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係 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
係xìsystem; line, link, connectionzg, 9 strokes, radical 亻
xì(xi4) T4
  1. 1system; line, link, connection
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March 24, 2026

係xì(xi4)

The character 係 (xì) refers to a connection, link, or system. It is commonly used in contexts involving relationships between entities, such as in social systems or networks. This character can also imply a sense of belonging or association.

Strokes9Radical亻
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, connections (係) are highly valued in both personal and business relationships. The emphasis on networking and maintaining relationships is a key aspect of social interactions in China, reflecting the cultural principle of 'guanxi' (关系).

Memory Tip

Imagine a tightrope walker balancing on a thin line connecting two points. The character 係 has a ‘line’ component (系) that visually represents this connection, and the pronunciation 'xì' sounds like 'see,' reminding you to 'see' the connections around you.

Meanings of 係

xì(xi4)
1system; line, link, connection
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 係 means.

About 係

係Simplified
9Strokes
亻Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 係

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Podcast: 係

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AI Study Notes for 係

Quick Contrast

联系 (liánxì) vs 关联 (guānlian) — use 係 (xì) when emphasizing the inherent connection or relationship, while 联系 (liánxì) focuses more on the act of connecting, and 关联 (guānlian) often implies a more indirect association.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 係 with 系 (xì), which also means 'system' but has a more formal usage. While 係 can be used in casual conversation, it is important to pair it with the right context to avoid sounding overly formal or inappropriate.

HSK Study Tips

Although 係 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is useful for learners at intermediate levels. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in phrases related to relationships and systems, which can enhance comprehension of more complex sentences.

Common Mistakes

Learners may mistakenly use 係 in overly formal contexts where 系 is more appropriate. For example, saying 係制度 (xì zhìdù - connection system) instead of 系制度 (xì zhìdù) can sound awkward.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 係

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Etymology of 係

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

Pictograph of a hand (又) holding a group of threads (糸) that are connected together (系).

Memory Hint

Someone 亻 who connects 系 people; 系 also provides the pronunciation

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

Origin

What kind of character is 係?

Decomposition of 係

IDS Structure⿰亻系
係Full Character
=
亻ren2
left
系ji4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 係?

How to say system; line, link, connection in Chinese

“system; line, link, connection” in Chinese is係xì

The character 係 (xì) refers to a connection, link, or system. It is commonly used in contexts involving relationships between entities, such as in social systems or networks. This character can also imply a sense of belonging or association.

When to use 係

Learners often confuse 係 with 系 (xì), which also means 'system' but has a more formal usage. While 係 can be used in casual conversation, it is important to pair it with the right context to avoid sounding overly formal or inappropriate.

係 or something close to it

联系 (liánxì) vs 关联 (guānlian) — use 係 (xì) when emphasizing the inherent connection or relationship, while 联系 (liánxì) focuses more on the act of connecting, and 关联 (guānlian) often implies a more indirect association.

What learners get wrong

Learners may mistakenly use 係 in overly formal contexts where 系 is more appropriate. For example, saying 係制度 (xì zhìdù - connection system) instead of 系制度 (xì zhìdù) can sound awkward.

Write 係

係

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

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Cultural Notes for 係

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, connections may be viewed more individually, whereas in Chinese culture, they often emphasize collective ties and the importance of social networks.

Word Family of 係

Words Containing This Character20
关系guānxìrelation關係
系统xìtǒngsystem系統
联系liánxìconnection聯繫
系jìto connect係
没关系méiguānxiit doesn't matter沒關係
体系tǐxìsystem體系
系列xìlièseries
一系列yíxìlièa series of
星系galaxy
系数factor係數
性关系sexual relations性關係
操作系统operating system操作系統
关系到relates to關係到
联系人contact (person)聯繫人
人际关系interpersonal relationship人際關系
信息系统information system信息系統
太阳系solar system太陽系
维系to maintain維繫
银河系Milky Way Galaxy銀河系
神经系统nervous system神經系統
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 係

What does 关系 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 係

While both characters can mean 'system' or 'connection,' 係 is more informal and used in everyday speech, whereas 系 has a more formal connotation.

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