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豸 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
zhìbadger; legendary beastg, 7 strokes, radical 豸, rank #93797, Very Hard
zhìworm-like invertebrateunknown, 7 strokes, radical 豸, rank #93797, Very Hard
zhìmythical animal (see 獬豸[xie4 zhi4])unknown, 7 strokes, radical 豸, rank #93797, Very Hard
zhìradical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 153)unknown, 7 strokes, radical 豸, rank #93797, Very Hard
zhì(zhi4) T4
  1. 1badger; legendary beast
  2. 2worm-like invertebrate
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
zhì(zhi4)

The character 豸 (zhì) primarily refers to small, burrowing animals such as badgers and other similar creatures. It is also used to denote mythical or legendary beasts, particularly in historical texts. Additionally, it serves as a radical in various Chinese characters, often associated with animals or insects.

Strokes7RadicalFrequency#93797DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the badger is sometimes associated with myths and legends, particularly in stories that involve animal spirits or guardians. This reflects the deep connection between nature and folklore in Chinese traditions.

Memory Tip

Imagine a badger (which 豸 represents) digging into the ground, with its burrow looking like the character itself. The shape of 豸 resembles the badger's rounded body and small limbs, helping you remember both its pronunciation and its meaning.

Meanings of 豸

zhì(zhi4)
1badger; legendary beast
2worm-like invertebrate
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 豸

Simplified
7Strokes
Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 豸

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AI Study Notes for 豸

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a badger (which 豸 represents) digging into the ground, with its burrow looking like the character itself. The shape of 豸 resembles the badger's rounded body and small limbs, helping you remember both its pronunciation and its meaning.

Usage Notes

Many learners confuse 豸 with other animal-related characters; it's essential to remember its specific association with burrowing creatures. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but you will rarely encounter it in everyday conversation. Watch out for tone pitfalls, as 'zhì' is pronounced with a falling tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced.

HSK Study Tips

Since 豸 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, students at the HSK 3 or 4 level should focus on recognizing it as a radical in other words they encounter. Additionally, understanding its connection to animals can help in expanding vocabulary related to nature.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the badger is sometimes associated with myths and legends, particularly in stories that involve animal spirits or guardians. This reflects the deep connection between nature and folklore in Chinese traditions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 豸 with similar characters like 獬 (xiè) or other animal-related characters. Ensure you remember that 豸 specifically refers to badgers and related creatures, not just any small animal.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 豸

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Etymology of 豸

Explanation

Pictograph of some sort of beast or insect.

Learn more about character formation (六书)
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 豸?

Decomposition of 豸

IDS Structure⿱爫犭
Full Character
=
zhao3
top
quan3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 豸?

Write 豸

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

Cultural Notes for 豸

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the badger is sometimes associated with myths and legends, particularly in stories that involve animal spirits or guardians. This reflects the deep connection between nature and folklore in Chinese traditions.

Word Family of 豸

Words Containing This Character2
zhìworm-like invertebrate
虫豸small bug蟲豸
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 豸 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 豸

It means badger and refers to small burrowing animals and mythical beasts.