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特色 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
特色tèsècharacteristicHSK 5, n, rank #6892, Medium
特色tèsèdistinguishing feature or qualityHSK 5, n, rank #6892, Medium
tèsè(te4se4) T4
  1. 1characteristic
  2. 2distinguishing feature or quality
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March 24, 2026
特色tèsè(te4se4)

特色 refers to a characteristic or distinguishing feature that sets something apart from others. It is commonly used to describe unique qualities of people, places, or products, emphasizing what makes them special or notable.

Frequency#6892DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, 特色 is essential when discussing food, art, and regional differences, as local specialties often reflect cultural identity. For example, Sichuan cuisine's 特色 includes its spicy flavors and unique ingredients.

Memory Tip

Think of 特色 as 'te' (like 'tea') that has a special flavor ('se') that makes it stand out. Imagine tasting a unique tea that has a distinctive aroma and taste, embodying the idea of characteristic qualities.

Meanings of 特色

tèsè(te4se4)
1characteristic
2distinguishing feature or quality
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 特色

特色Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6892Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 特色

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Podcast: 特色

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AI Study Notes for 特色

Quick Contrast

独特 (dútè) - use 特色 (tèsè) when referring to a characteristic that distinguishes something, while 独特 emphasizes the uniqueness of that feature.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 特色 as 'te' (like 'tea') that has a special flavor ('se') that makes it stand out. Imagine tasting a unique tea that has a distinctive aroma and taste, embodying the idea of characteristic qualities.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 特色 with similar words like 特点 (tèdiǎn), which means 'characteristic' but is often used in more technical contexts. 特色 is more commonly used in everyday conversation, especially when describing cultural elements or products.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, 特色 connects well with other words at this level that describe quality and differentiation, such as 特别 (tèbié, 'special') and 特殊 (tèshū, 'special/unique'). Focus on using 特色 in context when discussing cultural or personal attributes.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, 特色 is essential when discussing food, art, and regional differences, as local specialties often reflect cultural identity. For example, Sichuan cuisine's 特色 includes its spicy flavors and unique ingredients.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 特色 with 特点 (tèdiǎn), leading to incorrect usage. For instance, saying '这个产品的特点是...' instead of '这个产品的特色是...' can sound awkward in casual contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 特色

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Component Characters

特tèspecial
HSK 610 strokes牛
View full entry
色sècolor
HSK 46 strokes色
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Write 特色

特
色

Practice writing 特色 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 特色

特色 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.

Related grammar lessons1
Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

这种非中非西的装修风格很有____。

This decoration style that is neither Chinese nor Western is quite distinctive.

Example Sentences for 特色 (9)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他们的经营既有真正的专业水准又不乏个人特色。

tā mén de jīng yíng jì yǒu zhēn zhèng de zhuān yè shuǐ zhǔn yòu bù fá gè rén tè sè。

They run it with a truly professional but personal touch.
2
菜单上的特色菜是烤肉和家禽肉。

cài dān shàng de tè sè cài shì kǎo ròu hé jiā qín ròu。

The menu features roast meats and poultry.
3
厨师伊德里斯·卡尔多拉开出一份富有地中海特色的菜单，让人眼前一亮。

chú shī yī dé lǐ sī· · kǎ ěr duō lā kāi chū yī fèn fù yǒu dì zhōng hǎi tè sè de cài， dān ， ràng rén yǎn qián。

Chef Idris Caldora offers an inspired menu that captures the spirit of the Mediterranean.
4
马隆向外看着毫无特色的灰绿色的景致。

mǎ lóng xiàng wài kàn zháo háo wú tè sè de huī lǜ sè de jǐng zhì。

Malone looked out at the grey-green featureless landscape.
5
他们的床都各具特色；马克的床是张带球形黄铜柱头的铁家伙。

tā mén de chuáng dū gè jù tè sè； ； mǎ kè de chuáng shì zhāng dài qiú xíng huáng tóng zhù tóu de tiě jiā。

All their beds were distinctive; Mac'swas an iron affair with brass knobs.
6
风车是马略卡岛风光的一大特色。

fēng chē shì mǎ lüè kǎ dǎo fēng guāng de yī dà tè sè。

Windmills are a characteristic feature of the Mallorcan landscape.
7
夸克和轻子的这些个同种类,从技术上看是有特色的.

kuā kè hé qīng zǐ de zhè xiē gè tóng zhǒng lèi, , cóng jì shù shàng kàn shì yǒu tè sè.

The different kinds of quarks or leptons are known technically as flavors.
8
泮溪酒店的建筑具有浓厚的岭南庭园艺术特色.

pàn xī jiǔ diàn de jiàn zhù jù yǒu nóng hòu de lǐng nán tíng yuán yì shù tè sè.

Panxi restaurant has a strong horticulture characteristic of the south gardens.
9
伦敦方言是在伦敦东区讲的颇有特色的地方语.

lún dūn fāng yán shì zài lún dūn dōng qū jiǎng de pō yǒu tè sè de dì fāng yǔ.

Cockney is the colourful dialect spoken in the East End of London.

Cultural Notes for 特色

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, 特色 is essential when discussing food, art, and regional differences, as local specialties often reflect cultural identity. For example, Sichuan cuisine's 特色 includes its spicy flavors and unique ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions about 特色

You can say, '这个地方的特色是它的美食' (The distinguishing feature of this place is its food).