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March 24, 2026
髭zī(zi1)
The character 髭 (zī) refers specifically to a mustache, a type of facial hair that grows above the upper lip. It is often used in contexts discussing grooming, appearance, or personal style, and can also appear in literary or poetic descriptions. The term carries a somewhat formal or elegant connotation.
Strokes16Radical髟Frequency#51775DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, facial hair, and mustaches in particular, can symbolize wisdom and maturity. Historical figures such as Confucius are often depicted with prominent mustaches, reinforcing their status and authority.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise old man with a long, flowing mustache (髭) that curls up at the ends, resembling the character itself. The radical 髟 (hair) at the top emphasizes that this word relates to hair, while the character's sound 'zī' can be remembered by thinking of 'Zee, look at my mustache!'
Meanings of 髭
zī(zi1)
1mustache
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 髭
髭Simplified
16Strokes
髟Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 髭
Podcast: 髭
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AI Study Notes for 髭
Quick Contrast
胡须 (húxū) - use 髭 (zī) specifically for mustaches, whereas 胡须 refers to beards or facial hair in general.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise old man with a long, flowing mustache (髭) that curls up at the ends, resembling the character itself. The radical 髟 (hair) at the top emphasizes that this word relates to hair, while the character's sound 'zī' can be remembered by thinking of 'Zee, look at my mustache!'
Usage Notes
髭 is often used in more formal settings, and learners should avoid using it in casual conversation where simpler terms like '胡子' (húzi, beard) may be more common. Be careful with tone: the first tone is crucial, as mispronouncing it could lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Though 髭 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with other words related to facial features and grooming. Students should focus on recognizing it in context, especially in literary texts, while also learning vocabulary related to facial hair more generally.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, facial hair, and mustaches in particular, can symbolize wisdom and maturity. Historical figures such as Confucius are often depicted with prominent mustaches, reinforcing their status and authority.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 髭 with 胡子 (húzi), mistakenly using 髭 when referring to all types of facial hair. It's important to remember that 髭 specifically means 'mustache' only.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 髭
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Grammar Patterns of 髭
髭 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 3
Complete the Sentence
“ 不行, ” 姓吴的忧愁地说;但随即咽住了,捻着唇边仅有的几根二三分长的____须.
" Bad,'said Wu looking worried and toying with his moustache.
Example Sentences for 髭 (3)
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1
“ 不行, ” 姓吴的忧愁地说;但随即咽住了,捻着唇边仅有的几根二三分长的髭须.
“ “ bù,” háng , ” xìng wú de yōu chóu; dì shuō ; dàn suí jí, yān zhù le , niǎn zháo chún biān jǐn yǒu de jī gēn èr sān fēn.
" Bad,'said Wu looking worried and toying with his moustache.
2
他已经决定留起络腮胡子和髭。
tā yǐ jīng jué dìng liú qǐ luò sāi hú zǐ hé zī。
He has decided to grow a beard and a moustache.
3
只见他那撇朝下的胡髭往上一耸,露出了一副难看的苦笑.
zhī jiàn tā nà piē zhāo xià de hú zī wǎng shàng yī sǒng, , lòu chū le yī fù nán kàn de kǔ.
The drooping mustache lifts in a nasty sad smile.
Cultural Notes for 髭
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, facial hair, and mustaches in particular, can symbolize wisdom and maturity. Historical figures such as Confucius are often depicted with prominent mustaches, reinforcing their status and authority.
Word Family of 髭
Words Containing This Character1
髭zīmustache
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 髭 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 髭
髭 is less common in casual speech; people tend to use 胡子 (húzi) instead.
No, 髭 specifically refers to a mustache, while other terms are used for beards or sideburns.
髭 is pronounced in the first tone, 'zī', which is high and level.
