unknown, 14 strokes, radical 齿, rank #68141, Very Hard
zī(zi1) T1
1to bare one's teeth; crooked teeth
2projecting teeth
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March 24, 2026
龇(齜)zī(zi1)
The character 龇 (zī) refers to the act of baring one's teeth, often indicating aggression or a warning. It can also describe the appearance of crooked or projecting teeth. This term is less commonly used in everyday language but can be relevant in contexts discussing animals or expressions of anger.
Strokes14Radical齿Frequency#68141DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of baring teeth can symbolize a range of emotions from aggression to playfulness, depending on the context. It is often seen in traditional stories and folklore involving animals or adversaries.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fierce animal baring its teeth in a threatening manner. The character 龇 looks like a toothy grin, with the top part resembling the sharp teeth protruding outward, emphasizing the act of showing teeth.
Meanings of 龇
zī(zi1)
1to bare one's teeth; crooked teeth
2projecting teeth
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 龇
龇Simplified
齜Traditional
14Strokes
齿Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 龇
Podcast: 龇
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AI Study Notes for 龇
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fierce animal baring its teeth in a threatening manner. The character 龇 looks like a toothy grin, with the top part resembling the sharp teeth protruding outward, emphasizing the act of showing teeth.
Usage Notes
Be cautious using 龇 in formal contexts, as it carries a more colloquial or descriptive tone. Common collocations may include phrases describing animals or emotions. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings.
HSK Study Tips
While 龇 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can be associated with other animal-related terms. Students should focus on pronunciation and understand its usage in specific contexts to avoid confusion with more common words.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of baring teeth can symbolize a range of emotions from aggression to playfulness, depending on the context. It is often seen in traditional stories and folklore involving animals or adversaries.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 龇 with similar-sounding words like 兹 (zī), which means 'this'. For example, mistakenly using 龇 in a sentence about 'this' item would be incorrect. Always ensure you understand the context before using 龇.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 龇
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Grammar Patterns of 龇
龇 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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 4
Complete the Sentence
那只熊____出牙齿，发出一声低沉的吼叫。
The bear exposed its teeth in a muffled growl.
Example Sentences for 龇 (7)
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1
那只熊龇出牙齿，发出一声低沉的吼叫。
nà zhī xióng zī chū yá chǐ， ， fā chū yī shēng dī chén de hǒu。
The bear exposed its teeth in a muffled growl.
2
狗龇着牙冲我叫.
gǒu zī zháo yá chōng wǒ jiào.
The dog bared its gums at me.
3
狗咬了他的脚腕子，疼得他龇牙咧嘴。
gǒu yǎo le tā de jiǎo wàn zǐ， ， téng dé tā zī yá liě。
He winced as the dog nipped his ankle.
4
他左腿一阵剧痛疼得他直龇牙咧嘴。
tā zuǒ tuǐ yī zhèn jù tòng téng dé tā zhí zī yá liě zuǐ。
He winced as a sharp pain shot through his left leg.
5
只要左腿一受力，他就会疼得龇牙咧嘴。
zhī yào zuǒ tuǐ yī shòu lì， ， tā jiù huì téng dé zī yá liě。
Every time he put any weight on his left leg he winced in pain.
6
柠檬把她酸得龇牙咧嘴.
níng méng bǎ tā suān dé zī yá liě zuǐ.
The taste of the lemon made her screw up her face.
7
狗龇牙咧嘴地扑过来.
gǒu zī yá liě zuǐ dì pū guò lái.
Dogs came lunging forward with their fangs bared.
Cultural Notes for 龇
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of baring teeth can symbolize a range of emotions from aggression to playfulness, depending on the context. It is often seen in traditional stories and folklore involving animals or adversaries.
Word Family of 龇
Words Containing This Character2
龇zīprojecting teeth齜
龇牙咧嘴to grimace (in pain)齜牙咧嘴
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 龇 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 龇
It is not commonly used in everyday conversation but can be relevant in discussions about animals or expressions.
It is more likely to be found in written contexts, particularly in literature or descriptions.
