Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
釁 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
釁xìnto quarrel, to dispute; a blood sacrificex, 25 strokes, radical 酉
xìn(xin4)xin T4
  1. 1to quarrel, to dispute; a blood sacrifice
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

釁xìn(xin4)

The character 釁 (xìn) primarily means to quarrel or dispute, often implying a conflict that can escalate. Additionally, it refers to blood sacrifice, indicating a serious or violent disagreement, which reflects a cultural significance in rituals or historical contexts related to conflict resolution.

Strokes25Radical酉
Cultural note

In ancient China, blood sacrifices were often performed during disputes to appease spirits or gods, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural belief in resolving conflicts through serious measures.

Memory tip

Imagine a fierce argument over a pot of boiling water (the radicals for 'metal' and 'blood' suggest heat and conflict). Picture the steam rising like emotions in a quarrel, reminding you that 釁 (xìn) is all about heated disputes.

Meanings of 釁

xìn(xin4)
1to quarrel, to dispute; a blood sacrifice
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 釁 means.

About 釁

釁Simplified
25Strokes
酉Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 釁

JasonAmy

Podcast: 釁

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 釁

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 釁 (xìn) with similar-sounding words, leading to misunderstandings. It is more commonly used in formal contexts, especially in literature or historical texts, rather than daily conversation. Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing it could lead to confusion with other characters.

HSK Study Tips

Though 釁 (xìn) is not in the HSK list, it connects with HSK Level 4 vocabulary related to conflict and emotions. Focus on understanding its nuances in literary contexts, as it can deepen comprehension of texts that discuss disputes or sacrifices.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 釁 (xìn) with 亲 (qīn), which means 'close' or 'dear.' For example, saying 亲 (qīn) when intending to use 釁 (xìn) can change the meaning entirely. Remember that 釁 involves conflict, while 亲 relates to affection.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 釁

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

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

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 釁 to you

Let me explain 釁 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 釁 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

How well do you know 釁?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 釁 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 釁

Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 血 represents the meaning and 半 represents the sound. Simplified form of 釁.

Learn more about character formation (六书)
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 釁?

Decomposition of 釁

IDS Structure⿳興酉分
釁Full character
=
興xing4
top
酉you3
middle
分fen1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 3

Parts

Which of these is part of 釁?

How to say to quarrel, to dispute; a blood sacrifice in Chinese

“to quarrel, to dispute; a blood sacrifice” in Chinese is釁xìn

The character 釁 (xìn) primarily means to quarrel or dispute, often implying a conflict that can escalate. Additionally, it refers to blood sacrifice, indicating a serious or violent disagreement, which reflects a cultural significance in rituals or historical contexts related to conflict resolution.

When to use 釁

Learners often confuse 釁 (xìn) with similar-sounding words, leading to misunderstandings. It is more commonly used in formal contexts, especially in literature or historical texts, rather than daily conversation. Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing it could lead to confusion with other characters.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes confuse 釁 (xìn) with 亲 (qīn), which means 'close' or 'dear.' For example, saying 亲 (qīn) when intending to use 釁 (xìn) can change the meaning entirely. Remember that 釁 involves conflict, while 亲 relates to affection.

Write 釁

釁

Practice writing 釁 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 釁?

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 215 AI credits.

Word Family of 釁

Words containing this character5
挑衅tiǎoxìnto provoke挑釁
衅xìnquarrel釁
寻衅to pick a quarrel尋釁
边衅border conflict邊釁
观衅伺隙to look for the Achilles' heel觀釁伺隙
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 釁

What does 挑衅 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 釁

While both refer to conflict, 釁 (xìn) implies a more serious or violent dispute, often associated with blood or sacrifice, whereas 争 (zhēng) is more general for arguing or competing.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 釁?

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