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March 24, 2026
褶xí(xi2)
The character 褶 (xí) refers to a wrinkle, pleat, or crease in fabric. It is commonly used in the context of clothing and textiles, describing the way fabric is gathered or folded. Additionally, it can also denote the architectural term for a type of court dress.
Strokes16Radical衤Frequency#18900DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese fashion, pleats and wrinkles in clothing are often associated with traditional attire, such as the qipao, where the style and cut can reflect social status and cultural heritage. The way clothing is designed can symbolize respect and elegance in various cultural events.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fancy dress with many pleats that look like waves. The character 褶 can be visualized as a wave with the top 'water' part being the 'wrinkle' and the bottom part representing 'fabric'. The pronunciation 'xí' sounds like 'she' in English, as if a fashionable lady is saying 'she loves her pleated dress'.
Meanings of 褶
xí(xi2)
primary
1wrinkle, pleat, crease
2(arch.) court dress
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 褶
褶Simplified
16Strokes
衤Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 褶
Podcast: 褶
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AI Study Notes for 褶
Quick Contrast
褶 (wrinkle) vs 皱 (wrinkle, crease) — use 褶 for pleats or folds in fabric, while 皱 emphasizes a more general crease.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fancy dress with many pleats that look like waves. The character 褶 can be visualized as a wave with the top 'water' part being the 'wrinkle' and the bottom part representing 'fabric'. The pronunciation 'xí' sounds like 'she' in English, as if a fashionable lady is saying 'she loves her pleated dress'.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 褶 with similar characters related to folds or gathers. It is typically used in formal contexts, especially in fashion or textile discussions. Be mindful of the pronunciation, as in some regions, it is pronounced [zhe2] in Taiwan, which can lead to confusion.
HSK Study Tips
Although 褶 is not included in the HSK levels, it relates to clothing vocabulary that is essential for intermediate learners. Students should focus on its usage in describing fabrics and clothing styles, which can help expand their vocabulary in fashion contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese fashion, pleats and wrinkles in clothing are often associated with traditional attire, such as the qipao, where the style and cut can reflect social status and cultural heritage. The way clothing is designed can symbolize respect and elegance in various cultural events.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 褶 with 皱 (zhòu), mistakenly using them interchangeably when discussing fabric. For example, saying '这件衣服有很多皱' (This piece of clothing has many wrinkles) when they mean to say it has pleats is incorrect. The correct phrase would be '这件衣服有很多褶'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 褶
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Grammar Patterns of 褶
褶 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 3 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
在餐厅里，打____装饰物能营造雅致的氛围。
In the dining-room the draperies create an atmosphere of elegance.
In Chinese fashion, pleats and wrinkles in clothing are often associated with traditional attire, such as the qipao, where the style and cut can reflect social status and cultural heritage. The way clothing is designed can symbolize respect and elegance in various cultural events.
Word Family of 褶
Words Containing This Character7
褶皱fold褶皺
褶xípleat
皱褶creased皺褶
褶子pleat
百褶裙pleated skirt
褶曲creasing
菌褶lamella (under the cap of a mushroom)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 褶皱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 褶
Synonyms include 皱 (zhòu), which means wrinkle, and 褶皱 (zhěozhòu), which means pleated or crumpled.
It is often used when discussing clothing styles, fashion, or textiles, such as '这件衣服有很多褶' (This piece of clothing has many pleats).
Yes, 褶 can be used metaphorically to describe complexities or nuances in situations, similar to how wrinkles can complicate a smooth fabric.
