戏

戯
xì
#1,031 most
frequent character
play, sport, joke, make fun of
noun
verb

Character breakdown

Source: Make Me a Hanzi.

戏 has 戈 axe-like weapon for meaning; the first meaning was a military flank or wing. 又 is now empty, but it began as an abbreviation of 䖒 xī, the old sound part. The meaning grew to a show of strength or sport, then a show or drama, and to making fun or joking.

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Example Sentences

我喜欢看中国的戏。
wǒ xǐhuān kàn zhōngguó de xì 。
I like to watch Chinese dramas.
孩子们在公园里玩戏。
háizǐ mén zài gōngyuán lǐ wán xì 。
The children are playing games in the park.
他在戏中扮演主角。
tāzài xìzhōng bànyǎn zhǔjué 。
He plays the leading role in the play.

Same Characters, Different Readings

戏xì
play, sport, joke, make fun of

Words with similar meanings

游戏yóuxì
game
This refers to an activity for fun, often involving competition, more focused on the playful aspect.
戏剧xìjù
drama
More specific to serious or structured performances, emphasizing storytelling.

Homophones

HSK 5
系xì
to connect, to relate to, to tie up
细xì
thin, slender, delicate, careful
戏xì
play, sport, joke, make fun of

Words Starting With 戏

戏剧xì jù
drama; play; theater

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