Meanings of 蝕
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 蝕
Podcast: 蝕
Podcast: 蝕
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 蝕
蚀 (shí) - specifically refers to the process of erosion or eating away, while 蝕 (shí) encompasses both erosion and the concept of an eclipse.
Common mistakes include confusing 蝕 with similar-sounding characters like '食' (shí, to eat) due to their phonetic similarity. While 蝕 is more formal and often used in literary or scientific contexts, '食' is used in everyday conversation. Pay attention to the context to avoid mixing them up.
Although 蝕 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 5 words related to astronomy and nature. Students should familiarize themselves with other characters related to natural phenomena and processes to build a broader vocabulary in this area.
Learners often mistakenly use 蝕 to mean 'to eat' instead of 'to nibble at' or 'to erode.' For example, saying '我想蝕' (I want to nibble) when they actually mean '我想吃' (I want to eat) is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 蝕
Drill the tone of 蝕 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 蝕
An insect 虫 bite 飠; 飠 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 蝕
- 1The giveawayAn insect 虫 bite 飠; 飠 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 蝕? 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 蝕?
Decomposition of 蝕
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 蝕?
How to say to nibble at, to erode; an eclipse in Chinese
“to nibble at, to erode; an eclipse” in Chinese is蝕
The character 蝕 (shí) primarily means 'to nibble at' or 'to erode,' often used in contexts describing gradual damage or reduction. It can also refer to an 'eclipse,' particularly in astronomical terms, where one celestial body obscures another. This duality highlights both physical and metaphorical processes of diminishing or obscuring.
When to use 蝕
Common mistakes include confusing 蝕 with similar-sounding characters like '食' (shí, to eat) due to their phonetic similarity. While 蝕 is more formal and often used in literary or scientific contexts, '食' is used in everyday conversation. Pay attention to the context to avoid mixing them up.
蝕 or something close to it
蚀 (shí) - specifically refers to the process of erosion or eating away, while 蝕 (shí) encompasses both erosion and the concept of an eclipse.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 蝕 to mean 'to eat' instead of 'to nibble at' or 'to erode.' For example, saying '我想蝕' (I want to nibble) when they actually mean '我想吃' (I want to eat) is incorrect.
Write 蝕
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 蝕 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 蝕
Compound Meaning
What does 腐蚀 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蝕
蝕 means to nibble at or erode, while 食 means to eat. They are used in different contexts, so it's important to choose the right one based on the meaning.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 蝕?
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.