Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
籴 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
to purchase grain; to store grainv, 8 strokes, radical 米, Very Hard
buy up (grain)unknown, 8 strokes, radical 米, Very Hard
(di2) T2
  1. 1to purchase grain; to store grain
  2. 2buy up (grain)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

(糴)(di2)

The character 籴 (dí) refers to the act of purchasing or storing grain, particularly in agricultural contexts. It is often used when discussing the buying up of grain supplies, especially during harvest seasons or in relation to market activities. This term conveys a sense of management and accumulation of resources.

Strokes8RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, grain is a significant symbol of wealth and stability. The practice of buying and storing grain has historical importance, especially during times of famine or economic uncertainty, reflecting the value placed on food security.

Memory Tip

Imagine a farmer with a 'dizzy' feeling after buying up all the grain in the market. The character 籴 has a structure that resembles a basket (the top part) filled with grains, symbolizing the act of gathering and storing grain.

Meanings of 籴

(di2)
1to purchase grain; to store grain
2buy up (grain)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 籴

Simplified
Traditional
8Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 籴

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 籴

Quick Contrast

购 (gòu, to purchase) — use 籴 (dí) when specifically referring to grain, while 购 (gòu) is more general for any type of purchase.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a farmer with a 'dizzy' feeling after buying up all the grain in the market. The character 籴 has a structure that resembles a basket (the top part) filled with grains, symbolizing the act of gathering and storing grain.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 籴, as mispronunciation could lead to confusion with similar-sounding words. This term is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about agriculture or economic policies regarding food supply.

HSK Study Tips

Although 籴 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be linked with other agricultural terms in HSK level 3 and 4, such as 米 (mǐ, rice) and 购 (gòu, to buy). Focus on understanding the context in which agricultural terms are used.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, grain is a significant symbol of wealth and stability. The practice of buying and storing grain has historical importance, especially during times of famine or economic uncertainty, reflecting the value placed on food security.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 籴 with similar-looking characters, such as 笔 (bǐ, pen) or 织 (zhī, to weave), due to their components. Remember that 籴 specifically involves grain, while the others pertain to writing or weaving.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 籴

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 籴

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

A house 入 where grain 米 is stored

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 籴?

Decomposition of 籴

IDS Structure⿱入米
Full Character
=
ru4
top
Mi3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 籴?

Write 籴

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 籴

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese culture, grain is a significant symbol of wealth and stability. The practice of buying and storing grain has historical importance, especially during times of famine or economic uncertainty, reflecting the value placed on food security.

Word Family of 籴

Words Containing This Character1
buy up (grain)
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 籴 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 籴

While both mean 'to buy', 籴 specifically refers to purchasing grain, emphasizing agricultural context, whereas 买 is a general term for buying anything.