Chinese Character: 忌
1. Character Basics
Radical: 心 (xīn radical, "heart" radical)
Stroke Count: 7
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jì
3. Meaning
to avoid, to shun, to abstain from, to忌妒, taboo, forbidden
4. Common Words
- 忌讳 (jì huì) - taboo, to avoid mentioning
- 忌妒 (jì dù) - jealous, envy
- 禁忌 (jìn jì) - taboo, forbidden
- 忌口 (jì kǒu) - to abstain from certain foods (for medical reasons)
- 忌日 (jì rì) - death anniversary, taboo day
- 忌烟 (jì yān) - to quit smoking
5. Grammar & Usage
1. Used as a verb meaning "to avoid" or "to abstain from"
2. Can be used as a noun referring to a taboo or forbidden act
3. Often combined with other characters to form compound words related to avoidance or taboos
4. In traditional Chinese culture, commonly used to describe cultural or religious taboos
6. Cultural Background
The concept of 忌 (avoidance/taboo) has deep roots in Chinese culture. Traditional Chinese medicine, feng shui, and various cultural practices often involve specific taboos related to diet, behavior, and daily activities. These taboos are believed to help maintain balance and harmony in life, and many are still observed in modern Chinese society.
7. Example Sentence
医生建议他忌辛辣食物。
Pronunciation: Yī shēng jiàn yì tā jì xīn là shí wù.
Translation: The doctor advised him to avoid spicy food.
8. Memory Tips
The character 忌 has 7 strokes. It consists of the 心 (heart) radical at the bottom and 己 (self) above it. You can remember it by thinking of "something that weighs on your heart" - which relates to the idea of avoiding or abstaining from things that might cause harm or discomfort.