Meanings of 糸
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About 糸
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Podcast: 糸
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AI Study Notes for 糸
Be careful not to confuse 糸 (mì) with similar characters like 线 (xiàn), which means 'line' or 'wire.' This character is more commonly used in textile contexts and is less frequently used in everyday conversation, so it's typically more formal.
Although 糸 is not included in the official HSK levels, it connects with other vocabulary related to textiles and clothing, such as 衣 (yī, clothes) and 纺 (fǎng, to spin). Focus on recognizing this character in compound words related to fabrics.
Learners often confuse 糸 (mì) with 线 (xiàn), assuming both mean the same thing. Remember that 糸 specifically refers to silk or fine thread, while 线 refers to a line or wire.
Pronunciation of 糸
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Etymology of 糸
Pictograph of twisted silk threads.
A twisted strand of silk
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 糸
Pictograph of twisted silk threads.
- 1The giveawayA twisted strand of silk
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 糸? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 糸
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How to say silk; thread in Chinese
“silk; thread” in Chinese is糸
The character 糸 (mì) refers to silk, thread, or fine silk, typically associated with textiles and weaving. It is often used in contexts related to clothing, fabric production, and craftsmanship, highlighting the importance of silk in Chinese culture and economy.
When to use 糸
Be careful not to confuse 糸 (mì) with similar characters like 线 (xiàn), which means 'line' or 'wire.' This character is more commonly used in textile contexts and is less frequently used in everyday conversation, so it's typically more formal.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 糸 (mì) with 线 (xiàn), assuming both mean the same thing. Remember that 糸 specifically refers to silk or fine thread, while 线 refers to a line or wire.
Write 糸
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Practice writing 糸 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 糸
Compound Meaning
What does 糸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 糸
糸 means silk or thread and is commonly used in contexts involving textiles.
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