unknown, 10 strokes, radical 虫, rank #73407, Very Hard
chī(Chi1) T1
1worm; ignorant, rustic; to laugh at
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March 24, 2026
蚩chī(Chi1)
The character 蚩 (chī) primarily refers to a 'worm' and is often used in literary contexts to denote ignorance or rusticity. It can also describe someone who is laughed at, conveying a sense of derision or contempt. Although not commonly used in everyday conversation, it may appear in classical literature or philosophical texts.
Strokes10Radical虫Frequency#73407DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In some traditional Chinese texts, the idea of ignorance linked to the character 蚩 reflects historical views on education and social status, where 'rustic' individuals were often looked down upon. The character can evoke a cultural sentiment about the value of knowledge and refinement.
Memory Tip
Imagine a worm (蚩) wriggling in the dirt, looking foolish and rustic. The pronunciation 'chī' sounds like 'chee,' which you can remember by picturing a child laughing at the worm, saying 'chee-chee, look at that silly worm!'
Meanings of 蚩
chī(Chi1)
1worm; ignorant, rustic; to laugh at
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 蚩
蚩Simplified
10Strokes
虫Radical
简称abbreviation (abbr.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蚩
Podcast: 蚩
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AI Study Notes for 蚩
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a worm (蚩) wriggling in the dirt, looking foolish and rustic. The pronunciation 'chī' sounds like 'chee,' which you can remember by picturing a child laughing at the worm, saying 'chee-chee, look at that silly worm!'
Usage Notes
This character is seldom used in modern language, so learners might confuse it with more common words for worms or ignorance, such as 蠕虫 (rú chónɡ) for 'worm.' Be mindful of the context when using this term, as it can carry a humorous or derogatory tone.
HSK Study Tips
蚩 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists; however, its components can help learners connect with other characters containing the虫 (chóng) radical, which often relates to insects or small creatures. Focus on recognizing the character in literary texts where it may appear.
Cultural Note
In some traditional Chinese texts, the idea of ignorance linked to the character 蚩 reflects historical views on education and social status, where 'rustic' individuals were often looked down upon. The character can evoke a cultural sentiment about the value of knowledge and refinement.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 蚩 with the more common characters for 'worm' or 'insect.' For example, using 蚩 to refer to a worm in everyday speech may sound odd; instead, use 蠕虫 (rú chónɡ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蚩
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Cultural Notes for 蚩
🏮Cultural insight
In some traditional Chinese texts, the idea of ignorance linked to the character 蚩 reflects historical views on education and social status, where 'rustic' individuals were often looked down upon. The character can evoke a cultural sentiment about the value of knowledge and refinement.
Word Family of 蚩
Words Containing This Character2
蚩尤comet
蚩chīworm
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 蚩尤 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蚩
No, 蚩 is rarely used in everyday conversation and is more likely to be found in classical literature.
蚩 specifically emphasizes a connotation of ignorance or ridicule, unlike other terms that simply denote the creature.
It is generally avoided in formal writing due to its rarity and specific connotations.
