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", representing the number nine, finds its origins in an early pictographic form that depicted a bent shape, which gradually streamlined into the modern two-stroke configuration. Etymologically, while its primary function as a numeral has remained constant, it has expanded to convey ideas of plurality or intensity within linguistic constructs, as observed in various idioms and compound terms. Structurally, it is a simple, indivisible character with no compositional elements, and its form has persisted without alteration, maintaining its original shape across writing systems. Beyond its numerical value, the character has absorbed cultural associations, often symbolizing concepts of longevity or completeness due to the number nine's status as the highest single-digit figure.
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。