Meanings of 鬼
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About 鬼
Podcast: 鬼
Podcast: 鬼
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AI Study Notes for 鬼
鬼 (guǐ, ghost) vs 精 (jīng, spirit) — use 鬼 for malevolent or ghostly entities, while 精 refers to a more benign or ethereal spirit.
Imagine a ghost (鬼) sneaking around slyly, wearing a mask that has a sly grin. The character is complex but think of the '鬼' as a ghostly figure hiding in shadows, representing both the supernatural and cleverness.
When using 鬼, be mindful of the context; it can have both negative and neutral connotations. Common collocations include 鬼怪 (guǐguài - monster) and 鬼魂 (guǐhún - ghost spirit). Avoid using it in overly formal settings, as it may come off as informal or colloquial.
Although 鬼 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects with themes of supernatural and emotional vocabulary that are common in storytelling. Students should focus on recognizing and using it in idiomatic expressions and cultural references.
In Chinese culture, ghosts are often seen during the Hungry Ghost Festival, where it is believed that spirits return to the living world. The character reflects this deep-rooted belief in the supernatural and the importance of honoring ancestors.
Learners often confuse the tone and pronounce 鬼 as 'gui' instead of 'guǐ'. Additionally, some may use it inappropriately in formal contexts, where a more neutral term would be better.
Pronunciation of 鬼
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Etymology of 鬼
Pictograph of a human-like being with an unnatural head and a tail.
A ghost with a scary face
Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 鬼
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Write 鬼
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Practice writing 鬼 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 鬼
鬼 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 10 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.
Complete the Sentence
惠特比镇因为布拉姆·斯托克著名的吸血____故事而名传后世。
The town of whitby was immortalised in Bram Stoker's famous Dracula story.
Example Sentences for 鬼 (10)
Cultural Notes for 鬼
In Chinese culture, ghosts are often seen during the Hungry Ghost Festival, where it is believed that spirits return to the living world. The character reflects this deep-rooted belief in the supernatural and the importance of honoring ancestors.
Word Family of 鬼
Compound Meaning
What does 魔 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鬼
Common phrases with 鬼 (guǐ) include '鬼怪' (guǐguài), meaning 'ghosts and monsters,' and '鬼故事' (guǐ gùshì), which means 'ghost stories.' These phrases often appear in cultural contexts, especially around festivals like Halloween or the Ghost Festival.