Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
罅 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
罅xiàcrack, fissure, splitzg, 17 strokes, radical 缶
罅xiàgrudgeunknown, 17 strokes, radical 缶
xià(xia4)xia T4
  1. 1crack, fissure, split
  2. 2grudge
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

罅xià(xia4)

The character 罅 (xià) primarily refers to a crack, fissure, or split, often in physical structures like walls or floors. It can also metaphorically imply a grudge or discord between people, highlighting a deeper emotional or relational divide. In both contexts, it conveys the idea of something being broken or divided.

Strokes17Radical缶
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese philosophy, the concept of harmony is vital, making the notion of a 'crack' or 'grudge' particularly significant. This character can symbolize the idea of relationships that are fractured, reflecting the importance of maintaining harmony in personal and social dynamics.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wall with a noticeable crack running through it (the shape of the character resembles a jagged split). The pronunciation 'xià' sounds like 'shatter,' which connects to the idea of a crack or split. Visualize a grudge lurking in this fissure, as if two people are standing on either side, unable to bridge the gap.

Meanings of 罅

xià(xia4)
1crack, fissure, split
2grudge
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 罅 means.

About 罅

罅Simplified
17Strokes
缶Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 罅

JasonAmy

Podcast: 罅

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 罅

Quick Contrast

裂 (liè) - use 罅 (xià) for smaller cracks or fissures, while 裂 (liè) refers to larger splits or breaks.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 罅 with similar-sounding characters. It is generally used in more formal contexts when discussing structural damage or metaphorical divides. Common collocations include 罅隙 (xiàxì) meaning 'fissure' or 'crack' and 罅漏 (xiàlòu) meaning 'leak.'

HSK Study Tips

Although 罅 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance comprehension of advanced texts, especially in discussions of architecture or interpersonal relationships. Focus on its usage in context and related terms like 裂缝 (lièfèng) for 'crack' and 分歧 (fēnqí) for 'discrepancy.'

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 罅 with 裂 (liè), which also means 'crack.' For example, saying 裂 instead of 罅 when referring to a grudge is incorrect. Instead, use 罅 to convey that nuanced meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 罅

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 罅 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 罅 to You

Let me explain 罅 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 罅 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 罅?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 罅 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 罅

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

The sound 虖 of pottery 缶 breaking

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

Origin

What kind of character is 罅?

Decomposition of 罅

IDS Structure⿰缶虖
罅Full Character
=
缶fou3
left
虖hu1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 罅?

How to say crack, fissure, split in Chinese

“crack, fissure, split” in Chinese is罅xià

The character 罅 (xià) primarily refers to a crack, fissure, or split, often in physical structures like walls or floors. It can also metaphorically imply a grudge or discord between people, highlighting a deeper emotional or relational divide. In both contexts, it conveys the idea of something being broken or divided.

When to use 罅

Be careful not to confuse 罅 with similar-sounding characters. It is generally used in more formal contexts when discussing structural damage or metaphorical divides. Common collocations include 罅隙 (xiàxì) meaning 'fissure' or 'crack' and 罅漏 (xiàlòu) meaning 'leak.'

罅 or something close to it

裂 (liè) - use 罅 (xià) for smaller cracks or fissures, while 裂 (liè) refers to larger splits or breaks.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 罅 with 裂 (liè), which also means 'crack.' For example, saying 裂 instead of 罅 when referring to a grudge is incorrect. Instead, use 罅 to convey that nuanced meaning.

Write 罅

罅

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 罅?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Word Family of 罅

Words Containing This Character3
罅隙gap
罅xiàcrack
裂罅rift
Exercise 1 of 2

Words with 罅

What does 罅隙 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 罅

It is pronounced as 'xià'.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 罅?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab