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March 24, 2026
袭(襲)xí(xi2)
The character 袭 (xí) primarily means 'to attack' or 'to raid,' often used in military contexts. It can also mean 'to inherit,' typically in relation to titles or responsibilities passed down through generations. Additionally, it serves as a classifier for specific types of clothing, particularly funeral robes, reflecting its cultural significance in Chinese customs.
Strokes11Radical龙Frequency#6569DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 袭 is significant in the context of ancestral rites and the passing down of family responsibilities, particularly during ceremonial occasions. The use of specific robes during funerals reflects respect and continuity within familial lines.
Memory Tip
Imagine a warrior sneaking up (袭) to attack, with a flowing robe (the radical 袖) that billows like a funeral garment. Picture the attacker's stealthy movement as a way of inheriting (xí) the tradition of bravery and honor.
Meanings of 袭
xí(xi2)
1to attack
2to inherit
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 袭
袭Simplified
襲Traditional
11Strokes
龙Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#6569Frequency Rank
Podcast: 袭
Podcast: 袭
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AI Study Notes for 袭
Quick Contrast
袭 (xí) vs 攻 (gōng) — use 袭 when referring to a surprise attack or raid, whereas 攻 is more general for attacking or assaulting.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a warrior sneaking up (袭) to attack, with a flowing robe (the radical 袖) that billows like a funeral garment. Picture the attacker's stealthy movement as a way of inheriting (xí) the tradition of bravery and honor.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the context in which you use 袭, as it can imply aggression or a respectful inheritance. Common collocations include 袭击 (xíjī, to attack) and 继承 (jìchéng, to inherit). Mispronouncing the tone can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
While 袭 is not included in the HSK levels, it shares components with other characters related to clothing and action, like 衣 (yī, clothing). Focus on the context of use, especially in military or formal discussions about inheritance.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 袭 is significant in the context of ancestral rites and the passing down of family responsibilities, particularly during ceremonial occasions. The use of specific robes during funerals reflects respect and continuity within familial lines.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 袭 with similar-sounding characters, leading to incorrect usages such as '袭继' instead of '继承' for 'to inherit.' Be careful to use 袭 in contexts specifically related to attack or military action.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 袭
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Grammar Patterns of 袭
袭 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The authorities say six civilians have been killed in two separate attacks.
9
她终于找到了理想的礼服——一袭饰有蕾丝的美丽长裙。
tā zhōng yú zhǎo dào le lǐ xiǎng de lǐ fú—— —— yī xí shì yǒu lěi sī de měi lì cháng。
She finally found the perfect gown, a beautiful creation trimmed with lace.
10
摩根派遣部队同时袭击了两个据点。
mó gēn pài qiǎn bù duì tóng shí xí jī le liǎng gè jù diǎn。
Dividing his command, Morgan assailed both strongholds at the same time.
Cultural Notes for 袭
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 袭 is significant in the context of ancestral rites and the passing down of family responsibilities, particularly during ceremonial occasions. The use of specific robes during funerals reflects respect and continuity within familial lines.
Word Family of 袭
Words Containing This Character17
袭击xíjīraid襲擊
袭xíto attack襲
突袭surprise attack突襲
空袭air raid空襲
偷袭to raid偷襲
抄袭chāoxíto copy抄襲
侵袭to invade侵襲
来袭to invade來襲
沿袭to carry on as before沿襲
袭击者attacker襲擊者
世袭shìxísuccession世襲
奇袭raid奇襲
奔袭long-range raid奔襲
承袭to inherit承襲
夜袭night attack夜襲
因袭to follow old patterns因襲
进袭raid進襲
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 袭击 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 袭
袭 can mean to attack, to inherit, or refer to specific clothing items, particularly funeral robes.
You might say '他袭击了敌人' (Tā xíjīle dírén) meaning 'He attacked the enemy.'
Yes, '袭击' (xíjī) is a common phrase meaning 'to attack.'
