器
vessel, implement
At a glance · 器
Evolution of the glyph
Five stages, from a sketch of the real object to regular script — tap a stage, drag the timeline, or play the animation.
Object sketchBefore writing · drawing what was seenOracle boneShang dynasty · c. 1300–1046 BCESeal scriptQin dynasty · 221–206 BCEClerical scriptHan dynasty · 206 BCE–220 CERegular scriptWei–Jin to Tang · c. 3rd–9th century CE
⚠ Some ancient forms are not attested：oracle bone form。No excavated oracle bone / seal artifact is attested for this character yet; we leave it blank rather than fabricate.
器字小篆从犬从四口，会意为众口喧嚣、器皿；本义为器具、器皿。甲骨文未见。
What the sketch shows
Origins & notes
器本义为器具、器物，引申为才能、器量。
Structure
会意字，从犬从四口，象器皿四周有口（亦说器物），表示容器。
At a glance
Pinyinqì
Radical口
Strokes16
UnicodeU+5668
Character type会意
Theme器物
Six languages, one character
Each page offers hreflang versions; switching language keeps the glyphs and meanings aligned.
English
vessel, implement
Qi is an associative character of a dog and four mouths, meaning a vessel and implement.
Français
récipient, instrument
Qi est un caractère associatif d'un chien et quatre bouches, signifiant récipient et instrument.
Español
recipiente, instrumento
Qi es un carácter asociativo de un perro y cuatro bocas, significa recipiente e instrumento.
العربية
إناء، أداة
تشي حرف تركيبي لكلب وأربعة أفواه، يعني إناءً وأداةً.
Русский
сосуд, орудие
Ци — ассоциативный знак собаки и четырёх ртов, означает сосуд и орудие.
Common words
- 器具qì jùutensil
- 机器jī qìmachine