Learn a Chinese Character - 记

1. Character Basics

Radical: 讠 (yán radical, "speech" radical)

Stroke Count: 5

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: jì

3. Meaning

to remember, to record, to note, mark, memory

4. Common Words

• 记忆 (jìyì) - memory, to remember
• 记录 (jìlù) - to record, record
• 忘记 (wàngjì) - to forget, forget
• 笔记本 (bǐjìběn) - notebook
• 记者 (jìzhě) - reporter, journalist
• 记住 (jìzhù) - to remember, to keep in mind

5. Grammar & Usage

1. Used as a verb meaning "to remember" or "to record"

2. Can be combined with other characters to form compound words related to memory or recording

3. Often used in phrases like 记住 (jìzhù) - to remember, or 忘记 (wàngjì) - to forget

4. In modern Chinese, commonly used in educational, journalistic, and everyday contexts

6. Cultural Background

The character 记 reflects the importance of memory and recording in Chinese culture. Historically, this character has been associated with learning, literacy, and the preservation of knowledge. The radical 讠 (speech) suggests that remembering and recording often involve communication and language.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 记 has 5 strokes. It consists of the 讠 (speech) radical on the left and 己 (self) on the right. You can remember it by thinking of "speaking to yourself" - which relates to the idea of remembering or recording information for yourself.