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矣 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
矣yǐparticle of completed actionHSK 7, zg, 7 strokes, radical 矢, rank #18738, Very Hard
矣yǐclassical final particle, similar to modern 了[le5]HSK 7, unknown, 7 strokes, radical 矢, rank #18738, Very Hard
yǐ(yi3)yi T3
  1. 1particle of completed action
  2. 2classical final particle, similar to modern 了[le5]
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March 24, 2026

矣yǐ(yi3)

The character 矣 (yǐ) is a classical Chinese final particle used to indicate the completion of an action, similar to the modern particle 了 (le). It is often found in literary or historical texts, conveying a sense of finality or conclusion. While less common in contemporary usage, it reflects the nuances of classical Chinese grammar.

Strokes7Radical矢Frequency#18738DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In ancient Chinese poetry and literature, particles like 矣 were used to convey subtle emotional nuances and finality, reflecting the importance of tone and mood in classical writing. This character embodies the elegance and complexity of historical Chinese language.

Memory tip

Imagine a mountain peak (the radical '矢' resembling a sharp peak) representing the completion of a journey. When you reach the top, you can say 'yǐ' to express your achievement, as if you have finished your climb.

Meanings of 矣

yǐ(yi3)
1particle of completed action
2classical final particle, similar to modern 了[le5]
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 矣

矣Simplified
7Strokes
矢Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 矣

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Podcast: 矣

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AI study notes for 矣

Usage Notes

Learners should be cautious when using 矣, as it is mainly found in classical texts and might not be understood in everyday conversation. Common mistakes include confusing it with 了 (le), which has a broader usage in modern Mandarin. It's important to recognize the context in which 矣 is appropriate.

HSK Study Tips

While 矣 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding its function can enhance comprehension of classical literature. Students should focus on recognizing it within literary contexts and relate it to the more commonly used 了 (le) for completed actions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 矣 in modern sentences where 了 would be appropriate. For example, saying '我吃矣' instead of '我吃了' (I have eaten) is incorrect. Always opt for 了 in contemporary contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 矣

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Etymology of 矣

Decomposition of 矣

IDS Structure⿱厶矢
矣Full character
=
厶mou3
top
矢shi3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 矣?

How to say particle of completed action in Chinese

“particle of completed action” in Chinese is矣yǐ

The character 矣 (yǐ) is a classical Chinese final particle used to indicate the completion of an action, similar to the modern particle 了 (le). It is often found in literary or historical texts, conveying a sense of finality or conclusion. While less common in contemporary usage, it reflects the nuances of classical Chinese grammar.

When to use 矣

Learners should be cautious when using 矣, as it is mainly found in classical texts and might not be understood in everyday conversation. Common mistakes include confusing it with 了 (le), which has a broader usage in modern Mandarin. It's important to recognize the context in which 矣 is appropriate.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 矣 in modern sentences where 了 would be appropriate. For example, saying '我吃矣' instead of '我吃了' (I have eaten) is incorrect. Always opt for 了 in contemporary contexts.

Write 矣

矣

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

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Grammar patterns of 矣

矣 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

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

人生得一知己足____。

In life, having one true friend is enough.

Example sentences for 矣 (1)

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1
天命不慆久矣.

tiān mìng bù tāo jiǔ yǐ.

Long has there been no doubt of Heaven's mandate.
Exercise 1 of 1

Rebuild it

Rebuild it: “Long has there been no doubt of Heaven's mandate.”

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Word Family of 矣

Words containing this character1
矣yǐclassical final particle, similar to modern 了[le]

Frequently asked questions about 矣

No, 矣 is primarily found in classical Chinese texts and is not used in contemporary spoken Mandarin.

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