
10
那是沃里克路,就在伯爵宫地铁站对面。

nà shì wò lǐ kè lù, , jiù zài bó jué gōng dì tiě zhàn duì。

That's Warwick Road, just opposite Earls Court tube station.

Cultural Notes for 爵

🏮Cultural insight

In ancient China, the title associated with 爵 was crucial in the feudal system, affecting social status and political power. The vessels associated with this rank were often used in ceremonies, reflecting the importance of ritual in Chinese culture.

Word Family of 爵

Words Containing This Character18
爵士juéshìknight
伯爵earl
juénobility
公爵duke
爵士乐jazz (loanword)爵士樂
勋爵UK life peer勳爵
男爵baron
爵士舞jazz (loanword)
爵位order of feudal nobility, namely: Duke 公[gōng], Marquis 侯[hóu], Count 伯[bó], Viscount 子[zǐ], Baron 男[nán]
侯爵marquis
官爵official ranking
爵士音乐jazz (loanword)爵士音樂
子爵viscount
爵士鼓drum kit (Tw)
加官进爵promotion to the nobility (idiom)加官進爵
爵禄rank and emolument of nobility爵祿
封爵same as 爵位[jué​wèi], order of feudal nobility, namely: Duke 公[gōng], Marquis 侯[hóu], Count 伯[bó], Viscount 子[zǐ], Baron 男[nán]
高官显爵high ranking高官顯爵
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 爵士 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 爵

In modern usage, 爵 primarily refers to nobility or titles of honor, often in historical or literary discussions.