Meanings of 甲
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About 甲
Podcast: 甲
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
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Jason Explains 甲 to you
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Learning Lab
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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.
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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
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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.
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)
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Word Family of 甲
Characters with 甲
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Frequently asked questions about 甲
You can say '甲方' (jiǎ fāng) to refer to 'Party A' in a contract.
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