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額 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
éforehead; quota, amountx, 18 strokes, radical 頁, Very Hard
é(e2) T2
  1. 1forehead; quota, amount
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
é(e2)

The character 額 (é) primarily refers to the forehead, the area of the face above the eyes. In addition to its anatomical meaning, it can denote a quota or amount, often used in contexts related to limits or restrictions, such as financial or resource allocations.

Strokes18RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the forehead is associated with wisdom and fortune; it is often examined in face reading to assess a person's character and destiny.

Memory Tip

Imagine a large 'egg' (sounds like 'é') resting on a person's forehead, which is the '额' area. The shape of the character resembles a roof (the top part) over the forehead, symbolizing protection or a limit above the face.

Meanings of 額

é(e2)
1forehead; quota, amount
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 額

Simplified
18Strokes
Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 額

JasonAmy

Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 額

Quick Contrast

额 (é) vs 前额 (qián'é) — use 额 for general forehead references, while 前额 specifically refers to the forehead's frontal aspect.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a large 'egg' (sounds like 'é') resting on a person's forehead, which is the '额' area. The shape of the character resembles a roof (the top part) over the forehead, symbolizing protection or a limit above the face.

Usage Notes

While '额' can mean forehead, in financial contexts, it often refers to amounts or quotas. Be cautious with the tone; 'é' is the second tone, which can be confused with other tones. It is commonly used in phrases like '额度' (quota) and '额外' (extra).

HSK Study Tips

Though '额' is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, its connections to basic body parts and financial terms make it a useful word for learners aiming to build vocabulary around common concepts. Focus on its pronunciation and practice using it in context.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the forehead is associated with wisdom and fortune; it is often examined in face reading to assess a person's character and destiny.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '额' with similar-sounding words. For example, using 'e' (first tone) instead of 'é' (second tone) can lead to misunderstandings. Correctly distinguishing it in context is crucial.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 額

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Etymology of 額

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

Phonosemantic compound. 页 represents the meaning and 客 represents the sound. Simplified form of 額.

Memory Hint

head

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 額?

Decomposition of 額

IDS Structure⿰客頁
Full Character
=
ke4
left
ye4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 額?

Write 額

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 額

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese culture, the forehead is associated with wisdom and fortune; it is often examined in face reading to assess a person's character and destiny.

Word Family of 額

Words Containing This Character20
éforehead
额外éwàiextra額外
金额jīn’ésum of money金額
份额fèn’éshare份額
总额zǒngétotal (amount or value)總額
额头forehead額頭
巨额jù’éa huge amount巨額
数额shù’éamount數額
名额míng’équota名額
销售额sales figure銷售額
前额forehead前額
余额yú’ésurplus餘額
额度quota額度
高额gāo’éhigh quota高額
超额above quota超額
配额quota配額
焦头烂额fig. hard-pressed焦頭爛額
营业额turnover營業額
定额quota定額
差额chā’édifference差額
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 额 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 額

'额' is pronounced with the second tone, rising in pitch, like you're asking a question.