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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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
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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
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Origin unclear. There are varied explanations of what 九 is meant to represent, including a hook, an elbow, and a hand reaching out to grab something.
1The giveawayAn elbow
2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 九? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 九?
Decomposition of 九
IDS Structure⿻丿乙
九Full Character
=
丿pie3
outer
乙yi3
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 九?
How to say nine in Chinese
“nine” in Chinese is九jiǔ
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
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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.
