Meanings of 乙
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About 乙
Podcast: 乙
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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Etymology of 乙
Origin unclear.
A swallow
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 乙
Origin unclear.
- 1The giveawayA swallow
- 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 乙? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation 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.
Complete the Sentence
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.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "second of the ten Heavenly Stems 十天干[shí tiān gān]"?
Example Sentences for 乙 (10)
Word Family of 乙
Compound Meaning
What does 艺 mean?
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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