unknown, 16 strokes, radical 雨, rank #26417, Very Hard
霓
ní
old variant of 霓[ni2]
unknown, 16 strokes, radical 雨, rank #26417, Very Hard
ní(ni2) T2
1rainbow; colorful, variegated
2Japanese cicada
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March 24, 2026
霓(蜺)ní(ni2)
The character 霓 (ní) primarily means 'rainbow,' symbolizing beauty and variety. It is often used in contexts that describe colorful phenomena or things that are variegated in color. Additionally, it can refer to a specific type of cicada in Japan, relating to its vibrant appearance.
Strokes16Radical雨Frequency#26417DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, rainbows are often seen as auspicious symbols, representing hope and prosperity. The character 霓 captures this beauty and is sometimes used in poetry to evoke a sense of wonder.
Memory Tip
Think of 霓 as a 'neon' rainbow, where the top part (雨) represents 'rain' and the bottom part (倪) suggests 'something vibrant or vivid.' Imagine a bright, colorful rainbow appearing after a rainstorm, filling the sky with vibrant hues.
Meanings of 霓
ní(ni2)
1rainbow; colorful, variegated
2Japanese cicada
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 霓
霓Simplified
蜺Traditional
16Strokes
雨Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 霓
Podcast: 霓
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AI Study Notes for 霓
Quick Contrast
彩虹 (cǎihóng, rainbow) - use 霓 (ní) for poetic or literary contexts involving beauty and variety; 彩虹 (cǎihóng) is more common in everyday language.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 霓 as a 'neon' rainbow, where the top part (雨) represents 'rain' and the bottom part (倪) suggests 'something vibrant or vivid.' Imagine a bright, colorful rainbow appearing after a rainstorm, filling the sky with vibrant hues.
Usage Notes
Since 霓 is a more literary or poetic term, it may not be used in everyday conversation. Learners should be cautious not to confuse 霓 with similar words like 彩虹 (cǎihóng), which is the more common term for rainbow. It is typically used in formal contexts or literature.
HSK Study Tips
While 霓 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other HSK vocabulary related to colors and nature. Focus on understanding its meaning in context and how it pairs with other descriptive words related to beauty and color.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, rainbows are often seen as auspicious symbols, representing hope and prosperity. The character 霓 captures this beauty and is sometimes used in poetry to evoke a sense of wonder.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 霓 with similar characters like 彩 (cǎi) or 虹 (hóng), leading to incorrect phrases. For example, saying '我喜欢霓' (Wǒ xǐhuān ní) to mean 'I like the rainbow' is incorrect; the correct phrase is '我喜欢彩虹' (Wǒ xǐhuān cǎihóng).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 霓
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Cultural Notes for 霓
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, rainbows are often seen as auspicious symbols, representing hope and prosperity. The character 霓 captures this beauty and is sometimes used in poetry to evoke a sense of wonder.
Word Family of 霓
Words Containing This Character4
霓níJapanese cicada蜺
霓虹灯neon lamp (loanword)霓虹燈
霓虹rainbow
霓裳Nichang, abbr. for the Tang Dynasty song "Raiment of Rainbows and Feathers" 霓裳羽衣曲[Níchángyǔyīqū] or 霓裳羽衣舞[Níchángyǔyīwǔ]
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 霓 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 霓
No, 霓 is more often found in literary or poetic contexts rather than everyday conversation.
彩虹 (cǎihóng) is the standard term for 'rainbow,' while 霓 is more poetic and less commonly used.
