Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
胁(脅)xié(xie2)
The character 胁 (xié) primarily means 'flank,' referring to the side of the torso. It also implies coercion or threatening behavior, often used in contexts where one party exerts pressure on another to achieve compliance. This duality highlights both a physical and psychological aspect.
Strokes8Radical⺼Frequency#31458DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of coercion often relates to social dynamics where group harmony is valued over individual desires, making 胁 a relevant term in discussions of personal boundaries and societal pressure.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person with strong flanks (sides) being coerced into doing something against their will. The character 胁 looks like a side view of a torso (the '月' radical represents the flesh) with a looming shadow of a person threatening from the side, helping you remember its meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 胁
xié(xie2)
1flank (the side of one's torso)
2to coerce
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 胁
胁Simplified
脅Traditional
8Strokes
⺼Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#31458Frequency Rank
Podcast: 胁
Podcast: 胁
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 胁
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person with strong flanks (sides) being coerced into doing something against their will. The character 胁 looks like a side view of a torso (the '月' radical represents the flesh) with a looming shadow of a person threatening from the side, helping you remember its meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 胁 with its variant 脅 (xié), which also means to threaten. This character is more formal and less frequently used in everyday conversation. Be cautious with tone; 'xié' (胁) is pronounced with a rising tone, while 'xiè' (脅) has a falling tone.
HSK Study Tips
Though 胁 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, its connection to other body-related terms at HSK level 3 (like 身体 shēntǐ - body) can enhance understanding. Focus on recognizing the character's form and differentiating it from similar-sounding characters.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of coercion often relates to social dynamics where group harmony is valued over individual desires, making 胁 a relevant term in discussions of personal boundaries and societal pressure.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes write 胁 incorrectly by confusing it with similar characters, like 脅. For example, writing 脅 instead of 胁 when intending to discuss 'flank' or 'to threaten' is common. Always double-check the radicals to ensure accuracy.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 胁
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 胁 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 胁 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 胁
胁 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In industry, a worker who is grossly insubordinate is threatened with discharge.
7
他威胁说如果她拒绝服从就剥夺她的继承权。
tā wēi xié shuō rú guǒ tā jù jué fú cóng jiù bāo duó tā de jì chéng quán。
He threatened to disinherit her if she refused to obey.
8
她威胁说如果他离开她，她就将他双重人格的生活方式公之于众。
tā wēi xié shuō rú guǒ tā lí kāi tā， ， tā jiù jiāng tā shuāng zhòng rén gé de shēng huó fāng shì gōng zhī yú。
She threatened to publicly expose his double life if he left her.
9
他指控她曾威胁要挖出他的眼睛。
tā zhǐ kòng tā zēng wēi xié yào wā chū tā de yǎn jīng。
He has accused her of threatening to gouge his eyes out.
10
他们威胁将他驱逐出他的移居国。
tā mén wēi xié jiāng tā qū zhú chū tā de yí jū guó。
They threatened to expel him from his adoptive country.
Cultural Notes for 胁
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of coercion often relates to social dynamics where group harmony is valued over individual desires, making 胁 a relevant term in discussions of personal boundaries and societal pressure.
Word Family of 胁
Words Containing This Character6
威胁wēixiéto threaten威脅
胁迫to coerce脅迫
胁xiéto coerce脅
胁持to hold under duress脅持
胁从犯induced accomplice脅從犯
迫胁to coerce迫脅
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 威胁 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 胁
Yes, 胁 (xié) can be used in a legal context when discussing issues of coercion or threats. For example, if someone is forced into an agreement under duress, 胁迫 (xié pò) can describe that coercive act. This term is important in legal discussions regarding consent and pressure.
胁 (xié) means 'flank' or 'to coerce,' while 威胁 (wēi xié) specifically means 'to threaten' or 'to menace.' The former can refer to physical sides of the body, whereas the latter is more about intimidation or danger in a social context.
To use 胁 (xié) in a sentence, you might say, '他在胁迫我做这个决定,' which translates to 'He is coercing me to make this decision.' This showcases its meaning related to coercion. You can also use it in a medical context when discussing the physical aspect of the torso.
胁 (xié) primarily means 'flank,' referring to the side of one's torso. Additionally, it can also mean 'to coerce' or 'to threaten' in various contexts. This character is often used in expressions related to pressure or compulsion.
胁 (xié) refers specifically to the flank or side of the body and can also mean to threaten, whereas 脅 (xié) solely means to threaten or coerce.
No, 胁 is more formal and is often found in literary or legal contexts rather than in casual conversation.
Focus on the 'xié' sound, which is similar to 'share' with an 'x' sound; visualize flanks being shared or threatened.
