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解 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
xièto divideHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièsurname XieHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto break upHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièacrobatic display (esp. on horseback) (old)HSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto splitHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto separateHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto dissolveHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto solveHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto meltHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto removeHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto untieHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto loosenHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto openHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto emancipateHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto explainHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto understandHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto knowHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièa solutionHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièa dissectionHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto transport under guardHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
xièto explain; to loosen; to unfasten, to untieHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto divideHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěsurname XieHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto break upHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěacrobatic display (esp. on horseback) (old)HSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto splitHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto separateHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto dissolveHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto solveHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto meltHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto removeHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto untieHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto loosenHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto openHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto emancipateHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto explainHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto understandHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto knowHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěa solutionHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěa dissectionHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto transport under guardHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiěto explain; to loosen; to unfasten, to untieHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto divideHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièsurname XieHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto break upHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièacrobatic display (esp. on horseback) (old)HSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto splitHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto separateHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto dissolveHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto solveHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto meltHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto removeHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto untieHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto loosenHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto openHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto emancipateHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto explainHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto understandHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto knowHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièa solutionHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièa dissectionHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto transport under guardHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jièto explain; to loosen; to unfasten, to untieHSK 6, v, 13 strokes, radical 角, rank #2055, Hard
jiě(jie3)
primary
T3
  1. 1to divide
  2. 2to break up
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
jiě(jie3)

The character 解 (jiě) primarily means 'to solve' or 'to explain.' It is often used in contexts involving problem-solving, such as 解题 (jiětí), meaning 'to solve a problem.' Additionally, it can denote the act of loosening or untying something, emphasizing the idea of separation or dissolution.

Strokes13RadicalFrequency#2055DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, problem-solving and understanding are highly valued, reflecting a broader philosophical approach to knowledge and education. The character 解 can be associated with the concept of 解放 (jiěfàng), meaning 'liberation,' which is significant in contemporary discussions about freedom in society.

Memory Tip

Imagine 解 (jiě) as a pair of hands loosening a knot to solve a problem. The left side of the character resembles a knot, while the right side suggests the action of opening or loosening. Visualize a person untying a string to find a solution, linking the sound 'jiě' to the action of resolving a puzzle.

Meanings of 解

jiě(jie3)
primary
1to divide
2to break up
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 解

Simplified
13Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2055Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 解

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 解

Quick Contrast

解 (jiě) vs 释 (shì) — use 解 for solving problems or explaining, while 释 is more about clarifying meanings or interpretations.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine 解 (jiě) as a pair of hands loosening a knot to solve a problem. The left side of the character resembles a knot, while the right side suggests the action of opening or loosening. Visualize a person untying a string to find a solution, linking the sound 'jiě' to the action of resolving a puzzle.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include using 解 in overly formal contexts where simpler words like 说 (shuō) for 'to say' may suffice. Be mindful of tone; '解' is pronounced with the third tone, which can be confused with the first tone if not practiced. It's often used in phrases like 解答 (jiědá, 'to answer') and 解锁 (jiěsuǒ, 'to unlock').

HSK Study Tips

Although '解' does not appear in the HSK lists, it is essential for students to learn due to its frequent usage in phrases and its various meanings. Students should focus on context-based usage and collocations with this character, as understanding its nuances will enhance comprehension in dialogues and reading.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, problem-solving and understanding are highly valued, reflecting a broader philosophical approach to knowledge and education. The character 解 can be associated with the concept of 解放 (jiěfàng), meaning 'liberation,' which is significant in contemporary discussions about freedom in society.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 解 with similar-sounding words like 些 (xiē) or 见 (jiàn). For example, saying 解题 (jiětí) instead of 见题 (jiàntí) when referring to 'seeing a problem' is incorrect; remember 解 specifically means 'to solve.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 解

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Etymology of 解

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

Depicts separating (解) the horns (角) from a cow (牛) using a knife (刀).

Memory Hint

To cut 刀 the horns 角 off of an ox 牛; 角 also provides the pronunciation

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 解?

Decomposition of 解

IDS Structure⿰角⿱刀牛
Full Character
=
jiao3
left
Dao1
top
Niu2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 3

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 解?

Write 解

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 解

解 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 21 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.

是…的 emphasis是 + [V] + 的
HSK 3

This structure emphasizes the action of the verb, often used to specify the manner or reason of the action.

这是我解题的方法。

Zhè shì wǒ jiě tí de fāngfǎ.

This is the method I use to solve problems.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

专家们对这个问题进行了讨论,并且提出了____决办法。

The experts discussed this problem and moreover proposed a solution.

Usage Notes for 解

Transitive Verb UsageGrammar Tip

The verb '解' is often used transitively, meaning it generally requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

1

我解了这个问题。

I solved this problem.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill in the Blank

我____了这个问题。

I solved this problem.

Example Sentences for 解 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
她态度有些奇怪,让我迷惑不解。

tā tài dù yǒu xiē qí guài, , ràng wǒ mí huò bù。

There was something strange in her attitude which mystified me.
2
我非常乐意为他们答疑解惑。

wǒ fēi cháng lè yì wéi tā mén dá yí jiě huò。

I'll be only too pleased to help them out with any queries.
3
我妈妈充当了泽尔达和她妈妈之间的调解人。

wǒ mā mā chōng dāng le zé ěr dá hé tā mā mā zhī jiān de tiáo jiě rén。

My mom was the one who mediated between Zelda and her mom.
4
我们被教导要以特定的方式理解这些词语。

wǒ mén bèi jiào dǎo yào yǐ tè dìng de fāng shì lǐ jiě zhè xiē cí yǔ。

We are taught to construe these terms in a particular way.
5
三方将在下个月会面,以解决余下的分歧。

sān fāng jiāng zài xià gè yuè huì miàn, , yǐ jiě jué yú xià de fēn。

The three parties will meet next month to work out remaining differences.
6
要了解这些产品的详细信息,请寄来标明HB/FF字样的明信片。

yào le jiě zhè xiē chǎn pǐn de xiáng xì xìn xī, , qǐng jì lái biāoHB/FF míng HB/FF zì yàng de míng。

For more details about these products, send a postcard marked HB/FF.
7
奥尔特曼制造的一些紧张氛围开始缓解。

ào ěr tè màn zhì zào de yī xiē jǐn zhāng fēn wéi kāi shǐ huǎn jiě。

Some of the tension Altman builds up starts to sag.
8
关于我们的出版目的存在着某些误解。

guān yú wǒ mén de chū bǎn mù de cún zài zháo mǒu xiē wù jiě。

There has been some misunder-standing of our publishing aims.
9
你也应该让本地议员了解你的观点。

nǐ yě yīng gāi ràng běn dì yì yuán le jiě nǐ de guān diǎn。

You should also make your views known to your local MP.
10
我没办法给你提供细节,因为我并不了解任何细节。

wǒ méi bàn fǎ gěi nǐ tí gōng xì jié, , yīn wéi wǒ bìng bù le jiě rèn hé xì。

I can't give you details because I don't actually have any details.

Cultural Notes for 解

💡Did you know?

The character 解 is interesting because it combines the radical for 'knife' 刀, suggesting an action of cutting or dividing, which aligns with its meanings related to separation and solving.

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese culture, problem-solving and understanding are highly valued, reflecting a broader philosophical approach to knowledge and education. The character 解 can be associated with the concept of 解放 (jiěfàng), meaning 'liberation,' which is significant in contemporary discussions about freedom in society.

📜Proverb

There's a Chinese proverb: '解铃还须系铃人', meaning 'To untie the bell, one must find the person who tied it.' This emphasizes the idea that to solve a problem, one must understand its origins.

Word Family of 解

Compounds11
xie4crab, brachyura
xie4idle, relaxed; negligent, remiss
xie4an unexpected meeting
xie4office
xie4gulf; a blocked stream
xie4mythical unicorn
Words Containing This Character20
了解liǎojiěto understand
解决jiějuéto resolve解決
解释jiěshìexplanation解釋
理解lǐjiěto comprehend
jiěto divide
解放jiěfàngto liberate
解雇jiěgùto fire解僱
解除jiěchúto remove
缓解huǎnjiěto bring relief緩解
解开jiěkāito untie解開
解放军People's Liberation Army (PRC armed forces)解放軍
误解wùjiěto misread誤解
解脱jiětuōto untie解脫
和解héjiěto reconcile
分解fēnjiěto resolve
解剖jiěpōuto analyze
解散jiěsànto dissolve
解救jiějiùto rescue
调解tiáojiěto mediate調解
化解huàjiěto dissolve
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 蟹 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 解

解 (jiě) generally implies a more complex separation, such as resolving or dissolving something, while 分 (fēn) typically refers to dividing or distributing. For example, 分 is used in contexts like 分开 (fēnkāi), meaning 'to separate' in a more straightforward manner.