ancient bronze wine holder with 3 legs and loop handle
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 爫, rank #14596, Very Hard
爵
jué
nobility
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 爫, rank #14596, Very Hard
jué(jue2) T2
1noble; a feudal rank or title
2ancient bronze wine holder with 3 legs and loop handle
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
爵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.
Strokes17Radical爫Frequency#14596DifficultyVery Hard
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
Choose the correct answer:
About 爵
爵Simplified
17Strokes
爫Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 爵
Podcast: 爵
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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.
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.
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
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 爵 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
1The giveawayA hand 寸 holding a goblet 良 of wine 罒
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 爵? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 爵?
Decomposition of 爵
IDS Structure⿱爫⿱罒⿰良寸
爵Full Character
=
爫zhao3
top
罒wang3
top
良liang2
left
寸cun4
right
Exercise 1 of 3
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 爵?
How to say noble; a feudal rank or title in Chinese
“noble; a feudal rank or title” in Chinese is爵jué
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.
When to use 爵
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.
爵 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 爵
爵
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 爵 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 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.