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脅 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
脅xiéto threaten, to coerce; ribs, flankx, 10 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #68001, Very Hard
xié(xie2) T2
  1. 1to threaten, to coerce; ribs, flank
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March 24, 2026

脅xié(xie2)

The character 脅 (xié) primarily means to threaten or coerce someone into action, often through intimidation. It can also refer to the ribs or flank in anatomical contexts, indicating its application in both abstract and concrete domains.

Strokes10Radical⺼Frequency#68001DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of '脅迫' (xiépò) or coercion is often discussed in the context of interpersonal relationships and business ethics, highlighting the importance of harmony and mutual respect.

Memory Tip

Imagine a fierce animal with sharp ribs (the character's radical) that threatens anyone who comes too close. The sharpness suggests danger, helping you remember 'xié' means to threaten.

Meanings of 脅

xié(xie2)
1to threaten, to coerce; ribs, flank
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 脅

脅Simplified
10Strokes
⺼Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 脅

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Podcast: 脅

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AI Study Notes for 脅

Quick Contrast

威胁 (wēixié, to threaten) — use 脅 (xié) when emphasizing the act of coercion or intimidation, while 威胁 (wēixié) is broader and can imply a general threat without the same intensity.

Usage Notes

This term is often used in a negative context, particularly in legal or personal situations. Be careful not to confuse it with '协' (xié), which means to cooperate; the tones are different.

HSK Study Tips

Although 脅 is not currently part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your comprehension of words related to conflict or pressure. Focus on its usage in phrases that convey coercion or threats.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 脅 with similar-sounding words. For example, using 脅 when they mean '协' (to cooperate) leads to misunderstandings. Always double-check the tone and context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 脅

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Etymology of 脅

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 脅. Phonosemantic compound. ⺼ represents the meaning and 劦 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

To control 劦 another's body ⺼

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 脅?

Decomposition of 脅

IDS Structure⿱劦⺼
脅Full Character
=
劦lie4
top
⺼rou4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 脅?

How to say to threaten, to coerce; ribs, flank in Chinese

“to threaten, to coerce; ribs, flank” in Chinese is脅xié

The character 脅 (xié) primarily means to threaten or coerce someone into action, often through intimidation. It can also refer to the ribs or flank in anatomical contexts, indicating its application in both abstract and concrete domains.

When to use 脅

This term is often used in a negative context, particularly in legal or personal situations. Be careful not to confuse it with '协' (xié), which means to cooperate; the tones are different.

脅 or something close to it

威胁 (wēixié, to threaten) — use 脅 (xié) when emphasizing the act of coercion or intimidation, while 威胁 (wēixié) is broader and can imply a general threat without the same intensity.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 脅 with similar-sounding words. For example, using 脅 when they mean '协' (to cooperate) leads to misunderstandings. Always double-check the tone and context.

Write 脅

脅

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

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Word Family of 脅

Words Containing This Character6
威胁wēixiéto threaten威脅
胁迫to coerce脅迫
胁xiéto coerce脅
胁持to hold under duress脅持
胁从犯induced accomplice脅從犯
迫胁to coerce迫脅
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 脅

What does 威胁 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 脅

It is pronounced as 'xié' with a rising tone.

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