unknown, 17 strokes, radical 骨, rank #43226, Very Hard
kē(ke1) T1
1thigh bone, hip bone, kneecap
2condyles
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March 24, 2026
髁kē(ke1)
The character 髁 (kē) refers to the thigh bone, hip bone, or kneecap, specifically the condyles at the ends of these bones. It is a term more commonly used in medical or anatomical contexts, often appearing in discussions related to human anatomy and skeletal structure.
Strokes17Radical骨Frequency#43226DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the understanding of bones, including the knee and thigh bones, is crucial for diagnosing and treating conditions related to movement and health. This character reflects the importance of physical health in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant knee (髁) with a key (kē) hanging from it. The knee represents the joint where the thigh bone connects, while the key symbolizes the importance of understanding the anatomy behind movement and stability.
Meanings of 髁
kē(ke1)
1thigh bone, hip bone, kneecap
2condyles
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 髁
髁Simplified
17Strokes
骨Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 髁
Podcast: 髁
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AI Study Notes for 髁
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant knee (髁) with a key (kē) hanging from it. The knee represents the joint where the thigh bone connects, while the key symbolizes the importance of understanding the anatomy behind movement and stability.
Usage Notes
This character is primarily used in formal contexts, such as medical texts or academic discussions about anatomy. Learners should be cautious with the pronunciation, ensuring the correct tone is used to avoid confusion with similar-sounding characters.
HSK Study Tips
Although 髁 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding this character can enhance your knowledge of anatomical terms in Chinese. It connects to body-related vocabulary, so focus on learning related terms to build a comprehensive vocabulary base.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the understanding of bones, including the knee and thigh bones, is crucial for diagnosing and treating conditions related to movement and health. This character reflects the importance of physical health in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 髁 with similar-sounding characters like 科 (kē), which means 'science' or 'department'. Always remember that 髁 specifically relates to bones, while 科 does not.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 髁
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Cultural Notes for 髁
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the understanding of bones, including the knee and thigh bones, is crucial for diagnosing and treating conditions related to movement and health. This character reflects the importance of physical health in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 髁
Words Containing This Character1
髁kēcondyles
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 髁 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 髁
The correct pronunciation is kē, with a high-level tone.
No, 髁 is typically used in medical or anatomical discussions, not in casual conversation.
Yes, characters related to bones or anatomy often share similar components, so it's useful to group them together when studying.
