unknown, 8 strokes, radical 忄, rank #38611, Very Hard
qiè(qie4) T4
1timid
2cowardly
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March 24, 2026
怯qiè(qie4)
The character 怯 (qiè) means timid or cowardly, describing a lack of courage or confidence in facing challenges. It can refer to both personality traits and situational responses, such as being afraid in certain contexts. It's often used in a negative sense to imply weakness or fearfulness.
Strokes8Radical忄Frequency#38611DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, being 'timid' or 'cowardly' is often viewed negatively, especially in competitive settings, where bravery and assertiveness are valued. The concept of 'face' (面子) also relates to how fear and timidity are perceived socially.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small, frightened animal hiding in the corner (representing cowardice) with the character 怯. The left side (忄) suggests feelings or emotions, while the right side (夭) can be visualized as something fragile or weak, reinforcing the meaning of timidity.
Meanings of 怯
qiè(qie4)
1timid
2cowardly
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 怯
怯Simplified
8Strokes
忄Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#38611Frequency Rank
Podcast: 怯
Podcast: 怯
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AI Study Notes for 怯
Quick Contrast
怯 (qiè) vs 胆怯 (dǎnqiè) — use 怯 for a general sense of timidity, while 胆怯 emphasizes a lack of courage in specific situations.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a small, frightened animal hiding in the corner (representing cowardice) with the character 怯. The left side (忄) suggests feelings or emotions, while the right side (夭) can be visualized as something fragile or weak, reinforcing the meaning of timidity.
Usage Notes
Avoid using 怯 in formal contexts, as it may carry a negative connotation. It often collocates with words like 'fear' (恐惧) or 'shy' (害羞). Be careful with tone; mispronouncing it could lead to confusion with other characters like 切 (qiè) meaning 'to cut'.
HSK Study Tips
Though not an HSK word, 怯 can be connected to HSK vocabulary around emotions and personality traits. Students should focus on recognizing it in context and understanding its nuances in describing fearfulness or shyness.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, being 'timid' or 'cowardly' is often viewed negatively, especially in competitive settings, where bravery and assertiveness are valued. The concept of 'face' (面子) also relates to how fear and timidity are perceived socially.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 怯 (qiè) with 态 (tài), leading to unintended meanings like 'state' or 'mood'. Another common error is using it in formal speech, where it might seem inappropriate or overly critical.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 怯
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Grammar Patterns of 怯
怯 carries 5 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
她小时候是个羞____的丑小鸭。
She was a shy, ugly duckling of a child.
Example Sentences for 怯 (9)
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1
她小时候是个羞怯的丑小鸭。
tā xiǎo shí hòu shì gè xiū qiè de chǒu xiǎo yā。
She was a shy, ugly duckling of a child.
2
他是个离群索居、胆小羞怯的家伙。
tā shì gè lí qún suǒ jū、 、 dǎn xiǎo xiū qiè de jiā。
He is a reclusive, timorous creature.
3
“你想跟我说说这件事吗？”他怯怯地问道。
“ “ nǐ xiǎng gēn wǒ shuō shuō zhè jiàn shì？” ma ？” tā qiè qiè dì。
"Would you," he asked diffidently, "like to talk to me about it?"
4
霍华德想成为流行歌手，但因怯场而心生畏惧。
huò huá dé xiǎng chéng wéi liú háng gē shǒu， ， dàn yīn qiè cháng ér xīn shēng wèi。
Howard wanted to be a popular singer, but stage fright crippled him.
5
小男孩羞怯地走上前去握了握利奥的手。
xiǎo nán hái xiū qiè dì zǒu shàng qián qù wò le wò lì ào de shǒu。
The little boy stepped forward timidly and shook Leo's hand.
6
还差几步他们却胆怯了，又跑回来了。
huán chà jī bù tā mén què dǎn qiè le， ， yòu pǎo huí lái。
Their courage failed a few steps short and they came running back.
7
那男孩因跛脚被人讥笑, 变得羞怯而压抑.
nà nán hái yīn bǒ jiǎo bèi rén jī xiào, , biàn dé xiū qiè ér yā.
Having been laughed at for his lameness, the boy became shy and inhibited.
8
他大夸而特夸自己很勇敢, 但一遇到危险,他就显得胆怯.
tā dà kuā ér tè kuā zì jǐ hěn yǒng gǎn, , dàn yī yù dào wēi, xiǎn , tā jiù xiǎn dé.
He boasted a lot about his courage, but when danger came he showed the white feather.
He looked out of the windows, saw nothing to fear.
Cultural Notes for 怯
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, being 'timid' or 'cowardly' is often viewed negatively, especially in competitive settings, where bravery and assertiveness are valued. The concept of 'face' (面子) also relates to how fear and timidity are perceived socially.
Word Family of 怯
Words Containing This Character11
胆怯dǎnqiètimidity膽怯
怯qiètimid
怯场to have stage fright怯場
怯懦timid
羞怯shy
怯弱timid
怯生生shy
卑怯abject
怯生shy
惊怯cowardly and panicking驚怯
大勇若怯a great hero may appear timid (idiom); the really brave person remains level-headed
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 胆怯 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 怯
Synonyms include 胆怯 (dǎnqiè) meaning 'timid' or 'cowardly' and 害羞 (hàixiū) meaning 'shy'.
Generally, 怯 has a negative connotation, associated with weakness, and is not typically used positively.
It is pronounced as qiè in Mandarin, with the fourth tone.
