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覀 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
west, western, westwardx, 6 strokes, radical 覀, Very Hard
(xi1) T1
  1. 1west, western, westward
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March 24, 2026
(xi1)

The character 覀 (xī) signifies 'west' or 'western,' pointing to geographical directions or cultural contexts associated with the western part of a region. It is often used in combination with other characters to denote western influences or attributes, such as in the term 西方 (xīfāng), meaning 'the West' or 'Western countries.'

Strokes6RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

The concept of 'west' is significant in Chinese culture, often associated with modernization and foreign influence. For example, the term '西化' (xīhuà) refers to the Westernization of Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a compass where the letter 'x' marks the spot for 'west.' The character 覀 resembles a person looking towards the west, with the radical for 'see' (見) suggesting the direction you are viewing. Picture yourself taking a journey westward, guided by the compass.

Meanings of 覀

(xi1)
1west, western, westward
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 覀

Simplified
6Strokes
Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 覀

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AI Study Notes for 覀

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a compass where the letter 'x' marks the spot for 'west.' The character 覀 resembles a person looking towards the west, with the radical for 'see' (見) suggesting the direction you are viewing. Picture yourself taking a journey westward, guided by the compass.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 覀 with similar directional characters like 东 (dōng) for 'east.' It's generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure to use it correctly in compound words. Be careful with the tone; xī is a first tone and should be pronounced with a high, level voice.

HSK Study Tips

Though not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding 覀 can enhance your knowledge of directional words. Focus on related terms like 西 (xī) and 西方 (xīfāng) to build a strong foundation in geographical vocabulary.

Cultural Note

The concept of 'west' is significant in Chinese culture, often associated with modernization and foreign influence. For example, the term '西化' (xīhuà) refers to the Westernization of Chinese society.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 覀 with other directional characters. For example, saying '我住在北' (wǒ zhù zài běi) meaning 'I live in the north' when they meant to say 'west' can lead to misunderstandings. The correct phrase would be '我住在西' (wǒ zhù zài xī).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 覀

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Etymology of 覀

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

覀 is a character component that does not have any meaning on its own. Represents two hands grabbing a waist in the character 要.

Memory Hint

A bird settling into its nest, representing sunset; compare 東

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 覀?

Write 覀

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Cultural Notes for 覀

🏮Cultural insight

The concept of 'west' is significant in Chinese culture, often associated with modernization and foreign influence. For example, the term '西化' (xīhuà) refers to the Westernization of Chinese society.

Word Family of 覀

Words Containing This Character1
[character component]
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 覀 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 覀

Focus on the 'x' sound, similar to 'see,' but with a high pitch as it's in the first tone.