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March 24, 2026
膝盖(膝蓋)xīgài(xi1gai4)
膝盖 (xī gài) refers to the knee, the joint connecting the thigh and the lower leg. It's commonly used in both medical contexts and everyday conversation to describe pain, injury, or movement related to the knee.
Frequency#3189DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, traditional medicine often emphasizes the importance of joint health, including the knees. Knees are seen as vital for mobility and often discussed in the context of aging and wellness.
Memory Tip
Imagine your knee as a 'cap' (盖) on the 'knee' (膝) that protects your leg. Visualize a knee wearing a cap, reminding you of the pronunciation 'xi1 gai4' and the protective function of the knee.
Meanings of 膝盖
xīgài(xi1gai4)
1knee
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About 膝盖
膝盖Simplified
膝蓋Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3189Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 膝盖
Podcast: 膝盖
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AI Study Notes for 膝盖
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine your knee as a 'cap' (盖) on the 'knee' (膝) that protects your leg. Visualize a knee wearing a cap, reminding you of the pronunciation 'xi1 gai4' and the protective function of the knee.
Usage Notes
When discussing knee pain, use '膝盖痛' (xī gài tòng) for 'knee pain.' Be cautious with the tones; the first tone (xī) is high and level, while the fourth tone (gài) is sharp and falling. Remember that '膝盖' is informal; in formal medical contexts, '膝关节' (xī guān jié) is preferred.
HSK Study Tips
As a HSK Level 6 word, 膝盖 connects to anatomical vocabulary and expressions of physical health. Students should focus on collocations with other body parts and expressions of movement or pain.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, traditional medicine often emphasizes the importance of joint health, including the knees. Knees are seen as vital for mobility and often discussed in the context of aging and wellness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 膝盖 with other body parts. For example, saying '我痛我的膝盖' (Wǒ tòng wǒ de xī gài) instead of '我的膝盖痛' (Wǒ de xī gài tòng) is a common error. The correct structure is important for clear communication.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 膝盖
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Grammar Patterns of 膝盖
膝盖 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.
The knee's coming on fine, I'm walking comfortably already.
3
她绊了一下摔倒了，手掌和膝盖都蹭破了。
tā bàn le yī xià shuāi dǎo le， ， shǒu zhǎng hé xī gài dū cèng pò。
She stumbled and fell, scraping her palms and knees.
4
我们在他的膝盖上涂了些药膏并打上了绷带。
wǒ mén zài tā de xī gài shàng tú le xiē yào gāo bìng dǎ shàng le bēng dài。
We put some ointment and a bandage on his knee.
5
她坐在罗西的膝盖上，听他低声耳语。
tā zuò zài luó xī de xī gài shàng， ， tīng tā dī shēng ěr。
She sat on Rossi's knee as he whispered in her ear.
6
他穿着高及膝盖的皮护腿,留着海象般的八字胡,真是个古怪的老家伙.
tā chuān zháo gāo jí xī gài de pí hù tuǐ, , liú zháo hǎi xiàng bān de bā zì, hú , zhēn shì gè gǔ guài de lǎo.
He is the queer old duck with the knee - length gaiters and walrus mustache.
7
她双脚宽分站稳，膝盖微屈。
tā shuāng jiǎo kuān fēn zhàn wěn， ， xī gài wēi。
She planted her feet wide and bent her knees slightly.
8
黑乎乎的脏水在他腿边打着旋，几乎快要没到了膝盖。
hēi hū hū de zāng shuǐ zài tā tuǐ biān dǎ zháo xuán， ， jī hū kuài yào méi dào le xī。
The black water swirled around his legs, reaching almost to his knees.
9
“别这么干了，”他用膝盖轻轻碰了碰那个男孩说道。
“ “ bié zhè mó gān，” le ，” tā yòng xī gài qīng qīng pèng le pèng nà gè nán hái。
"Stop it," he said, and nudged the boy lightly with his knee.
10
她小心翼翼地在红帆布垫上坐下，膝盖矜持地并拢着。
tā xiǎo xīn yì yì dì zài hóng fān bù diàn shàng zuò xià， ， xī gài jīn chí dì bìng lǒng。
She sat down cautiously on the red canvas cushions, knees modestly together.
Cultural Notes for 膝盖
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, traditional medicine often emphasizes the importance of joint health, including the knees. Knees are seen as vital for mobility and often discussed in the context of aging and wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions about 膝盖
You can say '我摔倒了，膝盖痛' (Wǒ shuāi dǎo le, xī gài tòng).
膝盖 is more informal; for medical contexts, use 膝关节 (xī guān jié) instead.
Commonly mentioned body parts include 腿 (leg), 脚 (foot), and 胳膊 (arm).
