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豺 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
豺cháiwolf; cruel, mean, wickedzg, 10 strokes, radical 豸, rank #31975, Very Hard
豺cháidog-like animalunknown, 10 strokes, radical 豸, rank #31975, Very Hard
豺cháiravenous beastunknown, 10 strokes, radical 豸, rank #31975, Very Hard
豺cháidhole (Cuon Alpinus)unknown, 10 strokes, radical 豸, rank #31975, Very Hard
豺cháijackalunknown, 10 strokes, radical 豸, rank #31975, Very Hard
chái(chai2)chai T2
  1. 1wolf; cruel, mean, wicked
  2. 2dog-like animal
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March 24, 2026

豺chái(chai2)

The character 豺 (chái) refers to a type of wild dog, specifically a dhole or jackal, known for its cunning and sometimes cruel behavior. It can also metaphorically describe a person who is wicked or cruel in nature. This word is often used in literature and discussions about wildlife and morality.

Strokes10Radical豸Frequency#31975DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese literature, the 豺 is often used as a symbol of treachery and cunningness, reflecting traditional views on morality and the natural order. It’s common to find references to 豺 in fables and folklore where characters embody its traits.

Memory tip

Imagine a fierce wolf (which 豺 represents) prowling through the forest, its cunning nature making it both feared and respected. The radical 豕 (shǐ) hints at its animalistic qualities, while the character's shape resembles the sharp teeth of a ravenous beast, helping you remember its meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 豺

chái(chai2)
1wolf; cruel, mean, wicked
2dog-like animal
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 豺

豺Simplified
10Strokes
豸Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 豺

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Podcast: 豺

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AI study notes for 豺

Quick Contrast

狼 (láng) — use 豺 (chái) when referring to a dhole or jackal, which has a different connotation of cunning and cruelty compared to the more general and often more respected wolf, 狼 (láng).

Usage Notes

Learners should be cautious not to confuse 豺 with similar characters like 狼 (láng), which means 'wolf.' The tone is crucial; ensure you pronounce it with the second tone (chái) to avoid confusion with other words. This character is more suitable for literary or formal contexts rather than everyday conversation.

HSK Study Tips

Although 豺 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, learners should focus on understanding its contextual usage alongside similar animal-related terms. This will enhance your vocabulary related to wildlife and ethics in discussions, especially at higher levels of language proficiency.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 豺 (chái) with other animal characters, leading to incorrect usage. For example, using it to describe a wolf (which should be 狼, láng) is a common error; always verify the context to use the correct term.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 豺

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Etymology of 豺

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 豸 represents the meaning and 才 represents the sound.

Memory hint

beast

Semantic (meaning)豸
+
Phonetic (sound)才
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

豺 = 豸 + 才. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 豺

IDS Structure⿰豸才
豺Full character
=
豸zhi4
left
才cai2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 豺?

How to say wolf; cruel, mean, wicked in Chinese

“wolf; cruel, mean, wicked” in Chinese is豺chái

The character 豺 (chái) refers to a type of wild dog, specifically a dhole or jackal, known for its cunning and sometimes cruel behavior. It can also metaphorically describe a person who is wicked or cruel in nature. This word is often used in literature and discussions about wildlife and morality.

When to use 豺

Learners should be cautious not to confuse 豺 with similar characters like 狼 (láng), which means 'wolf.' The tone is crucial; ensure you pronounce it with the second tone (chái) to avoid confusion with other words. This character is more suitable for literary or formal contexts rather than everyday conversation.

豺 or something close to it

狼 (láng) — use 豺 (chái) when referring to a dhole or jackal, which has a different connotation of cunning and cruelty compared to the more general and often more respected wolf, 狼 (láng).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 豺 (chái) with other animal characters, leading to incorrect usage. For example, using it to describe a wolf (which should be 狼, láng) is a common error; always verify the context to use the correct term.

Write 豺

豺

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

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Word Family of 豺

Words containing this character6
豺狼jackal and wolf
豺cháijackal
豺狼虎豹fierce and cruel people
豺狼当道a vicious tyranny rules the land豺狼當道
豺狼当路a vicious tyranny rules the land豺狼當路
豺狼座Lupus (constellation)
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 豺

What does 豺狼 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 豺

豺 (chái) specifically refers to a jackal or dhole, while 狼 (láng) refers to a wolf, which is a different species with different connotations.

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