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March 24, 2026
亿(億)yì(yi4)
The character 亿 (yì) refers to the quantity of one hundred million. It is commonly used in financial contexts, population statistics, and when discussing large numbers. In addition to its numeric meaning, it can also imply a vast amount or multitude in more abstract contexts.
Strokes3Radical亻Frequency#3216DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, large numbers like 亿 are often used in business and economic discussions, reflecting the significance of population and market size in China's economic landscape. For instance, when discussing China's internet users, the number often reaches into the billions.
Memory Tip
Think of 亿 (yì) as a big 'Y' shape in the character, representing the 'Y' in 'Yuge' for a very large number. Imagine a giant 'Y' holding up 100 million gold coins, making it unforgettable that 亿 means a hundred million.
Meanings of 亿
yì(yi4)
1100 million
2hundred million; many
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 亿
亿Simplified
億Traditional
3Strokes
亻Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#3216Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 亿
Podcast: 亿
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AI Study Notes for 亿
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 亿 with similar characters like 十 (shí), which means ten. In formal texts, 亿 is often used in numerical data, while in informal contexts, it might be used metaphorically to suggest vastness. Ensure proper tone pronunciation, as incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 亿 connects with other numerical terms such as 千 (qiān, thousand) and 万 (wàn, ten thousand). Focus on recognizing its usage in large numbers and practice its pronunciation to avoid mixing it with similar characters.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 亿 with similar characters like 兆 (zhào, trillion) or 万 (wàn, ten thousand). For example, saying '一亿' (yī yì) is correct for 'one hundred million,' but saying '一万亿' (yī wàn yì) is incorrect when referring to the same quantity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 亿
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Phonosemantic compound. 亻 represents the meaning and 乙 represents the sound. Simplified form of 億.
1The meaning half亻 carries the sense.
2The sound half乙 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaypeople
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 亿? 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 亿?
Decomposition of 亿
IDS Structure⿰亻乙
亿Full Character
=
亻ren2
left
乙yi3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 亿?
How to say 100 million in Chinese
“100 million” in Chinese is亿yì
The character 亿 (yì) refers to the quantity of one hundred million. It is commonly used in financial contexts, population statistics, and when discussing large numbers. In addition to its numeric meaning, it can also imply a vast amount or multitude in more abstract contexts.
When to use 亿
Be cautious not to confuse 亿 with similar characters like 十 (shí), which means ten. In formal texts, 亿 is often used in numerical data, while in informal contexts, it might be used metaphorically to suggest vastness. Ensure proper tone pronunciation, as incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 亿 with similar characters like 兆 (zhào, trillion) or 万 (wàn, ten thousand). For example, saying '一亿' (yī yì) is correct for 'one hundred million,' but saying '一万亿' (yī wàn yì) is incorrect when referring to the same quantity.
Write 亿
亿
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Practice writing 亿 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 亿
亿 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.
