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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) T1
  1. 1flaw, fault, defect; disease
  2. 2blemish
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 疵

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

Podcast: 疵

JasonAmy

Podcast: 疵

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

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.

Memory Mnemonic

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.

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.

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.

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 疵?

Decomposition of 疵

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

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 疵?

Write 疵

疵

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

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

Complete the Sentence

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)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
虽然有一些瑕疵，演出还是一举获得了成功。

suī rán yǒu yī xiē xiá cī， ， yǎn chū huán shì yī jǔ huò dé le chéng。

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 dū féng shàng le zhě biān， ， bìng jīng guò yán gé de jiǎn， chá ， bù yǔn xǔ yǒu rèn hé。

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 yán jiū gōng zuò háo wú xiá cī， ， zěn yàng chēng zàn dū bù guò。

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 yī qiē yǒu xiá cī de zhì pǐn.

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

jiǎ zhuāng xì tǒng wán měi wú cī shì tú láo de。

It would be idle to pretend the system is perfect.

Cultural Notes for 疵

🏮Cultural insight

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.

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 4

Compound Meaning

What does 瑕疵 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 疵

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