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March 24, 2026
痕迹(痕跡)hénjì(hen2ji4)
痕迹 (hénjì) refers to a mark or trace left behind, often indicating the presence or past existence of something. Commonly used in contexts such as describing physical traces, emotional impressions, or historical remnants. It conveys a sense of something that is no longer present but still has a lingering impact.
Frequency#2183DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture,痕迹 can relate to the concept of ancestral traces and the importance of history, where the past deeply influences the present. This is reflected in practices like ancestor worship, where physical traces of the past are honored.
Memory Tip
Imagine a detective following a path of footprints (痕, hén) in the sand that leads to a hidden treasure (迹, jì). The footprints are the痕迹 (trace) left behind, guiding them to the treasure. The character 痕 has a radical resembling a footstep, while 迹 looks like a pathway, together reminding you of traces left behind.
Meanings of 痕迹
hénjì(hen2ji4)
1vestige
2mark
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 痕迹
痕迹Simplified
痕跡Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2183Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 痕迹
Podcast: 痕迹
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AI Study Notes for 痕迹
Quick Contrast
痕迹 (hénjì) vs 迹象 (jìxiàng) — use 痕迹 for physical marks or traces, while 迹象 refers to signs or indications of a situation or condition.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a detective following a path of footprints (痕, hén) in the sand that leads to a hidden treasure (迹, jì). The footprints are the痕迹 (trace) left behind, guiding them to the treasure. The character 痕 has a radical resembling a footstep, while 迹 looks like a pathway, together reminding you of traces left behind.
Usage Notes
痕迹 is typically used in both written and spoken Chinese but can carry a more formal tone. A common mistake is to confuse it with '痕' (mark) which is more general; remember that 痕迹 specifically refers to traces or evidence. It often collocates with words like ‘留下’ (to leave behind) or ‘发现’ (to discover).
HSK Study Tips
As a Level 6 word, 痕迹 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to observation and analysis, such as 证据 (evidence) or 记录 (record). Students should focus on using it in context, particularly in discussions about history or investigative narratives.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture,痕迹 can relate to the concept of ancestral traces and the importance of history, where the past deeply influences the present. This is reflected in practices like ancestor worship, where physical traces of the past are honored.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 痕迹, saying 'hénji' instead of 'hénjì' which changes the meaning. Additionally, some may use it to refer to physical marks only, overlooking its broader implications, such as emotional traces.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 痕迹
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Grammar Patterns of 痕迹
痕迹 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
亚当蹒跚而行，沿路留下毁坏的____。
Adam stumbles on, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.
Example Sentences for 痕迹 (9)
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1
亚当蹒跚而行，沿路留下毁坏的痕迹。
yà dāng pán shān ér háng， ， yán lù liú xià huǐ huài de hén。
Adam stumbles on, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.
2
这篇报告到处都是仓促了事的痕迹。
zhè piān bào gào dào chǔ dū shì cāng cù le shì de hén jì。
The team secured pictures of prisoners showing signs of severe beatings.
4
每个人都言语不露痕迹地试图打探到更多关于他的事。
měi gè rén dū yán yǔ bù lòu hén jì dì shì tú dǎ tàn dào gēng duō guān yú tā de shì。
Everyone tried discreetly to find out more about him.
5
现场有她和攻击者扭打过的痕迹。
xiàn cháng yǒu tā hé gōng jī zhě niǔ dǎ guò de hén jì。
There were signs that she struggled with her attacker.
6
从一些破碎的花瓶的瓶底可以看得出有长久使用过的痕迹.
cóng yī xiē pò suì de huā píng de píng dǐ kě yǐ kàn dé chū yǒu cháng jiǔ shǐ yòng guò de hén jì.
Bases of some broken vases show signs of long use.
7
粗陶器很硬,不会被划出痕迹.
cū táo qì hěn yìng, , bù huì bèi huá chū hén.
Stoneware is tough and cannot be scratched.
8
铅笔的痕迹可被橡皮擦掉.
qiān bǐ de hén jì kě bèi xiàng pí cā diào.
Pencil marks can be erased with a rubber.
9
割腕留下的痕迹, 会有疤 吗 ?
gē wàn liú xià de hén jì, , huì yǒu bā?
Cut the mark that wrist leaves, can you have scar?
Cultural Notes for 痕迹
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture,痕迹 can relate to the concept of ancestral traces and the importance of history, where the past deeply influences the present. This is reflected in practices like ancestor worship, where physical traces of the past are honored.
Frequently Asked Questions about 痕迹
Yes, it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing evidence of something.
No, it can also refer to emotional or metaphorical traces, such as the impact someone has left on your life.
It is pronounced hénjì, with the first syllable having a rising tone and the second a falling tone.
