Meanings of 瑕
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About 瑕
Podcast: 瑕
Podcast: 瑕
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AI Study Notes for 瑕
瑕 (blemish) vs 疵 (defect) — use 瑕 when referring to minor flaws or imperfections, especially in a metaphorical sense.
瑕 is typically used in formal contexts or literary language, so it may not be commonly heard in everyday conversations. Learners should be cautious not to confuse it with '缺' (quē), which means 'lack' or 'deficiency'. Common collocations include '瑕疵' (xiácī, defect) and '瑕疵产品' (xiácī chǎnpǐn, defective product).
瑕 is not included in the standard HSK vocabulary but can be beneficial for learners aiming for higher proficiency. Focus on recognizing it in reading materials that discuss art, jewelry, or personal character. It connects with other words that express faults or defects, such as '错' (cuò, mistake) or '缺' (quē, lack).
Learners often confuse 瑕 with other words for flaw or mistake, such as 错 (cuò). For example, saying '他有瑕的个性' (Tā yǒu xiá de gèxìng) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '他有缺点' (Tā yǒu quēdiǎn), meaning 'He has shortcomings'.
Pronunciation of 瑕
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Etymology of 瑕
Phonosemantic compound. 王 represents the meaning and 叚 represents the sound.
jade
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 瑕
Phonosemantic compound. 王 represents the meaning and 叚 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half王 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half叚 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayjade
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 瑕? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 瑕
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How to say fault, default; a flaw in a gem in Chinese
“fault, default; a flaw in a gem” in Chinese is瑕
The character 瑕 (xiá) refers to a fault or blemish, particularly in precious stones like jade or gems. It is often used metaphorically to describe imperfections in character or behavior, indicating that everyone has some flaws.
When to use 瑕
瑕 is typically used in formal contexts or literary language, so it may not be commonly heard in everyday conversations. Learners should be cautious not to confuse it with '缺' (quē), which means 'lack' or 'deficiency'. Common collocations include '瑕疵' (xiácī, defect) and '瑕疵产品' (xiácī chǎnpǐn, defective product).
瑕 or something close to it
瑕 (blemish) vs 疵 (defect) — use 瑕 when referring to minor flaws or imperfections, especially in a metaphorical sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 瑕 with other words for flaw or mistake, such as 错 (cuò). For example, saying '他有瑕的个性' (Tā yǒu xiá de gèxìng) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '他有缺点' (Tā yǒu quēdiǎn), meaning 'He has shortcomings'.
Write 瑕
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Practice writing 瑕 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 瑕
瑕 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
虽然有一些____疵，演出还是一举获得了成功。
The show, despite some rough edges, was an instant success.
Example Sentences for 瑕 (6)
Cultural Notes for 瑕
In Western cultures, the idea of imperfection is often embraced as part of authenticity, while in Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on striving for perfection, particularly in art and personal conduct.
Word Family of 瑕
Compound Meaning
What does 瑕疵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 瑕
瑕 is more commonly used in literary contexts, but when speaking about art or character, it can refer to flaws.
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