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衄 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
衄nǜa bloody nose; to be defeatedzg, 10 strokes, radical 血
衄nǜfig. to be defeatedunknown, 10 strokes, radical 血
衄nǜold variant of 衄[nu:4]unknown, 10 strokes, radical 血
衄nǜa bloody nose; to be defeatedzg, 10 strokes, radical 血
衄nǜfig. to be defeatedunknown, 10 strokes, radical 血
衄nǜold variant of 衄[nu:4]unknown, 10 strokes, radical 血
nǜ(nv4)
primary
 T4
  1. 1a bloody nose; to be defeated
  2. 2fig. to be defeated
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

衄(䶊)nǜ(nv4)

The character 衄 (nǜ) primarily refers to a bloody nose, often used in medical contexts. It can also metaphorically suggest being defeated or suffering a setback, especially in competitive situations. This character is less common and may appear in discussions about health or in literature.

Strokes10Radical血
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese medicine, a bloody nose (衄) may be associated with internal heat or excessive emotions, reflecting the holistic view of health in Chinese culture that connects physical symptoms to emotional states.

Memory Tip

Imagine a fierce boxing match where one fighter, represented by the character's sharp edges, suffers a bloody nose, symbolizing defeat. The 'n' in nǜ sounds like 'no,' reminding you that when you have a bloody nose, you might feel like saying 'no' to further competition.

Meanings of 衄

nǜ(nv4)
primary
1a bloody nose; to be defeated
2fig. to be defeated
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 衄

衄Simplified
䶊Traditional
10Strokes
血Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 衄

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Podcast: 衄

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AI Study Notes for 衄

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 衄 with other similar-sounding characters. It is important to use this term in appropriate contexts related to health or competition. Note that the tone (nǜ) should be pronounced correctly to avoid misunderstanding.

HSK Study Tips

Although 衄 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, understanding it can enrich your knowledge of medical terms and idiomatic expressions. Focus on the context in which it is used, especially in literature or discussions about health.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is confusing 衄 with other similar characters due to pronunciation. For instance, using 'nǚ' instead of 'nǜ' can lead to misunderstandings, as it changes the meaning entirely.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 衄

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Etymology of 衄

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

To be shamed 丑 by a bloody 血 nose

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 衄

  1. 1The giveawayTo be shamed 丑 by a bloody 血 nose
  2. 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 衄? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 衄?

Decomposition of 衄

IDS Structure⿰血丑
衄Full Character
=
血xue4
left
丑Chou3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 衄?

How to say a bloody nose; to be defeated in Chinese

“a bloody nose; to be defeated” in Chinese is衄nǜ

The character 衄 (nǜ) primarily refers to a bloody nose, often used in medical contexts. It can also metaphorically suggest being defeated or suffering a setback, especially in competitive situations. This character is less common and may appear in discussions about health or in literature.

When to use 衄

Learners often confuse 衄 with other similar-sounding characters. It is important to use this term in appropriate contexts related to health or competition. Note that the tone (nǜ) should be pronounced correctly to avoid misunderstanding.

What learners get wrong

A common mistake is confusing 衄 with other similar characters due to pronunciation. For instance, using 'nǚ' instead of 'nǜ' can lead to misunderstandings, as it changes the meaning entirely.

Write 衄

衄

Practice writing 衄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 衄

Words Containing This Character1
衄nǜfig. to be defeated
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 衄 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 衄

In a medical context, 衄 refers to a bloody nose, which can indicate various health conditions.

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