unknown, 14 strokes, radical 石, rank #30765, Very Hard
chá(cha2) T2
1quarrel; fault; a shard of glass
2glass fragment
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March 24, 2026
碴chá(cha2)
The character 碴 (chá) generally refers to small fragments or shards, especially of glass or ceramics. It can also imply a quarrel or fault, often in interpersonal relationships. This word is used in contexts where something has been broken or damaged, both physically and metaphorically.
Strokes14Radical石Frequency#30765DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, quarrels can be viewed differently compared to Western norms, often emphasizing maintaining harmony and face (面子) over direct confrontation. This character reflects the subtlety of how disputes may be framed in a conversation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'shard' of glass (碴) that has 'cha' (茶) spilled on it during a heated argument. The sharp edge of the glass represents the 'fault' in the relationship, while the tea symbolizes the heated emotions during a quarrel.
Meanings of 碴
chá(cha2)
1quarrel; fault; a shard of glass
2glass fragment
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 碴
碴Simplified
14Strokes
石Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 碴
Podcast: 碴
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AI Study Notes for 碴
Quick Contrast
碎 (suì) - use 碴 (chá) for small fragments or shards, while 碎 (suì) generally refers to something that is broken into many pieces.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'shard' of glass (碴) that has 'cha' (茶) spilled on it during a heated argument. The sharp edge of the glass represents the 'fault' in the relationship, while the tea symbolizes the heated emotions during a quarrel.
Usage Notes
Learners may confuse 碴 with similar-sounding words, especially in informal contexts. It’s more commonly used in spoken language and can carry a negative connotation when referring to quarrels. Be careful with tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 碴 is not included in the HSK vocabulary list, it relates to words that describe physical states or conflicts, enhancing understanding of emotional expressions in Mandarin. Focus on the context of quarrels and physical fragments when studying.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, quarrels can be viewed differently compared to Western norms, often emphasizing maintaining harmony and face (面子) over direct confrontation. This character reflects the subtlety of how disputes may be framed in a conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 碴 with 碴 (chā) and other similar sounding words, using it inappropriately in formal contexts. For instance, saying '我和她有很多碴' (I have many shards with her) instead of '我和她有很多争吵' (I have many quarrels with her).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 碴
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Grammar Patterns of 碴
碴 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
他的头发又长又乱，脸上胡子拉____。
He had long unkempt hair and a stubbly chin.
Example Sentences for 碴 (5)
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1
他的头发又长又乱，脸上胡子拉碴。
tā de tóu fā yòu cháng yòu luàn， ， liǎn shàng hú zǐ lā。
He had long unkempt hair and a stubbly chin.
2
他几天没刮胡子，脸上胡子拉碴。
tā jī tiān méi guā hú zǐ， ， liǎn shàng hú zǐ lā。
His face was covered with the stubble of several nights.
3
他找碴儿跟服务生打了一架，最后进了监狱。
tā zhǎo chá ér gēn fú wù shēng dǎ le yī jià， ， zuì hòu jìn le jiān。
He picked a fight with a waiter and landed in jail.
4
这些胡子拉碴的司机彼此对骂着, 那些话听了叫人毛发倒竖,十分恶心.
zhè xiē hú zǐ lā chá de sī jī bǐ cǐ duì mà zháo, , nà xiē huà tīng le jiào rén máo fā dǎo, shù , shí fēn.
Unshaven bus drivers poured loathsome, hair - raising curses out at each other.
5
这位身体高大、胡须拉碴的人耸了耸肩.
zhè wèi shēn tǐ gāo dà、 、 hú xū lā chá de rén sǒng le sǒng.
The big beared man shrugged.
Cultural Notes for 碴
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, quarrels can be viewed differently compared to Western norms, often emphasizing maintaining harmony and face (面子) over direct confrontation. This character reflects the subtlety of how disputes may be framed in a conversation.
Word Family of 碴
Words Containing This Character4
碴cháfault
找碴to pick fault with
冰碴ice shards
找碴儿to pick a quarrel找碴兒
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 碴 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 碴
Besides referring to shards of glass, 碴 can also mean faults in relationships or quarreling.
You can say '我们之间有些碴' (There are some faults between us) to indicate a quarrel.
It is primarily used in informal contexts, especially in conversation.
