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犄 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
犄jīanimal hornsn, 12 strokes, radical 牛
犄jīox-hornsunknown, 12 strokes, radical 牛
犄jīwing of an armyunknown, 12 strokes, radical 牛
jī(ji1) T1
  1. 1animal horns
  2. 2ox-horns
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March 24, 2026

犄jī(ji1)

The character 犄 (jī) primarily refers to animal horns, particularly those of oxen. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the wings of an army, signifying a strategic advantage. This term is often used in discussions related to agriculture or military tactics.

Strokes12Radical牛
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, oxen are considered symbols of hard work and diligence, making the representation of their horns significant in agricultural contexts. The strategic use of terms like 犄 in military discussions reflects the historical importance of warfare in Chinese history.

Memory Tip

Imagine an ox with its impressive horns protruding, forming a 'J' shape. The horns stand out like the wings of an army, giving it strength and defense. The pronunciation 'jī' sounds like the English 'G' in 'giraffe', which also has a long neck and prominent features.

Meanings of 犄

jī(ji1)
1animal horns
2ox-horns
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 犄

犄Simplified
12Strokes
牛Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 犄

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Podcast: 犄

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AI Study Notes for 犄

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 犄 with similar sounding characters, as it is less commonly used in everyday conversation. While it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is more frequently found in literary or historical texts. Common collocations include phrases discussing military strategies or agricultural practices.

HSK Study Tips

Although 犄 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it shares a conceptual linkage with other terms related to animals and military strategy. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in context, especially within literature or historical discussions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 犄 with similar characters due to its rarity. For example, mistakenly using 犄 in place of 角 (jiǎo), which also means horn but is more common. Correct usage should focus on context to avoid confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 犄

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Etymology of 犄

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 牛 represents the meaning and 奇 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

ox

Semantic (meaning)牛
+
Phonetic (sound)奇
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 犄

Phonosemantic compound. 牛 represents the meaning and 奇 represents the sound.

  1. 1The meaning half牛 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half奇 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawayox
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 犄? 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 犄?

Decomposition of 犄

IDS Structure⿰牛奇
犄Full Character
=
牛Niu2
left
奇ji1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 犄?

How to say animal horns in Chinese

“animal horns” in Chinese is犄jī

The character 犄 (jī) primarily refers to animal horns, particularly those of oxen. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the wings of an army, signifying a strategic advantage. This term is often used in discussions related to agriculture or military tactics.

When to use 犄

Be cautious not to confuse 犄 with similar sounding characters, as it is less commonly used in everyday conversation. While it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is more frequently found in literary or historical texts. Common collocations include phrases discussing military strategies or agricultural practices.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 犄 with similar characters due to its rarity. For example, mistakenly using 犄 in place of 角 (jiǎo), which also means horn but is more common. Correct usage should focus on context to avoid confusion.

Write 犄

犄

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

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Grammar Patterns of 犄

犄 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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 1

Complete the Sentence

这凿子在要伸入到____角儿里时十分有用.

This chisel is useful for getting into awkward spaces.

Example Sentences for 犄 (1)

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1
这凿子在要伸入到犄角儿里时十分有用.

zhè záo zǐ zài yào shēn rù dào jī jiǎo ér lǐ shí shí fēn yǒu yòng.

This chisel is useful for getting into awkward spaces.

Word Family of 犄

Words Containing This Character3
犄角horn
犄角旮旯corner
犄jīox-horns
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 犄角 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 犄

In military terms, 犄 can refer to the wings of an army, indicating a strategic formation or advantage.

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