跽 (jì) - To kneel upright & to sit on one's heels in a formal

跽Tone 4

jì ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

慧佳

跽 · jì

To kneel upright;

to sit on one's heels in a formal kneeling posture, often used in ancient Chinese rituals and ceremonies.

To kneel uprightto sit on one's heels in a formal

Usage highlights

Kneeling respectfullyKneeling uprightKneeling and sittingLong kneelingKneeling in fearKneeling posture

Synonyms

  • 跪— to kneel (more general term)

Antonyms

  • 立— to stand
  • 坐— to sit (regular sitting)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The minister knelt respectfully (跽) before the emperor.
  • In traditional tea ceremony, one may sit in a kneeling position (跽坐).
  • The ancient ritual required participants to kneel upright (长跽).

Collocations

  • Kneeling respectfully(恭跽)
  • Kneeling upright(直跽)
  • Kneeling and sitting(跽坐)
  • Long kneeling(长跽)
  • Kneeling in fear(惊跽)
  • Kneeling posture(跽姿)

Idioms

  • To kneel upright and listen respectfully(跽听)
  • Kneeling in fear and trepidation(惊惶跽伏)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 跽 was a formal kneeling posture in ancient Chinese etiquette, particularly during the Zhou and Han dynasties.
  • This posture was required in royal courts, ancestral worship ceremonies, and formal occasions to show respect.
  • Unlike regular kneeling, 跽 involves sitting on one's heels with the upper body erect, ready to stand quickly.

FAQ