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March 24, 2026
清脆()qīngcuì(qing1cui4)
清脆 (qīngcuì) describes a sound that is sharp, clear, and pleasant to hear, often used for musical notes, the sound of glass, or crisp sounds like that of fresh vegetables. It can also convey a sense of fragility, as in something that is delicate and easily broken.
Frequency#43667DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the sound of 清脆 is often associated with nature, such as the sound of birds chirping or water flowing, which are appreciated in traditional poetry and art. This appreciation for clear, crisp sounds reflects a broader cultural value placed on harmony and tranquility.
Memory Tip
Imagine a crystal-clear bell ringing (清) in a serene environment, producing a bright and crisp sound (脆). The character '清' resembles a flowing stream, suggesting clarity, while '脆' can remind you of brittle leaves that snap easily, both evoking the idea of sharpness and clarity.
Meanings of 清脆
qīngcuì(qing1cui4)
1sharp and clear
2crisp
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About 清脆
清脆Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 清脆
Podcast: 清脆
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AI Study Notes for 清脆
Quick Contrast
清脆 (qīngcuì) vs 响亮 (xiǎngliàng) — pick 清脆 for a sound that is sharp and pleasant, while 响亮 emphasizes volume and loudness.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a crystal-clear bell ringing (清) in a serene environment, producing a bright and crisp sound (脆). The character '清' resembles a flowing stream, suggesting clarity, while '脆' can remind you of brittle leaves that snap easily, both evoking the idea of sharpness and clarity.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 清脆 with similar-sounding words that describe different qualities of sound, like 嘹亮 (liáoliàng), which means loud and clear. It is often used in both informal and formal contexts, especially in descriptions of music or natural sounds.
HSK Study Tips
While 清脆 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects to HSK Level 3 words like 声音 (shēngyīn, sound) and 音乐 (yīnyuè, music). Students should focus on the pronunciation and the contexts in which this word is used to enhance their auditory vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the sound of 清脆 is often associated with nature, such as the sound of birds chirping or water flowing, which are appreciated in traditional poetry and art. This appreciation for clear, crisp sounds reflects a broader cultural value placed on harmony and tranquility.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 清脆 with similar words like 嘹亮 (liáoliàng), which describes loudness rather than clarity. Ensure you use 清脆 specifically for sharp and clear sounds, not just any loud sound.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 清脆
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Cultural Notes for 清脆
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the sound of 清脆 is often associated with nature, such as the sound of birds chirping or water flowing, which are appreciated in traditional poetry and art. This appreciation for clear, crisp sounds reflects a broader cultural value placed on harmony and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions about 清脆
You can use 清脆 to describe sounds in music, nature, or even the crunch of fresh food, making it versatile in various descriptive scenarios.
Yes, 清脆 typically conveys a pleasing quality, so it is used to describe sounds that are melodious or enjoyable.
While it primarily describes sounds, it can metaphorically describe a person's voice or laughter if they are bright and cheerful.
