unknown, 12 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #61660, Very Hard
腋
yè
(botany) axil
unknown, 12 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #61660, Very Hard
腋
yè
Taiwan pr. [yi4]
unknown, 12 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #61660, Very Hard
yè(ye4) T4
1armpit
2(biology) axilla
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March 24, 2026
腋yè(ye4)
The character 腋 (yè) refers to the armpit, which is the area beneath the junction of the arm and the shoulder. In biological terms, it can also denote the axilla, while in botany, it refers to the axil, the angle between a leaf and the stem. It's commonly used in medical and anatomical contexts.
Strokes12Radical⺼Frequency#61660DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the armpit is believed to be a significant area for various health assessments, reflecting the holistic understanding of the body in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person with their arms raised, and their armpits (腋) are highlighted. The character has the radical for flesh (月) on the left, reminding you that it relates to a part of the body. The pronunciation 'yè' can be linked to the word 'yes,' as in, 'Yes, that's my armpit!'
Meanings of 腋
yè(ye4)
1armpit
2(biology) axilla
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 腋
腋Simplified
12Strokes
⺼Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 腋
Podcast: 腋
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AI Study Notes for 腋
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person with their arms raised, and their armpits (腋) are highlighted. The character has the radical for flesh (月) on the left, reminding you that it relates to a part of the body. The pronunciation 'yè' can be linked to the word 'yes,' as in, 'Yes, that's my armpit!'
Usage Notes
Be careful with the pronunciation, as it's often confused with the phonetic 'yi4' in Taiwan. This character is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as medical literature. It often collocates with terms related to anatomy and health.
HSK Study Tips
While 腋 (yè) is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it is useful for learners at the HSK 3-4 level who are expanding their knowledge of body parts and health-related vocabulary. Focus on understanding its anatomical context to enhance your medical vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the armpit is believed to be a significant area for various health assessments, reflecting the holistic understanding of the body in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 腋 as 'yi4' instead of 'yè.' Additionally, some may confuse it with other body parts, such as using 腋 when they mean 胳膊 (arm).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 腋
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Grammar Patterns of 腋
腋 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 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
护士把体温计甩了甩，然后放到了我的____下。
The nurse shook the thermometer and put it under my armpit.
Example Sentences for 腋 (6)
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1
护士把体温计甩了甩，然后放到了我的腋下。
hù shì bǎ tǐ wēn jì shuǎi le shuǎi， ， rán hòu fàng dào le wǒ de yè。
The nurse shook the thermometer and put it under my armpit.
Methods In 11 cases, repair brachial plex direct injuries axillas in emergency.
6
积少成多,集腋成裘; 积沙沉舟.
jī shǎo chéng duō, , jí yè chéng; qiú ; jī shā.
Many a little makes a mickle; many sands will sink a ship.
Cultural Notes for 腋
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the armpit is believed to be a significant area for various health assessments, reflecting the holistic understanding of the body in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 腋
Words Containing This Character9
腋窝armpit腋窩
腋下underarm
腋yèarmpit
腋毛armpit hair
腋臭body odor
腋芽axillary bud
集腋成裘many a mickle makes a muckle
肘腋lit. armpit
变生肘腋trouble or danger in one's own backyard變生肘腋
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 腋窝 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 腋
It is pronounced as 'yè,' with a falling tone.
腋 refers specifically to the armpit area, while 胳膊 means 'arm'.
It's not commonly used in casual conversation but is more prevalent in medical or anatomical discussions.
