Meanings of 甲
By ear
Play it, then pick what 甲 means.
About 甲
Podcast: 甲
Podcast: 甲
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 甲
甲 (jiǎ) vs 乙 (yǐ) — use 甲 when referring to the first item or primary in a sequence, while 乙 indicates the second item.
Common mistakes include confusing 甲 with other characters that represent ranking, such as 乙 (yǐ) for second. It's important to use 甲 in contexts that require the notion of 'first' or 'primary,' especially in formal documents and discussions about rankings. Remember that 甲 can also mean 'armor' in more historical or literary contexts.
As an HSK 5 word, 甲 connects with other characters like 乙 (yǐ) and 丙 (bǐng), which are also part of the Heavenly Stems. Focus on understanding its various meanings and uses in context, particularly in formal writing and discussions about order or hierarchy.
Learners often mistakenly use 甲 when they mean 'second' or 'third,' confusing it with characters like 乙 (yǐ) or 丙 (bǐng). Always remember that 甲 denotes 'first' in any ranking or list.
Pronunciation of 甲
Drill the tone of 甲 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 甲 to You
Let me explain 甲 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 甲 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 甲?
Learning Lab
Knowing 甲 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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 甲
Pictograph of a turtle shell.
Origin
What kind of character is 甲?
Decomposition of 甲
Parts
Which of these is part of 甲?
How to say first of the ten Heavenly Stems 十天干[shí tiān gān] in Chinese
“first of the ten Heavenly Stems 十天干[shí tiān gān]” in Chinese is甲
The character 甲 (jiǎ) has multiple meanings, primarily representing the first of the ten Heavenly Stems, which is a traditional Chinese system for marking time and order. It can also refer to a shell, armor, or the first item in a list, such as in a contract or ranking system. In this context, it is often associated with the concept of being first or primary.
When to use 甲
Common mistakes include confusing 甲 with other characters that represent ranking, such as 乙 (yǐ) for second. It's important to use 甲 in contexts that require the notion of 'first' or 'primary,' especially in formal documents and discussions about rankings. Remember that 甲 can also mean 'armor' in more historical or literary contexts.
甲 or something close to it
甲 (jiǎ) vs 乙 (yǐ) — use 甲 when referring to the first item or primary in a sequence, while 乙 indicates the second item.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 甲 when they mean 'second' or 'third,' confusing it with characters like 乙 (yǐ) or 丙 (bǐng). Always remember that 甲 denotes 'first' in any ranking or list.
Write 甲
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 甲 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 甲
甲 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.
____：他说他这次准考第一。乙：瞧他吹的。
A: He says he will definitely get first place. B: Look at him boasting!
Common Confusions with 甲
Similar sound and some visual similarity.
Similar sound but different meaning.
Which one
Which one means “first of the ten Heavenly Stems 十天干[shí tiān gān]”?
Example Sentences for 甲 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 甲?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 甲
Characters with 甲
What does 押 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 甲
You can say '甲方' (jiǎ fāng) to refer to 'Party A' in a contract.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 甲?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.