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March 24, 2026
皈guī(gui1)
The character 皈 (guī) primarily means 'to return' or 'to go back,' often in the context of returning to a place or following a path. It can also imply compliance with rules or following a leader. This character is commonly used in religious contexts, such as '皈依' (guīyī), meaning to convert or take refuge in a faith.
Strokes9Radical白Frequency#89479DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese Buddhism, the act of '皈依' is significant, as it represents a commitment to the Buddhist path and community. This character reflects the importance of devotion and following a spiritual leader in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person returning home after a long journey, marked by a path that resembles the shape of the character 皈. The top part suggests a roof (home), while the bottom part can be visualized as someone kneeling in reverence upon arrival, emphasizing the act of following a path back home.
Meanings of 皈
guī(gui1)
1to follow, to comply with
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 皈
皈Simplified
9Strokes
白Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 皈
Podcast: 皈
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AI Study Notes for 皈
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person returning home after a long journey, marked by a path that resembles the shape of the character 皈. The top part suggests a roof (home), while the bottom part can be visualized as someone kneeling in reverence upon arrival, emphasizing the act of following a path back home.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 皈 (guī) with similar-sounding characters. It is generally used in formal contexts, especially in religious or philosophical discussions. Common collocations include '皈依' (guīyī) for religious conversion.
HSK Study Tips
While 皈 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with words like '回' (huí, to return) and '遵' (zūn, to comply). Students should focus on understanding its use in religious texts and its nuances in phrases.
Cultural Note
In Chinese Buddhism, the act of '皈依' is significant, as it represents a commitment to the Buddhist path and community. This character reflects the importance of devotion and following a spiritual leader in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 皈 (guī) with 归 (guī), which has a more general meaning of 'to return.' For example, saying '我皈家' (wǒ guī jiā) is incorrect; the correct phrase should be '我回家' (wǒ huí jiā).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 皈
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Grammar Patterns of 皈
皈 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 2
Complete the Sentence
他最近才____依天主教，是一名狂热的信徒。
He was a recent Catholic convert, and very zealous.
Example Sentences for 皈 (2)
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1
他最近才皈依天主教，是一名狂热的信徒。
tā zuì jìn cái guī yī tiān zhǔ jiào， ， shì yī míng kuáng rè de xìn。
He was a recent Catholic convert, and very zealous.
2
公元586年，圣肯蒂格恩使特威代尔郡皈依基督教。
gōng yuán586 586， nián ， shèng kěn dì gé ēn shǐ tè wēi dài ěr jùn guī yī jī。
In AD 586 St Kentigern evangelized Tweeddale.
Cultural Notes for 皈
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese Buddhism, the act of '皈依' is significant, as it represents a commitment to the Buddhist path and community. This character reflects the importance of devotion and following a spiritual leader in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 皈
Words Containing This Character3
皈依to convert to (a religion)
皈guīto follow
皈依者a convert
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 皈依 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 皈
皈 emphasizes returning in a spiritual or formal sense, while 回 is used for general returning.
It is not commonly used in casual speech but may appear in religious contexts.
While it is prevalent in Buddhism, it can also be used in broader contexts of compliance and following.
