攲 (qī) - To lean & to incline

攲Tone 1

qī ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

七器

攲 · qī

To lean;

to incline;

to tilt;

also refers to a vessel that tilts when empty and rights itself when full, used metaphorically for moderation.

To leanto inclineto tilt

Usage highlights

To lean on one sideLeaning dangerouslyQiji vesselTilting one's headLeaning towerInclined posture

Synonyms

  • 斜— slanting; inclined
  • 倾— to incline; to lean
  • 侧— to tilt; to lean to one side

Antonyms

  • 正— upright; straight
  • 直— straight; vertical
  • 立— to stand erect

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The tower leans dangerously (攲斜的塔).
  • He tilted his head in thought (攲着头思考).
  • The ancient vessel called a qiji (攲器) rights itself when full.
  • The painting hangs at a slight angle (画框有些攲侧).

Collocations

  • To lean on one side(攲侧)
  • Leaning dangerously(攲危)
  • Qiji vessel(攲器)
  • Tilting one's head(攲首)
  • Leaning tower(攲塔)
  • Inclined posture(攲身)

Idioms

  • The vessel that rights itself when full(虚则攲，中则正，满则覆)
  • Leaning and unstable(攲倾不稳)
  • Tilting dangerously(攲危欲倒)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The qiji (攲器) was an ancient Chinese vessel that tilted when empty, stood upright when half-full, and overturned when full, serving as a metaphor for the Confucian doctrine of the mean.
  • Used in classical texts to illustrate the importance of moderation and balance in life.
  • Appears in philosophical discussions about maintaining equilibrium in one's conduct and affairs.

FAQ