Definitions
(numeral)
nine; 9
Etymology
Depicts an elbow. Based on the original meaning "elbow", now written as 肘. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.
About
The character 九 began as a pictogram depicting a bent arm or hook. It was borrowed for the number nine because the spoken words for the object and the numeral shared the same pronunciation. The original pictorial meaning was later lost, and the character now functions solely as the digit for nine. As the highest single-digit odd number, 九 also carries symbolic weight, often representing concepts like multitude, abundance, or the highest degree rather than a precise quantity.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我有九本书。
现在是九点钟。
九月天气很好。
他今年十九岁。
这是第九次了。
九月份我要去旅游。
这本书打了九折。
九层楼的高度很高。