Chinese Character: 己
1. Character Basics
Radical: 己 (jǐ radical, itself, radical number 17)
Stroke Count: 3
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jǐ
3. Meaning
self, oneself, personal
4. Common Words
- 自己 (zì jǐ) - oneself, self
- 知己 (zhī jǐ) - intimate friend, bosom friend
- 己见 (jǐ jiàn) - one's own view/opinion
- 利己 (lì jǐ) - self-interested, beneficial to oneself
- 克己 (kè jǐ) - self-denial, self-restraint
- 体己 (tǐ jǐ) - intimate, personal
5. Grammar & Usage
1. Used as a pronoun meaning "self" or "oneself"
2. Most commonly used in compounds like 自己 (zìjǐ)
3. Can be used in both subject and object positions
4. Note that 己 is different from 已 (yǐ, meaning "already") and 巳 (sì, the sixth Earthly Branch)
6. Cultural Background
The character 己 has deep philosophical significance in Chinese culture. It is closely related to concepts of self-cultivation and moral development, as seen in Confucian teachings. The phrase 克己复礼 (kèjǐ fù lǐ) means "restrain oneself and return to propriety," emphasizing self-control as a foundation for social harmony.
7. Example Sentence
我要做我自己。
Pronunciation: Wǒ yào zuò wǒ zì jǐ.
Translation: I want to be myself.
8. Memory Tips
The character 己 has 3 strokes and resembles a coiled rope or a figure that turns back on itself, which can help you remember its meaning related to "self." Be careful not to confuse it with 已 (yǐ), which has a slight opening at the top, and 巳 (sì), which is more closed at the top. Practice writing all three to distinguish them.