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March 24, 2026
蚁(蟻)yǐ(yi3)
The character 蚁 (yǐ) means 'ant' in Mandarin. It is commonly used in contexts relating to biology, nature, or as a metaphor for smallness or industriousness, reflecting how ants are often seen as hard-working creatures.
Strokes9Radical虫Frequency#10619DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, ants can symbolize hard work and teamwork, reflecting traditional values about diligence and collective effort. This is evident in proverbs that highlight the virtues of these tiny creatures.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny ant crawling across your table, and picture it carrying a crumb much larger than itself. The character 蚁 has a radical that resembles a little bug (虫) under a roof (二), representing its small size but industrious nature, helping you remember its pronunciation and meaning.
Meanings of 蚁
yǐ(yi3)
1ant
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 蚁
蚁Simplified
蟻Traditional
9Strokes
虫Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#10619Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蚁
Podcast: 蚁
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AI Study Notes for 蚁
Quick Contrast
蚂蚁 (mǎyǐ) vs 蟻 (yǐ) — use 蚂蚁 for the common term 'ant' in everyday contexts, while 蟻 is a more literary or scientific term.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny ant crawling across your table, and picture it carrying a crumb much larger than itself. The character 蚁 has a radical that resembles a little bug (虫) under a roof (二), representing its small size but industrious nature, helping you remember its pronunciation and meaning.
Usage Notes
蚁 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like 义 (yì), which means 'righteousness'. Common collocations include 蚂蚁 (mǎyǐ), which means 'ant' and is more commonly used in everyday conversation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 蚁 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can be related to other words at the same level that use the insect radical (虫). Focus on recognizing the radical and practicing writing it to reinforce your understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, ants can symbolize hard work and teamwork, reflecting traditional values about diligence and collective effort. This is evident in proverbs that highlight the virtues of these tiny creatures.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly write 蚁 without the insect radical, confusing it with other characters. Always include the虫 radical to convey the correct meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蚁
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Grammar Patterns of 蚁
蚁 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 3
Complete the Sentence
遇有危险，食____兽会迅速用尾巴卷住树枝。
When in danger, the anteater lashes its tail round a branch.
Example Sentences for 蚁 (3)
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1
遇有危险，食蚁兽会迅速用尾巴卷住树枝。
yù yǒu wēi xiǎn， ， shí yǐ shòu huì xùn sù yòng wěi bā juàn zhù shù。
When in danger, the anteater lashes its tail round a branch.
Pincers poised and eyes gleaming , a bulldog ant surveys its surroundings.
3
即使是永远不能生殖的工蚁,亦具有这种倾向.
jí shǐ shì yǒng yuǎn bù néng shēng zhí de gōng yǐ, , yì jù yǒu zhè zhǒng qīng.
Even worker ants that never reproduce possess this drive.
Cultural Notes for 蚁
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, ants can symbolize hard work and teamwork, reflecting traditional values about diligence and collective effort. This is evident in proverbs that highlight the virtues of these tiny creatures.
Word Family of 蚁
Words Containing This Character10
蚂蚁mǎyǐant螞蟻
蚁yǐant蟻
白蚁termite白蟻
蝼蚁lit. mole cricket and ants螻蟻
热锅上的蚂蚁anxious熱鍋上的螞蟻
食蚁兽ant-eater (several different species)食蟻獸
兵蚁soldier ant兵蟻
蚁酸formic acid蟻酸
蚕蚁newly hatched silkworm蠶蟻
如蚁附膻the crowd runs after trash如蟻附膻
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 蚂蚁 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蚁
蚁 is pronounced as 'yǐ' with a third tone.
In Chinese, nouns like 蚁 do not change form for pluralization; context indicates quantity.
Yes, while 蚁 itself is not commonly found in idioms, it can be part of phrases emphasizing hard work or smallness.
