HSK 3, unknown, 5 strokes, radical 讠, rank #725, Medium
jì(ji4) T4
1to record
2to note
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March 24, 2026
记(記)jì(ji4)
The character 记 (jì) primarily means 'to record' or 'to remember'. It is commonly used in contexts related to taking notes, making records, or memorizing information. Additionally, it serves as a classifier for certain actions, like blows or kicks, emphasizing the act of marking or noting something significant.
Strokes5Radical讠Frequency#725DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
记 is often used in educational settings in China, where note-taking is highly valued. Students are encouraged to 记 notes during lectures to enhance their learning and retention.
Memory Tip
Imagine a teacher jotting down notes in a book to help students remember important lessons. The character 记 resembles a person (the top part) writing down something significant, while the bottom part suggests a book or record, linking the idea of recording to memory.
Meanings of 记
jì(ji4)
1to record
2to note
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 记
记Simplified
記Traditional
5Strokes
讠Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#725Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 记
Podcast: 记
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AI Study Notes for 记
Quick Contrast
记 (jì, to record) vs 忘 (wàng, to forget) — use 记 when referring to retaining or noting information, whereas 忘 indicates the absence of memory.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is confusing 记 with 忘 (wàng), which means 'to forget'. Remember that 记 emphasizes retention or marking something down. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but when discussing formal records, it's best to use it in conjunction with other formal terms.
HSK Study Tips
Although 记 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it is foundational for learners at HSK 2 and 3, as it connects to vocabulary about memory and note-taking. Students should focus on its use in phrases like 记得 (jìde, to remember) and 记录 (jìlù, to record).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 记 with 记住 (jì zhù), which means 'to remember' in a more permanent sense. For example, saying '我记他的名字' (wǒ jì tā de míngzì) is incorrect; use '我记住他的名字' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 记
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Simplified form of 記. Phonosemantic compound. 言 represents the meaning and 己 represents the sound.
1The giveawayA private 己 note 讠; 己 also provides the pronunciation
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 记? 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 记?
Decomposition of 记
IDS Structure⿰讠己
记Full Character
=
讠yan2
left
己ji3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 记?
How to say to record in Chinese
“to record” in Chinese is记jì
The character 记 (jì) primarily means 'to record' or 'to remember'. It is commonly used in contexts related to taking notes, making records, or memorizing information. Additionally, it serves as a classifier for certain actions, like blows or kicks, emphasizing the act of marking or noting something significant.
When to use 记
A common mistake is confusing 记 with 忘 (wàng), which means 'to forget'. Remember that 记 emphasizes retention or marking something down. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but when discussing formal records, it's best to use it in conjunction with other formal terms.
记 or something close to it
记 (jì, to record) vs 忘 (wàng, to forget) — use 记 when referring to retaining or noting information, whereas 忘 indicates the absence of memory.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 记 with 记住 (jì zhù), which means 'to remember' in a more permanent sense. For example, saying '我记他的名字' (wǒ jì tā de míngzì) is incorrect; use '我记住他的名字' instead.
Write 记
记
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Practice writing 记 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 记
记 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 7 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.
Some common phrases with 记 include '记住' (jì zhù), which means 'to remember' and '记得' (jìdé) meaning 'to recall.' These phrases are useful for expressing memory in various contexts.
To memorize the character 记 (jì), you can break it down into its components: the radical 记 indicates writing or recording. Practice writing the character multiple times and use flashcards with the meaning and pronunciation to reinforce your memory.
记 (jì) means to record, note, memorize, or remember. It can refer to the act of keeping a record of information or marking something important. It's commonly used in phrases related to memory and documentation.
You can use 记 (jì) in sentences like '我记得他的名字' (Wǒ jìdé tā de míngzì), which means 'I remember his name.' It can also be used in phrases such as '记笔记' (jì bǐjì) meaning 'to take notes.'
You can say '我记得他的名字' (wǒ jìde tā de míngzì), which means 'I remember his name'.
Yes, 记 can mean both to remember and to record, depending on the context.
Common phrases include 记得 (jìde, to remember) and 记录 (jìlù, to record).
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