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鼐 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
nàiincense tripodg, 14 strokes, radical 鼎, Very Hard
nài(nai4) T4
  1. 1incense tripod
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
nài(nai4)

The character 鼐 (nài) refers to a ceremonial incense tripod, typically used in ancient China for offerings to deities or ancestors. It symbolizes respect, reverence, and the importance of ritual in Chinese culture, often associated with significant ceremonies and traditions.

Strokes14RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In ancient China, the 鼐 was not just a functional object but also a symbol of authority and governance, often used in state rituals to communicate with ancestors and gods, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of ancestor worship.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant tripod used to hold fragrant incense in a grand temple. The character 鼐 resembles a tripod with its three legs, while the top part suggests the bowl that holds the incense. Picture the aroma wafting through the air while chanting ancient prayers.

Meanings of 鼐

nài(nai4)
1incense tripod
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 鼐

Simplified
14Strokes
Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 鼐

JasonAmy

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AI Study Notes for 鼐

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant tripod used to hold fragrant incense in a grand temple. The character 鼐 resembles a tripod with its three legs, while the top part suggests the bowl that holds the incense. Picture the aroma wafting through the air while chanting ancient prayers.

Usage Notes

This character is rarely used in everyday conversation and is mostly found in historical or literary texts. Be cautious with its pronunciation, as it may be confused with similar-sounding characters. It is often paired with words related to ritual or offerings.

HSK Study Tips

As this character is not part of the HSK vocabulary, learners should focus on its usage in classical texts and cultural contexts. It can help to understand the significance of rituals in Chinese history, connecting to other HSK characters related to ceremonies and respect.

Cultural Note

In ancient China, the 鼐 was not just a functional object but also a symbol of authority and governance, often used in state rituals to communicate with ancestors and gods, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of ancestor worship.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 鼐 with similar characters due to its rare usage. For example, saying 'nà' instead of 'nài' is a common mispronunciation. Always remember the correct tone to convey the intended meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 鼐

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Etymology of 鼐

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

tripod

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 鼐?

Decomposition of 鼐

IDS Structure⿱乃鼎
Full Character
=
nai3
top
ding3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 鼐?

Write 鼐

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 鼐

🏮Cultural insight

In ancient China, the 鼐 was not just a functional object but also a symbol of authority and governance, often used in state rituals to communicate with ancestors and gods, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of ancestor worship.

Word Family of 鼐

Words Containing This Character1
nàiincense tripod
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 鼐 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 鼐

It symbolizes respect and the importance of rituals, especially in ceremonies involving offerings.