HSK 6, zg, 10 strokes, radical 尸, rank #9459, Hard
屑
xiè
fragments
HSK 6, zg, 10 strokes, radical 尸, rank #9459, Hard
屑
xiè
crumbs
HSK 6, zg, 10 strokes, radical 尸, rank #9459, Hard
屑
xiè
filings
HSK 6, zg, 10 strokes, radical 尸, rank #9459, Hard
屑
xiè
trifling
HSK 6, zg, 10 strokes, radical 尸, rank #9459, Hard
屑
xiè
trivial
HSK 6, zg, 10 strokes, radical 尸, rank #9459, Hard
屑
xiè
to condescend to
HSK 6, zg, 10 strokes, radical 尸, rank #9459, Hard
屑
xiè
bits, crumbs, scraps; fragments; not worthwhile
HSK 6, zg, 10 strokes, radical 尸, rank #9459, Hard
xiè(xie4) T4
1bits
2fragments
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
屑xiè(xie4)
The character 屑 (xiè) primarily refers to small pieces or fragments, such as crumbs or filings. It is often used to describe something that is considered trivial or of little value. In certain contexts, it can also imply a condescending attitude towards something deemed insignificant.
Strokes10Radical尸Frequency#9459DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on the value of even small contributions in social and professional settings, making the concept of 'trivial' nuanced. The phrase '屑屑可数' reflects a cultural tendency to respect all contributions, regardless of size.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny piece of wood, a 'shred' that is left behind after carving. The character 屑 looks like a roof (宀) over a small piece (木) underneath, reminding you of the bits that fall off when you cut wood. The pronunciation 'xiè' sounds like 'shed,' where you might find these little pieces.
Meanings of 屑
xiè(xie4)
1bits
2fragments
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 屑
屑Simplified
10Strokes
尸Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#9459Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 屑
Podcast: 屑
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
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AI Study Notes for 屑
Quick Contrast
屑 (xiè) vs 末 (mò) — use 屑 for small pieces or fragments that imply triviality, while 末 refers to the end or final part of something.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 屑 (xiè) with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. This character is often used in a more formal context when referring to trivial things, so avoid using it in casual conversation unless appropriate. Common collocations include '屑屑可数' (trivial matters) and '细微屑' (fine fragments).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 屑 is useful for discussing nuanced ideas about value and significance in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Students should focus on using it to express opinions about what is considered important versus trivial in discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 屑 (xiè) with similar characters that have distinct meanings, such as 切 (qiē), which means 'to cut.' For example, saying '我有很多切' (I have many cuts) instead of '我有很多屑' (I have many crumbs) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 屑
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Phonosemantic compound. 尸 represents the meaning and 肖 represents the sound.
1The meaning half尸 carries the sense.
2The sound half肖 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaybody
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 屑? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 屑?
Decomposition of 屑
IDS Structure⿸尸肖
屑Full Character
=
尸shi1
enclosing
肖Xiao1
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 屑?
How to say bits in Chinese
“bits” in Chinese is屑xiè
The character 屑 (xiè) primarily refers to small pieces or fragments, such as crumbs or filings. It is often used to describe something that is considered trivial or of little value. In certain contexts, it can also imply a condescending attitude towards something deemed insignificant.
When to use 屑
Be careful not to confuse 屑 (xiè) with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. This character is often used in a more formal context when referring to trivial things, so avoid using it in casual conversation unless appropriate. Common collocations include '屑屑可数' (trivial matters) and '细微屑' (fine fragments).
屑 or something close to it
屑 (xiè) vs 末 (mò) — use 屑 for small pieces or fragments that imply triviality, while 末 refers to the end or final part of something.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 屑 (xiè) with similar characters that have distinct meanings, such as 切 (qiē), which means 'to cut.' For example, saying '我有很多切' (I have many cuts) instead of '我有很多屑' (I have many crumbs) is incorrect.
Write 屑
屑
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Practice writing 屑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 屑
屑 carries 8 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
把食物抹上面包____后过几分钟就炸，这一点很重要。
It is important that food be breaded just minutes before frying.
