unknown, 11 strokes, radical 纟, rank #39128, Very Hard
qǐ(qi3) T3
1fine silk; elegant, beautiful
2open-work silk
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March 24, 2026
绮(綺)qǐ(qi3)
The character 绮 (qǐ) refers to a type of fine silk that is often characterized by its elegance and beauty. It is commonly used to describe beautiful fabrics or things that are adorned with intricate designs. This word is often found in contexts related to fashion, textiles, and art.
Strokes11Radical纟Frequency#39128DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, silk holds a significant place in history, often associated with luxury and status.绮 reflects this cultural value by emphasizing the beauty and craftsmanship associated with silk fabrics.
Memory Tip
Imagine a beautiful, flowing silk dress (绮) that catches the light. The character's left side (纟) represents silk, while the right side (奇) reminds you that this is no ordinary silk—it's extraordinary or beautiful (奇). Together, they create an image of exquisite elegance.
Meanings of 绮
qǐ(qi3)
1fine silk; elegant, beautiful
2open-work silk
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 绮
绮Simplified
綺Traditional
11Strokes
纟Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 绮
Podcast: 绮
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AI Study Notes for 绮
Quick Contrast
华 (huá, splendid) — use 绮 (qǐ) when emphasizing the beauty of fabrics, while 华 (huá) is broader and can refer to splendor in general contexts.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a beautiful, flowing silk dress (绮) that catches the light. The character's left side (纟) represents silk, while the right side (奇) reminds you that this is no ordinary silk—it's extraordinary or beautiful (奇). Together, they create an image of exquisite elegance.
Usage Notes
绮 is typically used in literary or formal contexts rather than everyday conversation. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like 起 (qǐ, to rise) that have entirely different meanings. It often pairs with words like '丽' (lì, beautiful) to enhance descriptions.
HSK Study Tips
Although 绮 is not included in the HSK levels, it shares a connection with other textile-related vocabulary like 布 (bù, cloth) and 丝 (sī, silk). Focus on combining this character with adjectives to describe various types of fabrics or artistic expressions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, silk holds a significant place in history, often associated with luxury and status.绮 reflects this cultural value by emphasizing the beauty and craftsmanship associated with silk fabrics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 绮 with similar-sounding words. For instance, using '起' (qǐ) instead of 绮 to describe silk results in an incorrect meaning. Always remember that 绮 specifically pertains to fine silk and elegance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 绮
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Cultural Notes for 绮
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, silk holds a significant place in history, often associated with luxury and status.绮 reflects this cultural value by emphasizing the beauty and craftsmanship associated with silk fabrics.
Word Family of 绮
Words Containing This Character3
绮qǐbeautiful綺
绮丽beautiful綺麗
绮罗beautiful silk fabrics綺羅
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 绮 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 绮
It is pronounced as qǐ, with a rising tone.
While it primarily refers to silk, it can also be used metaphorically to describe anything beautiful or elegant.
It is more commonly found in literary texts or discussions about fashion and art rather than in everyday language.
