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奇怪 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
奇怪qíguàistrangeHSK 3, v, rank #571, Medium
奇怪qíguàioddHSK 3, v, rank #571, Medium
奇怪qíguàito marvelHSK 3, v, rank #571, Medium
奇怪qíguàito be baffledHSK 3, v, rank #571, Medium
qíguài(qi2guai4) T2
  1. 1strange
  2. 2odd
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March 24, 2026
奇怪qíguài(qi2guai4)

The term '奇怪' (qíguài) is used to describe something that is strange, odd, or unusual. It can refer to people, situations, or objects that elicit a sense of surprise or confusion. This word is often used in everyday conversation when expressing feelings of bewilderment or curiosity.

Frequency#571DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, expressing that something is '奇怪' can be a way to initiate deeper discussions or curiosity about an unusual phenomenon, reflecting a cultural openness to exploring the unknown.

Memory Tip

Imagine a '奇' (qí) looking like a quirky character who is always acting '怪' (guài) in unexpected ways. Visualize this character surprising others with odd behaviors, making everyone around them marvel at their strangeness.

Meanings of 奇怪

qíguài(qi2guai4)
1strange
2odd
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 奇怪

奇怪Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#571Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 奇怪

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Podcast: 奇怪

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AI Study Notes for 奇怪

Quick Contrast

怪异 (guàiyì) - use '奇怪' for everyday situations, while '怪异' often conveys a stronger sense of abnormality or peculiarity.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a '奇' (qí) looking like a quirky character who is always acting '怪' (guài) in unexpected ways. Visualize this character surprising others with odd behaviors, making everyone around them marvel at their strangeness.

Usage Notes

'奇怪' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in casual conversations. Be cautious not to use it in overly serious discussions, as it may come off as dismissive. Common collocations include '觉得奇怪' (to feel strange) and '奇怪的事情' (strange things).

HSK Study Tips

As a level 3 HSK word, '奇怪' connects to other vocabulary related to feelings and descriptions. Students should focus on using it in sentences to express surprise or confusion, and practice the tone to ensure proper pronunciation.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, expressing that something is '奇怪' can be a way to initiate deeper discussions or curiosity about an unusual phenomenon, reflecting a cultural openness to exploring the unknown.

Common Mistakes

Learners often incorrectly assume '奇怪' can only have negative connotations. For example, saying '这件事情很奇怪' (This matter is very strange) might be perceived negatively, while it could simply mean it's puzzling. Instead, clarify the context to avoid misunderstanding.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 奇怪

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Component Characters

奇jīodd (number)
8 strokes大
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怪guàibewildering
HSK 58 strokes忄
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Write 奇怪

奇
怪

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

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Grammar Patterns of 奇怪

奇怪 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 4 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.

Related grammar lessons2
Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

最近天气有点儿____，一会儿冷，一会儿热。

The weather has been strange lately — cold one moment, hot the next.

Example Sentences for 奇怪 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
她态度有些奇怪，让我迷惑不解。

tā tài dù yǒu xiē qí guài， ， ràng wǒ mí huò bù。

There was something strange in her attitude which mystified me.
2
奇怪的是，那些不相配的伴侣实际上却彼此需要。

qí guài de shì， ， nà xiē bù xiāng pèi de bàn lǚ shí jì shàng què bǐ cǐ xū。

In some perverse way the ill-matched partners do actually need each other.
3
在1,000英尺的高度飞行时，他听到旋翼发出一种奇怪的噪音。

zài1,000 1,000 yīng chǐ de gāo dù fēi háng， shí ， tā tīng dào xuán yì fā chū yī zhǒng qí guài de。

Flying at 1,000 ft. he heard a peculiar noise from the rotors.
4
他们在去年选举中如此糟糕的表现并不奇怪。

tā mén zài qù nián xuǎn jǔ zhōng rú cǐ zāo gāo de biǎo xiàn bìng bù qí guài。

It is not surprising they did so badly in last year's elections.
5
我有一种奇怪的感觉：艾丽斯是在警告我。

wǒ yǒu yī zhǒng qí guài de gǎn jué： ： ài lì sī shì zài jǐng gào。

I had this uncanny feeling that Alice was warning me.
6
他脸上有疤痕，还有几处奇怪的肿包。

tā liǎn shàng yǒu bā hén， ， huán yǒu jī chǔ qí guài de zhǒng。

His face was scarred and oddly puffy in places.
7
这毫不奇怪地引得一些人倒吸凉气。

zhè háo bù qí guài dì yǐn dé yī xiē rén dǎo xī liáng qì。

This caused a few gasps, as well it might.
8
有些人会把这些奇怪的铁片与木块称作“古董”。

yǒu xiē rén huì bǎ zhè xiē qí guài de tiě piàn yǔ mù kuài chēng zuò“ “ gǔ”。

Some would call these odd pieces of iron and wood "antiques"
9
当声音在水中传播时，可能会发生奇怪的现象。

dāng shēng yīn zài shuǐ zhōng chuán bō shí， ， kě néng huì fā shēng qí guài de xiàn。

When sound travels through water, strange things can happen.
10
毫不奇怪，她的老师有点被她惹恼了。

háo bù qí guài， ， tā de lǎo shī yǒu diǎn bèi tā rě nǎo。

Not surprisingly, her teacher is getting irritated with her.

Cultural Notes for 奇怪

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, expressing that something is '奇怪' can be a way to initiate deeper discussions or curiosity about an unusual phenomenon, reflecting a cultural openness to exploring the unknown.

Frequently Asked Questions about 奇怪

Yes, '奇怪' can describe people who behave in unexpected or unusual ways.