Meanings of 乙
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About 乙
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Podcast: 乙
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AI study notes for 乙
Common mistakes include confusing 乙 with other similar characters like 亻 (the person radical) or using it incorrectly in contexts where a cardinal number is required instead of an ordinal. Register-wise, it is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. Pay attention to the tone 'yǐ' to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
As an HSK Level 5 character, 乙 often appears alongside other terms related to contracts and legal matters. Students should focus on its application in contexts like agreements and the Heavenly Stems, which are foundational in traditional Chinese culture.
Learners often write 乙 incorrectly by confusing it with similar characters or using it when a cardinal number is needed. For example, saying '乙个' instead of '第二个' (the second one) is incorrect; use the ordinal form instead.
Pronunciation of 乙
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Learning Lab
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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.
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Etymology of 乙
Origin unclear.
A swallow
Origin
What kind of character is 乙?
How to say second of the ten Heavenly Stems 十天干[shí tiān gān] in Chinese
“second of the ten Heavenly Stems 十天干[shí tiān gān]” in Chinese is乙
The character 乙 (yǐ) primarily represents the second position in a sequence, such as the second of the ten Heavenly Stems. It is often used in contexts like contracts to denote the second party (乙方) and can also signify a turning stroke in the formation of Chinese characters. Its versatility extends to being a symbol for the letter 'B' or the Roman numeral 'II' in various lists.
When to use 乙
Common mistakes include confusing 乙 with other similar characters like 亻 (the person radical) or using it incorrectly in contexts where a cardinal number is required instead of an ordinal. Register-wise, it is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. Pay attention to the tone 'yǐ' to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
What learners get wrong
Learners often write 乙 incorrectly by confusing it with similar characters or using it when a cardinal number is needed. For example, saying '乙个' instead of '第二个' (the second one) is incorrect; use the ordinal form instead.
Write 乙
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Practice writing 乙 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 乙
乙 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 13 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
甲：他说他这次准考第一。____：瞧他吹的。
A: He says he will definitely get first place. B: Look at him boasting!
Common confusions with 乙
Same radical structure, but different meanings.
Which one
Which one means “second of the ten Heavenly Stems 十天干[shí tiān gān]”?
Example sentences for 乙 (10)
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Word Family of 乙
Characters with 乙
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Frequently asked questions about 乙
You can use it in a legal context, like in the phrase 乙方 (yǐ fāng), meaning 'the second party' in a contract.
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