Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
翅(翄)chì(chi4)
翅 (chì) refers specifically to wings or fins, often used in contexts involving birds or aquatic animals. This character can also represent variants of related words, emphasizing its role in describing limbs used for flight or swimming. It is a versatile term in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
Strokes10Radical羽Frequency#16118DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, '鱼翅' (fish fins) refers to shark fins, a delicacy that has sparked debates about sustainability and conservation. This highlights the cultural significance and sometimes controversial nature of this term in modern discussions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bird soaring high in the sky, its wings (翅) spread wide. The character has a wing-like shape that reminds you of the soaring flight, while the 'ch' sound in 'chì' connects to the 'ch' in 'chirp,' the sound a bird makes.
Meanings of 翅
chì(chi4)
1wings; fins
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 翅
翅Simplified
翄Traditional
10Strokes
羽Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#16118Frequency Rank
Podcast: 翅
Podcast: 翅
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 翅
Quick Contrast
翅 (wing) vs 翼 (wing, specifically refers to the wing structure of birds or aircraft) — use 翅 for general wings, while 翼 emphasizes structure.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bird soaring high in the sky, its wings (翅) spread wide. The character has a wing-like shape that reminds you of the soaring flight, while the 'ch' sound in 'chì' connects to the 'ch' in 'chirp,' the sound a bird makes.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 翅 (chì) with similar-sounding words. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in phrases relating to animals. Common collocations include '翅膀' (wings) and '鱼翅' (fish fins).
HSK Study Tips
翅 is not included in the HSK levels, but it connects to related vocabulary about animals and nature, which are common themes in HSK materials. Focus on its usage in context to expand your vocabulary around animals.
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, '鱼翅' (fish fins) refers to shark fins, a delicacy that has sparked debates about sustainability and conservation. This highlights the cultural significance and sometimes controversial nature of this term in modern discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 翅 (chì) with other similar characters like 迟 (chí), which means 'late.' For example, saying '我有翅' (I have late) instead of '我有翅膀' (I have wings) is a common error.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 翅
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 翅 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 翅 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 翅
翅 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
她看见蛾子的____膀偶尔会泛光。
She saw the occasional glimmer of a moth's wings.
Example Sentences for 翅 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
她看见蛾子的翅膀偶尔会泛光。
tā kàn jiàn é zǐ de chì bǎng ǒu ěr huì fàn guāng。
She saw the occasional glimmer of a moth's wings.
2
一只鸽子从塔里钻出来，扑扑地拍打着翅膀。
yī zhī gē zǐ cóng tǎ lǐ zuān chū lái， ， pū pū dì pāi dǎ zháo chì。
A pigeon emerges, wings flapping noisily, from the tower.
In Chinese cuisine, '鱼翅' (fish fins) refers to shark fins, a delicacy that has sparked debates about sustainability and conservation. This highlights the cultural significance and sometimes controversial nature of this term in modern discussions.
Word Family of 翅
Words Containing This Character13
翅膀chìbǎngwing
翅chìvariant of 翅[chì]翄
展翅to spread wings
鱼翅shark fin魚翅
展翅高飞to spread one's wings and soar (idiom)展翅高飛
插翅难飞lit. even given wings, you couldn't fly (idiom); fig. impossible to escape插翅難飛
金翅雀(bird species of China) grey-capped greenfinch (Chloris sinica)
鳞翅目Lepidoptera (insect order including butterflies 蝶類|蝶类 and moths 蛾類|蛾类)鱗翅目
鞘翅目Coleoptera (insect order including beetles)
鞘翅elytrum (hardened forewing of Coleoptera beetle, encasing the flight wing)
翅子wing
膜翅目Hymenoptera (insect order including ants and bees)
直翅目Orthoptera (insect order including grasshoppers, crickets and locusts)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 翅膀 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 翅
It is pronounced as 'chì', with a falling tone.
Yes, it can also refer to fins, particularly in fish.
While not very common, you might find it in phrases describing flight or freedom.
