Meanings of 疵
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About 疵
Podcast: 疵
Podcast: 疵
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AI Study Notes for 疵
瑕 (xiá) - use 疵 (cī) for defects in quality or health, while 瑕 (xiá) often refers to minor flaws or imperfections that are less severe.
When using 疵, be mindful that it carries a negative connotation, so it is often used in critical contexts. Common collocations include '疵点' (flaw point) and '皮肤疵' (skin blemish). Avoid using it in overly formal contexts where a softer term might be more appropriate.
Although not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding 疵 can enhance comprehension of related terms and concepts, especially those discussing quality and health. Focus on its usage in descriptive contexts to build vocabulary around imperfections.
Learners often confuse 疵 with other characters like 缺 (quē) which means 'lack' but does not carry the same implication of a defect. For example, saying '这件衣服有缺' (This piece of clothing has a lack) is incorrect; it should be '这件衣服有疵' (This piece of clothing has a flaw).
Pronunciation of 疵
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Etymology of 疵
Phonosemantic compound. 疒 represents the meaning and 此 represents the sound.
sickness
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 疵
Phonosemantic compound. 疒 represents the meaning and 此 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half疒 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half此 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaysickness
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 疵? 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 疵
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How to say flaw, fault, defect; disease in Chinese
“flaw, fault, defect; disease” in Chinese is疵
The character 疵 (cī) refers to a flaw, defect, or blemish, often used in contexts where one is discussing imperfections in objects, quality, or health. It can also indicate a disease or ailment, emphasizing the negative aspect of something that is not perfect or healthy.
When to use 疵
When using 疵, be mindful that it carries a negative connotation, so it is often used in critical contexts. Common collocations include '疵点' (flaw point) and '皮肤疵' (skin blemish). Avoid using it in overly formal contexts where a softer term might be more appropriate.
疵 or something close to it
瑕 (xiá) - use 疵 (cī) for defects in quality or health, while 瑕 (xiá) often refers to minor flaws or imperfections that are less severe.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 疵 with other characters like 缺 (quē) which means 'lack' but does not carry the same implication of a defect. For example, saying '这件衣服有缺' (This piece of clothing has a lack) is incorrect; it should be '这件衣服有疵' (This piece of clothing has a flaw).
Write 疵
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Practice writing 疵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 疵
疵 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 2 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
虽然有一些瑕____，演出还是一举获得了成功。
The show, despite some rough edges, was an instant success.
Example Sentences for 疵 (5)
Word Family of 疵
Compound Meaning
What does 瑕疵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 疵
It generally refers to a flaw or defect, often in objects or health.
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