Meanings of 筮
By ear
Play it, then pick what 筮 means.
About 筮
Podcast: 筮
Podcast: 筮
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 筮
This term is mainly used in formal or literary contexts related to divination and is less common in everyday conversation. Be cautious with the tone; the fourth tone (shì) is crucial to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words. Common collocations include '筮法' (shìfǎ - divination method) and '筮竹' (shìzhú - divining stalks).
Though not part of any HSK level, understanding 筮 can enhance your grasp of traditional Chinese culture and literature. It can also connect with other divination-related terms in Chinese, such as 卜 (bǔ - to divine), enriching your vocabulary in this thematic area.
Learners often confuse 筮 with similar-sounding words like 是 (shì - to be), leading to misunderstandings. Remember that 筮 specifically relates to divination, whereas 是 is a basic verb for existence or identity.
Pronunciation of 筮
Drill the tone of 筮 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 筮 to You
Let me explain 筮 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 筮 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Etymology of 筮
divining rod
Origin
筮 = 巫 + ⺮. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 筮
Parts
Which of these is part of 筮?
How to say divination using the stalks of plants; divining rod in Chinese
“divination using the stalks of plants; divining rod” in Chinese is筮
The character 筮 (shì) refers to the practice of divination using the stalks of plants, particularly in traditional Chinese cultural contexts. It often involves the use of yarrow stalks as a tool for gaining insight or guidance, commonly associated with ancient Chinese practices such as I Ching (the Book of Changes). In contemporary usage, it may also refer more broadly to methods of fortune-telling or seeking knowledge about the future.
When to use 筮
This term is mainly used in formal or literary contexts related to divination and is less common in everyday conversation. Be cautious with the tone; the fourth tone (shì) is crucial to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words. Common collocations include '筮法' (shìfǎ - divination method) and '筮竹' (shìzhú - divining stalks).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 筮 with similar-sounding words like 是 (shì - to be), leading to misunderstandings. Remember that 筮 specifically relates to divination, whereas 是 is a basic verb for existence or identity.
Write 筮
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 筮 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 筮?
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 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 筮
Frequently Asked Questions about 筮
In modern contexts, 筮 can refer to fortune-telling or methods of seeking guidance, but it primarily retains its ties to traditional practices.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 筮?
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.