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麒 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
麒qímythical unicornn, 19 strokes, radical 鹿
麒qímythical male unicornunknown, 19 strokes, radical 鹿
qí(qi2)qi T2
  1. 1mythical unicorn
  2. 2mythical male unicorn
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March 24, 2026

麒qí(qi2)

The character 麒 (qí) refers to a mythical creature often depicted as a unicorn, symbolizing purity and wisdom. In Chinese culture, it represents auspiciousness and is often associated with good fortune and prosperity. It is less commonly used in everyday language, typically appearing in literary contexts or discussions of mythology.

Strokes19Radical鹿
Cultural note

In Chinese mythology, the麒 is often associated with the arrival of a sage or a virtuous ruler, marking a time of peace and prosperity. This creature is revered as a symbol of good omens in traditional Chinese beliefs.

Memory tip

Imagine a majestic unicorn (麒) with a shimmering mane, prancing through a field of flowers. The character's left side (米) resembles rice, symbolizing nourishment, while the right side (奇) suggests something extraordinary or unique, just like the mythical unicorn itself.

Meanings of 麒

qí(qi2)
1mythical unicorn
2mythical male unicorn
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 麒

麒Simplified
19Strokes
鹿Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 麒

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Podcast: 麒

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AI study notes for 麒

Usage Notes

While 麒 is a more formal term related to mythology, it's often used in literary or artistic contexts. Learners may confuse it with other similar characters, so it's important to distinguish it from 麒麟 (qílín), which refers to the qilin, a different legendary creature. Use the correct tone to avoid miscommunication, as 'qí' can sound similar to other words.

HSK Study Tips

Though 麒 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to more advanced vocabulary related to mythology and symbolism in Chinese culture. Students should focus on recognizing the character's usage in classical texts and mythological discussions to enhance their language and cultural understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 麒 with similar characters, such as 麒麟. For example, saying '我喜欢麒' (I like the unicorn) could imply a misunderstanding; it would be more accurate to refer to 麒麟 for general discussions about the mythical creature.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 麒

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Etymology of 麒

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

Phonosemantic compound. 鹿 represents the meaning and 其 represents the sound.

Memory hint

deer

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

Origin

麒 = 鹿 + 其. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 麒

IDS Structure⿰鹿其
麒Full character
=
鹿lu4
left
其qi2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 麒?

How to say mythical unicorn in Chinese

“mythical unicorn” in Chinese is麒qí

The character 麒 (qí) refers to a mythical creature often depicted as a unicorn, symbolizing purity and wisdom. In Chinese culture, it represents auspiciousness and is often associated with good fortune and prosperity. It is less commonly used in everyday language, typically appearing in literary contexts or discussions of mythology.

When to use 麒

While 麒 is a more formal term related to mythology, it's often used in literary or artistic contexts. Learners may confuse it with other similar characters, so it's important to distinguish it from 麒麟 (qílín), which refers to the qilin, a different legendary creature. Use the correct tone to avoid miscommunication, as 'qí' can sound similar to other words.

What learners get wrong

Learners may confuse 麒 with similar characters, such as 麒麟. For example, saying '我喜欢麒' (I like the unicorn) could imply a misunderstanding; it would be more accurate to refer to 麒麟 for general discussions about the mythical creature.

Write 麒

麒

Practice writing 麒 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 麒

麒 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 2 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 2

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

在一排排笔直的,用带刺的铁丝编扎的栅栏那一边,有一丛丛金黄色的秋____麟草.

Beyond the undeviating barbed - wire fences were clumps of golden rod.

Example sentences for 麒 (2)

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1
在一排排笔直的,用带刺的铁丝编扎的栅栏那一边,有一丛丛金黄色的秋麒麟草.

zài yī pái pái bǐ zhí de, yòng dài cì de tiě sī biān zā de zhà lán nà yìbiān, yǒu yī cóng cóng jīn huángsè de Qiū qílín cǎo.

Beyond the undeviating barbed - wire fences were clumps of golden rod.
2
空气里闻得到幽幽的大茴香和秋麒麟草的香味.

kōngqì lǐ wén dédào yōu yōu de dà huí xiāng hé Qiū qílín cǎo de xiāngwèi.

A faint anise smell is on the air, goldenrod scent.

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Word Family of 麒

Words containing this character4
麒麟qílínkylin
麒qíkylin
麒麟区qílínqūQilin district, Qujing city, Yunnan麒麟區
麒麟座qílínzuòMonoceros (constellation)
Exercise 1 of 3

Words with 麒

What does 麒麟 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 麒

麒 represents a mythical unicorn and symbolizes purity, wisdom, and good fortune.

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