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气 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
气
qì
gas
HSK 4, n, 4 strokes, radical 气, rank #805, Medium
气
qì
air
HSK 4, n, 4 strokes, radical 气, rank #805, Medium
气
qì
smell
HSK 4, n, 4 strokes, radical 气, rank #805, Medium
气
qì
weather
HSK 4, n, 4 strokes, radical 气, rank #805, Medium
气
qì
to make angry
HSK 4, n, 4 strokes, radical 气, rank #805, Medium
气
qì
to annoy
HSK 4, n, 4 strokes, radical 气, rank #805, Medium
气
qì
to get angry
HSK 4, n, 4 strokes, radical 气, rank #805, Medium
气
qì
vital energy
HSK 4, n, 4 strokes, radical 气, rank #805, Medium
气
qì
qi
HSK 4, n, 4 strokes, radical 气, rank #805, Medium
气
qì
air, gas; steam, vapor; anger
HSK 4, n, 4 strokes, radical 气, rank #805, Medium
qì(qi4)qi T4
1gas
2air
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March 24, 2026
气(氣)qì(qi4)
The character 气 (qì) primarily refers to gas or air, but it also encompasses the concept of vital energy or 'qi' in traditional Chinese medicine. In everyday usage, it can denote anger or annoyance, illustrating its versatility across different contexts, from discussing weather to expressing emotions.
Strokes4Radical气Frequency#805DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
The concept of 气 (qi) is central to Chinese medicine and martial arts, reflecting a belief in a vital force that flows through the body. This understanding influences practices such as acupuncture and Tai Chi, illustrating its importance in Chinese culture.
Memory tip
Imagine a balloon filled with气 (qì) that represents air. When you squeeze it, it makes a sound that could remind you of someone getting angry or annoyed, as the air escapes. The character itself has a flowing shape, suggesting movement like air or gas.
Meanings of 气
qì(qi4)
1gas
2air
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 气
气Simplified
氣Traditional
4Strokes
气Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#805Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 气
Podcast: 气
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AI study notes for 气
Quick Contrast
气 (qì, gas/air) vs 风 (fēng, wind) — use 气 when referring to gas or vital energy, while 风 specifically denotes the natural movement of air.
Usage Notes
气 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful with its emotional connotations. Common collocations include '生气' (shēngqì - to get angry) and '气候' (qìhòu - climate). Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
While 气 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it connects to concepts of health and emotions, which are relevant in HSK 3 and 4. Focus on using it in phrases and understanding its context in both physical and emotional discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 气 with its similar-sounding counterparts. For example, saying '我气了' (wǒ qì le - I got gas) instead of '我生气了' (wǒ shēngqì le - I got angry) shows a misunderstanding of its emotional context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 气
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Learning Lab
Knowing 气 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 气 (qì) primarily refers to gas or air, but it also encompasses the concept of vital energy or 'qi' in traditional Chinese medicine. In everyday usage, it can denote anger or annoyance, illustrating its versatility across different contexts, from discussing weather to expressing emotions.
When to use 气
气 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful with its emotional connotations. Common collocations include '生气' (shēngqì - to get angry) and '气候' (qìhòu - climate). Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning entirely.
气 or something close to it
气 (qì, gas/air) vs 风 (fēng, wind) — use 气 when referring to gas or vital energy, while 风 specifically denotes the natural movement of air.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 气 with its similar-sounding counterparts. For example, saying '我气了' (wǒ qì le - I got gas) instead of '我生气了' (wǒ shēngqì le - I got angry) shows a misunderstanding of its emotional context.
Write 气
气
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Practice writing 气 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 气
气 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 10 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.
