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.
Imagine a knight wearing shining armor, representing 甲 (jiǎ) as 'armor plating.' The character's top part resembles a helmet, while the bottom can remind you of a shell. Picture this knight standing at the head of a line, symbolizing 'first' in a list.
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.
甲 is closely tied to the Chinese zodiac and traditional astrological practices, where the Heavenly Stems are used to denote years, months, days, and even hours. This reflects the importance of timekeeping and order in Chinese culture.
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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Etymology of 甲
Pictograph of a turtle shell.
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 甲?
Decomposition of 甲
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 甲?
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)
Cultural Notes for 甲
甲 is closely tied to the Chinese zodiac and traditional astrological practices, where the Heavenly Stems are used to denote years, months, days, and even hours. This reflects the importance of timekeeping and order in Chinese culture.
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.