Meanings of 甲
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About 甲
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Podcast: 甲
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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.
Etymology of 甲
Pictograph of a turtle shell.
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 甲
Pictograph of a turtle shell.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 甲? 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 甲?
Decomposition of 甲
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component 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
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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.
Complete the Sentence
____：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.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "first of the ten Heavenly Stems 十天干[shí tiān gān]"?
Example Sentences for 甲 (10)
Word Family of 甲
Compound Meaning
What does 押 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 甲
You can say '甲方' (jiǎ fāng) to refer to 'Party A' in a contract.
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