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蠍 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
蠍xiēscorpionx, 19 strokes, radical 虫
xiē(xie1) T1
  1. 1scorpion
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

蠍xiē(xie1)

The character 蠍 (xiē) refers to a scorpion, a predatory arachnid known for its venomous sting. It is commonly used in both scientific contexts and in describing astrological signs, particularly in reference to the zodiac sign Scorpio. This character is often associated with themes of danger or protection due to the scorpion's fearsome reputation.

Strokes19Radical虫
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, scorpions are often associated with the zodiac sign Scorpio, which is considered to have traits like intensity and mystery. Additionally, in traditional medicine, scorpions are sometimes used as a remedy, reflecting their complex role in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a scorpion (蠍) holding a tiny 'xi' (xiē) sign with its claws. The character has a radical that suggests creeping movement, reminding you of how scorpions move stealthily. Visualize a scorpion ready to strike while saying 'xiē' to help reinforce the pronunciation.

Meanings of 蠍

xiē(xie1)
1scorpion
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 蠍

蠍Simplified
19Strokes
虫Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 蠍

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Podcast: 蠍

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AI Study Notes for 蠍

Usage Notes

Be mindful that 蠍 is a more specialized term and may not be as commonly used in everyday conversation. It's often seen in the context of astrology or biology. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that may refer to other animals or concepts.

HSK Study Tips

Although 蠍 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, understanding it can enhance your language skills, especially in specialized fields like biology or astrology. Focus on recognizing how it connects to other characters involving animals or zodiac signs.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 蠍 (xiē) with 蛇 (shé), which means snake. A common mistake is saying 蛍 (huǐ), which means firefly, when referring to scorpions. Remember: 蠍 is the character for scorpion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 蠍

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Etymology of 蠍

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

Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 曷 represents the sound. Simplified form of 蠍.

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

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 蠍

Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 曷 represents the sound. Simplified form of 蠍.

  1. 1The meaning half虫 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half歇 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3On the record aspictophonetic.

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

Want the full history of 蠍? 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 蠍?

Decomposition of 蠍

IDS Structure⿰虫歇
蠍Full Character
=
虫chong2
left
歇xie1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 蠍?

How to say scorpion in Chinese

“scorpion” in Chinese is蠍xiē

The character 蠍 (xiē) refers to a scorpion, a predatory arachnid known for its venomous sting. It is commonly used in both scientific contexts and in describing astrological signs, particularly in reference to the zodiac sign Scorpio. This character is often associated with themes of danger or protection due to the scorpion's fearsome reputation.

When to use 蠍

Be mindful that 蠍 is a more specialized term and may not be as commonly used in everyday conversation. It's often seen in the context of astrology or biology. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that may refer to other animals or concepts.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 蠍 (xiē) with 蛇 (shé), which means snake. A common mistake is saying 蛍 (huǐ), which means firefly, when referring to scorpions. Remember: 蠍 is the character for scorpion.

Write 蠍

蠍

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 蠍

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

While scorpions are feared in many cultures, in some regions, they are also seen as symbols of strength and resilience, differing from the more generalized fear associated with them in Western contexts.

Word Family of 蠍

Words Containing This Character4
蝎xiēscorpion
蝎子scorpion蠍子
天蝎座Scorpio or Scorpius (constellation and sign of the zodiac)天蠍座
蝎虎座Lacerta (constellation)蠍虎座
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 蝎 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 蠍

It is pronounced as 'xiē'.

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