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March 24, 2026
貽yí(yi2)
The character 貽 (yí) means to hand down or bequeath something, often in the context of passing on knowledge, traditions, or possessions. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as literature or historical texts, to convey the act of giving something valuable to someone else, particularly in a lineage or cultural sense.
Strokes12Radical貝Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of bequeathing or passing down knowledge and possessions is highly valued, especially within families. This concept underscores the importance of heritage and the respect for ancestors.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise elder (the character's shape) handing down a precious scroll (the meaning of 'to bequeath') to a young apprentice. The left side, 貝, represents wealth or valuables, while the right side, 以, suggests a method or means, connecting to the idea of giving.
Meanings of 貽
yí(yi2)
1to hand down, to give to, to bequeath
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About 貽
貽Simplified
12Strokes
貝Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 貽
Podcast: 貽
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AI Study Notes for 貽
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise elder (the character's shape) handing down a precious scroll (the meaning of 'to bequeath') to a young apprentice. The left side, 貝, represents wealth or valuables, while the right side, 以, suggests a method or means, connecting to the idea of giving.
Usage Notes
While 貽 is a formal term, beginners may confuse it with similar-sounding words like 以 (yǐ), which means 'to use.' It's often used in literary contexts, so it's less common in everyday conversation. Watch out for the correct tone; mispronouncing it may change its meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Though 貽 is not included in the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your comprehension of literary texts. Focus on its usage in historical or formal contexts, and try to connect it with other verbs of giving (like 送 sòng) you might encounter at this level.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of bequeathing or passing down knowledge and possessions is highly valued, especially within families. This concept underscores the importance of heritage and the respect for ancestors.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 貽 with 赠 (zèng), which also means 'to give' but is more commonly used in modern contexts. For example, saying '我貽了一本书给他' (I bequeathed a book to him) is awkward; use '我送了一本书给他' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 貽
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Cultural Notes for 貽
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of bequeathing or passing down knowledge and possessions is highly valued, especially within families. This concept underscores the importance of heritage and the respect for ancestors.
Word Family of 貽
Words Containing This Character10
贻笑大方to make a fool of oneself貽笑大方
贻贝mussel貽貝
贻误to affect adversely貽誤
贻yíto present貽
贻害to have bad consequences貽害
贻害无穷to have disastrous consequences貽害無窮
贻笑to be ridiculous貽笑
贻人口实to make oneself an object of ridicule貽人口實
养痈贻患to cherish a viper in one's bosom養癰貽患
自贻伊戚to create trouble for oneself (idiom)自貽伊戚
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Compound Meaning
What does 贻笑大方 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 貽
You might see it in a sentence like '他将经验貽给后代' (He bequeathed his experience to future generations).
Not typically; it's more prevalent in written and formal contexts.
Yes, it can refer to passing down intangible things, like traditions or wisdom.
