HSK 7, vg, 9 strokes, radical 辶, rank #11672, Very Hard
逆
nì
opposite
HSK 7, vg, 9 strokes, radical 辶, rank #11672, Very Hard
逆
nì
backwards
HSK 7, vg, 9 strokes, radical 辶, rank #11672, Very Hard
逆
nì
to go against
HSK 7, vg, 9 strokes, radical 辶, rank #11672, Very Hard
逆
nì
to oppose
HSK 7, vg, 9 strokes, radical 辶, rank #11672, Very Hard
逆
nì
to betray
HSK 7, vg, 9 strokes, radical 辶, rank #11672, Very Hard
逆
nì
to rebel
HSK 7, vg, 9 strokes, radical 辶, rank #11672, Very Hard
逆
nì
to disobey, to rebel; traitor, rebel
HSK 7, vg, 9 strokes, radical 辶, rank #11672, Very Hard
nì(ni4) T4
1contrary
2opposite
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March 24, 2026
逆nì(ni4)
The character 逆 (nì) conveys the idea of going against or opposing something. It is commonly used in contexts where one is in conflict with established norms or directions, such as in phrases indicating rebellion or disobedience. It can also imply a betrayal of trust or loyalty.
Strokes9Radical辶Frequency#11672DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of rebellion (逆) can be seen in historical contexts such as the many uprisings against dynasties, where individuals or groups opposed the ruling authority. This historical backdrop adds depth to the understanding of the term.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing at a fork in the road, choosing the path that goes 'against' the flow of traffic. The character 逆 looks like an arrow pointing backwards, symbolizing the idea of going in the opposite direction.
Meanings of 逆
nì(ni4)
1contrary
2opposite
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 逆
逆Simplified
9Strokes
辶Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#11672Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 逆
Podcast: 逆
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AI Study Notes for 逆
Quick Contrast
逆 (nì) vs 反 (fǎn) — use 逆 when emphasizing opposition to norms or directions; use 反 for a more general sense of reversal or contrary action.
Usage Notes
When using 逆, it is often paired with other words to express more complex ideas, such as 逆境 (nìjìng, adversity) or 逆反 (nìfǎn, rebellion). Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like '你' (nǐ, you), as this can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
Although 逆 is not listed in the official HSK levels, it connects well with other words expressing contrast or opposition, such as 反 (fǎn, to oppose). Focus on practicing collocations to grasp its nuances.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 逆 with 逆转 (nìzhuǎn, reversal) and mistakenly use it in contexts that imply simply changing direction rather than opposing. For example, saying '我想逆我的决定' (wǒ xiǎng nì wǒ de juédìng) incorrectly suggests you want to oppose your decision, instead of saying '我想改变我的决定' (wǒ xiǎng gǎibiàn wǒ de juédìng) for 'I want to change my decision.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 逆
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Originally written as 屰, a pictograph of an upside-down person. The 辶 (walk) component was added later.
1The giveawayA disobedient 屰 person 辶; 屰 also provides the pronunciation
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 逆? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 逆?
Decomposition of 逆
IDS Structure⿺辶屰
逆Full Character
=
辶chuo4
enclosing
屰ni4
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 逆?
How to say contrary in Chinese
“contrary” in Chinese is逆nì
The character 逆 (nì) conveys the idea of going against or opposing something. It is commonly used in contexts where one is in conflict with established norms or directions, such as in phrases indicating rebellion or disobedience. It can also imply a betrayal of trust or loyalty.
When to use 逆
When using 逆, it is often paired with other words to express more complex ideas, such as 逆境 (nìjìng, adversity) or 逆反 (nìfǎn, rebellion). Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like '你' (nǐ, you), as this can lead to misunderstandings.
逆 or something close to it
逆 (nì) vs 反 (fǎn) — use 逆 when emphasizing opposition to norms or directions; use 反 for a more general sense of reversal or contrary action.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 逆 with 逆转 (nìzhuǎn, reversal) and mistakenly use it in contexts that imply simply changing direction rather than opposing. For example, saying '我想逆我的决定' (wǒ xiǎng nì wǒ de juédìng) incorrectly suggests you want to oppose your decision, instead of saying '我想改变我的决定' (wǒ xiǎng gǎibiàn wǒ de juédìng) for 'I want to change my decision.'
Write 逆
逆
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Practice writing 逆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 逆
逆 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 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
南非正在经历一场不可____转的变革。
South Africa was going through a period of irreversible change.
Example Sentences for 逆 (10)
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1
南非正在经历一场不可逆转的变革。
nán fēi zhèng zài jīng lì yī cháng bù kě nì zhuǎn de biàn gé。
South Africa was going through a period of irreversible change.
