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March 24, 2026
丁Dīng(Ding1)
丁 (Dīng) primarily serves as a surname and represents the fourth of the ten Heavenly Stems in Chinese numerology. It is often used to indicate the fourth position in a list or sequence, similar to the letter 'D' in the English alphabet or the Roman numeral 'IV'. Additionally, it can denote cubes of food or refer to a male adult, emphasizing robustness and vigor.
Strokes2Radical一Frequency#3663DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
丁 is often used in traditional Chinese calendars and astrology, where the Heavenly Stems play a crucial role in determining auspicious dates and events. Its significance reflects the importance of numerology in Chinese culture.
Memory tip
Imagine a strong, robust man (representing '丁') holding a giant cube of food. Visualize him standing at the fourth position in a line, wearing a 'D' badge on his chest. The character 丁 looks like a person standing upright, reflecting strength and order.
Meanings of 丁
Dīng(Ding1)
1fourth of the ten Heavenly Stems 十天干[shí tiān gān]
2fourth in order
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About 丁
丁Simplified
2Strokes
一Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#3663Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 丁
Podcast: 丁
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AI study notes for 丁
Usage Notes
When using 丁 as a surname, it is important to pronounce it correctly as 'Dīng' with a high level tone to avoid confusion with other characters. Be mindful of its specific contexts, such as its use in Chinese astrology or numerology, and avoid using it in informal contexts where other characters might be more appropriate.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 丁 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to numerology, traditional Chinese culture, and food. Students should focus on its various meanings and how it is used in different contexts, particularly in formal writing or discussions about Chinese philosophy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 丁 with similar-sounding characters like 丁 (Dīng) and 定 (Dìng). Make sure to differentiate them by context; for example, 丁 refers to the fourth Heavenly Stem, while 定 means 'to fix' or 'determine'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 丁
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Knowing 丁 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.
丁 (Dīng) primarily serves as a surname and represents the fourth of the ten Heavenly Stems in Chinese numerology. It is often used to indicate the fourth position in a list or sequence, similar to the letter 'D' in the English alphabet or the Roman numeral 'IV'. Additionally, it can denote cubes of food or refer to a male adult, emphasizing robustness and vigor.
When to use 丁
When using 丁 as a surname, it is important to pronounce it correctly as 'Dīng' with a high level tone to avoid confusion with other characters. Be mindful of its specific contexts, such as its use in Chinese astrology or numerology, and avoid using it in informal contexts where other characters might be more appropriate.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 丁 with similar-sounding characters like 丁 (Dīng) and 定 (Dìng). Make sure to differentiate them by context; for example, 丁 refers to the fourth Heavenly Stem, while 定 means 'to fix' or 'determine'.
Write 丁
丁
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Grammar patterns of 丁
丁 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 8 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.
