Meanings of 屎
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About 屎
Podcast: 屎
Podcast: 屎
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AI Study Notes for 屎
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pronunciation of 屎
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Etymology of 屎
A person, crouched 尸 defecating 米; 米 also provides the pronunciation
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 屎?
Decomposition of 屎
Identify the Components
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Write 屎
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Practice writing 屎 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
Complete the Sentence
便道上的狗____
dog poop on the sidewalk
Example Sentences for 屎 (3)
Reorder the Sentence
dog poop on the sidewalk
Cultural Notes for 屎
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
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.
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