unknown, 8 strokes, radical 马, rank #63633, Very Hard
yì(yi4) T4
1relay station
2post horse
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March 24, 2026
驿(驛)yì(yi4)
The character 驿 (yì) refers to a relay station, commonly used in historical contexts where post horses were changed or rested. It signifies a location critical for the transportation of messages and goods, particularly along ancient trade routes. Today, it can also symbolize the concept of communication and connectivity.
Strokes8Radical马Frequency#63633DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The concept of 驿 is deeply rooted in Chinese history, particularly during the Tang and Song dynasties when an extensive network of relay stations facilitated trade and communication across vast distances, significantly impacting governance and military logistics.
Memory Tip
Imagine a horse (马, mǎ) being led to a station (驿) where it can rest and be replaced by another. The character looks like a horse (马) standing within a shelter (the top part), emphasizing its role as a resting place for horses.
Meanings of 驿
yì(yi4)
1relay station
2post horse
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 驿
驿Simplified
驛Traditional
8Strokes
马Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 驿
Podcast: 驿
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AI Study Notes for 驿
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a horse (马, mǎ) being led to a station (驿) where it can rest and be replaced by another. The character looks like a horse (马) standing within a shelter (the top part), emphasizing its role as a resting place for horses.
Usage Notes
When using 驿, it’s important to note that it is mostly found in historical or literary contexts, rather than in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 驿站 (yìzhàn, relay station) and 邮驿 (yóuyì, post station), emphasizing its connection to postal services.
HSK Study Tips
Although 驿 is not present in HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with HSK Level 4 words related to transportation and communication. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in historical texts and understanding its role in the development of postal systems in China.
Cultural Note
The concept of 驿 is deeply rooted in Chinese history, particularly during the Tang and Song dynasties when an extensive network of relay stations facilitated trade and communication across vast distances, significantly impacting governance and military logistics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 驿 with other characters related to transportation, such as 站 (zhàn, station) or 邮 (yóu, post), leading to incorrect phrases like 邮驿 (yóuyì) being misunderstood. Always use 驿 specifically for historical relay stations.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 驿
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Cultural Notes for 驿
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 驿 is deeply rooted in Chinese history, particularly during the Tang and Song dynasties when an extensive network of relay stations facilitated trade and communication across vast distances, significantly impacting governance and military logistics.
Word Family of 驿
Words Containing This Character4
驿站relay station for post horses (old)驛站
驿yìpost horse驛
驿城区Yicheng district of Zhumadian city 駐馬店市|驻马店市[Zhùmǎdiànshì], Henan驛城區
驿城Yicheng district of Zhumadian city 駐馬店市|驻马店市[Zhùmǎdiànshì], Henan驛城
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 驿站 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 驿
It's primarily used in historical contexts or in literary works related to transportation.
It is pronounced as 'yì' with a falling tone, which is crucial for correct understanding.
Not directly, as modern post offices are referred to as 邮局 (yóujú), but it can relate to the historical concept of postal services.
