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March 24, 2026
拟(儗)nǐ(ni3)
The character 拟 (nǐ) primarily means 'to plan' or 'to draft' something, often used in contexts where one is preparing a proposal or a blueprint. It can also imply imitation or emulation, where something is being compared or assessed against another. The nuances can vary based on context, but it commonly conveys a sense of preparation or comparison.
Strokes7Radical扌Frequency#17279DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese business culture, drafting plans and proposals is a critical step before any project initiation, showcasing the importance of thorough preparation and consideration of details before execution.
Memory Tip
Think of 拟 (nǐ) as a person with a clipboard (the radical 扌 represents action) who is drafting plans and comparing them to others. Imagine this person saying 'knee' (nǐ) as they kneel to closely examine their drafts, emphasizing the careful attention to detail in their planning.
Meanings of 拟
nǐ(ni3)
1doubtful
2suspicious
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 拟
拟Simplified
儗Traditional
7Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#17279Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 拟
Podcast: 拟
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AI Study Notes for 拟
Quick Contrast
拟 (nǐ) vs 计划 (jìhuà) — use 拟 for drafting or proposing, while 计划 emphasizes formal planning.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 拟 (nǐ) as a person with a clipboard (the radical 扌 represents action) who is drafting plans and comparing them to others. Imagine this person saying 'knee' (nǐ) as they kneel to closely examine their drafts, emphasizing the careful attention to detail in their planning.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 拟 with its variant 擬 (nǐ), which is less frequently used in modern Mandarin. This word is more formal, so be mindful of the context; it fits well in business or academic settings. Be cautious with the tone, as using the wrong tone can drastically change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 拟 (nǐ) is not included in the HSK word lists, it relates to other HSK terms like 计划 (jìhuà, plan) and 模拟 (mónǐ, simulate). Focus on practicing its use in drafting sentences and understanding its synonyms to enhance your vocabulary at this level.
Cultural Note
In Chinese business culture, drafting plans and proposals is a critical step before any project initiation, showcasing the importance of thorough preparation and consideration of details before execution.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 拟 with the similar-sounding 你 (nǐ), which means 'you'. An incorrect example would be saying, '我拟你来做这个' (Wǒ nǐ nǐ lái zuò zhège), which should be '我拟来做这个' (Wǒ nǐ lái zuò zhège) to mean 'I plan to do this'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 拟
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Grammar Patterns of 拟
拟 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 11 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.
We could not, in other word, shrink the diplomatic agenda for the Middle East to nothing.
7
卢森堡草拟了一项英国、法国和德国之间都可以接受的妥协方案。
lú sēn bǎo cǎo nǐ le yī xiàng yīng guó、 、 fǎ guó hé dé guó zhī jiān dū kě yǐ jiē shòu de tuǒ xié fāng。
Luxembourg sketched out an acceptable compromise between Britain, France and Germany.
8
用烟来模拟从撞碎的散热器中冒出的蒸气。
yòng yān lái mó nǐ cóng zhuàng suì de sàn rè qì zhōng mào chū de zhēng qì。
Smoke was used to simulate steam coming from a smashed radiator.
9
正在拟订增税方案。
zhèng zài nǐ dìng zēng shuì fāng àn。
There are plans afoot to increase taxation.
10
比拟柱按无挑臂框架导出.
bǐ nǐ zhù àn wú tiāo bì kuàng jià dǎo chū.
The analogous column is derived from frame without the overhangs.
Cultural Notes for 拟
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese business culture, drafting plans and proposals is a critical step before any project initiation, showcasing the importance of thorough preparation and consideration of details before execution.
Word Family of 拟
Words Containing This Character20
模拟mónǐimitation模擬
拟nǐto plan to擬
虚拟xūnǐto imagine虛擬
拟定nǐdìngto draw up擬定
草拟first draft草擬
比拟to compare比擬
模拟器emulator模擬器
拟订to draw up (a plan)擬訂
拟合a (close) fit擬合
拟人personification擬人
拟议proposal擬議
拟态(biol.) mimicry擬態
虚拟机virtual machine虛擬機
拟作a pastiche擬作
研拟to investigate and plan forward研擬
摹拟imitation摹擬
拟稿to draft (a statement)擬稿
拟古to emulate a classic擬古
拟于不伦to draw an impossible comparison擬於不倫
拟古之作a pastiche擬古之作
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 模拟 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 拟
While both characters share similar meanings, 拟 is more commonly used in modern Mandarin, while 擬 is considered somewhat archaic.
Yes, but it is more appropriate in formal contexts, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
