Meanings of 笄
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About 笄
Podcast: 笄
Podcast: 笄
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AI Study Notes for 笄
Be mindful not to confuse 笄 with similar characters. It's often used in literary contexts or traditional settings, so while it may sound formal, you might encounter it in poetry or historical narratives. Remember to pronounce it with the first tone (jī) to avoid misunderstandings.
Though 笄 is not currently included in the HSK vocabulary lists, its meaning and usage can enrich your understanding of age-related terms in Mandarin. Focus on learning related characters that denote ages and social roles, as they often appear in cultural contexts.
Learners often confuse 笄 with other characters related to hair or age, such as 发 (fà) for hair. Remember that 笄 specifically denotes a hairpin and the age of fifteen, not just hair in general.
Pronunciation of 笄
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Etymology of 笄
bamboo
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 笄
- 1The meaning half⺮ carries the sense.
- 2The sound half开 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaybamboo
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 笄? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 笄
Identify the Components
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How to say hairpin; fifteen-year-old girl in Chinese
“hairpin; fifteen-year-old girl” in Chinese is笄
The character 笄 (jī) primarily refers to a hairpin, traditionally used by women to secure their hair in an updo. It can also signify a girl who is fifteen years old, marking a specific age of maturity in Chinese culture. This age is often associated with coming-of-age ceremonies and responsibilities.
When to use 笄
Be mindful not to confuse 笄 with similar characters. It's often used in literary contexts or traditional settings, so while it may sound formal, you might encounter it in poetry or historical narratives. Remember to pronounce it with the first tone (jī) to avoid misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 笄 with other characters related to hair or age, such as 发 (fà) for hair. Remember that 笄 specifically denotes a hairpin and the age of fifteen, not just hair in general.
Write 笄
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Practice writing 笄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 笄
Compound Meaning
What does 笄 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 笄
Fifteen is traditionally seen as a coming-of-age milestone for girls, often marked with specific ceremonies.
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