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细腻 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
细腻xìnìexquisiteHSK 7, unknown, rank #18429, Hard
细腻xìnìmeticulousHSK 7, unknown, rank #18429, Hard
xìnì(xi4ni4) T4
  1. 1exquisite
  2. 2meticulous
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
细腻(細膩)xìnì(xi4ni4)

细腻 (xì nì) describes something that is exquisite, fine, or delicate in texture or detail. It is often used to express meticulous attention to detail in art, craftsmanship, or even personality traits, conveying a sense of refinement and carefulness in various contexts.

Frequency#18429DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the appreciation of细腻 craftsmanship is evident in traditional arts such as silk weaving and porcelain making, where attention to detail is highly valued and often symbolizes status and sophistication.

Memory Tip

Imagine a fine silk fabric that feels incredibly smooth and soft to the touch. The character 细 (xì) represents 'fine' as in thin threads, while 腻 (nì) resembles the smoothness of cream, suggesting something rich and delicate.

Meanings of 细腻

xìnì(xi4ni4)
1exquisite
2meticulous
Exercise 1 of 3

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 细腻

细腻Simplified
細膩Traditional
Strokes
Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 细腻

JasonAmy

Podcast: 细腻

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AI Study Notes for 细腻

Quick Contrast

细致 (xì zhì) - use 细腻 when emphasizing delicacy and refinement, while 细致 focuses more on thoroughness and precision.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a fine silk fabric that feels incredibly smooth and soft to the touch. The character 细 (xì) represents 'fine' as in thin threads, while 腻 (nì) resembles the smoothness of cream, suggesting something rich and delicate.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 细腻 with similar-sounding words like 细心 (xì xīn), which means 'careful' or 'attentive.' This term is more about the quality of being exquisite or delicate rather than just being careful. It is often used in formal contexts, especially when discussing art or high-quality products.

HSK Study Tips

This word is not part of the official HSK vocabulary but is useful for learners at an intermediate level. Focus on recognizing the components of the characters and their meanings, as they relate to fine details in various contexts.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the appreciation of细腻 craftsmanship is evident in traditional arts such as silk weaving and porcelain making, where attention to detail is highly valued and often symbolizes status and sophistication.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 细腻 with 粗糙 (cū cāo), which means 'rough' or 'coarse.' A common mistake is saying '这件衣服很粗糙' (This clothing is very fine), when it should be '这件衣服很细腻' (This clothing is very exquisite).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 细腻

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Component Characters

thin or slender
HSK 48 strokes
View full entry
greasy
13 strokes
View full entry

Write 细腻

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

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Common Confusions with 细腻

细腻vs

Similar shape and sound, but '细' means fine or thin, while '腻' refers to greasy or rich.

细腻vs

The character '腻' has a different meaning related to greasiness, which can be confused with '细腻'.

Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "exquisite"?

or

Usage Notes for 细腻

Misinterpretation of nuanceCommon Error

Learners often confuse '细腻' with '细' or '腻' separately. Remember that '细腻' as a whole describes a quality of being exquisite or meticulous.

1

这幅画的细腻程度让人惊叹。

The meticulousness of this painting is astonishing.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill in the Blank

这幅画的____程度让人惊叹。

The meticulousness of this painting is astonishing.

Cultural Notes for 细腻

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the appreciation of细腻 craftsmanship is evident in traditional arts such as silk weaving and porcelain making, where attention to detail is highly valued and often symbolizes status and sophistication.

Frequently Asked Questions about 细腻

Synonyms for 细腻 include 精致 (jīng zhì), which means delicate or refined, and 细致 (xì zhì), meaning meticulous or careful. These words similarly convey a sense of attention to detail and quality.