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痣 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
zhìspot, mole, birthmarkn, 12 strokes, radical 疒, rank #9438, Hard
zhì(zhi4) T4
  1. 1spot, mole, birthmark
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
zhì(zhi4)

The character 痣 (zhì) refers to a spot, mole, or birthmark on the skin. It is commonly used in medical contexts or when discussing personal appearance, especially when describing skin features that are often benign and natural. In some cultures, certain moles are believed to carry specific meanings or omens.

Strokes12RadicalFrequency#9438DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, certain moles or birthmarks are often associated with fate or personality traits, and may be considered in fortune-telling practices. This belief highlights the cultural significance of physical appearance.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'mole' (zhì) that has a distinct shape, resembling a tiny 'spot' on the skin. Picture a birthmark in the shape of a 'Z' to help remember both the pronunciation and the visual aspect of the character. The radical 疒 (sickness) hints at its medical context.

Meanings of 痣

zhì(zhi4)
1spot, mole, birthmark
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 痣

Simplified
12Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 痣

JasonAmy

Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 痣

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'mole' (zhì) that has a distinct shape, resembling a tiny 'spot' on the skin. Picture a birthmark in the shape of a 'Z' to help remember both the pronunciation and the visual aspect of the character. The radical 疒 (sickness) hints at its medical context.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of using 痣 in informal conversations about personal attributes, as it can be seen as sensitive. Common collocations include 'birthmark' (胎痣) and 'mole' (黑痣). Ensure to use the correct tone; mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstanding.

HSK Study Tips

Although 痣 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to other body-related vocabulary, such as 皮肤 (skin) and 疾病 (disease) at HSK Level 3. Focus on pronunciation and related vocabulary to expand your understanding of body descriptors.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, certain moles or birthmarks are often associated with fate or personality traits, and may be considered in fortune-telling practices. This belief highlights the cultural significance of physical appearance.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 痣 with 斑 (bān), which means 'spot' in a broader sense, including spots that may not be moles. Remember, 痣 specifically refers to moles or birthmarks.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 痣

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Etymology of 痣

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

The mark 志 of an illness 疒; 志 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 痣?

Decomposition of 痣

IDS Structure⿸疒志
Full Character
=
ne4
enclosing
zhi4
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 痣?

Write 痣

Practice writing 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 痣

痣 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

同样, 凡是经常受慢性刺激的各种色素____切勿予以切除.

Similarly, any pigment nevus that is chronically irritated should be excised.

Example Sentences for 痣 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
同样, 凡是经常受慢性刺激的各种色素痣切勿予以切除.

tóng yàng, , fán shì jīng cháng shòu màn xìng cì jī de gè zhǒng sè sù zhì qiē wù yú yǐ qiē.

Similarly, any pigment nevus that is chronically irritated should be excised.

Cultural Notes for 痣

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, certain moles or birthmarks are often associated with fate or personality traits, and may be considered in fortune-telling practices. This belief highlights the cultural significance of physical appearance.

Word Family of 痣

Words Containing This Character4
zhìmole
黑痣mole
蜘蛛痣arterial spider
毛痣hairy nevus
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 痣 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 痣

No, 痣 typically refers to benign spots on the skin, such as moles or birthmarks, and is not inherently negative.