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March 24, 2026
机(機)Jī(Ji1)
The character 机 (jī) primarily refers to a machine or engine, signifying technology and mechanical devices. It can also imply a pivotal moment or opportunity in various contexts, reflecting the concept of flexibility and quick wit, essential in decision-making. Commonly used in terms like '飞机' (fēijī - airplane) and '机器' (jīqì - machine), it is versatile in its applications.
Strokes6Radical木Frequency#1197DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '机' often relates to the importance of seizing opportunities, a theme prevalent in business and personal growth. This aligns with the value placed on adaptability and quick decision-making in fast-paced environments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant 'machine' (机) with gears turning inside it. The character looks like a machine part itself, with its horizontal and vertical lines representing the interconnected components. To remember its pronunciation, think of 'ji' as the sound a machine makes when it starts up!
Meanings of 机
Jī(Ji1)
1machine
2engine
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 机
机Simplified
機Traditional
6Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1197Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L1
Podcast: 机
Podcast: 机
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AI Study Notes for 机
Quick Contrast
机器 (jīqì - machine) refers specifically to a type of machine, while 机 (jī) can refer to machines in general or more abstract concepts like opportunity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant 'machine' (机) with gears turning inside it. The character looks like a machine part itself, with its horizontal and vertical lines representing the interconnected components. To remember its pronunciation, think of 'ji' as the sound a machine makes when it starts up!
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the different meanings of 机 in various contexts, as it can refer to both physical machines and abstract concepts like opportunities. It's often used in both formal and informal settings, but collocations like '机会' (jīhuì - opportunity) are more common in conversational language. Pay attention to the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 机 is not in the HSK levels, it connects well with HSK 1 and 2 vocabulary related to technology and daily life. Focus on practicing its usage in sentences and common phrases to reinforce its meanings. This will help in understanding more complex phrases in higher levels.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '机' often relates to the importance of seizing opportunities, a theme prevalent in business and personal growth. This aligns with the value placed on adaptability and quick decision-making in fast-paced environments.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 机 with similar-sounding characters. For instance, mixing it up with '基' (jī - base) is common. Remember that 机 relates to machines and opportunities, while 基 refers to a foundation or base.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 机
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Grammar Patterns of 机
机 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 12 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.
Some of the older telephones still only accept tokens.
8
你可以近距离观察飞机的起降。
nǐ kě yǐ jìn jù lí guān chá fēi jī de qǐ jiàng。
You can watch aircraft take off or land at close quarters.
9
你可以上下左右移动摄像机。
nǐ kě yǐ shàng xià zuǒ yòu yí dòng shè xiàng jī。
You can move the camera both vertically and horizontally.
10
公司正向你提供分享其成功的机会。
gōng sī zhèng xiàng nǐ tí gōng fēn xiǎng qí chéng gōng de jī huì。
The company is offering you the chance to share in its success.
Cultural Notes for 机
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of '机' often relates to the importance of seizing opportunities, a theme prevalent in business and personal growth. This aligns with the value placed on adaptability and quick decision-making in fast-paced environments.
Word Family of 机
Words Containing This Character20
机会jīhuìchance機會
机Jīmachine機
飞机fēijīairplane飛機
机构jīgòumechanism機構
手机shǒujīcell phone手機
司机sījīchauffeur司機
机制jīzhìmachine made機製
机场jīchǎngairport機場
机关jīguāngear機關
机器jīqìmachine機器
危机wēijīcrisis危機
机器人jīqìrénrobot機器人
时机shíjīoccasion時機
相机xiàngjīat the opportune moment相機
机械jīxièmachine機械
动机dòngjīmotor動機
计算机jìsuànjīcomputer計算機
直升机zhíshēngjīhelicopter直升機
机密jīmìsecret機密
摄像机shèxiàngjīvideo camera攝像機
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 机会 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 机
Common phrases include '飞机' (fēijī - airplane), '机器' (jīqì - machine), and '机会' (jīhuì - opportunity).
Yes, 机 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing technology or opportunities.
机 is pronounced as 'jī', with a high and steady tone.
