unknown, 12 strokes, radical 亠, rank #31216, Very Hard
亵
xiè
disrespectful
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 亠, rank #31216, Very Hard
xiè(xie4) T4
1dirty, ragged; slight, insult, disrespect
2obscene
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
亵(褻)xiè(xie4)
The character 亵 (xiè) conveys meanings related to disrespect and obscenity. It is often used in contexts where something is seen as degrading or insulting, particularly in moral or social terms. This character can also imply a lack of reverence in situations where respect is typically expected.
Strokes12Radical亠Frequency#31216DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, respect for elders and moral propriety is deeply ingrained, making 亵 particularly significant when discussing topics like family values and social etiquette. It can also appear in discussions about literature that critiques societal norms.
Memory Tip
Think of 亵 (xiè) as the 'shameful' or 'disrespectful' character. The top part resembles a person (亻, a radical for 'person') in a compromising position, while the bottom part suggests something 'dirty' or 'ragged.' Imagine someone being caught in a scandalous act, which helps you remember the meaning and the pronunciation.
Meanings of 亵
xiè(xie4)
1dirty, ragged; slight, insult, disrespect
2obscene
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 亵
亵Simplified
褻Traditional
12Strokes
亠Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 亵
Podcast: 亵
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 亵
Quick Contrast
亵 (xiè) vs 侮 (wǔ) — use 亵 for contexts of obscenity or disrespect, while 侮 focuses more on insult or humiliation.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 亵 (xiè) as the 'shameful' or 'disrespectful' character. The top part resembles a person (亻, a radical for 'person') in a compromising position, while the bottom part suggests something 'dirty' or 'ragged.' Imagine someone being caught in a scandalous act, which helps you remember the meaning and the pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 亵 with other characters that express mild disrespect or casual terms. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing moral topics. Be careful with tones; xiè is pronounced with a falling tone, which can change the meaning if mistaken for a different tone.
HSK Study Tips
Although 亵 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with words related to morality and respect that may be encountered at higher levels. Focus on its nuances in social contexts, as they are important for understanding cultural conversations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, respect for elders and moral propriety is deeply ingrained, making 亵 particularly significant when discussing topics like family values and social etiquette. It can also appear in discussions about literature that critiques societal norms.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 亵 (xiè) with similar-sounding words like 些 (xiē), which means 'some' or 'few.' Remember, 亵 has a negative connotation, while 些 does not. Another mistake is using 亵 in light-hearted contexts; it carries a serious tone.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 亵
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 亵 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 亵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 亵
亵 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这位下院议员称这些谋杀是在上帝面前的公然____渎。
The MP described the killings as a blasphemy before God.
The MP described the killings as a blasphemy before God.
2
他们因存在严重猥亵行为而被判有罪。
tā mén yīn cún zài yán zhòng wěi xiè háng wéi ér bèi pàn yǒu zuì。
They were found guilty of acts of gross indecency.
3
这样的人很容易被人抨击为亵渎神明。
zhè yàng de rén hěn róng yì bèi rén pēng jī wéi xiè dú shén míng。
Such a figure is liable to be attacked as a blasphemer.
4
男人们吊儿郎当地站着，大口大口地喝着啤酒，偶尔还对着路过的女性猥亵地笑。
nán rén mén diào ér láng dāng dì zhàn zháo， ， dà kǒu dà kǒu dì hē zháo pí， jiǔ ， ǒu ěr huán duì zháo lù guò de nǚ xìng wěi xiè。
Men were standing around, swilling beer and occasionally leering at passing females.
5
你刚刚听到他那番亵渎上帝的话了!
nǐ gāng gāng tīng dào tā nà fān xiè dú shàng dì de huà le!
You have just heard his blasphemy!
Cultural Notes for 亵
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, respect for elders and moral propriety is deeply ingrained, making 亵 particularly significant when discussing topics like family values and social etiquette. It can also appear in discussions about literature that critiques societal norms.
Word Family of 亵
Words Containing This Character5
亵渎to blaspheme褻瀆
猥亵obscene猥褻
亵xièobscene褻
淫亵obscene淫褻
亵慢irreverent褻慢
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 亵渎 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 亵
Common phrases include 亵渎 (xièdú), meaning 'to blaspheme' or 'to desecrate,' often used in religious contexts.
While not commonly used in casual conversation, it can appear in discussions about morality, literature, or art.
Link the sound 'xiè' to 'shameful' in English to help recall both the pronunciation and meaning.
