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炻 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
炻shíchina, stonewarex, 9 strokes, radical 火
shí(shi2) T2
  1. 1china, stoneware
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

炻shí(shi2)

The character 炻 (shí) refers to a type of stoneware, specifically ceramic pottery that has been fired at high temperatures to create a durable, vitrified product. It is commonly used in the context of traditional Chinese pottery and ceramics, signifying quality and craftsmanship, especially in historical contexts.

Strokes9Radical火
Cultural Note

In China, stoneware has a rich history and is often associated with traditional craftsmanship and artistic expression. It is used in various cultural practices, including tea ceremonies, where the quality of the stoneware can enhance the drinking experience.

Memory Tip

Imagine a stony, sturdy pot that can withstand heat, reflecting the character's form with the 'fire' radical (火) suggesting heat and durability. Picture a potter shaping stoneware under a blazing kiln, crafting something lasting.

Meanings of 炻

shí(shi2)
1china, stoneware
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 炻

炻Simplified
9Strokes
火Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 炻

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Podcast: 炻

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 炻

Usage Notes

This term is generally used in formal or artistic contexts, particularly when discussing ceramics. Common mistakes include confusing it with other types of pottery such as 陶 (táo, earthenware) or 瓷 (cí, porcelain). Be mindful of using the correct tone when pronouncing it, as mispronunciation can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

While 炻 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to HSK words related to ceramics and art, such as 陶 (táo) and 瓷 (cí). Students should focus on distinguishing between different types of ceramics and their contexts in Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 炻 with 陶 (táo), leading to incorrect usage in contexts related to ceramics. For example, saying '我喜欢陶' (Wǒ xǐhuān táo) when referring to stoneware instead of '我喜欢炻' (Wǒ xǐhuān shí) is incorrect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 炻

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Etymology of 炻

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

Fired 火 clay 石; 石 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 炻

  1. 1The giveawayFired 火 clay 石; 石 also provides the pronunciation
  2. 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 炻? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 炻?

Decomposition of 炻

IDS Structure⿰火石
炻Full Character
=
火Huo3
left
石dan4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 炻?

How to say china, stoneware in Chinese

“china, stoneware” in Chinese is炻shí

The character 炻 (shí) refers to a type of stoneware, specifically ceramic pottery that has been fired at high temperatures to create a durable, vitrified product. It is commonly used in the context of traditional Chinese pottery and ceramics, signifying quality and craftsmanship, especially in historical contexts.

When to use 炻

This term is generally used in formal or artistic contexts, particularly when discussing ceramics. Common mistakes include confusing it with other types of pottery such as 陶 (táo, earthenware) or 瓷 (cí, porcelain). Be mindful of using the correct tone when pronouncing it, as mispronunciation can change the meaning.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 炻 with 陶 (táo), leading to incorrect usage in contexts related to ceramics. For example, saying '我喜欢陶' (Wǒ xǐhuān táo) when referring to stoneware instead of '我喜欢炻' (Wǒ xǐhuān shí) is incorrect.

Write 炻

炻

Practice writing 炻 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 炻

Words Containing This Character2
炻shístoneware
炻器stoneware
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 炻 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 炻

炻 refers to stoneware, which is fired at high temperatures and is generally more durable, while 瓷 refers to porcelain, which is thinner and often more delicate.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 炻?

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