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March 24, 2026
玺(璽)xǐ(xi3)
The character 玺 (xǐ) refers to an imperial or royal signet, which is a seal used by rulers to authenticate documents and signify authority. It is often associated with historical contexts where such seals were essential for governance, ceremonies, and declarations of power.
Strokes10Radical玉Frequency#18694DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the imperial seal was a symbol of the emperor's authority and was often elaborately crafted, reflecting the power and legitimacy of the ruler. The act of sealing documents was steeped in tradition and reverence.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand emperor sealing an important document with a shiny seal made of precious jade. The character 玺 combines the component 玥, which suggests something precious, with the idea of authority, helping you remember both its meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 玺
xǐ(xi3)
1imperial signet, royal signet
2ruler's seal
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 玺
玺Simplified
璽Traditional
10Strokes
玉Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 玺
Podcast: 玺
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AI Study Notes for 玺
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand emperor sealing an important document with a shiny seal made of precious jade. The character 玺 combines the component 玥, which suggests something precious, with the idea of authority, helping you remember both its meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
While 玺 is a formal term, it is rarely used in everyday conversation. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar characters like 印 (yìn), which means 'stamp' or 'print.' Ensure to use 玺 in contexts that discuss historical or ceremonial significance.
HSK Study Tips
Although 玺 is not part of the HSK curriculum, its connection to 重要 (zhòngyào, 'important') and 权力 (quánlì, 'power') can be useful for learners focusing on political vocabulary. Focus on recognizing the character and its historical connotations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the imperial seal was a symbol of the emperor's authority and was often elaborately crafted, reflecting the power and legitimacy of the ruler. The act of sealing documents was steeped in tradition and reverence.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 玺 when they mean to say 印. For example, saying '我需要一个玺来盖这个文件' (I need a signet to stamp this document) is incorrect; the correct term is 印.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 玺
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Cultural Notes for 玺
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese history, the imperial seal was a symbol of the emperor's authority and was often elaborately crafted, reflecting the power and legitimacy of the ruler. The act of sealing documents was steeped in tradition and reverence.
Word Family of 玺
Words Containing This Character3
玺xǐruler's seal璽
国玺seal of state國璽
印玺official seal印璽
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 玺 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 玺
Yes, but it is primarily found in historical or literary contexts rather than in everyday language.
玺 refers specifically to an imperial signet, while 印 generally means any kind of stamp or seal, often used more broadly.
