Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
棋子 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
棋子qízǐchess pieceHSK 6, unknown, 15 strokes, rank #11864, Hard
qízǐ(qi2zi3)qi zi T2
  1. 1chess piece
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

棋子qízǐ(qi2zi3)

棋子 (qízǐ) refers to a chess piece, which is used in the game of chess. The term highlights the individual pieces that players move strategically on the chessboard, each with its own role and movement rules. This word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone being used or manipulated in a situation.

Strokes15Frequency#11864DifficultyHard
Cultural note

Chess, or 象棋 (xiàngqí) in Chinese, has a long history in China, where it is a popular pastime. The concept of strategy involved in chess is often reflected in Chinese philosophy, emphasizing the importance of planning and foresight in life.

Memory tip

Imagine a giant chessboard where each 棋 (qi) piece is like a person on a stage, acting out a role. The 子 (zǐ) character looks like a small figure, reminding you that these are the small figures we move around the board. Visualizing this scene helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 棋子

qízǐ(qi2zi3)
1chess piece
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 棋子 means.

About 棋子

棋子Simplified
15Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 棋子

JasonAmy

Podcast: 棋子

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 棋子

Quick Contrast

象棋 (xiàngqí) vs 棋子 (qízǐ): Use 棋子 when referring to an individual piece, while 象棋 refers to the game of chess as a whole.

Usage Notes

When using 棋子, it's essential to remember that it is a noun and typically refers to the pieces in the context of chess. Common mistakes include using it in informal contexts where a more casual term for 'piece' might be preferred. Pay attention to the tone of '棋' to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.

HSK Study Tips

Although 棋子 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to other HSK level words related to games and competition, such as 赛 (sài, competition) and 玩 (wán, to play). Students should focus on the context of games and strategy when learning this term.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 棋子 with the term 棋 (qí), which refers specifically to 'chess' as a game rather than the pieces themselves. Ensure you use 棋子 when talking about the individual pieces.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 棋子

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 棋子, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 棋子 to you

Let me explain 棋子 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 棋子 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

How well do you know 棋子?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 棋子 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
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

棋qíchess; any strategy game
HSK 712 strokes木
View full entry
子zison
HSK 33 strokes子
View full entry

How to say chess piece in Chinese

“chess piece” in Chinese is棋子qízǐ

棋子 (qízǐ) refers to a chess piece, which is used in the game of chess. The term highlights the individual pieces that players move strategically on the chessboard, each with its own role and movement rules. This word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone being used or manipulated in a situation.

When to use 棋子

When using 棋子, it's essential to remember that it is a noun and typically refers to the pieces in the context of chess. Common mistakes include using it in informal contexts where a more casual term for 'piece' might be preferred. Pay attention to the tone of '棋' to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.

棋子 or something close to it

象棋 (xiàngqí) vs 棋子 (qízǐ): Use 棋子 when referring to an individual piece, while 象棋 refers to the game of chess as a whole.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 棋子 with the term 棋 (qí), which refers specifically to 'chess' as a game rather than the pieces themselves. Ensure you use 棋子 when talking about the individual pieces.

Write 棋子

棋
子

Practice writing 棋子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 棋子?

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 215 AI credits.

Cultural Notes for 棋子

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

While chess is popular in both Chinese and Western cultures, the styles and rules of play can differ significantly, with Chinese chess having unique pieces and strategies compared to Western chess.

Frequently asked questions about 棋子

Primarily, 棋子 refers specifically to chess pieces; for other board games, different terms may be used.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 棋子?

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.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab