HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 辶, rank #8616, Hard
jì(ji4) T4
1footprint
2mark
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March 24, 2026
迹(跡)jì(ji4)
The character 迹 (jì) refers to a mark, trace, or footprint left behind by someone or something. It can denote both physical marks, like footprints in the sand, and metaphorical indications, such as signs of past events or influences. This word is often used in contexts where evidence or remnants of something are being discussed.
Strokes9Radical辶Frequency#8616DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of leaving traces (迹) is significant in discussions about history and legacy, particularly in literature and philosophy, where the marks left by ancestors are often revered.
Memory Tip
Imagine a detective following footprints (迹) to solve a mystery. The character has a strong visual component, with the 'foot' radical at the bottom suggesting traces left behind. Picture the detective carefully examining the marks to uncover the story behind them.
Meanings of 迹
jì(ji4)
1footprint
2mark
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 迹
迹Simplified
跡Traditional
9Strokes
辶Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8616Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 迹
Podcast: 迹
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AI Study Notes for 迹
Quick Contrast
痕 (hén) — use 迹 (jì) for marks that indicate a presence or influence, while 痕 (hén) emphasizes the residual marks left from damage or wear.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a detective following footprints (迹) to solve a mystery. The character has a strong visual component, with the 'foot' radical at the bottom suggesting traces left behind. Picture the detective carefully examining the marks to uncover the story behind them.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 迹 (jì) with its variant 跡 (jī), which has the same meaning but can be pronounced differently in Taiwan. This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in phrases like '足迹' (footprint) or '痕迹' (trace).
HSK Study Tips
This character is not currently included in HSK levels but is useful for students progressing to advanced vocabulary. Students should focus on its usage in phrases related to evidence or traces, linking it to other terms that convey similar meanings.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of leaving traces (迹) is significant in discussions about history and legacy, particularly in literature and philosophy, where the marks left by ancestors are often revered.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mix up 迹 (jì) with its variant 跡 (jī), leading to incorrect pronunciation and usage. For example, saying '他的足跡在这里' instead of '他的足迹在这里' can cause confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 迹
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Grammar Patterns of 迹
迹 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 9 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
There are signs that the alliance is now fraying at the edges.
Cultural Notes for 迹
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of leaving traces (迹) is significant in discussions about history and legacy, particularly in literature and philosophy, where the marks left by ancestors are often revered.
Word Family of 迹
Words Containing This Character20
奇迹qíjìmiracle奇跡
痕迹hénjìvestige痕跡
迹象jìxiàngmark跡象
血迹bloodstain血跡
事迹shìjìdeed事跡
迹jìmark跡
轨迹guǐjìlocus軌跡
足迹zújìfootprint足跡
踪迹zōngjìtracks蹤跡
笔迹handwriting筆跡
遗迹trace遺跡
字迹zìjìhandwriting字跡
墨迹ink marks墨跡
古迹gǔjìhistorical sites古蹟
蛛丝马迹traces蛛絲馬跡
销声匿迹to lie low銷聲匿跡
绝迹to vanish絕跡
印迹footprint印跡
混迹hiding one's identity混跡
发迹to make one's mark發跡
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 奇迹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 迹
迹 (jì) is often used in idioms to signify traces of something, such as '迹可循 (jì kě xún)' which means 'there are traces to follow.' This idiom emphasizes the idea of finding clues or evidence based on past signs, reflecting the importance of understanding history or origins.
Some synonyms for 迹 (jì) include 踪 (zōng), which means 'trace' or 'footprint,' and 痕 (hén), which means 'mark' or 'scar.' These words can be used in similar contexts to convey the idea of remnants or indications of something that has been.
To use 迹 (jì) in a sentence, you might say, '这条小路上有很多动物的迹 (There are many animal footprints on this small path).' This demonstrates how the character can refer to physical traces left by animals. Additionally, it can be used metaphorically, such as in '历史的迹仍然存在 (The traces of history still exist).'
迹 (jì) means footprint or trace in Chinese. It can refer to any mark or indication left behind, such as a vestige of something that has occurred. The character captures the essence of remnants or signs indicating past events.
You can say '他的足迹留在沙滩上' (His footprints are left on the beach), showing a physical trace.
Both characters have similar meanings, but 迹 (jì) is more common in mainland China, while 跡 (jī) is often used in Taiwan.
Yes, expressions like '痕迹' (mark or trace) and '足迹' (footprint) are frequently used.
