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直径 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
直径zhíjìngdiameterHSK 7, n, 16 strokes, rank #14909, Very Hard
zhíjìng(zhi2jing4)zhi jing T2
  1. 1diameter
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March 24, 2026

直径(直徑)zhíjìng(zhi2jing4)

直径 (zhíjìng) refers to the straight line segment that passes through the center of a circle and connects two points on its circumference. It is commonly used in mathematics, engineering, and everyday contexts when discussing circles or spherical objects. Understanding this term is essential for comprehending geometric principles and measurements.

Strokes16Frequency#14909DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, geometry and mathematics have historical significance, with ancient Chinese mathematicians making significant contributions to the field. The concept of diameter is essential in various traditional crafts, such as making round objects or designing circular architecture.

Memory tip

Think of the character 直 (zhí) as a straight line, and 径 (jìng) as a path. Visualize drawing a straight line through a circle to connect two edges, which helps you remember that '直径' means 'diameter'. The '直' suggests straightness, while '径' can be remembered as a 'path' through the circle.

Meanings of 直径

zhíjìng(zhi2jing4)
1diameter
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 直径

直径Simplified
直徑Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#14909Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 直径

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Podcast: 直径

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AI study notes for 直径

Quick Contrast

半径 (bànjìng) — use 直径 when referring to the full width of a circle through its center, not just the distance from the center to the edge.

Usage Notes

Be careful to use 直径 specifically in contexts relating to circles or spheres; using it out of context can confuse its meaning. It is more formal, so in casual conversation, people might simply say '圆的宽度' (the width of a circle) instead. Remember that the first tone of 直 can be easily confused with other similar-sounding words.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 直径 connects with other mathematical terms at this level, like 面积 (area) and 半径 (radius). Focus on practicing its usage in sentences related to geometry and measurements to reinforce understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 直径 with 半径, mistakenly using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这个圆的半径是10厘米' when they meant to say the diameter. Always remember that 半径 is half of 直径, not the same.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 直径

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Component characters

直zhíZhi (c. 2000 BC), fifth of the legendary Flame Emperors 炎帝[Yán dì] descended from Shennong 神農
HSK 58 strokes目
View full entry
径jìngfootpath
8 strokes彳
View full entry

How to say diameter in Chinese

“diameter” in Chinese is直径zhíjìng

直径 (zhíjìng) refers to the straight line segment that passes through the center of a circle and connects two points on its circumference. It is commonly used in mathematics, engineering, and everyday contexts when discussing circles or spherical objects. Understanding this term is essential for comprehending geometric principles and measurements.

When to use 直径

Be careful to use 直径 specifically in contexts relating to circles or spheres; using it out of context can confuse its meaning. It is more formal, so in casual conversation, people might simply say '圆的宽度' (the width of a circle) instead. Remember that the first tone of 直 can be easily confused with other similar-sounding words.

直径 or something close to it

半径 (bànjìng) — use 直径 when referring to the full width of a circle through its center, not just the distance from the center to the edge.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 直径 with 半径, mistakenly using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这个圆的半径是10厘米' when they meant to say the diameter. Always remember that 半径 is half of 直径, not the same.

Write 直径

直
径

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

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Grammar patterns of 直径

直径 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

圆的____与圆周有相互关系.

The diameter and the circumference of a circle correlate.

Example sentences for 直径 (3)

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1
圆的直径与圆周有相互关系.

yuán de zhíjìng yǔ yuán zhōu yǒu xiānghù guānxì.

The diameter and the circumference of a circle correlate.
2
圆的轴线是其直径.

yuán de zhóu xiàn shì qí zhíjìng.

The axis of a circle is its diameter.
3
这个圆直径六英寸.

zhège yuán zhíjìng liù Yīng cùn.

The circle has a diameter of 6 inches.

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Frequently asked questions about 直径

半径 (bànjìng) refers to the radius, which is half of the diameter. In contrast, 直径 is the full length across the circle.

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