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March 24, 2026
虺huī(hui1)
The character 虺 (huī) refers to a large venomous snake, often depicting a mythical creature associated with danger and poison. It can also describe a state of being sick or lacking ambition, suggesting lethargy or a will to avoid challenges. This character is not commonly used in modern vocabulary but may appear in literary or historical contexts.
Strokes9Radical虫Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese literature, snakes often symbolize danger and transformation. The character 虺 connects to myths where venomous snakes represent both physical peril and moral lessons about ambition and diligence.
Memory Tip
Think of a large snake slithering through the grass, its venomous fangs glistening in the sun. The shape of the character 虺 resembles a snake coiled up, ready to strike. Imagine hearing a hiss (the sound 'huī') as it approaches, warning you of its presence.
Meanings of 虺
huī(hui1)
primary
1a large venomous snake
2sick
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 虺
虺Simplified
9Strokes
虫Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 虺
Podcast: 虺
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AI Study Notes for 虺
Memory Mnemonic
Think of a large snake slithering through the grass, its venomous fangs glistening in the sun. The shape of the character 虺 resembles a snake coiled up, ready to strike. Imagine hearing a hiss (the sound 'huī') as it approaches, warning you of its presence.
Usage Notes
This character is quite rare in everyday conversation and is mostly seen in literary texts. It is essential to use it in the right context, as it can carry a negative connotation when referring to ambition. Be mindful of tone when pronouncing 'huī' to avoid confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
As this character is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, learners should focus on more commonly used terms related to animals and emotions. Understanding the nuances of ambition and lethargy can connect this word to broader themes in intermediate Chinese studies.
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese literature, snakes often symbolize danger and transformation. The character 虺 connects to myths where venomous snakes represent both physical peril and moral lessons about ambition and diligence.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 虺 with other common snake characters like 蛇 (shé). For example, saying '我看到了一条虺' (wǒ kàn dào le yī tiáo huī) when they mean 'I saw a snake' may lead to misunderstanding; it would be more appropriate to use 蛇.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 虺
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Cultural Notes for 虺
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient Chinese literature, snakes often symbolize danger and transformation. The character 虺 connects to myths where venomous snakes represent both physical peril and moral lessons about ambition and diligence.
Word Family of 虺
Words Containing This Character1
虺huīsick
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 虺 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 虺
No, 虺 is quite rare and mainly found in literary or historical texts.
Synonyms could include words for other snakes, like 蛇 (shé), or terms that describe lethargy or lack of ambition.
The pronunciation is 'huī', with a high level tone, similar to the English word 'hway'.
