奇 (jī) — (classifier) odd number (used after a number to count odd numbers)
Definition
奇 is a bound form meaning 'odd' in math, used immediately after a number (e.g. 三奇). The contrast with 偶 (jī vs ǒu) is what learners usually mix up — they only differ in tone.
classifier
odd number (used after a number to count odd numbers)
Easily confused
- 苛kēlook-alikesevere, exacting (bound form; occurs in compounds such as 苛刻, 苛求)
- 鸡jīsound-alikechicken
- 哥gēlook-alikeelder brother (also used as a respectful or friendly term for a male friend or acquaintance)
- 机jīsound-alike(bound form) machine; mechanical
- 基jīsound-alike(bound form) base; foundation; fundamental
- 击jīsound-alike(bound form) to strike, to hit, to attack
Examples
- 。Zhè ge shù liè bāo hán sān gè jī shù.This sequence contains three odd numbers.
- 。Liǎng gè jī shù xiāng jiā dé ǒu shù.Two odd numbers add up to an even number.
- 。Wǔ gè jī shù zhōng zhǐ yǒu yí gè shì zhì shù.Among five odd numbers, only one is prime.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
奇 pairs 大 (big; great) with 可, a sound part.
Appears in
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