Learn a Chinese Character - 甲

1. Character Basics

Radical: 田 (tián radical, "field" radical)

Stroke Count: 5

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: jiǎ

3. Meaning

first, A (grade), nail, shell, armor, cover, tenth of the twelve earthly branches

4. Common Words

• 甲级 (jiǎ jí) - first class, grade A
• 甲骨文 (jiǎ gǔ wén) - oracle bone script
• 甲鱼 (jiǎ yú) - soft-shelled turtle
• 指甲 (zhǐ jia) - fingernail
• 装甲 (zhuāng jiǎ) - armor, armored
• 甲状 (jiǎ zhuàng) - thyroid

5. Grammar & Usage

1. Used as an adjective meaning "first" or "grade A"

2. Often used in compound words to indicate the highest level or quality

3. Can be used as a noun referring to nails, shells, or armor

4. In traditional Chinese culture, one of the twelve earthly branches used in the Chinese calendar

6. Cultural Background

The character 甲 has a long history in Chinese culture. Originally, it referred to a protective covering or armor, and later came to mean "first" or "highest rank". It is also one of the twelve earthly branches (天干地支) used in traditional Chinese calendar and astrology. In addition, 甲骨文 (oracle bone script) is one of the earliest known forms of Chinese writing, inscribed on turtle shells and animal bones.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 甲 has 5 strokes. It looks like a shield or protective covering, which connects to its original meaning of armor. You can also remember it by its shape, which resembles a nail, another meaning of the character.