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March 24, 2026
灰尘(灰塵)huīchén(hui1chen2)
灰尘 (huīchén) refers to very fine particles of dirt or debris that accumulate on surfaces. It is commonly encountered in everyday environments, often associated with cleanliness and maintenance. The term can also imply a sense of neglect or the need for cleaning.
Frequency#8923DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, and dust is often seen as a sign of neglect. The practice of regular cleaning, especially during the Lunar New Year, emphasizes the removal of dust and impurities to welcome good fortune.
Memory Tip
Imagine a gray cloud of dust swirling around in the air, made up of tiny particles that settle everywhere. The character 灰 (huī) looks like a pile of gray dust, and 尘 (chén) sounds similar to 'churning' as dust is stirred up, creating a vivid image of dust floating around.
Meanings of 灰尘
huīchén(hui1chen2)
1dust
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 灰尘
灰尘Simplified
灰塵Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8923Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 灰尘
Podcast: 灰尘
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AI Study Notes for 灰尘
Quick Contrast
灰烬 (huījìn) refers to ashes left after burning, while 灰尘 (huīchén) specifically denotes dust or fine dirt particles.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a gray cloud of dust swirling around in the air, made up of tiny particles that settle everywhere. The character 灰 (huī) looks like a pile of gray dust, and 尘 (chén) sounds similar to 'churning' as dust is stirred up, creating a vivid image of dust floating around.
Usage Notes
When using 灰尘, avoid confusing it with other similar words for dirt or soil. It is typically used in informal contexts, but can also be found in more formal discussions about cleanliness. Be mindful of the tones; mispronouncing 灰 (hūi) can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As a level 5 HSK word, 灰尘 connects with other vocabulary related to cleanliness and maintenance, like 清洁 (qīngjié, clean) and 垃圾 (lājī, trash). Students should focus on using it in context and understanding its implications in discussions about hygiene and environment.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, and dust is often seen as a sign of neglect. The practice of regular cleaning, especially during the Lunar New Year, emphasizes the removal of dust and impurities to welcome good fortune.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is to confuse 灰尘 with 垃圾 (lājī, trash). For example, saying '我需要扔掉灰尘' (Wǒ xūyào rēng diào huīchén) is incorrect for 'I need to throw away the dust'; instead, you should say '我需要清理灰尘'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 灰尘
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Grammar Patterns of 灰尘
灰尘 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
灯光照在满是____的墙上，反射回苍白的冷光。
Lights reflected off dust-covered walls creating a ghostly luminescence.
Example Sentences for 灰尘 (10)
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1
灯光照在满是灰尘的墙上，反射回苍白的冷光。
dēng guāng zhào zài mǎn shì huī chén de qiáng shàng， ， fǎn shè huí cāng bái de lěng。
Lights reflected off dust-covered walls creating a ghostly luminescence.
2
他起身掸去了衣服上的灰尘并将信折起来收好。
tā qǐ shēn dǎn qù le yī fú shàng de huī chén bìng jiāng xìn zhē qǐ lái shōu hǎo。
He stood and dusted down his suit and folded the letter away.
A ray of sunlight slanting through a window fell on dusty table - tops.
8
她蓬头乱发，衣衫褴褛，满是灰尘。
tā péng tóu luàn fā， ， yī shān lán， lǚ ， mǎn shì。
She had matted hair and torn dusty clothes.
9
他拍打去地毯上的灰尘，还擦拭了银器。
tā pāi dǎ qù dì tǎn shàng de huī chén， ， huán cā shì le yín。
He beat the rugs and polished the silver.
10
所有的物品上都积了薄薄的一层灰尘。
suǒ yǒu de wù pǐn shàng dū jī le báo báo de yī céng huī chén。
A thin layer of dust covered everything.
Cultural Notes for 灰尘
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, and dust is often seen as a sign of neglect. The practice of regular cleaning, especially during the Lunar New Year, emphasizes the removal of dust and impurities to welcome good fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions about 灰尘
You can say '清理灰尘' (qīnglǐ huīchén).
It is more common in informal contexts, but can appear in formal discussions about cleanliness.
灰尘 refers specifically to dust, while 尘土 (chéntǔ) refers to soil or dirt in a broader sense.
