Common Meanings
1
jiǎ甲
The first of the ten Heavenly Stems; used to denote the first in a sequence or rank, commonly referring to the sixtieth birthday as 'huā jiǎ' (花甲).
爷爷今年已是花甲之年，身体依然硬朗。
My grandpa is already sixty years old this year, but he is still in good health.
First in a series; top-tier; superior.
他的成绩达到了甲等。
His grades reached the top tier.
In ancient imperial examinations, 'jiǎ' referred to the classification of successful candidates into ranks: first class (一甲, Jinshi Jidi), second class (二甲, Jinshi Chushen), and third class (三甲, Tong Jinshi Chushen).
他金榜题名，高中一甲进士
He successfully passed the imperial examination, attaining the rank of a first-class Jinshi.
Ancient military protective clothing, typically armor made of leather or metal plates.
在博物馆里，我们看到了古代战士穿的盔甲。
In the museum, we saw the armor worn by ancient warriors.
Modern protective covering, often made of metal, serving as armor or plating for vehicles or structures.
这辆装甲车具有强大的防御能力。
This armored vehicle possesses powerful defensive capabilities.
The hard protective outer covering of some animals, such as a turtle's shell.
乌龟的甲很硬，能保护自己。
A turtle's shell is very hard and can protect itself.
Nail (fingernail or toenail); the hard keratinous covering on the tips of fingers or toes.
她喜欢把指甲剪得很短。
She likes to cut her nails very short.
In ancient China, 'jia' referred to a household registration unit, often led by a 'jiazhang' (head of a jia unit), similar to a 'baojia' system.
旧时，每十户人家设一甲长。
In ancient times, a jiazhang was appointed for every ten households.
The outer shell or husk of plant fruits or seeds, often referring to a pod or covering that splits open.
豆荚里的豆子饱满，撑得豆甲都要裂开了
The beans inside the pod are plump, making the bean pod almost burst open.
Used interchangeably with '胛' (jiǎ), referring to the shoulder blade or scapula.
他感觉肩甲骨有些疼痛。
He felt some pain in his shoulder blade.