dragon with horns not yet grown (in myth or heraldry)
unknown, 16 strokes, radical 虫, Very Hard
chī(chi1) T1
1cruel; a young dragon
2dragon with horns not yet grown (in myth or heraldry)
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March 24, 2026
螭chī(chi1)
The character 螭 (chī) primarily refers to a young dragon or a dragon that has not yet developed its horns, often associated with mythological contexts. It can also denote cruelty, adding a layer of meaning related to fierceness or aggression in certain usages. This character is less common in everyday language and may be found in literary or historical texts.
Strokes16Radical虫Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese mythology, dragons are revered as powerful and auspicious creatures, and the term 螭 often appears in tales or heraldic symbols representing strength and nobility. Understanding this character enhances appreciation for the role of dragons in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a young dragon (like 螭) that has not yet grown its majestic horns, representing its potential for cruelty and fierceness. The character 螭 resembles a dragon's tail, and the 'chī' sound can remind you of a fierce dragon's roar.
Meanings of 螭
chī(chi1)
1cruel; a young dragon
2dragon with horns not yet grown (in myth or heraldry)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 螭
螭Simplified
16Strokes
虫Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 螭
Podcast: 螭
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AI Study Notes for 螭
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a young dragon (like 螭) that has not yet grown its majestic horns, representing its potential for cruelty and fierceness. The character 螭 resembles a dragon's tail, and the 'chī' sound can remind you of a fierce dragon's roar.
Usage Notes
This character is rarely used in modern conversational Mandarin, making it primarily relevant in literary or historical contexts. Be cautious of its formal nature; it's best to use it in writing rather than speaking. Common collocations include mythological references or descriptions of fierce attributes.
HSK Study Tips
As an advanced character, 螭 is not included in the HSK levels, but understanding it can enhance your grasp of mythological themes in Chinese literature. Focus on recognizing its components and how they relate to dragons and mythology, as this can enrich your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese mythology, dragons are revered as powerful and auspicious creatures, and the term 螭 often appears in tales or heraldic symbols representing strength and nobility. Understanding this character enhances appreciation for the role of dragons in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 螭 with other dragon characters like 龙 (lóng), which refers to an adult dragon. Ensure you understand the distinction and context, as using 螭 incorrectly could lead to confusion in meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 螭
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Cultural Notes for 螭
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese mythology, dragons are revered as powerful and auspicious creatures, and the term 螭 often appears in tales or heraldic symbols representing strength and nobility. Understanding this character enhances appreciation for the role of dragons in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 螭
Words Containing This Character1
螭chīmountain demon
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 螭 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 螭
No, 螭 is primarily found in literary contexts and is not used in everyday conversation.
Dragons symbolize power, strength, and good fortune in Chinese culture, often celebrated in festivals and art.
Unlike other words for dragon that denote adult dragons, 螭 specifically refers to a young dragon or one that has yet to grow its horns.
