HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 尸, rank #1536, Hard
屎
shǐ
nasal mucus
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 尸, rank #1536, Hard
shǐ(shi3) T3
1stool, feces, dung
2ear wax
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March 24, 2026
屎shǐ(shi3)
The character 屎 (shǐ) refers to stool or feces, commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing bodily functions. It can also refer to similar substances like ear wax or nasal mucus, but its primary usage centers around human waste. This word may be used humorously or in casual conversations among friends, but it is generally considered vulgar in formal settings.
Strokes9Radical尸Frequency#1536DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussing bodily functions is often seen as taboo or impolite, especially in formal situations. However, among close friends or in humorous contexts, it can be a source of laughter and bonding.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person sitting on a toilet, making a 'shǐ' sound as they relieve themselves. The character 屎 looks like a person squatting over a pile of something unpleasant, helping you remember that it relates to feces.
Meanings of 屎
shǐ(shi3)
1stool, feces, dung
2ear wax
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 屎
屎Simplified
9Strokes
尸Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 屎
Podcast: 屎
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AI Study Notes for 屎
Quick Contrast
屎 (shǐ) vs 粪 (fèn): use 屎 (shǐ) for informal or humorous contexts, while 粪 (fèn) is more appropriate in formal or medical discussions about feces.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person sitting on a toilet, making a 'shǐ' sound as they relieve themselves. The character 屎 looks like a person squatting over a pile of something unpleasant, helping you remember that it relates to feces.
Usage Notes
Learners often mistakenly use 屎 in formal contexts, where it would be more appropriate to use terms like 大便 (dàbiàn) for stool. Additionally, be mindful of the tone; mispronouncing it as 'shi' (without the tonal mark) could lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
Although 屎 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to daily life and bodily functions, which can be relevant for learners at any level. Focus on its colloquial usage and practice using it correctly in informal conversations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussing bodily functions is often seen as taboo or impolite, especially in formal situations. However, among close friends or in humorous contexts, it can be a source of laughter and bonding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 屎 with other terms for waste, leading to incorrect usage in varying contexts. For example, using 屎 at a formal dinner to describe food can be inappropriate; instead, use 大便 in medical discussions.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 屎
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Grammar Patterns of 屎
屎 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.
The little kid stepped right in a pile of dog shit.
3
一粒老鼠屎败坏一锅汤.
yī lì lǎo shǔ shǐ bài huài yī guō tāng.
Just a bit of a mouse's dropping will spoil a whole saucepan of broth.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
dog poop on the sidewalk
Tap tokens to build the sentence
Cultural Notes for 屎
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, discussing bodily functions is often seen as taboo or impolite, especially in formal situations. However, among close friends or in humorous contexts, it can be a source of laughter and bonding.
Word Family of 屎
Words Containing This Character9
屎shǐstool
拉屎to defecate
耳屎earwax
眼屎gum in the eyes
屎壳郎dung beetle屎殼郎
狗改不了吃屎fig. bad habits are hard to change
狗吃屎to fall flat on one's face (vulgar)
一把屎一把尿to have endured all sorts of hardships (to raise one's children) (idiom)
占着茅坑不拉屎fig. to be a dog in the manger占著茅坑不拉屎
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 屎 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 屎
Yes, 屎 is generally considered vulgar and should be used with caution in formal settings.
It's better to use more formal terms like 大便 (dàbiàn) when discussing medical issues.
