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疵 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
疵cīflaw, fault, defect; diseasen, 11 strokes, radical 疒, rank #71552, Very Hard
疵cīblemishunknown, 11 strokes, radical 疒, rank #71552, Very Hard
cī(ci1)ci T1
  1. 1flaw, fault, defect; disease
  2. 2blemish
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March 24, 2026

疵cī(ci1)

The character 疵 (cī) refers to a flaw, defect, or blemish, often used in contexts where one is discussing imperfections in objects, quality, or health. It can also indicate a disease or ailment, emphasizing the negative aspect of something that is not perfect or healthy.

Strokes11Radical疒Frequency#71552DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of flaws or defects in the body is significant, where balance and harmony in one's health are essential. 疵 can reflect the cultural importance of maintaining both physical and moral integrity.

Memory tip

Imagine a 'sick' person with a visible blemish on their skin, which represents the character 疵. The radical 疒 (disease) hints at its relation to flaws or defects in health, while the pronunciation 'cī' can be remembered by thinking of 'see' a flaw.

Meanings of 疵

cī(ci1)
1flaw, fault, defect; disease
2blemish
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 疵 means.

About 疵

疵Simplified
11Strokes
疒Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 疵

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Podcast: 疵

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AI study notes for 疵

Quick Contrast

瑕 (xiá) - use 疵 (cī) for defects in quality or health, while 瑕 (xiá) often refers to minor flaws or imperfections that are less severe.

Usage Notes

When using 疵, be mindful that it carries a negative connotation, so it is often used in critical contexts. Common collocations include '疵点' (flaw point) and '皮肤疵' (skin blemish). Avoid using it in overly formal contexts where a softer term might be more appropriate.

HSK Study Tips

Although not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding 疵 can enhance comprehension of related terms and concepts, especially those discussing quality and health. Focus on its usage in descriptive contexts to build vocabulary around imperfections.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 疵 with other characters like 缺 (quē) which means 'lack' but does not carry the same implication of a defect. For example, saying '这件衣服有缺' (This piece of clothing has a lack) is incorrect; it should be '这件衣服有疵' (This piece of clothing has a flaw).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 疵

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Etymology of 疵

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 疒 represents the meaning and 此 represents the sound.

Memory hint

sickness

Semantic (meaning)疒
+
Phonetic (sound)此
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

疵 = 疒 + 此. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 疵

IDS Structure⿸疒此
疵Full character
=
疒ne4
enclosing
此ci3
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 疵?

How to say flaw, fault, defect; disease in Chinese

“flaw, fault, defect; disease” in Chinese is疵cī

The character 疵 (cī) refers to a flaw, defect, or blemish, often used in contexts where one is discussing imperfections in objects, quality, or health. It can also indicate a disease or ailment, emphasizing the negative aspect of something that is not perfect or healthy.

When to use 疵

When using 疵, be mindful that it carries a negative connotation, so it is often used in critical contexts. Common collocations include '疵点' (flaw point) and '皮肤疵' (skin blemish). Avoid using it in overly formal contexts where a softer term might be more appropriate.

疵 or something close to it

瑕 (xiá) - use 疵 (cī) for defects in quality or health, while 瑕 (xiá) often refers to minor flaws or imperfections that are less severe.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 疵 with other characters like 缺 (quē) which means 'lack' but does not carry the same implication of a defect. For example, saying '这件衣服有缺' (This piece of clothing has a lack) is incorrect; it should be '这件衣服有疵' (This piece of clothing has a flaw).

Write 疵

疵

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

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Grammar patterns of 疵

疵 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 2 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

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

虽然有一些瑕____,演出还是一举获得了成功。

The show, despite some rough edges, was an instant success.

Example sentences for 疵 (5)

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1
虽然有一些瑕疵,演出还是一举获得了成功。

suīrán yǒuyīxiē xiácī, yǎnchū háishi yìjǔ huòdé le chénggōng。

The show, despite some rough edges, was an instant success.
2
每条连衣裙都缝上了褶边,并经过严格的检查,不允许有任何瑕疵。

měi tiáo lián yī qún dōu féng shàng le xí biān, bìng jīngguò yángé de jiǎnchá, bù yǔnxǔ yǒu rènhé xiácī。

Each dress is hemmed and scrupulously checked for imperfections.
3
这项研究工作毫无瑕疵,怎样称赞都不过分。

zhè xiàng yánjiū gōngzuò háowú xiácī, zěnyàng chēngzàn dōu búguò fēn。

It is difficult to praise this immaculately researched work too highly.
4
精选机挑除一切有瑕疵的制品.

jīng xuǎn Jī tiāo chú yíqiè yǒu xiácī de zhìpǐn.

Sorting - machine rejects all defective specimens.
5
假装系统完美无疵是徒劳的。

jiǎzhuāng xìtǒng wánměi wú cī shì túláo de。

It would be idle to pretend the system is perfect.

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Word Family of 疵

Words containing this character4
瑕疵blemish
吹毛求疵nitpick
疵cīflaw
大醇小疵a rough diamond
Exercise 1 of 3

Words with 疵

What does 瑕疵 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 疵

It generally refers to a flaw or defect, often in objects or health.

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