Rare Chinese Characters You May Want To Know

One of the greatest challenges of the Chinese language is learning the intricate and nuanced writing system. While we provide many different guides for learning the structure of characters and perfecting your own handwriting, today we’re going to explore and appreciate a different aspect: rare characters, including some of the hardest and most complicated Chinese characters.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate these unique and fascinating 汉字.

#1: biáng

The Chinese character “biáng,” used to represent Biang Biang noodles, is one of the most complex and rare Chinese characters. It has 56 strokes and cannot be found in modern dictionaries or typed on a computer.

Biang Biang noodles are a type of hand-made noodles popular in China’s Shanxi province. They are thick and long, like a belt, and topped with lots of red hot peppers, making them a great dish for the cold winters in Shanxi. Originally considered a poverty meal in the countryside, these noodles have become popular in trendy restaurants because of their unique name.

#2: 爨 (cuàn)

Located in the modern-day Mentou District of Beijing, 爨底下 (cuàn dǐ xià) is a village known for its well-preserved Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasty courtyard houses.

With about 500 courtyard houses featuring delicate gate piers, distinctive screen walls, and stone, wood, and brick carvings, this village is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Chinese architecture.

The village gets its name from the character “爨” (cuàn), which means “the stove” in Chinese. The villagers named their home “cuàn dǐ xia” with the implication of it being a shelter to keep away the severe cold and scourge of war.

At 30 strokes, this character is one of the most stroke-heavy words in the Chinese dictionary and has no simplified form. This character is rarely used today due to its complexity and very specific meaning.

#3: 馕 (náng)

The complex character 馕 (náng) has 25 strokes. It is a type of Xinjiang-style bread made by the Uighurs, a Muslim-Chinese ethnic minority in China’s northwest. The best way to enjoy 馕 (náng) is to eat it straight out of the oven.

#4: 貔貅 (píxiū)

貔貅 (píxiū) is a popular Feng Shui item that people use to bring in good luck, ward off evil, and prevent catastrophes. Feng Shui masters often recommend 貔貅 (píxiū) to their clients because of its effectiveness in enhancing luck and offering protection for homes and offices. Some people also carry a 貔貅 (píxiū) charm on their person for the same purpose.

#5: 饕餮 (tāotiè)

饕餮 (tāo tiè) , a term for a ferocious mythical animal, is now mainly used in the idiom “饕餮盛宴(tāotiè shèngyàn)” which means “gluttonous feast”. This phrase is widely and commonly used today.

#6: 齉 (nàng)

The Chinese character 齉 (nàng) has 36 strokes and is listed in the “Contemporary Chinese Dictionary”《现代汉语词典》. 

It means to snuffle or to sound very congested. For example:

他感冒了，说话有点齉鼻儿. (Tā gǎnmàole, shuōhuà yǒudiǎn nàng bír.) – He had a cold and sniffled when he spoke.

#7: 龖 (dá)

龖 (dá) has 32 strokes and resembles a dragon walking. It is the same in both simplified and traditional scripts. Although it is seldom used in real life and is not listed in the “Contemporary Chinese Dictionary”《现代汉语词典》, it is still worth mentioning here for its unique beauty and complex structure.

#8: zhé

The character with the most strokes in Chinese is (zhé), with 64 strokes and four identical components. It means to “natter” or “talk excessively,” which fittingly matches the crowded and “noisy” appearance of the character.

Closing Thoughts

Chinese characters have a rich history and culture behind them, with many rare and interesting characters still in use today. While some of these characters may seem obscure or difficult to understand, they offer a glimpse into the complexity and beauty of the Chinese language. By learning about these rare characters, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances and intricacies of Chinese writing, and perhaps even gain insight into the history and culture of China. 

Are you feeling inspired to try writing some of these yourself? Tell us in the comments how you fare or tag us if you post your attempts online!