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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
By ear
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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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How Well Do You Know 亿?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 亿 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.
亿 = 亻 + 乙. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 亿
IDS Structure⿰亻乙
亿Full Character
=
亻ren2
left
乙yi3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part 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.
