Meanings of 臢
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 臢
Podcast: 臢
Podcast: 臢
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 臢
脏 (zāng) - use 臢 (zā) for a stronger connotation of moral corruption, while 脏 (zāng) is more commonly used for physical dirtiness.
A common mistake is to confuse 臢 with similar characters that signify mild dirtiness, such as 脏 (zāng), which is more colloquial. 臢 is more formal and can carry a heavier moral weight, so use it in serious contexts. Be mindful of the tone; mispronouncing zā could lead to misunderstandings.
While 臢 is not included in the HSK levels, it can be useful for learners focusing on vocabulary related to cleanliness and ethics. Students should also explore related words like 脏 (zāng) to understand nuances in meaning and usage.
Learners often confuse 臢 with 脏 (zāng), leading them to use it inappropriately for casual dirtiness. For instance, saying '这件衣服臢' (zhè jiàn yīfú zā) to mean 'this shirt is dirty' would be incorrect; it should be '这件衣服脏' (zhè jiàn yīfú zāng).
Pronunciation of 臢
Drill the tone of 臢 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 臢
meat
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 臢
- 1The meaning half⺼ carries the sense.
- 2The sound half贊 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaymeat
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 臢? 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
What type of character formation is 臢?
Decomposition of 臢
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 臢?
How to say dirty, filthy in Chinese
“dirty, filthy” in Chinese is臢
The character 臢 (zā) refers to something that is dirty or filthy. It is often used in contexts involving uncleanliness or moral corruption, conveying a strong negative connotation. You might encounter it in discussions about hygiene, cleanliness, or ethical behavior.
When to use 臢
A common mistake is to confuse 臢 with similar characters that signify mild dirtiness, such as 脏 (zāng), which is more colloquial. 臢 is more formal and can carry a heavier moral weight, so use it in serious contexts. Be mindful of the tone; mispronouncing zā could lead to misunderstandings.
臢 or something close to it
脏 (zāng) - use 臢 (zā) for a stronger connotation of moral corruption, while 脏 (zāng) is more commonly used for physical dirtiness.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 臢 with 脏 (zāng), leading them to use it inappropriately for casual dirtiness. For instance, saying '这件衣服臢' (zhè jiàn yīfú zā) to mean 'this shirt is dirty' would be incorrect; it should be '这件衣服脏' (zhè jiàn yīfú zāng).
Write 臢
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 臢 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 臢
Compound Meaning
What does 臜 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 臢
No, it is more formal and might be encountered in written texts or discussions on ethics.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 臢?
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.