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March 24, 2026
魁kuí(kui2)
The character 魁 (kuí) refers to a chief or leader and can also denote someone who is outstanding or exceptional in a particular field. It is often used in formal contexts to describe individuals who stand out due to their abilities or achievements, such as a leader in a community or an exceptional talent in a competition.
Strokes13Radical鬼Frequency#21537DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, leaders and outstanding figures are often celebrated, and the term 魁 is used in various contexts, including literature and historical texts, to denote figures who have made significant contributions to society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a towering figure, a chief standing above others, symbolizing excellence and leadership. The radical 魂 (spirit) suggests 'spiritual' strength, while the character's shape can remind you of a strong leader who commands respect and admiration, thus connecting to the pronunciation 'kuí.'
Meanings of 魁
kuí(kui2)
1chief, leader; best; monstrous
2head
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 魁
魁Simplified
13Strokes
鬼Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 魁
Podcast: 魁
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AI Study Notes for 魁
Quick Contrast
魁 (kuí) vs 领 (lǐng) — use 魁 for a formal or exceptional leader, while 领 is more general for any leader or head.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a towering figure, a chief standing above others, symbolizing excellence and leadership. The radical 魂 (spirit) suggests 'spiritual' strength, while the character's shape can remind you of a strong leader who commands respect and admiration, thus connecting to the pronunciation 'kuí.'
Usage Notes
When using 魁, ensure you are in an appropriate context since it conveys a sense of respect and admiration. Common collocations include 魁首 (chief) and 英雄魁 (heroic leader). Be careful with the tone; the first tone in 'kuí' can be confused with other similar-sounding words if not pronounced clearly.
HSK Study Tips
Although 魁 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, its components and meaning can help learners connect with other words that denote leadership or excellence. Focus on recognizing its use in set phrases and idiomatic expressions related to leadership or distinction.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, leaders and outstanding figures are often celebrated, and the term 魁 is used in various contexts, including literature and historical texts, to denote figures who have made significant contributions to society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 魁 with other similar-sounding characters like 睿 (ruì), which means wise. For instance, saying '我想成为一个睿的人' (I want to be a wise person) instead of '我想成为一个魁的人' (I want to be an outstanding person) can change the intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 魁
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Grammar Patterns of 魁
魁 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这一危机已在____北克激起了一波民族独立主义情绪。
The crisis has set off a wave of nationalist feelings in Quebec.
The most popular filling is sweetguo kui characterized fragrance, sweet, crisp, crisp.
Cultural Notes for 魁
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, leaders and outstanding figures are often celebrated, and the term 魁 is used in various contexts, including literature and historical texts, to denote figures who have made significant contributions to society.
Word Family of 魁
Words Containing This Character16
罪魁祸首zuìkuíhuòshǒufig. main cause of a disaster罪魁禍首
魁kuíchief
魁梧tall and sturdy
夺魁duókuíto seize奪魁
花魁the queen of flowers (refers esp. to plum blossom)
魁北克Quebec province, Canada
党魁faction leader黨魁
魁首chief
罪魁chief culprit
魁伟tall and big魁偉
易洛魁Iroquois
魁星Kuixing, Daoist God of fate
魁北克市Quebec city, capital of Quebec province of Canada
魁蚶arc clam (Arca inflata)
渠魁rebel leader
祸首罪魁fig. main cause of a disaster禍首罪魁
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 罪魁祸首 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 魁
While both terms refer to leaders, 魁 emphasizes exceptional ability or status, whereas 领导 is a more general term for a person in charge.
It is more commonly used in formal or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation.
Related words include 魁首 (kuíshǒu) meaning chief, and 魁梧 (kuíwú) meaning tall and strong.
