Meanings of 居
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About 居
Podcast: 居
Podcast: 居
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AI Study Notes for 居
居 (jī) vs 住 (zhù) — use 居 when emphasizing the state of residing or living in a place, while 住 focuses more on the act of staying or dwelling.
Imagine someone sitting in their home (the roof radical 屋) looking out from their window, pondering whether to stay or move. The sound 'jī' can be remembered by thinking of 'giddy' as they debate this decision, linking the character's form and meaning to the feeling of being at home.
Be cautious with the register when using 居; it is more commonly used in written contexts or formal speech about residence. Common collocations include 居住 (to reside) and 居所 (place of residence). Learners often confuse it with 住 (zhù), which also means 'to live' but is more general.
Although 居 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it connects with basic vocabulary about living and residence found in HSK 1 and 2. Focus on practicing its usage in sentences that describe where people live or stay to reinforce understanding.
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of home (居所) holds significant importance, often associated with family values and stability. The idea of residing in a particular place is deeply intertwined with concepts of familial duty and ancestral respect.
Learners often confuse 居 with 住, leading to incorrect phrases like 居住学校 (reside school) instead of 住学校 (live at school). Remember that 居 specifically focuses on residence and place rather than general living.
Pronunciation of 居
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Etymology of 居
Phonosemantic compound. 户 represents the meaning and 古 represents the sound.
door
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 居?
Decomposition of 居
Identify the Components
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Write 居
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Practice writing 居 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 居
居 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 11 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.
Complete the Sentence
你百分之百肯定是你的邻____吗？
Are you a hundred per cent sure it's your neighbour?
Common Confusions with 居
Similar sound and shape but different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "(archaic) sentence-final particle expressing a doubting attitude"?
Example Sentences for 居 (10)
Cultural Notes for 居
The character 居 is related to the concept of residence and can also be used in the context of restaurants. In Chinese culture, the place where one resides is often considered a reflection of their status and lifestyle.
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of home (居所) holds significant importance, often associated with family values and stability. The idea of residing in a particular place is deeply intertwined with concepts of familial duty and ancestral respect.
Word Family of 居
Compound Meaning
What does 据 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 居
居 (jū) can mean residence, to be in a position, or to stand still. In classical contexts, it also functions as a particle that conveys doubt at the end of a sentence. Understanding its various meanings is essential for grasping nuances in conversation.