Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
九jiǔ(jiu3)
The character 九 (jiǔ) means 'nine' in Mandarin. It is a fundamental numeral used in everyday counting, mathematics, and various expressions, such as dates and quantities. Understanding this character is essential for developing basic numerical literacy in Chinese.
Strokes2Radical乙Frequency#2040DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the number nine is considered auspicious and is associated with longevity and eternity, often appearing in celebrations and traditions, such as the nine-dragon wall in ancient architecture.
Memory Tip
Imagine the shape of 九 as a person with their arms raised in celebration, representing the excitement of reaching the number nine. The pronunciation 'jiǔ' sounds like 'jew', so picture a jeweler with nine exquisite gems, highlighting the importance of this number.
Meanings of 九
jiǔ(jiu3)
1nine
29
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 九 means.
About 九
九Simplified
2Strokes
乙Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#2040Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L1HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 九
Podcast: 九
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 九
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 九 with the similar-sounding character '久' (jiǔ), which means 'long time'. In informal settings, it’s often used with other numerals to indicate quantities, such as '九个' (nine items). Pay attention to the third tone when pronouncing it.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 character, 九 is foundational for learners. It connects to other numbers, making it crucial for mastering counting and basic arithmetic. Focus on practicing its pronunciation and use in simple sentences.
Common Mistakes
Some learners mistakenly write 九 as '久' (which means 'long time') due to the similarity in pronunciation. Always remember that 九 is specifically for the number nine.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 九
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 九 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 九 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 九?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 九 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 九 (jiǔ) means 'nine' in Mandarin. It is a fundamental numeral used in everyday counting, mathematics, and various expressions, such as dates and quantities. Understanding this character is essential for developing basic numerical literacy in Chinese.
When to use 九
Common mistakes include confusing 九 with the similar-sounding character '久' (jiǔ), which means 'long time'. In informal settings, it’s often used with other numerals to indicate quantities, such as '九个' (nine items). Pay attention to the third tone when pronouncing it.
What learners get wrong
Some learners mistakenly write 九 as '久' (which means 'long time') due to the similarity in pronunciation. Always remember that 九 is specifically for the number nine.
Write 九
九
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 九 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 九
九 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. 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.
